Plunge Cutting - Craftsman 5818.3 Operator's Manual

PLUNGE CUTTING (Fig. 8)
Your reciprocating saw is ideal for plunge
cutting directly into surfaces that cannot be
cut from an edge, such as walls or floors.
Plunge cutting may be done two ways,
depending on how the blade is installed.
Column A shows how to plunge cut with the
teeth of the blade facing down. Column B
shows how to plunge cut with the teeth of the
blade facing up.
_, WARNING: Do not plunge cut into
metal surfaces.
1. Remove the battery pack from the
reciprocating saw.
2. Make sure that the workpiece is firmly
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Fig. 8 A B
anchored: clamp the workpiece to keep it from slipping or moving
while cutting.
Use the appropriate type and size of blade for the workpiece material and size.
Install the blade into the tool.
Adjust the pivot shoe as necessary to make sure that the blade will extend
beyond the shoe and the workpiece at all times.
Adjust the pivoting shoe as necessary to expose unworn blade teeth for
longer blade life.
Check for clearance behind the workpiece so that the blade will not contact
another surface.
8. Attach the battery pack to the saw.
9. If the blade is inserted with the teeth facing downward, hold the tool as
shown in Column A, resting the edge of the shoe on the workpiece.
10. With the blade just above the workpiece, switch on the tool; allow it to come
to the desired speed. Then, using the edge of the shoe as a pivot, lower the
blade into the workpiece.
11. As the blade starts cutting, raise the handle of the tool slowly, until the shoe
rests firmly on the workpiece.
12. After the blade has penetrated through the workpiece, continue sawing
along the marked cutting line.
NOTICE: To make plunge cutting easier, use a heavy gauge blade and install the
blade with the teeth facing upward as show in Column B.
,_ WARNING" To reduce the risk of explosion, electric shock and property
damage, always check the work area for hidden gas pipes, electrical wires or
water pipes when making blind or plunge cuts.
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