Operation - DeWalt DC308 Instruction Manual

FIG 1
A
FIG 2
FIG 3
G H
FIG 4
,_,
O
FIG 5
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FIG 7
f
f-
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I
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FIG 8 FIG 9
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FIG 10
G
J
FIG 11
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FIG 12
The RBRC
TM
Seal
The RBRC
TM
(Rechargeable Battery Recychng Corporahon) Seal on the
hthum _on battery (or battery pack) _nd_cates that the costs to recycle the battery
or battery pack) at the end of _tsuseful hfe have already been pa_d by DEWALT.
RBRC
TM
In cooperalon with DEWALT and other battery users, has estabhshed
programs _nthe Umted States to faci_tate the collection of spent hthum _onbatter-
_es. Help protect our enwronment and conserve natural resources by returning the spent hthum
_onbattery to an authonzed DEWALT serwce center or to your local retailer for recychng. You may
also contact your local recychng center for _nformahon on where to drop off the spent battery.
RBRC
TM
_sa registeredtrademark of the RechargeableBattery Recycling Corporation
Storage Recommendations
1. The best storage place is one that is cool and dry away from dvect sunhght and excess heat
or cold.
2. Long storage will not harm the battery pack or charger. Under proper cond_hons, they can be
stored for 5 years or more.
Charger
Your battery pack requves a 1 hour DEWALT charger. Be sure to read all safety mstruchons
before using your charger. Consult the chart on the back of th_s manual for compahbily of
chargers and battery packs.
Charging Procedure
1. Plug the charger into an appropriate outlet before inserhng the battery pack.
2. Insert the battery pack into the charger. The charger is equipped with a three-light fuel gauge
that will bhnk according to the state of charge of the battery pack.
3. The complehon of charge _s_nd_catedby the three red hghts rema_mng ON conhnuously. The
pack is fully charged and may be used at this time or left on the charger.
_:o o 0 09'o - 339'0 1st hght bhnks
_:_o 0 339'0 - 669'0 1st light on, 2nd light blinks
• _ 669'0 - 999'0 1st, 2nd hghts on, 3 rd hght bhnks
_ • | 1009,o 1st 2nd 3rd lights on
Charger Diagnostics
This charger is designed to detect certain problems that can arise with the battery packs or the
charger. Problems are _nd_catedby the three red hghts flashing together _ndtferent patterns.
PROBLEM POWERLINE
When the charger is used with some portable power sources such as generators or sources
that convert DC to AC, the charger may temporarily suspend operahon. The three red hghts will
flash together w_th two fast blinks followed by a pause. This _nd_catesthat the power souce
_sout of hm_ts.
BAD BATTERY
The charger can detect a weak or damaged battery. The three red hghts will flash together w_th
rapid blinking. The battery will no longer charge and should be returned to a serwce center or
a collechon s_te for recychng.
BAD CHARGER
The charger will detect _f_t _s not funclon_ng properly. The three red hghts will flash together
w_th one fast blink followed by a long blink. The charger will no longer work and should be
returned to an authorized serwce center or replaced.
LEAVING THE BATTERY IN THE CHARGER
The charger and battery pack can be left connected w_th the red hghts glowing _ndefln_tely.The
charger will keep the battery pack fresh and fully charged. Th_s charger features an automatic
tune-up mode which equals or balances the _ndw_dual cells _n the battery pack to allow _tto
funchon at peak capacity. Battery packs should be tuned up weekly or whenever the battery no
longer dehvers the same amount of work. To use the automahc tune-up mode, place the battery
pack _nthe charger and leave _tfor at least 8 hours.
Important Charging Notes
1. Longest hfe and best performance can be obtained _fthe battery pack _scharged when the
av temperature _sbetween 65_F and 75_F (18 _- 24-C). DO NOT charge the battery pack _n
an av temperature below +40_F (+4.5_C), or above +105_F (+40.5_C). This is important and
will prevent serious damage to the battery pack.
2. The charger and battery pack may become warm to touch while charging. Th_s _sa normal
cond_hon, and does not _nd_catea problem. To faci_tate the coohng of the battery pack after
use, avoid placing the charger or battery pack _n a warm enwronment such as _n a metal
shed, or an umnsulated trailer.
3. If the battery pack does not charge properly:
a. Check current at receptacle by plugging _na lamp or other apphance
b. Check to see _freceptacle _sconnected to a hght sw_tch which turns power off when you
turn out the hghts.
c. Move charger and battery pack to a Iocahon where the surrounding av temperature _s
approximately 65_F - 75_F (18 _- 24-C).
d. If charging problems persist, take the tool, battery pack and charger to your local
service center.
4. The battery pack should be recharged when _tfails to produce sufficient power on jobs which
were easily done prewously. DO NOT CONTINUE to use under these cond_hons. Follow the
charging procedure. You may also charge a parhally used pack whenever you desve w_th no
adverse affect on the battery pack.
5. Foreign matenals of a conduchve nature such as, but not hm_ted to, steel wool, aluminum
foil, or any buildup of metalhc parhcles should be kept away from charger cawhes. Always
unplug the charger from the power supply when there _sno battery pack _nthe cawty. Unplug
charger before attemphng to clean.
6. Do not freeze or _mmerse charger _nwater or any other hqu_d.
A WARNING: Shock hazard. Do not allow any liquid to get inside charger.
CAUTION: Never attempt to open the battery pack for any reason. If the plastic housing of the
battery pack breaks or cracks, return to a service center for recycling.
COMPONENTS (Fig. 1, 2)
A WARNING: Never modify the power tool or any part of it. Damage or personal injury could
result.
A. Battery release button R Bevel lever
B. Battery pack G. Shoe
C. Trigger sw_tch H. Cuthng achon lever
D. Lock-off button I. Dust blower control
E. Blade lever J. No-mar shoe cover
Motor
Your DEWALT tool _spowered by a DEWALT-buit motor.
Voltage decrease of more than 10% will cause loss of power and overheahng. All DEWALT tools
are factory tested; _fth_s tool does not operate, check your battery pack.
OPERATION
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn tool off and disconnect tool
from battery pack before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments
or accessories.
Installing and Removing the Battery Pack (Fig. 3)
NOTE: Make sure your battery pack is fully charged.
,& CAUTION: Make certain the lock-off button (D) is engaged to prevent switch actuation before
removing or installing battery.
To install the battery pack into the tool handle, ahgn the base of the tool w_th the rails _ns_de
the tool's handle and shde the battery pack firmly _nto the handle unhl you hear the lock snap
into place.
To remove the battery pack from the tool, press the battery release button (A) and firmly
pull the battery pack out of the tool handle. Insert _t_ntothe charger as described _nthe charger
sechon of th_s manual.
Trigger Switch (Fig. 1)
To start the jig saw, squeeze the trigger swlch (C).
To slow and stop the/g saw, release the tngger swlch.
VARIABLE SPEED
As the trigger switch is pressed in, the strokes-per-minute continue to increase. As the trigger is
released, the blade strokes-per-minute reduce.
The lock-off button (D) should be depressed whenever the tool _s not _n use to ehm_nate the
chance of accidental starting (Fig. 4).
Blade Installation and Removal
TO INSTALL A BLADE
NOTE: This jig saw uses only T-shank/g saw blades.
NOTE: The DW3311 flush cuthng blade Is for use with DEWALT DW331, DC330, DC308 and
DC318 Jig saws only.
NOTE: When instalhng flush cuthng blades (DW3311), the anh-sphnter insert (N) must be
removed and the shoe must to be _nthe 0_ pos_hve stop pos_hon.
1. Ltt the keyless blade lever (E) as shown in Figure 5.
2. Insert the T-shank blade _nto the clamp mechamsm (K) while guiding the back of the blade
into the groove of the guide rollers (L).
3. The T-shank should be completely _ns_dethe clamp mechanism as shown _nF_gure 5.
4. Release the keyless blade lever.
TO REMOVE A BLADE
1. Ltt the keyless blade lever (E).
2. W_th a shght shake the blade will drop out.
_CAUTION: Do not touch used blades, they may be hot. Personal injury may result.
Beveling the Shoe (Fig. 6)
To unlock the shoe, pull the keyless bevel lever (F) to the side.
To lock the shoe, push the keyless bevel lever back under the body of the jigsaw.
TO BEVELTHE SHOE
1. Unlock the shoe.
2. Shde the shoe (G) forward to release _tfrom the 0_ pos_hve stop pos_lon.
3. The shoe can be beveled to the left or to the nght and has detente at 15% 30 _ and 45 _.The
shoe can be manually stopped at any degree between 0- and 45-.
4. Once the desved bevel angle _sachieved, lock the shoe _nto place.
TO SET SHOE BACKTO 0°
1. Unlock the shoe.
2. Rotate the shoe back to 0_.
3. Shde the shoe back _ntothe 0_ pos_hve stop pos_hon.
4. Lock the shoe.
Cutting Action - Orbital or Straight (Fig. 7)
Th_s jig saw _s equipped four cutting achons, three orbital and one straight. Orbital achon has
a more aggresswe blade mohon and is designed for cuthng in soft matenals hke wood or
plaslc. Orbital achon prowdes a faster cut, but with a less smooth cut across the material. In
orbital achon, the blade moves forward dunng the cuthng stroke in addition to the up and down
motion.
NOTE: Metal or hardwoods should never be cut in orbital achon.
To adjust the cuthng aclon, move the cuthng achon lever (H) between the four cuthng posllons:
O, 1,2, and 3. Posilon 0 is straight cuthng. Posihons 1, 2, and 3 are orbital cuthng. The aggres-
sweness of the cut increase as the lever is adjusted from one to three, with three being the most
aggresswe cut.
Dust Blower (Fig. 8)
The dust blower helps clear the cuthng area of debris created from the blade.
NOTE: When cutting metal, turn the dust blower off so cuthng fluids are not blown away from
the blade.
To turn the dust blower on, shde the dust blower control (I) all the way to the top.
To turn the dust blower off, shde the dust blower control all the way to the bottom.
Removeable No.Mar Shoe Cover (Fig. 9)
The no-mar shoe cover (J) should be used when cuthng surfaces that scratch easily, such as
laminate, veneer, or paint.
To attach no-mar shoe cover, place the front of the aluminum shoe (G) _nto the front of the
no-mar shoe cover (J) and lower the/g saw. The no-mar shoe wil chck securely onto the
rear of aluminum shoe.
To remove no-mar shoe cover, grasp the no-mar shoe cover from the bottom; holding onto the
two rear tabs (M) remove the no-mar shoe cover.
Anti.Splinter Insert (Fig. 10)
NOTE: Do not use the anti-sphnter insert with the flush cutlng blade.
The anh-sphnter _nsert (N) should be used when trying to m_n_m_ze tear-out, especially when
cutting veneer, laminate, or flmshed surfaces, such as paint. The anh-sphnter _nsert should be
_nstalled _ntothe no-mar shoe cover (J). If the no-mar cover _snot used, _nstall anh-sphnter _nsert
into shoe (G).
Cutting
A WARNING: The jig saw should not be operated with the shoe removed or serious personal
injury may result.
POCKET CUTTING (FIG. 11)
A pocket cut is an easy method of making an inside cut. The saw can be inserted dvectly into a
panel or board w_thout first dnlhng a lead or plot hole. In pocket cutting, measure the surface to
be cut and mark clearly w_th a pencil. Next hp the saw forward unhl the front end of the shoe s_ts
firmly on the work surface and the blade clears the work through _tsfull stroke. Sw_tch the tool on
and allow _tto attain maximum speed. Gnp the saw firmly and lower the back edge of tool slowly
unhl the blade reaches _tscomplete depth. Hold the shoe flat against the wood and beg_ncuthng.
Do not remove blade from cut while _t_sshll mowng. Blade must come to a complete stop.
FLUSH CUTTING (FIG. 12)
A flush cut _snecessary when finishing off cuts up to a wall or an obstacle, such as back-splash.
One of the easiest ways to accomphsh the flush cut _sto use a flush cuthng blade (DW3311). The
flush cuthng blade prowdes the reach necessary to cut right up to the front edge of the Jig saw
shoe. Remove the anh-sphnter _nsert and return the shoe to the 0_ pos_hve stop pos_hon before
_nstalhng and using the flush cuthng blade. For the best cut quahty the flush cuthng blade should
be used _nthe 0 or 1 orbital pos_hon. The flush cuthng blade should not be used to start the cut
because the flush cuthng blade prevents the shoe from being supported by the work surface.
Use wood cuthng prachces explained below.
WOOD CUTTING
Support the workp_ece adequately at all times. Use the h_gher speed sethng for cuthng wood.
Do not attempt to turn the tool on when blade _sagainst material to be cut. Th_s could stall the
motor. Place the front of shoe on the matenal to be cut and hold the Jig saw shoe firmly against
the wood while cuthng. Don't force the tool; let the blade cut at _ts own speed. When the cut _s
complete, turn the Jig saw off. Let blade come to a complete stop and then lay the saw aside
before loosening the work.