Porter-Cable 345 Instruction Manual page 16

HOW TO USE THE SAW
Effective control of this powerful saw requires two-handed operation. You
can operate the saw either from a right-handed or left-handed position
(Figs. 15A and 15B).
Support the work properly and hold the saw firmly to prevent
loss of control which could cause personal injury. The proper hand support
of the saw is illustrated in (Figs. 15A and 15B).
Clamp the workpiece on a rigid support (a bench or saw horses). Mark the
line of cut on the workpiece. Be sure that the cut-off line is beyond the end
of the support only enough to allow proper operation of the telescoping
guard. Place the front edge of the saw squarely on the workpiece before
starting the motor. Sight the cutting line with the line of cut indicator (A) Fig.
9. Back the saw up slightly and start the motor. Move the saw forward,
keeping the edge of the line indicator parallel to the line of cut.
Keep the cord away from the cutting area (Figs. 15A and
15B).
Do not force the cut. Let the saw do the cutting at the rate of speed based
on the type of cut and the workpiece. When the cut is complete, release the
switch and allow the blade to stop before lifting the saw from the workpiece.
On through-cuts, be sure that the lower blade guard is closed, before
putting the saw down.
RIGHT-HAND
OPERATION
A
Fig. 15A
CROSS-CUTTING
Cutting directly across the grain of a piece of lumber is called crosscutting.
(Figs. 15A and 15B) illustrates a crosscut operation. Position the work so
that the cut will be on the left (Figs. 15A and 15B).
RIPPING
Ripping is cutting wood lengthwise. This operation is performed in the same
manner as crosscutting with the exception of supporting the workpiece. If
the workpiece is supported on a large table, bench, or floor, several pieces
of scrap stock approximately 1" thick should be placed beneath the material
to allow clearance for the portion of the saw blade that extends thru the
workpiece. Large sheets of paneling or thin plywood supported on saw
horses should have 2 x 4's placed lengthwise between the horses and the
workpiece to prevent it from sagging in the center.
LEFT-HAND
OPERATION
A
Fig. 15B
16