Ferm BV • P.O. Box 134 • 8280 AC Genemuiden • NL • www.ferm.com 0211/04
Ferm Cut Off Saw
AM-355
USER’S MANUAL
Art.nr. 727259
Screwfix Art.nr. 13271
UK Subject to change
Document Ref:
Am-355/13271/PMR40/issue 1/June 02
Copyright ©
These instructions are the sole property of Ferm-Omega Tools and may not be reproduced
FERM CUT OFF SAW AM-355
USERS MANUAL
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The following symbols are used in these instructions for
use:
Denotes risk of personal injury, loss of life or
damage to the tool in case of non-observance of the
instructions in this manual.
Denotes risk of electric shock.
Carefully read this manual before using the machine.
Make sure that you know how the machine functions and
how to operate it. Maintain the machine in accordance
with the instructions to make sure it functions properly.
Keep this manual and the enclosed documentation with
the machine.
Ferm products are manufactured to high quality stan-
dards they are safe and fit for purpose at time of sale, but
all tools can be dangerous if the correct precautions are
not taken. Always follow these instructions, do not carry
out the operation until you are sure you can do so in saf-
ety. Remember to consider the work environment for
safe operation as well as safety for tool use.
Warning! When using electric tools, basic safety
precautions should always be followed to reduce
the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury. Read all
these instructions before attempting to operate this product.
Save these instructions for future reference.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Use Personal Protection Safety Equipment
Protect eyes with safety glasses or goggles note: the use
of safety protective eyewear without the CE mark can
lead to serious injury if the lens breaks. A suitable dust
mask should be worn if cutting, drilling or sanding is
dusty, in particular chipboard or MDF.
Approved safety footwear and headgear should worn as
appropriate, for example on building works or when
heavy weights are involved. Wear suitable gloves and
apron to protect against sparks/debris. Wear earplugs
or ear defenders.
Dress properly
Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. It can get caught
in moving parts. Non-skid footwear is recommended
when working out doors. Wear protective hair covering
to contain long hair.
Stay alert
Watch what you are doing Use common sense. Do not
operate tools when tired or after taking alcohol or pre-
scription/ non-prescription drugs.
OPERATIONAL SAFETY
Warning! This machine can produce fine dust,
which is hazardous to your health; always wear a
suitable dust mask plus other items of personal protection
equipment.
Use fibre reinforced discs only.
Do not use near flammable materials or people.
Do not use the machine to cut deeper than the maximum grin-
ding depth of the disc.
Do not use discs for deburring.
Concentrate
Routine and repetition can lead to mistakes.
Remember that a slight lack of concentration can result
in serious injuries in a split second.
Keep work area clean
Cluttered areas and benches invite injuries.
Consider the work environment
Do not expose power tools to rain or use them in damp
or wet locations. Keep work area well lit. Do not use
power tools in the presence of flammable liquids, vap-
ours or gases.
Guard against electric shock
This unit contains dangerous voltages. Use a RCD (resi-
dual current device) to provide protection against elec-
trical shock. Prevent body contact with grounded sur-
faces (e.g. pipes, radiator, ranges or refrigerators).
Keep children and pets away
Do not let children or pets come into contact with the
tool, extension cable or work area.
Do not force the tool
It will work better and safer at the rate for which it was
intended.
Voltage | 230 V~
Frequency | 50 Hz
Power input | 1700 W
No load speed | 3600/min
Saw blade dimensions | 355x3.5x
| 25.4 mm
Max. cuttingcapacity | 125 mm
Weight | 14.7 kg
Lpa (sound pressure) | 98 dB(A)
Lwa (acoustic power) | 111 dB(A)
Vibration | 15.2 m/s
2
2 Ferm Ferm 7
EXPLODED VIEW
SPARE PARTS LIST AM-355
REF NR DESCRIPTION FERM NR
2 FLANGE 402485
3 DISC Ø 355 mm 310350
4 SPINDLE BLOCK 402486
6 ARMATURE 402487
7 FIELD COIL 402488
9 CARBON BRUSH 402489
13 ARM 402490
15 PROTECTION CAP ARM 402491
16 SWITCH 402492
17 DUST CAP 402493
20 MACHINE VICE 402494
MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE
Keep the tool clean for better and safer performance.
Store the discs properly in accordance with the maker’s
instructions.
Follow instructions for changing accessories. Inspect
tool and extension cables periodically and if damaged,
have them repaired by a qualified person or authorised
service body. Keep handles free from oil or grease. Keep
the ventilation slots clean to prevent motor overheating.
Check for damaged parts
Do not use a tool with damaged parts, before further use
a damaged tool must be carefully checked by a qualified
person to determine that it will operate properly. Check
for alignment of moving parts, binding or breakage of
parts, mounting and other conditions that may affect its
operation.
A damaged part or guard should be properly repaired by
an authorised service centre, unless indicated otherwise
in the instruction manual. Have defective switches
replaced by an authorised service centre. Do not use a
tool if the switch does not turn on and off.
Have your tool repaired by an expert
This appliance is manufactured in accordance with rele-
vant safety standards. Only experts must carry out repai-
ring of electrical appliances, otherwise considerable dan-
ger for the user may result.
Storing tools
When not in use tools should be stored in the dry, out of
reach of children.
ELECTRICAL INFORMATION
This product is complete with a pre-wired mains plug, If
the plug needs replacing follow these instructions.
Wire correctly
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in the following
way:
BLUE • Neutral
BROWN • Live
GREEN/YELLOW • Earth
Securing wires
Secure wires carefully and firmly to the correct termi-
nals. Secure the mains cable in the plug cord grip firmly
Fit a 13-amp fuse. If a 13amp (BS1363) plug is used a (BS
1362) ASTA approved 13-amp fuse must be fitted.
Recycle/Dispose of old plug and cable
Prevent inadvertent connection to socket and risk of
electric shock
ENVIROMENT
Recycle the packaging according to the identification
marks on it.
At the end of the product or its accessories life, please
recycle where facilities exist. Phone the Helpline for cur-
rent advice on recycling.
Helpline
For any questions relating to operational or safety
matters contact:
Ferm Customer Helpline on: 0115 966 1199
Monday-Friday 8am – 6pm
Saturday 9am – 1 pm
GUARANTEE
The guarantee conditions can be found on the separately
enclosed guarantee card.
We declare under our sole responsibility that this
product is in conformity with the following
standards or standardized documents
IEC61F/125/CDV/06.95, EN61029-1
EN55014-1, EN55014-2, EN61000-3-2,
EN61000-2-3
in accordance with the regulations:
98/37/EEC
73/23/EEC
89/336/EEC
from 26-05-1998
GENEMUIDEN NL
W. Kamphof
Quality department
CE
ı
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
(
UK
)
Blue
(Neutral)
Green & Yellow
(Earth)
Brown
(Live)
Fuse
(13 Amp)
6 Ferm
Use the right tool
Do not force small tools or attachments to do the job of a
heavy-duty tool. Do not use tools for purposes for
which they were not intended; for example do not use a
circular saw for cutting trees or logs.
Do not abuse the cable
Never carry the tool by the cable or pull it to disconnect
it from the power socket. Keep the cable away from heat,
oil and sharp edges. Do not touch the metal plug pins
when connecting or removing the plug.
Secure work
Use clamps or a vice to hold work. It is safer than using
your hand and it frees both hands to operate the tool. Be
aware that this saw is a powerful machine; you must not
hold the workpiece with hand or foot.
Do not over-reach
Keep a proper footing and balance at all times.
Disconnect tools from power supply
When not in use, before servicing and when changing
accessories such as blades, bits and cutters.
Always switch off and unplug the saw from the
power supply before making adjustments or chan-
ging discs.
Remove adjusting keys and wrenches
Ensure that they are removed from the tool before swit-
ching on.
Avoid unintentional starting
Do not carry plugged in tools with your finger on the
switch. Check that the switch is off before plugging in to
socket.
Do not use in rain or damp conditions.
Connect a dust extraction device
Whenever there are facilities for fitting a dust or fume
extraction system, make sure it is connected and used.
Extension cables
Use only three core earthed extension cables suitable
for the power input of the tool (minimum cable size
1.5mm
2
). Plug into an earthed socket only.
When using a cable reel unwind it fully. Do not use long
extension cables.
Outdoors use
If the tool is suitable to be used outdoors, only use an
extension cable intended for outdoor use and marked
accordingly. Use a RCD (residual current device) to pro-
vide protection against electrical shock. Do not use in
rain or damp conditions.
Use recommended accessories
The use of any other accessory or attachment other than
recommended in the instructions or catalogue may pre-
sent a risk of personal injury. Use extension cables suita-
ble for the power input of the grinder (minimum cable
size 1.5mm
2
). When using a cable reel unwind it fully.
BEFORE USING THE CUT OFF SAW
This saw is for cutting steel and concrete/brick sec-
tions. Use fibre reinforced cutting discs only. Do not
fit a saw blade to this saw.
Do not use on wood or wood derived material.
Check package contents
Check contents against list in this manual to make sure
each item is present.
Check for damage
Before using this item check each part listed is undama-
ged.
Save packaging
Save major packaging for return of product for service or
repair.
Fully assemble
Ensure each item is fully and correctly assembled before
use.
THE SAFETY CHAIN
Ensure the saw is unplugged from mains.
The saw is fitted with a safety chain, which locks the head
down for storage or transportation.
To release the saw head
• Push down on the handle and remove the chain link
from the pin (just behind the motor).
To lock the saw head down
• Push down on the handle and put the link nearest the
pin onto it.
• Check that the link is engaged in the groove in the pin
and it is secure.
ATTACHING THE CLAMP KNOB
Ensure the saw is unplugged from mains.
• Screw the clamp knob clockwise into the threaded
hole on the end of the clamp bar. Tighten with a suita-
ble cross head screwdriver (not supplied).
• Check that it is firmly attached and cannot loosen
unexpectedly.
TO INSTALL OR REMOVE A CUTTING DISC
Ensure the saw is unplugged from mains and the
disc has stopped rotating.
Refer to illustrations below.
Check the new disc is the correct type and diameter and
does not touch the edge of the guard.
Ferm 3
ADJUSTING THE CUTTING DEPTH
Ensure the saw is switched off and unplugged.
• The cutting depth can be adjusted to compensate for
disc wear during use.
• Using the 14mm ring end of the spanner (supplied)
loosen the lock nut on the adjustment bolt (located in
front of the head pivot).
• Turn the bolt so that it stops the head at the required
depth and lock with the nut.
• Tighten the locknut firmly clockwise with the span-
ner supplied.
ADJUSTING THE CLAMP AND FENCE
Always use the clamp and fence to hold the workpiece
securely on the machine table.
The clamp has a quick adjusting feature to move the
clamping face.
To adjust the clamp
Ensure the saw is switched off and unplugged.
• Pull up the thread block, which is moved by the tab on
top of the clamp mount
• Push or pull the clamp to the desired position so that
the clamp face is touching the workpiece.
• Return the thread block to its original position so
that it engages the thread on the clamp rod and tigh-
ten the clamp to hold the workpiece securely.
To adjust the angle of fence
Ensure the saw is switched off and unplugged.
• Use the 17mm open spanner provided to loosen the
two blots securing the fence to the bed; you can then
adjust the angle of the fence between 0o and 45o as
required.
• Tighten the bolts securely after adjustment.
Note: The angles marked on the fence are for indication
only, if accurate angles are required, cut a piece of scrap
and measure and adjust until the machine is cutting the
correct angle.
To adjust the position of the fence.
Ensure the saw is switched off and unplugged.
• Remove the two bolts with their washers and move
the fence to the required position.
• Reinstall the bolts with their washers and lock was-
hers.
• Tighten the bolts securely after adjustment.
CUTTING SAFETY
• This machine can produce large volumes of dust,
sparks or other debris.
• Wear safety goggles, dust mask and gloves plus other
items of personal protection equipment as approp-
riate.
• Use dust extraction if possible, there is a 30mm con-
nection on the right-hand side of the machine base
for attaching a dust extractor (not supplied).
• Do not eat, drink or smoke while using this machine
or in the work area.
• Keep your finger off the disc stopper pin, it must not
be pressed while the machine is running
• Use the edge of the disc not the side; avoid putting
sideways pressure on the disc.
• Keep your hands and body away from the disc; stand
to one side of the disc when cutting.
• Do not wear loose clothes, which could get caught in
the disc.
• Let the machine come to a complete stop and switch
off before removing or installing a workpiece.
• Do not hold or push the workpiece with hand or
foot, always clamp it.
• Do not touch a sawn off piece until it has cooled
down.
• Regularly inspect the disc during use for signs of
damage or wear and replace when required.
• Switch the machine off before removing the plug
from the mains socket.
MAINTENCE, CARE AND REPAIR
Switch off and unplug the machine before carrying
out any cleaning or maintenance work
CLEANING
Clean with a soft brush or dry cloth.
Do not use flammable liquids to clean the saw they can
damage the plastic parts and the finish.
FAULTS
Switch OFF immediately at the mains plug and
remove the plug when:
• The plug or cable is damaged.
• The switch on the machine is defective.
• You smell or see smoke caused by scorched insula-
tion in the machine
Overheating
• The ventilation slots are blocked with dirt.
Clean with a brush or dry cloth.
The machine does not start when switched on
• Check the mains lead and the fuse/plug.
Take to your Ferm Dealer for repair.
The motor is defective
• Take to your Ferm Dealer.
The motor makes more than usual
• Take to your Ferm Dealer for inspection.
• The carbon brushes are worn and need replacing.
A competent person or your Ferm dealer only should
replace them.
Ferm 5
To remove the disc
• Remove the wing nut from the cover (A).
• Push the cover upwards to expose the disk-retaining
bolt.
• Push the disc stopper pin, which is located on the
motor casing just below the handle, towards the disc.
• Keeping the pin depressed, rotate the disc by hand
until the pin engages.
• Use the 17mm open-end spanner (B) (supplied) to
undo the disc-retaining bolt anticlockwise.
• Remove the bolt with its washer and lock washer,
and then remove the outer disc flange.
• Rotate the main guard and remove the disc.
To install a new disc
• Clean the flanges, shaft, washers and guard
• Check the inner flange (4) is in place, right way round
and that the flats on the shaft (6) are engaged with
those on the flange.
• Fit the adaptor ring (supplied) to the new disc if using
a 25.4 mm bore disc.
• Put the disc onto the shaft observing the correct
rotation if required, the machines rotation is marked
on the guard casing.
• Replace the outer flange and bolt with its washers,
screw in finger tight.
• Lock the shaft with the disc stopper pin and tighten the
bolt clockwise with the spanner, do not over tighten.
• Revolve the disc by hand to check the stopper pin is
disengaged.
• Replace the cover (A) and secure with the wing nut.
USING THE CUT OFF SAW
BEFORE OPERATING
• Check the voltage on the saw corresponds with your
power supply voltage and that the plug and lead are in
good condition.
• Check maximum speed marked on the disc is the
same or less than the maximum speed of the
machine. The machine’s speed must not be greater
than the speed marked on the disc.
• You have the correct type of disc for the machine and
the material, and that it is mounted correctly.
• Do not use parts other than supplied with the
machine to make the disc fit properly.
• Ensure the disc stopper pin is disengaged.
• Inspect the disc for any damage. Do not use cracked,
ripped or otherwise damaged discs.
• Check the guard ensure the guard is working pro-
perly – do not use this saw without the guard in place
and working.
• Run idle for 60 seconds. If there is any abnormal vib-
ration or other fault, switch off, inspect and rectify
before continuing.
OPERATION
Plug into a suitable mains supply and switch on.
Be aware that this machine has a powerful motor
and needs the workpiece clamped to operate it
safely.
To switch the saw ON
Push in the red lock button and squeeze the on/off trigger
switch.
Note: This is a safety switch and will only work while the
on/off trigger is held. To restart depress the lock button
again.
To switch OFF
Release the on/off trigger switch.
CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS
• Position the machine on a dry level surface, make
sure the rubber feet grip and it cannot slip.
• Let the disc come to full speed before cutting.
• Push the spinning disc gently onto the work piece, cut
slowly and carefully, this is a powerful machine and
will kick if the disc is pressed too hard or jammed in
the cut.
• Switch off immediately if the disc jams.
• Do not cut workpieces larger than 125mm deep X
205mm span.
• Let the machine come to a complete stop and switch
off before removing or installing a workpiece.
• Regularly inspect the disc during use for signs of
damage or wear and replace when required.
• Switch the machine off before removing the plug
from the mains socket.
4 Ferm
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