Adjustments; Maintenance - Craftsman 315.216090 Operator's Manual

WARNING
: Before performing any adjustment,
make sure the tool is unplugged from the power
supply and the switch is in the OFF ( O ) position.
Failure to heed this warning could result in serious
personal injury.
ADJUSTING DROP FOOT
n Loosen the drop foot lock knob.
n Center the drop foot around the saw blade to the de-
sired position.
n Tighten the drop foot lock knob.
ADJUSTING BLADE TENSION
See Figure 17.
Adjustments to blade tension can be made at any time.
Check the blade tension by the sound the blade makes
when plucked like a guitar string. This method can be
developed with practice and requires knowing the scroll
saw.
Pluck the back straight edge of blade while turning blade
tension knob. The sound should be a musical note. The
sound becomes less flat as tension increases, and de-
creases with too much tension.
To adjust the blade tension:
n Turn off and unplug the saw from the power source.
WARNING:
When servicing, use only identical
replacement parts. Use of any other part may create
a hazard or cause product damage.
WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields during power tool operation
or when blowing dust. If operation is dusty, also wear
a dust mask.
GENERAL
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of
commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use.
Use clean cloths to remove dirt, carbon dust, etc.
WARNING:
Do not at any time let brake fluids,
gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating
oils, etc. come in contact with plastic parts. Chemi-
cals can damage, weaken or destroy plastic which
may result in serious personal injury.

ADJUSTMENTS

n Turn the blade tension knob clockwise to decrease (or
loosen) the blade tension.
NOTE: Be careful not to make the blade too loose.
Too little tension may cause the blade to bend or break
before the teeth wear out.
n Turn the blade tension knob counterclockwise to in-
crease (or tighten) blade tension.
NOTE: Be careful not to adjust the blade too tightly.
Too much tension may cause the blade to break as
soon as you start cutting.

MAINTENANCE

It has been found that electric tools are subject to
accelerated wear and possible premature failure when
they are used on fiberglass boats, sports cars, wallboard,
spackling compounds, or plaster. The chips and grindings
from these materials are highly abrasive to electric tool
parts such as bearings, brushes, commutators, etc.
Consequently, it is not recommended that this tool be
used for extended work on any fiberglass material, wall-
board, spackling compounds, or plaster. During any use
on these materials it is extremely important that the tool is
cleaned frequently by blowing with an air jet.
n Keep the scroll saw clean.
n After cleaning the table top initially, apply a thin coat
of automobile type (paste) wax to the table top so the
wood slides easily while cutting.
n Do not allow pitch to accumulate on the saw table.
Clean with gum and pitch remover.
20
BLADE
TENSION KNOB
Fig. 17