DeWalt DCS369 Instruction Manual page 7

Variable Speed Trigger Switch (Fig. A, F)
Lock-Off Button and Trigger Switch
Your saw is equipped with a lock-off button
To lock the trigger switch, press the lock-off button on
the left. Always lock the trigger switch
storing the tool to eliminate unintentional starting.
To unlock the trigger switch, press the lock-off button
on the right. Pull the trigger switch to turn the motor ON.
Releasing the trigger switch turns the motor OFF.

WARNING: This tool has no provision to lock the switch
in the ON position, and should never be locked ON by any
other means.
The variable speed trigger switch will give you added
versatility. The further the trigger is depressed the higher
the speed of the saw.

CAUTION: Use of very slow speed is recommended only
for beginning a cut. Prolonged use at very slow speed may
damage your saw.
Hang Cleat (Fig. A, G)
The pivoting shoe 4 contains a hang cleat
used to hang the tool from North American 2x4 material
and pipes. To hang the tool, position the tool with the cleat
over the top of the material as shown in Fig. G.
nOTE: If using the hang cleat to hang the tool from pipe
or other rounded material make sure the foot of the tool
is supported by the wall or other material to keep the tool
from swinging.
Cutting (Fig. A, B, E)
The blade 11 should extend past the pivoting shoe
the thickness of the workpiece throughout the cut. Select
the blade best suitable for the material to be cut and use
the shortest blade suitable for the thickness of the material.
Do not use jigsaw blades with this tool.
nOTE: Before cutting any type of material, be sure it is firmly
anchored or clamped to prevent slipping.
• Place blade and pivoting shoe
11
to be cut.
• Switch on saw motor and allow it to obtain maximum
speed before applying pressure.
• Always hold saw as shown in Figure E. Whenever possible,
the pivoting shoe must be held firmly against the material
being cut. This will prevent the saw from jumping or
vibrating and will minimize blade breakage.
Flush Cutting (Fig. H)
The compact design of the recipro cating saw motor
housing and pivoting shoe permit close cutting to floors,
corners and other difficult areas.
1. To maximize flush cutting capabilities, insert the blade
shaft into the blade clamp with the teeth of the blade
facing up.
2. Turn the saw upside down so you are as close to the
work surface as possible.
Wood Cutting (Fig. E, I)
1. Before cutting any type of wood, be sure the workpiece
is firmly anchored or clamped to prevent slipping.
2. Place blade and pivoting shoe firmly against work
to be cut.
3. Switch on saw motor before starting the cut.
2 .
1 when carrying or
10 that can be
4 and
lightly against work
4
4. Always hold saw as shown in Figure E while cutting.
Whenever possible, the pivoting shoe must be held firmly
against the material being cut. This will prevent the saw
from jumping or vibrating and minimize blade breakage.
Metal Cutting (Fig. J)
1. Use a finer blade for ferrous metals and a coarse blade for
non-ferrous materials.
2. In thin gauge sheet metals it is best to clamp wood
to the underside of the sheet. This will ensure a clean cut
without excess vibration or tearing of metal.
3. Avoid forcing cutting blade as this reduces blade life and
causes costly blade breakage.
NOTE: You should spread a thin film of oil or other coolant
along the line ahead of the saw cut for easier operation
and longer blade life. For cutting aluminum, kerosene
is preferred.
Pocket Cutting – Wood Only (Fig. K)
Measure the surface area to be cut and mark clearly with a
pencil, chalk or scriber.
1. Insert blade in blade clamp and tighten blade
clamp securely.
2. Tip the saw backward until the back edge of the pivoting
shoe is firmly on the work surface.
3. Switch motor on, permitting blade to attain
maximum speed.
4. Grip handle steadily and begin a slow, deliberate upward
swing with the handle of the saw.
5. The blade will begin to feed into material. Always be sure
blade is completely through material before continuing
with pocket cut.
NOTE: In areas where blade visibility is limited, use the
edge of the pivoting shoe as a guide.
Project Tips
• Cut only with sharp blades; they cut cleaner, faster and put less
strain on the motor while cutting.
• When cutting, always ensure that the pivoting shoe is
resting against the workpiece. This will improve operator
control and minimize vibration.
• For longer blade life, use bi-metal blades. These utilize a
carbon steel back welded to high speed steel teeth making
the blade more flexible and less prone to breaking.
MAINTENANCE

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal
injury, turn unit off and remove the battery pack
before making any adjustments or removing/installing
attachments or accessories. An accidental start-up can
cause injury.
Cleaning

WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of all air vents with
clean, dry air at least once a week. To minimize the risk of eye
injury, always wear ANSI Z87.1 approved eye protection when
performing this procedure.

WARNING: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals
for cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. These
chemicals may weaken the plastic materials used in these
parts. Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap.
Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any part
of the tool into a liquid.
English
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