Craftsman 351.216120 Operator's Manual page 8

• Insertnewbladeintothelowerholder f irstandthen
intotheupperholder(seeFigures 16and17).
(Table
Insert
Removed)
Blade Pin Hooks Into
Bottom Leaf of Holder
Figure 16 - Lower Blade Holder
Figure 17 - upper Blade Holder
• Release blade lock/release lever.
• Replace table insert.
FEED RATES
• Feeding at a slower rate produces a better surface
finish.
• Do not try to feed workpiece faster than the blade
can cut. This will cause blade breakage.
BLADE SPEEDS
• Most workpieces (hardwood and softwood thicker
than '/4") can be cut with speeds of 1000 to 1400
strokes/minute.
• Begin at a slower speed and gradually increase the
speed to the above mentioned range.
• Use slower speeds for thin workpieces, intricate cuts
and when using thin blades.
BLADE SELECTION
• Blades vary depending on type of material, size of
workpiece and type of cut that is being performed.
• Characteristics which make blades different are
width, thickness and pitch.
BLADE WIDTH
• Width of blade describes distance from tip of a tooth
to back of blade.
• Width of blade will affect rigidity of blade. A wider
blade will wander less and produce a straighter cut.
• Width of blade also limits the smallest radius which can
be cut. A IA" wide blade can cut about a ½" radius.
BLADE THICKNESS
• Blade thickness describes the distance between
sides of blade. A thicker blade has more rigidity and
stronger teeth.
BLADE PITCH
• Pitch describes number of teeth per inch or tooth
size. A blade with more teeth per inch will produce a
smoother cut.
• Use a finer (more teeth/inch) blade for thin work-
pieces and hard materials.
• Use a coarser (less teeth/inch) blade for thick work-
pieces and softer materials.
• There should always be at least two teeth in
contact with workpiece.
• Blade manufacturers are prepared to supply
information about blades for specific applications.
TYPE OF CUT
• Contour cutting is done by guiding workpiece
free-handed to produce curved shapes.
• Beveled cutting can be done by tilting saw arm and
using proper work guide method.
• Regardless of which work guiding method is used, a
workpiece which overhangs table by more than 5"
should be properly supported
CONTOUR SAWING
• When contour sawing, use both hands to keep work-
piece flat against table and guided along desired
path.
• Avoid positioning hands in line with blade. If hands
slip, they could contact blade.
• Cut small corners by sawing around them. Saw to
remove scrap until desired shape is obtained.
BEVEL CUTTING
Refer to Figures 12 and 13, page 7.
• Perform bevel cutting by tilting head to desired
degree.
• Unlock head by loosening locking handle located on
the backside of the unit.
• Tilt head to desired position.
• Lock head in position by tightening locking handle.
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