Bosch RS20 User Manual
IMPORTANT: IMPORTANT : IMPORTANTE:
Read Before Using Lire avant usage Leer antes de usar
Operating/Safety Instructions
Consignes de fonctionnement/sécurité
Instrucciones de funcionamiento y seguridad
RS20
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Power Tool Safety Rules
WARNING
!
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed
below, may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Work Area
Keep your work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered benches and dark areas invite
accidents.
Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases, or dust.
tools create sparks which may ignite the dust
or fumes.
Keep by-standers, children, and visitors
away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
Power
Electrical Safety
Grounded tools must be plugged into an
outlet properly installed and grounded in
accordance with all codes and
ordinances. Never remove the grounding
prong or modify the plug in any way. Do
not use any adaptor plugs. Check with a
qualified electrician if you are in doubt as
to whether the outlet is properly
grounded.
malfunction or break down, grounding
provides a low resistance path to carry
electricity away from the user. Improper
grounding can shock, burn or electrocute.
Grounded tools are equipped with three
conductor cord and three prong type plugs.
Before plugging in the tool be certain the
outlet voltage supplied is within the voltage
marked on the nameplate. Do not use “AC
only” rated tools with a DC power supply.
Avoid body contact with grounded
surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges
and refrigerators
risk of electric shock if your body is
grounded. If operating the power tool in
damp locations is unavoidable, a Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupter must be used to
supply the power to your tool. Electrician’s
rubber gloves and footwear will further
enhance your personal safety.
Don't expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions
increase the risk of electric shock.
If the tools should electrically
. There is an increased
. Water entering a power tool will
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the
cord to carry the tools or pull the plug
from an outlet. Keep cord away from heat,
oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Replace
damaged cords immediately.
cords increase the risk of electric shock.
When operating a power tool outside, use
an outdoor extension cord marked "W-A"
or "W."
use and reduce the risk of electric shock.
Refer to “Recommended sizes of Extension
Cords” in the Accessory section of this
manual.
These cords are rated for outdoor
Damaged
Personal Safety
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and
use common sense when operating a
power tool. Do not use tool while tired or
under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or
medication.
operating power tools may result in serious
personal injury.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose
clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair.
Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away
from moving parts.
or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil
and grease.
Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch
is “OFF” before plugging in
tools with your finger on the switch or
plugging in tools that have the switch “ON”
invites accidents.
Remove adjusting keys or wrenches
before turning the tool “ON”
a key that is left attached to a rotating part of
the tool may result in personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing
and balance at all times
and balance enables better control of the tool
in unexpected situations.
Use safety equipment. Always wear eye
protection
shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must
be used for appropriate conditions.
A moment of inattention while
Loose clothes, jewelry,
. Carrying
. A wrench or
. Proper footing
. Dust mask, non-skid safety
-2-
Use clamps or other practical way to
Tool Use and Care
secure and support the workpiece to a
stable platform.
or against your body is unstable and may
lead to loss of control.
Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for
your application
job better and safer at the rate for which it is
designed.
not turn it “ON” or “OFF”.
cannot be controlled with the switch is
dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power
source before making any adjustments,
changing accessories, or storing the tool.
Such preventive safety measures reduce the
risk of starting the tool accidentally.
Store idle tools out of reach of children
and other untrained persons.
dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting
tools sharp and clean.
tools, with sharp cutting edges are less likely
to bind and are easier to control. Any
alteration or modification is a misuse and
may result in a dangerous condition.
Check for misalignment or binding of
moving parts, breakage of parts, and any
Do not use tool if switch does
Holding the work by hand
. The correct tool will do the
Any tool that
Tools are
Properly maintained
other condition that may affect the tools
operation. If damaged, have the tool
serviced before using.
caused by poorly maintained tools. Develop
a periodic maintenance schedule for your
tool.
Use only accessories that are
recommended by the manufacturer for
your model.
suitable for one tool, may become hazardous
when used on another tool.
Accessories that may be
Many accidents are
Service
Tool service must be performed only by
qualified repair personnel.
maintenance performed by unqualified
personnel could result in a risk of injury. For
example: internal wires may be misplaced or
pinched, safety guard return springs may be
improperly mounted.
When servicing a tool, use only identical
replacement parts. Follow instructions in
the Maintenance section of this manual.
Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow
Maintenance Instructions may create a risk
of electric shock or injury. Certain cleaning
agents such as gasoline, carbon
tetrachloride, ammonia, etc. may damage
plastic parts.
Service or
Safety Rules for Reciprocating Saws
Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces
when performing an operation where the
cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or
its own cord.
make exposed metal parts of the tool "live"
and shock the operator.
or break into existing walls or other blind
areas where electrical wiring may exist. If
this situation is unavoidable, disconnect all
fuses or circuit breakers feeding this
worksite.
Never leave the trigger locked "ON".
Before plugging the tool in, check that the
trigger lock is "OFF".
could cause injury.
Keep hands away from cutting area. Do
not reach under the material being cut.
The proximity of the blade to your hand is
hidden from your sight.
Contact with a "live" wire will
Do not drill, fasten
Accidental start-ups
Keep hands from between the gear
housing and saw blade holder.
reciprocating blade holder can pinch your
fingers.
Do not use dull or damaged blades. Bent
blade can break easily or cause kickback.
Before starting to cut, turn tool "ON" and
allow the blade to come to full speed.
Tool can chatter or vibrate if blade speed is
too slow at beginning of cut and possibly
kickback.
Always wear safety goggles or eye
protection when using this tool. Use a
dust mask or respirator for applications
which generate dust.
Secure material before cutting. Never
hold it in your hand or across legs.
or thin material may flex or vibrate with the
blade, causing loss of control.
-3-
The
Small
Make certain all adjusting screws and the
blade holder are tight before making a
cut.
Loose adjusting screws and holders
can cause the tool or blade to slip and loss of
control may result.
When removing the blade from the tool
avoid contact with skin and use proper
protective gloves when grasping the
blade or accessory.
hot after prolonged use.
When using the saw hook always be
aware that the the blade is exposed.
Always hang the tool in an area where
yourself and bystandards can not accidently
make contact with the blade.
Accessories may be
!
WARNING
grinding, drilling, and other construction
activities contains chemicals known to
cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Some examples of
these chemicals are:
• Lead from lead-based paints,
• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement
and other masonry products, and
• Arsenic and chromium from chemicallytreated 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.
Some dust created by
power sanding, sawing,
-4-
Symbols
A
0
A
A
0
A
IMPORTANT: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them
and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the
tool better and safer.
Symbol Name Designation/Explanation
V Volts Voltage (potential)
A Amperes Current
Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)
W Watt Power
kg Kilograms Weight
min Minutes Time
s Seconds Time
Diameter Size of drill bits, grinding wheels, etc.
n
0
.../min Revolutions or reciprocation per minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed,
0 Off position Zero speed, zero torque...
1, 2, 3, ... Selector settings Speed, torque or position settings.
I, II, III, Higher number means greater speed
No load speed Rotational speed, at no load
orbits etc. per minute
Infinitely variable selector with off Speed is increasing from 0 setting
Arrow Action in the direction of arrow
Alternating current Type or a characteristic of current
Direct current Type or a characteristic of current
Alternating or direct current Type or a characteristic of current
Class II construction Designates Double Insulated
Construction tools.
Earthing terminal Grounding terminal
Warning symbol Alerts user to warning messages
Ni-Cad RBRC seal Designates Ni-Cad battery recycling
program
This symbol designates
that this tool is listed by
Underwriters Laboratories.
This symbol designates
that this tool is listed by
the Canadian Standards
Association.
This symbol designates that this tool is listed by
Intertek Testing Services.
This symbol designates
that this tool is listed to
Canadian Standards by
Underwriters Laboratories.
This symbol designates that
this tool is listed by
Underwriters Laboratories,
and listed to Canadian
Standards by Underwriters
Laboratories.
This symbol
designates
that
this tool
complies
to NOM
Mexican
Standards.
-5-
Functional Description and Specifications
WARNING
!
Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any
assembly, adjustments or changing accessories
measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
Reciprocating Saw
FIG. 1
SAW BLADE
LockJaw™ BLADE HOLDER
RUBBER BOOT
PIVOTING
FOOTPLATE
FOOTPLATE
RELEASE
BUTTON
. Such preventive safety
DUAL SPEED
SELECTOR SWITCH
VARIABLE
SPEED
CONTROLLED
TRIGGER
SAW HOOK
JOB-LIGHT
AIR VENT
DIRECT CORD
CONNECT SYSTEM
NOTE: For tool specifications refer to the nameplate on your tool.
-6-
RUBBERIZED
SOFT GRIP
Assembly
Preparing the Saw
No one blade can be efficient on all cutting
jobs. Different materials require specially
designed blades. Since your reciprocating saw
can cut so many materials, many types of
BOSCH blades are available. Be sure to use
the proper blade to insure proper cutting
performance.
WARNING
!
or making any adjustments.
1. Insert the blade into the LockJaw™ blade
holder until the locking collar automatically
rotates clockwise and locks the blade in place
(Fig. 2).
automatically, rotate the locking collar counter-
FIG. 2
BLADE SELECTION
INSTALLING A BLADE
Unplug tool from power
source before changing blade
Note: if the blade will not lock
LOCKING
COLLAR
BLADE HOLDER
BLADE
LockJaw
™
clockwise until it clicks and locks in the open
position (Fig. 3).
2 Push in and pull out on the blade to be
sure the pin in the clamp housing goes
through the hole in the blade to hold the blade
securely. The blade may be inserted with the
teeth facing down or up.
3. To remove the blade, rotate the locking
collar counter-clockwise and the blade will
automatically eject from the LockJaw™ blade
holder and lock the collar in the open position.
WARNING
!
the footplate for the entire stroke length. Do
not use specialty blades that are very short or
those with a significant cant. Blade must not
contact footplate. A blade which is too short or
canted could jam inside the foot and snap.
Make sure that the front end
of the blade extends through
FIG. 3
Open
Position
LOCKING
COLLAR
Operating Instructions
INSTALLING POWER CORD
Recommended:
WARNING
!
do not use extension cords that have
receptacles bodies with sides that taper
To reduce the risk of
injury and tool damage,
towards the end of the receptacle.
this extension cord type may result in an
intermittent electrical connection and cause
arcing.
Only use extension cords that are UL Listed.
For best performance, use BOSCH
extension cords.
WARNING
!
CONFIGURED TO BE USED WITH 12AWG
SJ CORD, MAXIMUM LENGTH OF 50
FEET. INSPECT THE CORD, DO NOT USE
IF DAMAGED.
DIRECT CORD CONNECT
SYSTEM HAS BEEN
-7-
Use of
1. Loop cord as shown in figure 4.
FIG. 4
2. Insert looped end of cord through slot in
handle and loop cord into channel provided
in handle as shown figure. 5).
SPRING CLIP
FIG. 5
ATTENTION: before inserting plug into
handle, always make sure you leave enough
cord at plug end to avoid tension on plug
when inserted into tool.
3. Push end of plug through spring clip and
into female outlet in handle as shown in
figure 6.
SPRING CLIP
FIG. 6
ATTENTION: Insure your cord is completely
inserted into the handle and that it is fully
seated against the Direct Connect end plug.
4 To remove plug from tool, simply remove
from outlet and pull away from spring clip.
NOTE: If the spring clip does not securely
hold the plug it may be necessary to lightly
squeeze the clip together with a pliers.
If you have any questions or experience a
problem with your Direct Connect system,
contact us at 1-877-BOSCH99 or visit
www.boschtools.com.
VARIABLE SPEED CONTROLLED
TRIGGER SWITCH
Your tool is equipped with a variable speed
controlled trigger switch. The tool can be
turned "ON" or "OFF" by squeezing or
releasing the trigger. The blade plunger stroke
rate can be adjusted from the minimum to
maximum nameplate stroke rate by the
pressure you apply to the trigger. Apply more
pressure to increase the speed and release
pressure to decrease speed (Fig. 1).
DUAL SPEED SELECTOR SWITCH
Your tool is equipped with two separate gear
ranges, low gear and high gear. Low gear
FOOTPLATE ADJUSTMENT
The footplate tilts in order to keep as much of
its surface in contact with the work surface
Fig. 7 (a).
The footplate assembly can also be locked
into one of three projection positions to
optimize blade life and/or to reduce blade
protrusion beyond the end of the footplate,
such as when cutting into large diameter pipe
provides slower cutting speeds for cutting
hard materials such as metals or thin sheet
metals. High gear provides faster speeds for
cutting soft materials such as wood, plastics,
etc. and when fast cutting is more important
than a clean cut.
To change speeds slide switch, to the high or
low position (Fig. 1).
JOB-LIGHT
Your tool is also equipped with a Job-light for
better visibility during operation (Fig. 1).
When the tool is plugged in, the light will turn
on automatically and stay on until the plug has
been removed from the power source.
or into walls. To adjust the footplate position,
simply push the footplate release button and
move the footplate into the desired position.
The locking mechanism is spring-loaded to
lock into one of the 3 positions on the
footplate assembly. If the footplate is pulled
out so far that a notch shows at the other end
of the shaft, the footplate assembly is
extended too far out, and must be retracted to
the one of the 3 positions Fig. 7 (b).
-8-
WARNING
!
It will cause the footplate to release from the
desired settings and you may lose control and
be injured.
Do not push the footplate
release button while sawing.
(a)
FIG. 7
(b)
WARNING
!
beyond the footplate and all the way through
the workpiece throughout the stroke. Blades
may shatter if the blade hits the footplate or
hits the work at an angle that is nearly headon (Fig. 8).
To reduce the risk of injury,
be sure the blade extends
FIG. 8
SAW HOOK
Your tool is equipped with a convenient saw
hook for hanging your tool. To use, simply
lift up hook until it snaps into the open
position (Fig. 9).
When not in use, always lower hook until it
snaps into the closed position.
Using the Saw
1. Securely clamp the work.
2. Mark the line of cut and grasp the tool with
one hand on the handle and the other
placed on the insulated rubber boot over
the front housing.
WARNING
!
housing. If you saw into a blind area where
live wiring exists, you may be shocked or
electrocuted.
3. Keep the saw footplate firmly against the
work to minimize counter-force (jumping)
and vibration.
4. Squeeze the trigger to start the tool. Let the
saw reach full speed before starting the cut.
Always hold the saw by the
insulated boot on the front
FIG. 9
Guide the saw so that the blade will move
along the marked line.
Following a few simple tips will reduce the
wear on the workpiece, the tool and the
operator.
1. Blades cut on the draw or back stroke. On
fine work, such as paneling, fiberglass, etc.,
place the good side of workpiece facing
down.
Use the correct saw blade for the material
2.
being cut and keep extra blades on hand to
use when others become dull. Replace
cracked or bent blades immediately.
3. Select the appropriate cutting speed.
SAWING TIPS
SAW
HOOK
-9-
WARNING
!
extends beyond the footplate and work
throughout the stroke. Blades may shatter if
the front on the blade hits the work and/or the
footplate.
WRONG RIGHT
The reciprocating saw can be used to make
plunge cuts into softer material, (for example,
wood or light building materials for walls),
without a starting hole (Fig. 10).
1. Mark the line to be cut clearly on the work.
2. Set the tool with one edge of the footplate
firmly against the material.
3. Place the tip of the blade (not running) on the
line to be cut.
4. Tilt the saw so that the blade clears the work.
5. Squeeze the trigger switch and carefully
engage the moving saw blade into the material.
6. After the blade penetrates through the work,
continue sawing along the marked outline.
To make plunge cutting easier, use a heavy
gauge blade, install the blade with the teeth
facing upward, and hold the saw upside down
as shown (Fig. 11).
Do not plunge cut in metal surfaces.
In thick materials and in harder materials,
such as metal, plunge cutting should not be
attempted. Such materials can be cut with the
recip saw only by starting the cut from the
edge of the material or from a hole drilled all
the way through the material that is large
enough to fit the saw blade.
WARNING
!
may create a hazard.
To reduce the risk of injury,
be sure the blade always
POCKET CUTS
POCKET/PLUNGE CUTS
NOTES:
The use of any accessories
not specified in this manual
4. When cutting metal:
- Apply a lubricant for easier, smoother,
faster cutting and longer blade life.
- For non-ferrous metals, aluminum,
bronze or brass, use a stick wax on the
blade.
- For ferrous metals, iron and steel, use
machine or cutting oil along the surface
to be cut.
5. When cutting thin metal, "sandwich" the
material between two pieces of scrap wood.
Clamp or put in a bench vise. One piece of
lumber on top of the metal can be used with
adequate clamping. Place your cut lines or
design on the wood.
6. Don’t force the cutting. Let the saw and
blade do the work.
FIG. 10
FIG. 11
-10-
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