Craftsman 315.114261 Operator's Manual page 11

CAUTION:
Never use saw when guard is not
operating correctly. Check the guard for correct
operation before each use. The guard is operating
correctly when it moves freely and readily returns to
the closed position. If you drop the saw, check the
lower blade guard and bumper for damage at all
depth settings before reuse.
STARTING/STOPPING THE SAW
See Figure 11, page iii.
To start the saw: Depress the lock-off button and pull
trigger.
Always let the blade reach full speed, then guide the saw
into the workpiece.
WARNING:
The blade coming in contact with the
workpiece before it reaches full speed could cause
the saw to "kickback" toward you resulting in seri-
ous injury.
To stop the saw: Release the switch trigger.
After you release the switch trigger, allow the blade to
come to a complete stop. Do not remove the saw from
the workpiece while the blade is moving.
WIDTH OF CUT SCALE
See Figure 12, page iii.
A width of cut scale has been provided on the base of
the saw. When making straight cross cuts or rip cuts, the
scale can be used to measure up to four inches to the
right side of the blade. It can be used to measure up to
one inch to the left side of the blade.
ADJUSTING BLADE DEPTH
See Figure 13, page iii
Always keep correct blade depth setting. The correct
blade depth setting for all cuts should not exceed 1/4 in.
below the material being cut. More blade depth will
increase the chance of kickback and cause the cut to be
rough. For more depth of cut accuracy, a scale is located
on the upper blade guard.
 Remove battery pack from saw.
 Loosen depth adjustment knob.
 Determine the desired depth of cut.
 Locate depth of cut scale on back of upper blade guard.
 Hold base flat against the workpiece and raise or lower
saw until the indicator mark on bracket aligns with
notch on blade guard.
 Tighten depth adjustment knob securely.
OPERATING THE SAW
See Figures 14 - 16, page iii.
It is important to understand the correct method for oper-
ating the saw. Refer to the figures in this section to learn
the correct and incorrect ways for handling the saw.
OPERATION
DANGER:
workpiece, the blade is exposed on the underside
of the saw until the lower blade guard closes. Make
sure the lower blade guard is closed before setting
the saw down.
WARNING:
always maintain proper control of the saw. Loss of
control could cause an accident resulting in pos-
sible serious injury.
To make the best possible cut, follow these helpful hints.
 Hold the saw firmly with both hands.
 Avoid placing your hand on the workpiece while mak-
ing a cut.
 Support the workpiece so that the cut (kerf) is always
to your side.
 Support the workpiece near the cut.
 Clamp the workpiece securely so that the workpiece
will not move during the cut.
 Always place the saw on the workpiece that is sup-
ported, not the "cut off" piece.
 Place the workpiece with the "good" side down.
 Draw a guideline along the desired line of cut before
beginning the cut.
CROSS CUTTING/RIP CUTTING
See Figure 17, page iii.
When making a cross cut or rip cut, align the line of cut
with the outer blade guide notch on the base as shown in
the figure.
Since blade thicknesses vary, always make a trial cut
in scrap material along a guideline to determine how
much, if any, you must offset the guideline to produce an
accurate cut.
NOTE: The distance from the line of cut to the guideline is
the amount you should offset the guide.
RIP CUTTING WITHOUT EDGE GUIDE
See Figure 18, page iii.
Use a guide when making long or wide rip cuts with the
saw.
 Secure the workpiece.
 Clamp a straight edge to the workpiece using
C-clamps.
 Saw along the straight edge to achieve a straight rip cut.
NOTE: Do not bind the blade in the cut.
11 – English
When lifting the saw from the
To make sawing easier and safer,