RECIPROCATING SAW
Model 36595
Assembly and Operating Instructions
®
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our Web site at http://www.harborfreight.com
Copyright 1997 by Harbor Freight Tools
®
. All rights reserved. No portion of this
manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form
without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
For technical questions and replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SPECIFICATIONS
SAVE THIS MANUAL
You will need the manual for the safety warnings and cautions, assembly instructions, operating
procedures, maintenance procedures, trouble shooting, parts list, and diagram. Keep your
invoice with this manual. Write the invoice number on the inside of the front cover. Keep
both this manual and your invoice in a safe, dry place for future reference.
SAFETY WARNING & CAUTIONS
WARNING: When using electric tools, machines, or equipment, basic safety precautions should
always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury. READ ALL
INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS TOOL!
1. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas invite injuries.
2. OBSERVE WORK AREA CONDITIONS. Do not use machines or power tools in damp, wet,
or poorly lit locations. Don’t expose to rain. Keep work area well lit. Do not use electrically
powered tools in the presence of flammable gases or liquids.
3. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. Children must never be allowed in the work area. Do not let them
handle machines, tools, or extension cords.
4. STORE IDLE EQUIPMENT. When not in use, tools must be locked up in a dry location to
inhibit rust. Always lock up tools and keep out of reach of children.
5. DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL. It will do the job better and more safely at the rate for which it
was intended. Do not use inappropriate attachments in an attempt to exceed the tool’s capaci-
ties.
6. USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB. Do not attempt to force a small tool or attachment to
do the work of a larger industrial tool. Do not use a tool for a purpose for which it was not
intended.
7. DRESS PROPERLY. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as they can be caught in moving
parts. Protective, electrically non-conductive clothes and non-skid footwear are recom-
mended when working. Wear restrictive hair covering to contain long hair.
8. USE EYE AND EAR PROTECTION. Always wear ANSI approved chemical splash goggles
when working with chemicals. Always wear ANSI approved impact safety goggles at other
times. Wear a full face shield if you are producing metal filings or wood chips. Wear an ANSI
approved dust mask or respirator when working around metal, wood, and chemical dusts and
mists.
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Motor 110V, 60Hz, Single Phase
Speed Variable, 300 SPM to 2400 SPM
Stroke 1-1/4”
Overall Length 17”
Weight 7.2 Lbs.
Rev 03/00
9. DO NOT ABUSE THE POWER CORD. Do not yank it to disconnect it from the receptacle.
Do not carry tools by the cord.
10.DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Do not reach over or
across running machines.
11.MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp and clean for better and safer perfor-
mance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Inspect tool cords
periodically and, if damaged, have them repaired by an authorized technician. The handles
must be kept clean, dry, and free from oil and grease at all times.
12.DISCONNECT POWER. Unplug when not in use, before servicing, and when changing
accessories.
13.REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES. Make it a habit to check that keys and
adjusting wrenches are removed from the tool or machine work surface before plugging it in.
14.AVOID UNINTENTIONAL STARTING. Be sure the switch is in the OFF position when not in
use and before plugging in. Do not carry any tool with your finger on the trigger, whether it is
plugged in or not.
15.OUTDOOR EXTENSIONS CORDS. When the equipment is operated outdoors, use only
extension cords intended for outside use. See chart under “Extension Cords” for the proper
AWG rating depending on the length of the cord(s) being used.
16.STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing, use common sense. Do not operate any tool when
you are tired.
17.CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before using any tool, any part that appears damaged should
be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended func-
tion. Check for alignment and binding of moving parts; any broken parts or mounting fixtures;
and any other condition that may affect proper operation. Any part that is damaged should be
properly repaired or replaced by a qualified technician. Do not use the tool if any switch does
not turn on and off properly.
18.GUARD AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK. Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces such
as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerator enclosures.
19.REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES. When servicing, use only identical replace-
ment parts. Use of any other parts will void the warranty. Only use accessories intended for
use with this tool. Approved accessories are available from Harbor Freight Tools.
20.DO NOT OPERATE TOOL IF UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS.
Read warning labels on prescriptions to determine if your judgment or reflexes are impaired
while taking drugs. If there is any doubt, do not operate the tool.
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WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construc-
tion activities, contain chemicals known [to the State of California] to cause cancer, birth defects
or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are: A) Lead from lead-based
paints, B) Crystalline silica from bricks and cement or other masonry products, C) Arsenic and
chromium from chemically treated lumber. Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on
how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well
ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are
specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
(California Health & Safety Code 25249.5,
et seq.
)
REV 01/04
VOLTAGE WARNING
Before connecting the tool to a power source (receptacle, outlet, etc.) be sure the voltage
supplied is about the same as that specified on the nameplate of the tool. If one says 120V and
the other says 110V then there will be no complications. Never try to plug a 110V tool into a
220V outlet, or the other way around. The plug and outlet have completely different shapes. This
is because a power source with a voltage greater than that specified on the tool can result in a
SERIOUS INJURY to the user— as well as damage to the tool. If in doubt, DO NOT PLUG IN
THE TOOL. Using a power source with voltage (110V) less than the nameplate rating (220V) is
harmful to the motor.
EXTENSION CORDS
If your tool is double insulated and has a two-prong plug, you may use either a two- or three-
prong extension cord. If your tool has a grounded, three-prong plug, you must use a three-prong
extension cord with three-prong receptacles. Only use rounded jacket extension cords,
preferably listed by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Make sure the cord is rated for outdoor
use if you plan on using the tool outside; if you plan on indoor use, you may also use an outdoor
rated cord. Extension cords rated for outdoor use have the letters “WA” on the cord jacket.
The extension cord must have a minimum wire size depending on the amperage of the tool and
the length of the extension cord. This size is signified by its AWG (American Wire Gauge) rating;
the smaller the gauge, the greater the cable’s capacity. If you are using two or more cords, the
total length of the combined cords must be used to determine the minimum AWG rating. Each of
the cords used must meet this rating.
The chart below is used to determine the rating required according to the length of the cord(s).
The amps of your tool are found either in this manual, or on the nameplate of the tool.
Always inspect extension cords for any damage. If there are any loose, frayed or exposed
wires, damaged insulation, or defective connections, replace the cord. Harbor Freight Tools can
supply UL listed and outdoor rated cords in multiple AWG ratings if needed.
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AMP TOTAL EXTENSION CORD(S) LENGTH IN FEET
RATING 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200
0-10.0 18 18 16 16 14 14 12 12 A
10.1-13.0 16 16 14 14 14 12 12 12 W
13.1-15 14 14 12 12 12 12 12 __ G
15.1-18 12 12 12 12 12 12 __ __
UNPACKING
When unpacking your Reciprocating Saw, check to make sure the following parts are included.
If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the number on the cover
of this manual.
ASSEMBLY
Your Reciprocating Saw comes partially assembled. To complete assembly, follow the steps
below. Make sure the Saw is not plugged in.
Blade Assembly
Step 1:Select the Saw Blade best suited for your application. Wood Blades have a coarser tooth
pitch, Metal Blades have a finer tooth pitch. Use each Blade only for its specified
material.
Step 2:With the supplied Hex Key Wrench, loosen but do not remove SCREW (#4) as shown in
Figure 1.
Figure 1 — Blade Assembly
Step 3:Slide selected Blade, teeth down, into the BLADE HOLDER as far as possible.
Step 4:Tighten the SCREW (#4) firmly.
Screw
(#4)
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ITEM# DESCRIPTION QTY
N/A Reciprocating Saw 1
N/A Wood Blade 1
N/A Metal Blade 1
N/A Hex Key Wrench 2
Guard Plate
(#2)
Adjustable
Bottom Plate
(#1)
Adjusting Bottom Plate
Use the ADJUSTABLE BOTTOM PLATE (#1) to determine the depth of your cut. Position the
ADJUSTABLE BOTTOM PLATE close to the GUARD PLATE (#2) for a deeper cut, further out
for a shallower cut as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 — Shallow Cut
Step 1:Loosen SCREWS (#58) with the supplied Hex Key Wrench.
Step 2:Properly position the ADJUSTABLE BOTTOM PLATE (#1) fore and aft.
Step 3:Tighten SCREWS.
Step 4:You can change the angle of your cutting by changing the angle of the ADJUSTABLE
BOTTOM PLATE as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3 — Adjustable Bottom Plate Angle Adjustment
Your Reciprocating Saw is ready for use.
Wall
Wall
Flat Cutting
Angle Cutting
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OPERATION CAUTIONS
Before every use, follow these special safety instructions in addition to those under
SAFETY WARNINGS & CAUTIONS.
¨ Check the Saw Blade to make sure it does not have any missing teeth or cracks. Do not
use a damaged Saw Blade.
¨ Check that there is enough space under and behind the workpiece for the reciprocating
Blade. Be sure that you will not be cutting through any electrical wires or your workbench.
¨ Do not put side-to-side pressure on the Blade. This will break the Blade.
¨ Never attempt to remove material stuck in the moving parts of the Saw while the Saw is ON
or plugged in.
¨ Never cut wood that is thicker than the length of the Blade.
¨ Do not attempt to cut curves with your Saw. This will break the Blade.
OPERATION
Step 1:Before plugging the Saw into an outlet, check to make sure the TRIGGER SWITCH
(#37) is not locked in the “ON” position. Press and release the TRIGGER SWITCH once
to make sure the switch is unlocked and “OFF.”
Step 2:Plug the Saw into an outlet. See VOLTAGE WARNING on page 4.
Step 3:Grip the Saw with both hands. Do not block the ventilation slots of the motor.
Step 4:Press the TRIGGER SWITCH to start the Saw. Do not start the Saw if the Blade is in
contact with anything before operation. Lift the Saw up to free the Blade before pressing
the TRIGGER SWITCH.
Step 5:Your Saw is equipped with a lockable TRIGGER SWITCH. To operate the tool for ex
tended periods of time, press and hold the TRIGGER SWITCH, then press the Locking
Button as shown in Figure 4.
Trigger Switch
(#37)
Locking Button
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CAUTION
When Cutting Metal, Use Cutting
Oil to Cool the Blade or Damage
May Result.
Step 6:With your Saw operating, place the Blade against the material to be cut. Press down on
the Saw to help it cut. Do not use too much force, only enough to keep the Saw cutting.
Step 7:Your Saw is equipped with an Adjustable Speed Switch. You may adjust the
reciprocating speed of the Saw to suit your needs while in use. To speed up the Saw,
turn the Adjustable Speed Switch to a higher number as shown in Figure 5. Setting “6” is
the highest setting.
Adjustable Speed Switch
Speed up
Figure 5 — Adjusting Speed
Step 8:To stop the Saw, release the TRIGGER SWITCH. If the TRIGGER SWITCH has been
locked in the “ON” position, press and release the TRIGGER SWITCH. This will stop the
Saw.
Step 9:Return the Adjustable Speed Switch to the “1” setting.
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MAINTENANCE
The following Steps should be followed after every use of your Reciprocating Saw. This will
prolong the life of your tool and ensure safe operation.
Step 1:Unplug the Saw. Do not attempt any maintenance on the Saw when it is plugged in.
Step 2:To prevent the motor from overheating, clean the motors ventilation slots as shown in
Figure 6.
Figure 6 — Cleaning Ventilation Slots
Step 3: Make sure the Blade is not worn or damaged. If the Blade is damaged or worn, replace
with approved replacement parts from Harbor Freight Tools.
Step 4:Wipe down the tool after every use. This will allow you to see if there is damage to the
Saw or the plastic case. If you find damage, return the Saw to Harbor Freight Tools for
repairs. Do not attempt repairs yourself.
Step 5:Over time, the CARBON BRUSHES (#32) in the Motor will wear. If the CARBON
BRUSHES wear too much, the Saw will not work. Take the Saw to Harbor Freight Tools
or a qualified technician for service.
Ventilation Slot
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