Craftsman 172.26043 User manual

Operator'sManual

lcRR.n.!

' i

12,0 AmpP,/ariable Speed

Reciprocating Saw

with Orbital Action

Model Noo

172,26043

CAUTION: Read, understand andfo!low

all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions

in this manual before usingthis pmducL

Sears,Roebuckand Co.,HoffmanEstates,IL60179UoS.A.

VisitourCraftsman• webslte:www.sesrs.com/craftsman

Double lnsuFated

• WARRANTY

SAFETY

• UNPACKING

• DESCRIPTION

• OPERATION

• MAINTENANCE

Warranty ................................................................................................................Page 2

Safety' Symbaf9 .............................................................................. Page 3

Safety lnslructions .................................................................................. Pages 4-10

Unpacking .................................................................................................. Page 10

Description ....................................................................................................................................Pages 11-t2

Operation .............................................................................................................................Pages 12-22

Maintenance .............................................................................................................................Pages 23-24

Accessodes...........................................................................................................................Page 25

Parts List ............................................................................................................................................Pages 26-29

Sears Repair Parts Phone Numbers .........................................................................Back Cover

ONEYEAR FULLWARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN PROFESStONALTOOL

if this Craftsman Professional Tool tails due to a detect In material or workmanship

within one year from the dale of pumhase, RETURN tTTO ANY SEARS STORE OR

PARTS AND REPAIR CENTER OR OTHER CRAFTSMAN OUTLET INTHE UNITED

STATES FOR FREE REPAIR (OR REPLACEMENT 1FREPAIR PROVES

IMPOSSIBLE),

This warranty does not include expendable parts such as lamps, batteries, bits or

blades,

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, end you may have ether rights, which

very from state to slate°

Seam, Roebuck and Co,,, Heffmen Eslates, IL 60179

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS!

ifk WARNING: some dust creeled by using power toots contains chemicals ]

known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other

Ireproductive harm,

The purpose of safety symbois is to attract your attention to possible dangers.

The safety symbols end the explanations with them, deserve your careful attention and

understandlng_ The, symbol warnings DO NOT by themselves eliminate any danger.

The Instructions and warnings they give are no substItules for proper accident prevention

measures°

,-_ WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all safety instructions in

thls manual, Including all sefety alert symbols such as "DANGER", "WARNING"

end "CAUTION". BEFORE using this too!, Failure to follow all Instructions I_sted

below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

SYMBOL MEANtNG

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: IndleetesDANGER,WARNING,OR

CAUTION, May be used in conjunction with other symbols or ptctographs,

_ ailure to obey this safety warning WILL result In death or

serious Injury to yourself or to ethers. Always follow the

safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric Shock

and personal injury.

Z_WARN1NG I Failure to obey this safety warning CAN result tn death or

serious injury to yourself or to others, Always follow the

safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock

and personal injury,

[/_ CAUTION I Failure to obey this safety warning MAY result In personal

!

Injury to yourself or others or property demega_ Always

follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire,

electric shock and personal Injury,

DAMAGE PREVENTION AND INFORMATION MESSAGES

These Inform user of important Information andlor instructions that could teed to

equipment or other property damage if not followed° Each message is preceded

by the word "NOTE:" as in the example below:

NOTE: Equipment andlor property damage may result If these instructions ere

not followed,

WEAR ¥oeR

z_WARNING: The operation of any power tool can result

In foreign oblecte being thrown into your eyes, which coo

l_suit _nsevere eye damage, Before begLnnlng power tool

operetlon, ALWAYS wear safety goggles or safety glasses

with slde shield end a full-face shleld when needed.

We recommend e Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over

eyeglasses or standard safety gfesaes wffh side shield,

available at Sears Stores or other Craftsman Outlets.

I _ WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions in thta manual

before using this power toot. Failure to follow ell instructions may result In electric

shock, fire _nd / or aerlous persona! injury.

WORK AREA SAFETY

I. Keep your work area clean end well lit. Cluttered workbenches and dark areas

invite accidents,

2, DO NOT operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence

of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power toots create sparks which may igntle the

dust or fumes.

3. Keep bystanders, children and visitors away while operating a power tool.

Distractions can cause you to losecontrol

4. Make your workshop chlldproof with padlocks and master switches Lock

toots away when not in use

5, MAKE SURE the work area has ample lighting so you can see the work and that

there are no obstructions that will interfere with sale operation BEFORE using your saw

PERSONAL SAFETY

1,, KNOW your power tool, Read the operator's manual carefully. Learn the tours

applications and limitations, as well as the specific potential hazards related to this tool

2oSTAY ALERT, watch what you ate doing and use common sense when operating a

power tool.

3. DO NOT use tool whta tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication.

A moment of inattention white operating power toots may result in serious personal

inJuP/.

4oDRESS properly. DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry_ Pull back long hair. Keep your

hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothing, or long hair can be

caught in moving parts Air vents often cover moving parts and should also be avoided

5,, AVOID accidental starling, Be sure switch is in "OFF" positron before plugging in.

DO NOT carry tools with your finger on the switch. Carrying tools wtlh your finger on the

switch or plugging in tools that have the switch in the "ON" position Invites accidents.

6. REMOVE adjusting keys or blade wrenches before turning the tool "ON-, A wrench that

is left attached to a rotating pad of the tool may resull in personal Injury

77 Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing and

balance enables better control of the tool in unexpected situations.

8. ALWAYS SECURE¥OUR WORK. Use c[arnps or a vise lo hold work when practical.

It is safer than using your hand end frees both hands to operate tool

g.,USE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. Always wear eye protection, Dust mask, non-skid safety

shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions

TOOLUSEANDCARESAFETY

Ak WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions before t

operating this tool, Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in

J

electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

t. ALWAYS use clamps or other practical ways to secure and support the

workplace to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body

is unstable and may lead to loss of conlro!,

2.. DO NOT rome the tool. Use the correct tool and blade for your application. The

correct tool end blade wf!l do the job better and safer at the rate lot which it is designed.

3, DO NOT usa the tool If switch does not turn it "On" or "Off", Any tool that

cannot be controlled with the switch is d_ngerous and must be repotted

4, DISCONNECT the plug from the power source before making any

od|ustments changing accessories or storing the tool, Such preventive

safe[,/measures reduce the risk of starling the too acc denla y,

5. STORE Idle tools out of the reach of children and other untralned persons.

Tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users,

6 MAINTAIN tools wlth care, Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained

tools wilh sharp cutting edges are loss likely to bind and are easier to conlrol,

7. CHECK for misallgnment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and

any other condition that may affect the tooYs operatlono If damaged, have the

tool serviced before using., Many accidents ore caused by poorly maintained tools.

8. USE ONLY accessories that are recommended for this tool. Accessories that

may be suitable for one tool may become hazardous when used on another tool.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

/h. WARNING: Do not permit fingers to touch the terminals of plug wheninstalling or removing the plug from the outleL

f_,Doub|o Insulated toots are equipped with a

polarized plug (one blade Is wider than the other)_

This plug will fit In a polarized outlet only' one way°

If the plug does not fit fully' in the curtal, reverse the

pIug, tf it still does not tit, contact a qualified

electrician to lnslatl a polarized outlet, Do not change

the plug In any way.

2° Double Insulation 1Oleltmlnales the need for the

three.Ire grounded power cord and grounded power

suppfy syslem. Applicable only to Class Ii

(double.lnsulaled} tools

This tool is a double Insulated tool.

®,,,!1

I Z_ WARNING: Double Insulation DOES NOT take the place of normal safetyprecautions when operating this tool

3. BEFORE plugging in the tool, BE SURE that the outlet voltage supplied ts within the

voltage marked on the fool's data plate° DO NOT use "AC onty" rated tools with

a DC power supply

ELECTRICAL SAFETY cont.

4 AVOID body contact with grounded surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and

refrigerators., There is an increased dBk of et_ctric shock if your body is grounded

5 DO NOT expose power tools lo rain or wet conditions or use power tools tn wet

or damp locations, Water entering a power tool will increase the risk el electric shock.

6 INSPECT toot cords for damage,, Have damaged tool cords repaired at a Sears

Service Center, BE SURE to stay constantb/aware of Ihe cord location and keep It well

away from the moving blade,

7 DO NOT abuse the cord,, NEVER use the oord to carry the tool by or to pull the

plug from the outlet. Keep cord away from heat. oil sharp edges or moving parts

Replace damaged cords tmmsdialely., Damaged cords increase the dsk of electric shock.,

EXTENSION CORDS

Use a proper extension cord.,ONLY usa cordstfsisd by UnderwritersLaboratories(UL),

Other extensioncordssancausea drop in linevoltage, resultingin a lossof power and

overheating of tool,For thistool an AWG (AmericanWire Gauge)size of a leasl 14-gauge

isrecommendedfor an extensioncordo!25oft, orless in length Use 12-gauge for an

extension cordof 50-fL Extension cords lO0-ft, or longer are not recommended.

Remember.a smaller wire gauge size has greater capacity than a larger number

(!4-gauge wire has morecapacitythan16-gauge wire; 12-gauge wirehas morecapacity

than 14-gauge),,When indoubt use thesmaller number.When operating a powertool

outdoors, usean outdoor extension cordmarked'_/-A" or "W".These cordsare ratedlor

outdooruse and reducethe riskof electricshock.

[Z_ CAUTION: Keep the extension cord clear of the working area. Position |

1

the cord so that It wlllnot get caught on lumber, tools or other obstructions while

lyou are working with a power tool.

/k WARNING: Check extension cords before each use, if damaged replace 1

Immediately. Never use too! with n damaged cord since touching the damaged

J

area could cause electrical shock, resulting In serious Injury.

SAFETY SYMBOLS FOR YOUR TOOL

The Fabelon your tool may Include the following symbols.

V .................................................................................,Volts

A..............................................................................Amps

Hz ...............................................................................Hertz

W...........................................................................................Watts

..............................................................................................Alternalingcurrent

......................................................................Directcurrent

n=.........................................................................................No-leadspeed

I_ ........................................................................Class IIconstruction.DoubleInsulated

RPM....................................................... RevolulJoespermiet,,te

SPM ............................................................... Strokesparminute

OPM...................................................... Orbitsperminute

Z_o........................................................................................Indicates danger,warningor caution.

[!means atlentfonlYoursafety Is involved,

SERVICE SAFETY

1, if any part of this tool Is missing or should break, bend, or fall in any way;

or should any electrical component fall to perform properly: SHUT OFF the power

switch and remove lhe saw'splugfrom Ihe power source and havethe m_ss{ng,

damaged orfailedparts replaced BEFORE resumtngeperatlom

2,Tool service must be performed only at a Sears Service Center. Serviceor

maintenance performedby unqualifiedpersonnel could resultin a risk of injury

3_When servicing a tool, use only Identical replacement parts. Follow Instructions

in the maintenance section of this manual. Use of unauthorized partsor failureto

followmaintenance instructions may createa risk of etectrtcshock ortnJur_,

SAFETY RULES FOR RECIPROCATING SAWS

_Keep hands sway from cutting area and blade. Keep both

hands on the saw (rear handle and front boot grip). I! both hands are holding

the s_w, the blade cannot cut them_

_ CAUTION: Blades coast after saw is switched off. ]

t Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces, (rear handle and front boot grip), when

performing an operation where the cuffing toot may contsct hidden wiring or its

own cord. Contact with a 'live" wire wilt make the exposed metal parts of the tool"liw"

and shock the operator,

Z_ CAUTION: DO NOT sew into existing walls or other blind areas where /

electrical wlrlng may exist. If the situation ls unavoidable, DISCONNECT ALL

!ELECTRICAL POWER to the area/workslte BEFORE sawtng.,

SAFETY RULES FOR RECIPROCATING SAWS cent,

2. KEEP your body positioned to either side of the saw and not In direct ltne

with the saw blade, Counter-fame (a jumping or kickback action) could cause the

blade to bend or break, and the saw to jump backwards causing loss o! control,

_esulltng In serious Injury.,

3. ALWAYS keep your hands away from cutting area° DO NOT reach under the

materiel being cut because the nearness o! the blade to your hand ts hidden from

your sight,

4. DO NOT use dull or damaged blades. Bent blades can break easfly, or cause

kickback resulting In loss of control and serious injury,

5 When slarllng a cut, lhe speed you use will be determined by the blade and reaterial

you are cutling_ Fast speeds lor soft realerials and slow speeds for hard materials

If the blade speed Is too slow, the saw could chaffer orvibrate at the beglnnlng of a

cut, and posslb_ cause counter-fame (a jumping or kickback action) and vibration,

which can result te loss of control and serlous pemonal injury. Use a stIghtly !aster

speed at the very beginning of your cut. !1is always a good idea to practice your cuts

in scrap material until you have a Ieal for the cutting and handling perforreance of

the saw.

6. NEVER hold the piece being cut In your hands or across your legs. It ls

important to support the workplace properly tn order to minimize body exposure.

b_de binding, or loss of contro!..

7_ ALWAYS clamp the workplace securely so i! wItt not move when making the cut.

8o ONLY USE the designated blades for cutting the type of materia! for which they

are recommended. Cutting materlal_ that are NOT recommended could cause blade

breakage and loss of control, resulting In serious injury.

g_ ALWAYS Inspect and remove all nails from lumber before sawing. Following

this rule will reduce the risk of counter*force (a jumping or kickback action)

that could cause loss of control that can cause serious personal Injury,

Ir this Is unavoidable, such as when performing demolition or renovation jobs,

MAKE SURE to use b!-reetal blades lhat are thicker, with 4 Io 6 teeth per inch,

and Bpeoiflcafiy designed to cut wood with imbedded nails. EXERCISE EXTREME

CAUTION when performing this type of cutting operation=

Z_ WARNING: To reduce the risk of explosion, electric shock, property

damage and serious bodily injury, ALWAYS check the work area for hidden gas

pipes, electrical wires, water pipes, and nail and cleat Imbedded 2 x 4's when

making blind or plunge cuts Into wails during demo!itlon or renovation work°

10. AVOID awkward operations and hand postllona where a sudden slip could

cause your hand to move Into the blade.

tl NEVER reach Into the cutting path of the blade,

Z_WARNING: Some dust created by using power tools contains chemicals

known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:

• Lead from lead-based patnts_

• Crystalline slllca from bricks and cement and other masonry pmductso

• Arsenic and chromium, from chemically treated lumber_

Your risk from these exposures varies, depending upon how often you do

this type ofwork.To reduce your exposure to these chemicals:

• Work in a wellwentllated area.

• Work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that

ere specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grinding,

drl!ltng and other construction activities, Wear protective clothing and wash

exposed areas with soap and water. Allowing dust to get Into your mouth, eyes,

or layon the skin may promote absorption of harmful chemicals.,

/h WARNING: Use of this tool can generate and/or disburse dust, whtch may

cause serious and permanent respiratory or other Injury.Always use

NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory protection appropriate for the dust exposure_

Direct particles away from face and body.

ADDITIONAL RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

Z_ WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand etl instructions. ]

Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result tn e_ectrlc shock, fire

J

and / or serious personal injury.

t_, Know your power tool. Read operators manual carefully. Learn the appficalions and

limitations, as wall as the specific potential hazards misted to this tool Following this rule

wtU reduce the risk of electric shock, fits or sedous injury.,

2, ALWAYS wear safety glasses or eye shields when using Uds tool, Everyday

eyeglasses have only impact-resistant lenses; they are NOT safety glasses,

3, PROTECT your lungs, Wear a face mask or dust mask if the operation }s dusty

4_ PROTECT your hearing. Wear appropriate personal headng protection dudng use,

Under some conditions noise from this producl may contribute to hearing ross

5, ALLVISTORS AND BYSTANDERS MUST wear the same sa[ety equipment that the

operator of the tool wears.

6, INSPECT the tool cords periodically and if damaged have them repaired at your

nearest Sears Service Center, ALWAYS BE AWARE of the cord location°

7, ALWAYS check the tool for damaged parts. Before further use of the tool, a guard or

other pad that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine if it will operate

propedy and perform its intended function. Check for misaflgnment or binding of moving

parts, breakage of pads, and any other condition thai may a|fect the tool's cperatiom

A guard or other part that Is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced at a

Sears Service center

8 SAVETHESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them frequently end use them to instruct

others who may use this tool. If someone borrows this tool, make sure they have

these Instructfons atsoo

Z_ WARNING: Your tool ehoutd NEVER be connected to the power source |

when you are assembling parts, making adjustments, installing or removing

1

blades, cleaning or when it is not in use. D!sconnectlng the sew wtll prevent

accidental starting, which could cause serious personal injury.

1. Remove the saw from lhe carrying / storage case and inspect it carefully to make sure

lhat no breakage or damage has occurred during shipping,

2, Do not discard any of the packing materials until aft pads are accounted for.

3, Three blades are included; wood culling, ferrous metal cutting, and general purpose

culling (plastic, fiberglass, soft metal). Blades are located inside the carrying I storage

ca_e.

4, If any of the parts are damaged or missing (relar to PARTS LIST below), return the saw

to your nearest Sears store or Craltsm_n outIel to have the saw replaced,

[ Z_ WARN,NG: ,f any parts are missing, DO NOT operate this saw until the ]

missing parts are replaced. Failure to do so could result tn possible serious

personal injury,

PARTS LIST (Fig. 1)

-_- 2. Wood Culling Blade

_'_-_ .... , 3, General Purpose Blade

__o ,1. Metal Cutting Blade

5,,Carrying t Storage Case

6, Operator's Manual

KNOW YOUR RECIPROCATING SAW

LNOTE: Before attempting to use your saw, femlllarlze yourself with all

1

oV the

petering features and snfaty requirements. =

Your reciprocating saw has a precision-built electric motor and it should be connected to a

t20-voll060-Hz AC ONLY power supply (normal household current}. DO NOT operate on

direct current (DC). The large voltage drop will cause a loss of power and the motor wil!

overheat, if the saw does not operate when plugged into correct t20-volt, 6D-Hz AC ONLY

outlet, check the power supply,, This saw has a 10*it, 2.wire power cord (no adapter needed)o

lO

This Reciprocating Saw has the foliowlng features:

Craftsman vibra free _" Reciprocating Saws are uniquely designed so that the

reclprocattng md and the counter batance sleeve always move in opposite directions

to each other This design platform virtually cancels out the saw's vibration making

this saw more comfortable and easy Io use, It takes the vibration out of the saw and

pule this energy to work saw+ng and removing matedaL

1 Powerful motor 12.0 Amp and 043000 SPM (strokes per minute) no,,ioad speed

provide sure cuts In wood, woodbase building materials, plastics, fiberglass ferrous

and non-ferrous metal pipe. tublng and nails, with 3 different blades Included,,

2 Four Position Orbital Action

The cor_trolswitch regulates the 4 cutting modes of the saw

0 SMOOTH minimal splintering, normal up and down blade motion., NO orbital action.

1 LOW for culling most metals, few orbital acttom

2. MEDIUM for cutting plastics+ hardwood, medium orbital action.

3 FAST for maximum orbital action, use for fast cutting in plywood, softwoods,

3, Variable speed allows matching cutting speed to blade and material,

4 Two finger variable speed trigger switch contmis btade speed by the amo_Jnt of

pressure you apply to the trigger switch+

5 Full 1+h-inch blade stroke for fast cutting and extended blade life..

6+Tool+less blade clamp features lever action collar for easy, fast blade changes_

Uses universal 1/2-in shank blades+

7 Adjustable length / pivoting shoe Ior maximum control on workpiece in a variety of

cuts+Adjusts by pressing in on yellow button betow pivo!Ing shoe_

B LED workfight comes on when trigger switch is turned on, Llluminetes cutting area for

better vlstbtliiy+

9 Easy-to-grip front boot and rear handle design wlth molded in comfort grip

provide maximum control, balance and comfort.

f0 Permanently lubricated bearings for smooth operation and long fife.

11 Uses universal 1/2-inch shank blades

Includes 3 blades: 1 blade for last wood cutting. 1 for smooth cuts in ferrous metal,

pipe, and tubing, and 1 for cutting solt metal+ plastics and libergiass

12 Impact resistant housing helps protect saw from damage, reduces weFght ior easier

handitng,

13 Includes rugged storage/carry case.

• vibr_fr0ets on_ya tf_dem_,__,nd¢.aniesr,oexpti_:ilorimpliedclaimas Iotile vthrgt+onreduclionoiIho product.

11

ThisReciprocatingSewhasthefollowingfeatures cent+:

Rgo2 B_do Orbtt_lActionSwitch

Two Fing_rVadable

Speed Trlg_r Switch

R_ar Hat,die

wtth Soft Grip

i Rating 12.0Amps ...........

No_oad Speeds 0 to 300D SPM

Blade Stroke .... i v4-incl_.............................

OrbitalAction 4 Position

.....Blade Type 1/2-In, Universal Shank ...................

Input 120 volt, 60Hz AC

NOTE: Before attempting to use your tool, familiarize yourself with all of the t

operating features end safety requirements,

!

t /_ WARNING: D° n°t let famtl|er'ty with y°ur t°°i make y°u careless" I

Remember that a careless free|Ion of a second is sufficient to cause severe Injury.

i i

Using any other blade could result In an accident caustng serious injury,

See page 25 for designated blades and recommended uses,

SELECTINGTHE BLADE

Forthe best blade performanceand longerblade It|e,ALWAYSselect the proper blade

for yoursawingapplication.

There aremany typesof 1/2_tn,.universalshank btadesavailableloryour reciprocatingsaw:

Blades lot cuttingall typesofwood, netl._mbedded wood, woodbasebuikling

matedats, non-ferrous and ferrousmetal, ptasfies end fiberglass.

Blades for scroll culling,roughing-in, and cuttingcontours.Many blade lengths

are also available.

ALWAYS choose s blade length long enough to extend beyond the shoe and your

workplace, throughout the cutting stroke (see page 1B).

12

SAWBLADES

Allsaw blades need tobe kept clean,sharpand properlysat_norder tocutefficiently.

Using a dull blade places a heawt load on the sawand increasesthe danger of

counter-force(a jumpingor kickback action).Keep extra blades on hand, so sharpblades

am alwaysavailable.Gum and wood pitchhardened on the bladeslowsthe saw down.

Use gum and pfLchremover,hot wateror kerosene to remove them° DONOT use gasofine_

BLADE INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL

This saw isdesignedto useall 1t2--tnouniversal shank btades.,

I _ WARNING: BE SURE to wear protective work gloves while handling a

saw blade.The blade can Injure unprotected hands.

TO INSTALLBLADE (Ftgure 3 and 3a)

f Unplug the saw.

[Z_ WARNING:To prevent personal Inlury, ALWAYS disconnect the plug from

I

power soume BEFORE assembling parts, making adjustments or changing blades. 1

2, To Install the blade, extend the shoe away from the blade clamp for easier access

(see Page 15. Fig. 6)o

3 Locate the lever action cellar and titt collar up, (see arrow on collar, Fig, 3)_

4 With collar"up" in raised posilion, install shank of 1he saw blade into the blade ciamp

(see Fig° 3 and Fig. 3a),,

5. Release the collar, and the blade should be securely locked Into the biade clamp,,

Pull the blade to make sure it is locked in _lace

g" E_L._eCbmp

NOTE: The Universal shanked blades only install one way, with the blade's shank

installed into the blade clamp, with saw teeth down (Fig. 3 standard use) or saw

teeth up (Fig. 3e for special applications sea page 21).

TO REMOVE BLADE (Figure 3)

1.Unplugthe saw,

t _ WARNING: Never touch blade Immediately after use as It may be

extremely hot.

2..Whenremovingtheblade,exlendtheadjustableI pivotingshoe awayfromtheblade clamp.

3. Locateindeniwitharrowon sideof Ieveractioncollar(seeFig 3)

4. Pull upon collarat_ndentandholdup.This loosenstheblade ctampandenablesyou

to pul/the blade outof theclamp.

13

VARIABLESPEEDCONTROLLEDTRIGGERSWITCH(Fig,4)

Your saw is equipped with a twe-I_nger trigger swtlch

that conlrols the variable speed.

The saw is turned "ON" or =OFP by squeezing or

releasing the tdgger.

To vary the speed o! lhe blade:

1, To Increase blade speed, apply more pressure

to tdgger switch..

2. To decrease blade speed, apply less pressure.

3,. TOSTOP the saw release the trigger_

Fig. 4

J

I Z_ CAUTION: Use the appropriate slower speed (for your cutting application

and workplace) at the very beginning of a cut.Then Increase speed once the cut

Is sfmrted.Prolonged use st avery stow speed may damage your saw.

I NOTE: ALWAYS allowthe blade to come to a complete stop before ramovtng it

from the workplace or laying the saw down.

!

J

CHOOSING THE CORRECT SPEED

The speed you use wilt depend on the type of material you are culling

I Use high speeds for cutting wood and woodbase materials

2. Medium speed is best for culling non-ferrous metals, plastics and fiberglass

3 Low speed is recommended for cutting ferrous metals, iron pipe and angle iron

1

NOTE: Material thickness and blade selection will also affect your speed selection. /

As a general rule, use FASTER SPEEDS and blades with !ess teeth per Inch for

t

softer materials. Use SLOWER SPEEDS and blades with more teeth per inch for

thicker, more dense materiels.

LED WORKLIGHT (Fig. 5)

Your reciprocating saw has

a butit-in worklight lor better

visibility when cutttng_ To turn

on the LED worktight, the saw

must be phJgged in. The LED

workltght comes on when the

two-linger trigger switch is

squeezed to turn the saw "ON".,

When the trigger is released

and the saw is turned "OFF".

the worklight goes ouL

Rg,5

!4

THE ADJUSTABLE LENGTH / PWOTING SHOE (Figs, 6, and 6a)

The saw'sshoeslides in or outto adjust the b{ade'sdepth-o{_cui intotile workplace,

The si_oealsopivotsinorder to keep as muchoflhe shoe'ssurface as possibleInconlaot

with the workpiece(Fig,,6a and see Page f4. Fig,5),,

These adjustments are impodantIn lhat lhey providemaximumcontrol against the

surface being cut, optimizing blade life and reducing the blade's protrusionbeyond the

and of the shoe, suchas whencurlinginto larged}ameterpipe or into walls(seePage 20.

Fig.g),

Z_WARNING: DO NOT operate the saw without the shoe In place, If the shoe

Is not in place the spindle shaft (reciprocating mechanism) could strike the

workplece and damage the saw, causing loss of control resulting in possible

serious personal injury.

ADJUSTING THE LENGTH OF THE SHOE (Fig. S)

1. Unplug the saw_

Z_WARNING: ALWAYS hold the saw by the insulated boot on the front houslng.lf

you sow into a blind area where live wiring exists, you may be shocked or e_ectrocuted.

It is always recommended to shut power off to blind areas you are sawing Into,

2. Locale the yellow bulton on the saw jusl below tile

pivoting shoe,

,3 Press in on bulton while either pulling or pushing tile

adjustable shoe

4 As soon aS shoe is positioned to length, is! go of

button and shoe will be _ocked in posillon,

5. Plug in saw and slowly squeeze the trigger to be sure

the blade ALWAYS extends beyond Ihe shoe and the

workp{eca during the cutting slinks

Rg. 6 Mc,v_s ta or out

z_WARNING: To reduce the rlsk of tn|ury, be sure the BLADE EXTENDS BEYOND

the shoe and el!lthe way through the workpfece throughout the stroke, (see Figs. 7a

and 7b), Blades may shatter, bend or break if the blade hits the shoe or hits the

workplace at an angle that Is nearly he,_d on (see Figs. 7a and 7b).

ADJUSTING THE PIVOT OF THE SHOE (Fig. 6a)

I, Unplug the saw.

Z_WARNING: To prevent personal lnlur=t,

I ALWAYS disconnect the plug from power source

I BEFORE assembling parts, making adjustments

Lotchanging blades,

2 Firmfy hold saw and "pivot" the shoe, keeping as

much of the shoe's surface up against the

workpiece as pesslblewhen cutting.

Ftg.6a Pivols

15

4 POSITION ORBITAL ACTION

The Orbital Action feature on this saw thrusts the blade up and forward on the cutting

stroke to greatly increase the cutting speed over the normal back and Forth action of the

slandard reciprocating action,

The O position on the Orbital Aclion Swilch produces no orbital action, only the normal

back and forth (reciprocating) action, for lhe smoothest cuts in wood with least splinleringo

Good for all cuts in metal or plastic, or nail embedded wood

The 1 position produces a sinai! amount oForbital blade action, with controlled splintering

Use to cut pocket holes in flooring or holes in drywall.['---- /// "_'_'_, _'i

The 2 position produces more orbital action than | /(Z---...._ )) i I

the number t position, Use where cuts in wood wlth | /__'_,,_ /_ | I

some splintering is okay Use for door and window | //.F_/_i_ / t/ 1

cutouts and holes insub-flo0ring, t,/ i

The 3 position produces the most orbital action, I _ _//_ / J _ I

but leaves a very rough, splintered finish. Use this I _ "_ _// //

speed when you need the fastest cutting. Ideal for I _ ./ -_------_ /1 I

demolition and tear out jobs LLT_. [ //_ 1/ I

The 4 Position Orbltet Action Switch regulates the 4 cutting modes of the saw,

Position 0

NO ORBITAL ACTION. For minimal

splintering, smoothest cuffing. Normal back

and forth blade motion. Use fine wood blade,

20 teeth par inch, or smooth metal blade,

36 teeth per inch°

Posltton I

LOW ORBITAL ACTION, Ideal for cutting

most metals. Use wood and metal cutting

blades with 10-t2 teeth per inch,

Position 2

MEDIUM ORBITAL ACTION. Ideal for cutting

most plastics and hardwoods, Use wood

and metal cutting blades with 10-12 teeth

per inch.

Position 3

FAST I MAXIMUM ORBITAL ACTION. Use for

fastest cutting in plywood, soft woods end

wallboard. Use wood. metal and wallboard

cutting blades with 8, B,12 teeth per inch,

16

USING THE SAW (Fig., 7)

I AkCAUTION: ALWAYS wear eye protection while operating this power tool. ]

i OTE: Before cutting any type of material, BE SURE It ta firmly enchored or I

c!_mped to prevent slipping.

1o Select the proper blade

2. Select the proper orbital action.

,_ WARNING: If you saw into a blind area where live wiring exists, you may be l

shacked or eleetrocuted_ it Is always recommended to shut power off to bffnd areas you

Jare sawing into.

3+Mark the t_naof cut on workp+ece.,

4 Plug in saw

5+Hold the saw firmly in front of you and ctea{_ away from you. Make sure the blade +sclear

of any foreign objects tn the workpiece.,

6 Keep saw's pivot shoe firmly against workpiece to minimize counter+force (jumping) and

vibration (see Fig+ 7) with brads lightly touching the surface to be cut+

7 Squeeze Ihe trigger to alert saw, let saw reach desired futl speed (depending on blade type

and material) before start+ng your cut, Fast speeds for self materials+ slow speeds lot hard

materials,

8 If blade speed is too slow, saw may chatter or vibrate at the beginning ot cut, and possibly

cause counter+tome ( umping or klckback action) Use a sfightly lm'.oterspeed tf this

happens. Atways practice your cuts on apiece of scrap material to familiarize

yourself with the cutting and handling performance o1the saw+

9, Always hold the saw lirmly with both hands as you guide the blade through the cut line,

Whenever pose+hie,hold the saw and the pivot shoe firmly agatne_ the workpiece to help

prevent the saw from jumping or vibrating and mfnimtze brads breakage

Fig. 7

NOTE: DO NOT FORCE the saw or blade in the workpteca. Use only enough

pressure to keep lhe saw cuffing° Let the blade and saw do the work.

17

[ AWARNING: Use of excessive pressure can bond and twist the blade, moult|rig I

]

In broken blades and loss of control, causing damage to werkp|ece end serious

I

personal tnJury._

SAWINGTIPS (Figs. 7a and 7b)

Following a few simple tips wlg help reduce wear on the saw. the blade, the workplace and

the operator,

1 Blades cut on the draw, or back stroke On fine work such as paneling or fiberglass.

place the good side of the workp_ece lacing down

2 Cut only with sharp blades; lhey cut cleaner, faster and put less strain on the motor,

3. Always use the correct blade for the material being out and akvays keep extra blades on

hand to use when blades become dull Replace dull. cracked or bent btades

immediately.

4. Ahvays select the prope!r cutting speed,

5oAlways select the proper Orbital Postton,

6. When cuging, always make sure that the shoe plate ts resting f_rmty against the

workpleco, This wil! Improve operator control and mfnimfze vibration°

Z_ WARNING: Blade breakage end damage to the workpiece may occur if

the blade does not extend past the shoe and the workpfece throughout the cut.

Loss of control and damage to the shoe can result, Increasing risk of serious

personal Injury (see Fig. 7a and 7b)o

Fig,7a Jl

Cutting Wood

' RIGHT

I Stroke

: _1 .! I_ WRONG

|

Stroke

RIGHT

Stroke

WRONG

1B

WOOD CUTTING (Fig. 8)

! ,,ALWAYS c_amp the workpiece down to prevent it from s_ipping,,

2. Select the proper blade.,

3. Select the proper Orbital Position

4., Mark the line of cut on workplace,

5.. Ptug in saw.

6. Place the saw's pivot shoe firmly against the workpiece wi{h the btade fightly touching

the surface to be cut,

7. Squeeze Idggar sw_lch, bflngtng the blade up to the appropriate srower speeds when

sladlng the cut,before appiying pressure to blade and workplece (laster speeds tor

soft woods, slower speeds for hard woods

8. Do net torce Ihe saw or blade in the workptece, use only enough pressure to keep saw

cuffing Let the blade and saw do the work,

g.. ALWAYS hold the saw fltmty with both hands whiie cu;ttt_g.. Always hold saw with tile

adjustable shoe firmly against the material lo be cut This will prevent the saw from

jumplng or vibraiing and help mlntmtze blade breakage.

10. Practice on a scrap piece ef wood, similar to your workplace, until you get a feel for

the saw's performance.

Fig_ 8

NOTE: Wear If cutting for long periods,

gloves

z_WARNING: To reduce the risk of Injury, BE SURETHE BLADE EXTENDS

I BEYOND the shoe end all the way through the workplace throughout the stroke

[ (see Page t8, Figs. 7a and 7b), Blades may shalter_ bend or break If the blade

_he shoe or hits the workptece at an angle that is nearly head on,

]

19

METAL CUTTING (Fig. 9)

1, ALWAYS clamp the work down to prevent il from sfipplng

2, Select the proper blade..

3+Select the proper Orbital Position+

4, Mark the line el cut on workpfece+

5, Ptug in saw+

6_ PEace the saw's pivot shoe firmly against the workpieee with the btade lightly touching

the surface to be cut.

7. Squeeze trigger switch, using a slow speed (when cutting hard materials) or faster

speed (when curling soil materials),

8 Do not tome the saw or blade in the workpiece, use only enough pressure to keep saw

cutting Let the blade and saw do the work,

9+ALWAYS hotd the saw lirmly with both hands while cutting and hold saw with the

adjustable shoe firmly egatnst the matertal to be cut. This will prevent the saw from

jumping or vibrating and he?p minimize blade breakage..

10. Use a liner blade for ferrous metals and a coarse blade for non,ferrous metals_

11+When cutting thin gauge sheel metals, ALWAYS clamp wood on both sides el Ihs

sheet. This wtit give you a clean cut without excess vibration or tearing of the metal

!2. DO NOT force the cutt+ng blade. Forcing the blade w+Ureduce blade ISleand could

cause the blade to break.

Fig, g

NOTE: We recommend that you spreed a thin film of oil or other types of cutting

fluids along the line of cut ahead of the saw.This wil! allow easier operation and

help extend blade life, When cutting aluminum, use kerosene,

2O

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Craftsman 172.26043 User manual

Craftsman 172.26043 User manual

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