Operator's Manual
CRAFTSMAN
15 Amp - 3 HP (Max. Developed)
12" Blade
4000 R.P.M.
LASER COMPOUND MITER SAW
With Retractable Laser Trac® System
Model 137.212150
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CAUTION:
Before using this Miter Saw,
read this manual and follow
all its Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions
Customer Help Line
Safety Instructions
Installation
Operation
Maintenance
Parts List
1-800-843-1682
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
Part No. 137212150001
SECTION PAGE
Warranty ........................................ 2
Product Specifications ....................... 2
Power ToolSafety ............................ 3
Compound Miter Saw Safety ............... 4
Electrical Requirements and Safety ...... 4-5
Accessories and Attachments .............. 6
Tools Needed For Assembly ................ 6
Carton Contents .............................. 7
SECTION PAGE
Know Your Compound Miter Saw ........ 8
Glossary of Terms ............................ 9
Assembly ....................................... 10
Assembly & Adjustments ................... 11
Operation ....................................... 16
Maintenance ................................... 22
Troubleshooting Guide ....................... 23
Parts List ......................................... 24
FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY
If this tool fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within one year of date of purchase, Sears will
at its option repair or replace it free of charge.
Return this tool to a Sears Service Center for repair, or to place of purchase for replacement.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from
state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling and other construction activities contains chemicals known
(to the State of California) to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals
are:
• Lead from lead-based paints
• Crystalline silica from bricks, cement and other masonry products
• 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 dust masks that are
specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
MOTOR
Power Source ......................... 120 V AC, 60HZ, 15 Amp
Horsepower ............................ 3HP (Max. Developed)
Speed ..................................... 4000 RPM (No load)
Brake ..................................... Electric
Double Insulated ........................ Yes
Motor Arbor Shaft Size .............. 5/8"
MITER SAW
Cutting Capacity:
Crosscut ............................ 2-1/2" x 7-7/8" ;
Miter 45° R.& L ................... 2-1/2" x 5-1/2" ;
Bevel 45° L ........................ 1-3/4" x 7-7/8";
45° Miter and 45° Bevel ......... 1-3/4" x 5-1/2";
3-7/8" x 5-7/8"
3-7/8" x 4-1/8"
2-3/4" x 5-7/8"
2-3/4" x 4-1/8"
BLADE SIZE
Diameter .............................. 12"
Blade Arbor Size .................... 1"w/a 5/8" Reducer
Rotating Table:
Diameter .............................. 13-1/2"
Miter Detent Stops..... 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, 45 °
Bevel Positive Stops ............... 0, 33.9, 45° Left
Base Dimensions ................... 23" x 16-3/4"
Dust Bag ............................... Yes
Extension Wings .................... Yes
Sliding Fence ........................ Yes
Net Weight 47 Ibs
............. R&L
To avoid electrical hazards, fire hazards or damage to the tool, use proper circuit protection.
This tool is wired at the factory for 110-120 Volt operation. It must be connected to a 110-120 Volt / 15 Ampere time delay
fuse or circuit breaker. To avoid shock or fire, replace power cord immediately if it is worn, cut or damaged in any way.
Before using your tool, it is critical that you read and understand these safety rules. Failure to follow these rules could
result in serious injury to you or damage to the tool.
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE USING THE MITER SAW
Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert
and knowing how to use your miter saw.
To avoid mistakes that could cause serious injury, do not
plug the tool in until you have read and understood the
following.
.
READ and become familiar with the entire Operators
Manual. LEARN the tool's application, limitations and
possible hazards.
.
KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order.
3.
REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES.
Form the habit of checking to see that keys and
adjusting wrenches are removed from the tool before
turning ON.
.
KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and
benches invite accidents.
5. DON'T USE IN DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS.
Don't use power tools in damp locations, or expose
them to rain or snow. Keep work area well lighted.
6. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. All visitors and bystanders
should be kept a safe distance from work area.
7. MAKE WORKSHOP CHILD PROOF with padlocks,
master switches, or by removing starter keys.
8. DON'T FORCE THE TOOL. It will do the job better
and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
9. USE THE RIGHT TOOL. Do not force the tool or an
attachment to do a job for which it was not designed.
10.USE PROPER EXTENSION CORDS. Make sure
your extension cord is in good condition. When using
an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough
to carry the current your product will draw. An
undersized cord will result in a drop in line voltage
and in loss of power which will cause the tool to
overheat. The table on page 5 shows the correct size
to use depending on cord length and nameplate
ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.
The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.
could cause permanent eye damage.
ALWAYS wear Safety Goggles (not
glasses) that comply with ANSI Safety
standard Z87.1 Everyday eyeglasses
have only impact-resistance lenses.
They ARE NOT safety glasses. Safety Goggles are
available at Sears. NOTE: Glasses or goggles not in
compliance with ANSI Z87.1 could seriously injure
you when they break.
13.WEAR A FACE MASK OR DUST MASK. Sawing
operation produces dust.
14.SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold work
when practical. It's safer than using your hand and it
frees both hands to operate tool.
15.DISCONNECT TOOLS before the servicing, and
when changing accessories such as blades, bits and
cutters.
16.REDUCE THE RISK OF UNINTENTIONAL
STARTING. Make sure switch is in the OFF position
before plugging the tool in.
17.USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. Consult this
Operators Manual for recommended accessories.
The use of improper accessories may cause risk of
injury to yourself or others.
18.NEVER STAND ON THE TOOL. Serious injury could
occur if the tool is tipped or if the cutting tool is
unintentionally contacted.
19.CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS. Before further use
of the tool, a guard or other part that is damaged
should be carefully checked to determine that it will
operate properly and perform its intended function -
check for alignment of moving parts, binding of
moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and any
other conditions that may affect its operation. A guard
or other part that is damaged should be properly
repaired or replaced.
20.NEVER LEAVE THE TOOL RUNNING UNATTENED.
TURN THE POWER "OFF". Don't walk away from a
running tool until the blade comes to a complete stop
& unplug the unit.
21. DON'T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times.
11.WEAR PROPER APPAREL. Do not wear loose
clothing, gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets, or other
jewelry which may get caught in moving parts.
Nonslip footwear is recommended. Wear protective
hair covering to contain long hair.
12.ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION. Any power tool
can throw foreign objects into the eyes and
22. MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp
and clean for best and safest performance. Follow
instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
23.WARNING: Dust generated from certain materials
can be hazardous to your health. Always operate saw
in well-ventilated area and provide for proper dust
removal.
. USE ONLY CROSS-CUTTING SAW BLADES. When
using carbide tipped blades, make sure they have a
negative hook angle. IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE
THIN KERF BLADES- they can deflect and contact
guard and can cause possible injury to the operator.
2. DO NOT operate the miter saw until it is completely
assembled and installed according to these
instructions.
.
IF YOU ARE NOT thoroughly familiar with the
operation of miter saws, seek guidance from your
supervisor, instructor, or other qualified person.
.
ALWAYS hold the work firmly against the fence and
table. DO NOT perform any operation free hand (use
clamp wherever possible).
.
KEEP HANDS out of the path of the saw blade. If the
workpiece you are cutting would cause your hands to
be within 8-1/2" inches of the saw blade, the
workpiece should be clamped in place before making
the cut.
6. BE SURE the blade is sharp, runs freely, and is free
of vibration.
7. ALLOW the motor to come up to full speed before
starting a cut.
8. KEEP THE MOTOR AIR SLOTS CLEAN and free of
chips or dust.
9. ALWAYS MAKE SURE all handles are tight before
cutting, even if the table is positioned in one of the
positive stops.
10.BE SURE both the blade and the collar are clean and
the arbor bolt is tightened securely.
11. USE only blade collars specified for your saw.
12. NEVER use blades larger or smaller in diameter
than 12-inches.
13. NEVER apply lubricants to the blade when it is
running.
14. ALWAYS check the blade for cracks or damage
before operation. Replace a cracked or damaged
blade immediately.
15. NEVER use blades recommended for operation at
less than 4000 RPM.
16. USE the blade guards at all times.
17.ALWAYS keep the blade guards in place.
20. IMPORTANT: After completing the cut, release the
power switch and wait for the blade to stop before
returning the saw to the raised position.
21.MAKE SURE the blade has come to a complete stop
before removing or securing the workpiece, changing
the workpiece angle, or changing the angle of the
blade.
22. NEVER cut metals or masonry products with this tool.
This miter saw is designed for use on wood and
wood-like products.
23.NEVER cut small pieces. If the workpiece being cut
would cause your hand or fingers to be within 8-1/2"
inches of the saw blade the workpiece is too small.
24.PROVIDE adequate support to the sides of the saw
table for long work pieces.
25.NEVER use the miter saw in an area with flammable
liquids or gases.
26.NEVER use solvents to clean plastic parts. Solvents
could possibly dissolve or otherwise damage the
material.
27.SHUT OFF the power before servicing or adjusting
the tool.
28. DISCONNECT the saw from the power source and
clean the machine when finished using.
29.MAKE SURE the work area is clean before leaving
the machine.
30.SHOULD any part of your miter saw be missing,
damaged, or fail in any way, or any electrical
component fail to perform properly, shut off the switch
and remove the plug from the power supply outlet.
Replace missing, damaged, or failed parts before
resuming operation.
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
POWER SUPPLY AND MOTOR
SPECIFICATIONS
The AC motor used in this saw is a universal,
nonreversible type. See "MOTOR" in the "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" section on page 2.
18.NEVER reach around the saw blade.
19.MAKE SURE the blade is not contacting the
workpiece before the switch is turned ON.
To avoid electrical hazards, fire hazards, or damage to
the tool, use proper circuit protection. Your saw is wired
at the factory for 120V operation. Connect to a 120V, 15
Amp circuit and use a 15 amp. time delay fuse or circuit
breaker. To avoid shock or fire, if power cord is worn or
cut, or damaged in any way, have it replaced
immediately.
DOUBLEINSULATED[]
Thepowertoolisdoubleinsulatedtoprovideadouble
thicknessofinsulationbetweenyouandtool'selectrical
system.Allexposedmetalpartsareisolatedfromthe
internalmetalmotorcomponentswithprotectinginsulation.
Replacementparts- Whenservicinguseonlyidentical
replacementparts.
Polarizedplugs- Thissawhasaplugthatlookslikethe
oneshownbelow:
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To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this saw has 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 outlet, reverse the plug. If it still
does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the
proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.
Double insulation does not take the place of normal safety
precautions when operating this tool.
To avoid electrocution:
1. Use only identical replacement parts when servicing a
tool with double insulation. Servicing should be performed
by a qualified technician.
2. Do not use power tools in wet or damp locations or
expose them to rain or snow.
This tool is intended for indoor use only.
MOTOR SAFETY PROTECTION
IM PORTANT:
To avoid motor damage, the motor should be blown out or
vacuumed frequently to keep sawdust from interfering with
the motor ventilation.
1.CONNECT this saw to a 120V, 15 amp. circuit with a 15
amp. time delay fuse or circuit breaker. Using the wrong
size fuse can damage the motor.
2. If the motor won't start, release the trigger switch
immediately. UNPLUG THE SAW. Check the saw blade
to make sure it turns freely. If the blade is free, try to
start the saw again. If the motor still does not start, refer
to the "TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE"
3. IF the tool suddenly stalls while cutting wood, release
the trigger switch, unplug the tool, and free the blade
from the wood. The saw may now be started and the cut
finished.
4. FUSES may "blow" or circuit breakers may trip
frequently if:
a. MOTOR is overloaded - overloading can occur if
you feed too rapidly or make too many start/stops
in a short time.
b. LINE VOLTAGE is more than 10% above or below
the nameplate voltage rating. For heavy loads, the
voltage at motor terminals must equal the voltage
specified on the nameplate.
c. IMPROPER or dull saw blades are used.
5. Most motor troubles may be traced to loose or incorrect
connections, overload, low voltage or inadequate power
supply wiring. Always check the connections, the load
and supply circuit if the motor doesn't run well. Check
minimum gauge for the length of cord you are using on
the chart below.
GUIDELINES FOR EXTENSION CORDS
Use a proper extension cord. Make sure your extension
cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord,
be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your
product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in
line voltage, resulting in loss of power and cause
overheating. The table below shows the correct size to use
depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If
in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the
gauge number, the heavier the cord.
Be sure your extension cord is properly wired and in
good condition. Always replace a damaged extension cord
or have it repaired by a qualified person before using it.
Protect your extension cords from sharp objects, excessive
heat and damp or wet areas.
Use a separate electrical circuit for your tools. This
circuit must not be less than # 12 wire and should be
protected with a 15 Amp time delay fuse. Before
connecting the tool to the power line, make sure the switch
is in the OFF position and the electric current is rated the
same as the current stamped on the motor nameplate,
running at a lower voltage will damage the motor.
(When using 120 volts only)
Ampere Rating Total length of cord in feet
morethan notmorethan 25' 50' 100' 150'
0 6 18 16 16 14
6 10 18 16 14 12
10 12 16 16 14 12
12 16 14 12 notrecommended
CAUTION: In all cases make certain the receptacle in
question is properly grounded. If you are not sure have a
certified electrician, check the receptacle.
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
• Use only accessories recommended for this miter saw.
Follow instructions that accompany accessories. Use
of improper accessories may cause hazards.
• The use of any cutting tool except 12 inch saw blades
that meet the requirements under recommended
accessories is prohibited. Do not use accessories such
as shaper cutters or dado sets. Ferrous metal cutting,
the use of abrasive wheels and the cutting of masonry
products are prohibited.
• Do not attempt to modify this tool or create
accessories not recommended for use with this tool.
Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could
result in a hazardous condition leading to possible
serious injury.
ACCESSORIES
Visit your Sears Hardware Department or see the Sears
Power and Hand Tool Catalog to purchase recommended
accessories for this power tool.
To avoid the risk of personal injury, do not modify this
power tool or use accessories not recommended by Sears.
Phillips scre_river
Read warnings and conditions on your CARBIDE TIPPED
SAW BLADE. Do not operate the saw without the proper
saw blade guard in place. Carbide is a very hard but brittle
material. Care should be taken while mounting, using, and
storing carbide tipped blades to prevent accidental
damage. Slight shocks, such as striking the tip while
handling, can seriously damage the blade. Foreign objects
in the workpiece, such as wire or nails, can also cause tips
to crack or break off. Before using, always visually
examine the blade and tips for bent teeth, cracks,
breakage, missing or loose tips, or other damage. Do not
use if damage is suspected. Failure to heed safety
instructions and warnings can result in serious bodily
injury.
UNPACKING YOUR MITER SAW
To avoid injury from unexpected starting or electrical
shock, do not plug the power cord into a source of power
during unpacking and assembly. This cord must remain
unplugged whenever you are working on the saw.
1. Remove the miter saw from the carton. IMPORTANT:
Do not lift the miter saw by the switch handle or
miter table handle. It may cause misalignment.
Always lift the machine by the built in carry handle.
2. Place the saw on a secure stationary work surface.
Blade Wrench
(Stored behind
carry handle)
Dust Collector
Elbow
.
Separate all parts from the packing material. Check
each one with the illustration to make certain all
items are accounted for, before discarding any
packing material.
If any part is missing or damaged, do not attempt to
assemble the miter saw, or plug in the power cord until
the missing or damaged part is correctly replaced. To
avoid electric shock, use only identical replacement parts
when servicing double insulated tools.
Dust Bag
Miter Saw
Left & Right
Extension Wings
Hold-down Clamp
_ Lock Knobs
Lock Knobs
o e o o Flat Washers
-- Extension Wing
Screws
Arm Brackets
7
Safety Lock-OFF Button
Power Cord Storage Clips
Upper Blade Guard
Laser guide
ON / OFF Trigger Switch
Cutting Head Handle
Handle Locking Lever
Arbor Lock
Saw Blade
Sliding Fence
Extension
Left Extension
ig
Base
Bevel Lock Handle
Lower Blade Guard
Bevel Scale
Positive Stop
Locking Lever
Motor
Dust Bag
Hold Down Clamp
Fence Arm Bracket
o
/
Table
Mounting Holes Right Extension Wing
Miter Handle
Quick-Cam Miter
Lock Handle
8
CRAFTSMAN COMPOUND MITER SAW
TERMS
ARBOR LOCK - Allows the user to keep the blade from
rotating while tightening or loosening the arbor locking bolt
during blade replacement or removal.
BASE - Supports the table, holds accessories and allows
for workbench or leg set mounting.
BEVEL LOCKING HANDLE - Locks the miter saw at a
desired bevel angle.
BEVEL SCALE - To measure the bevel angle of the saw
blade 0° to 45 ° left.
COVER PLATE SCREW - Loosen this screw and rotate
the plate for access to the blade arbor locking bolt.
DUST CHUTE - Exhausts debris away from the user.
EXTENSION WING - Extends the width of the work table
for support while cutting long work pieces. They can be
used with or without a stop block as an additional side
fence.
FENCE - Helps to keep the workpiece from moving when
sawing. Scaled to assist with accurate cutting.
SAFETY LOCK-OFF BUTTON - Yellow button on handle
must be pushed forward to activate the trigger switch.
trigger switch and a safety lock-off slide switch. The
blade is lowered into the workpiece by pushing down on
the handle. The saw will return to its upright position when
the handle is released.
WARNING LABELS - Read and understand for your own
safety. Always make certain these are in place & legible.
WRENCH STORAGE - Convenient storage to prevent
misplacing the blade wrench.
WOODWORKING TERMS
ARBOR - The shaft on which a blade is mounted.
BEVEL CUT - An angle cut made through the face of the
workpiece.
COMPOUND CUT- A simultaneous bevel and miter cut.
CROSS CUT - A cut made across the width or grain of the
workpiece.
FREEHAND - Performing a cut without using a fence
(guide), hold down or other proper device to prevent the
workpiece from twisting during the cutting operation.
LOWER BLADE GUARD - Helps protect your hands from
the blade in the raised position, it retracts as the blade is
lowered.
MITER HANDLE - Used to rotate the saw to the right or
left cutting position.
MITER SCALE - To measure the miter angle 0° to 45° left,
0° to 45° right.
MOUNTING HOLES - To mount the miter saw to a stable
surface.
ON/OFF TRIGGER SWITCH - To prevent the trigger from
being accidentally engaged, a lock-off slide switch is
provided. To start the tool, push the lock-off slide switch
forward and squeeze the trigger. Release the trigger to
stop the miter saw.
POSITIVE STOP LOCKING LEVER- Used in combination
with the miter handle, it locks the miter saw at a preset
positive stop for the desired miter angle.
STOP LATCH - Locks the miter saw in the lowered
position for compact storage and transportation.
SWITCH HANDLE - The cutting head handle contains the
GUM -A sticky sap from wood products.
HEEL - Misalignment of the blade.
KERF - The amount of material removed by blade cut.
MITER CUT - An angle cut made across the width or grain
of the workpiece.
RESIN -A sticky sap that has hardened.
REVOLUTIONS PER MINUTE (RPM) - The number of
turns completed by a spinning object in one minute.
SAW BLADE PATH - The area of the workpiece or table
top directly in line with the travel of the blade or the part of
the workpiece which will be cut.
SET - The distance between two saw blade tips, bent
outward in opposite directions to each other. The further
apart the tips are, the greater the set.
WORKPIECE - The item being cut. The surfaces of a
workpiece are commonly referred to as faces, ends, and
edges.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
To avoid injury, do not connect this miter saw to the
power source until it is completely assembled and
adjusted, and you have read and understood this
Operators Manual.
INSTALLING EXTENSION WINGS & ARM
BRACKETS (FIG. A)
1. Slide the extension wing (1) into the mounting holes
(2) of the saw base.
2. Thread the locking screw (3) into the extension wing
then tighten with a Phillips screwdriver.
3. Place one flat washer (4) onto one lock knob (5),
insert through the arm bracket (6) and thread into the
extension wing. Repeat for second lock knob.
4. Thread the extension wing lock knob (7) into the
threaded hole in the base (8) to lock the extension
wing into place.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for right side extension.
NOTE: The arm brackets serve two purposes: To act
as a stop block for repetitive cuts and to level the
workpiece when the extension wings are fully extended
for additional work support (see Operation for details).
Fig. B
INSTALLING THE DUST BAG (Fig. C)
1. Squeeze the metal collar wings (1) of the dust bag
(2).
1. Place the dust bag neck opening around the exhaust
port (3), and release the metal collar wings.
Fig. C
Fig. A
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3
6
4 1
5
INSTALLING THE DUST COLLECTION ELBOW
(Fig. B)
1. Install the larger end of the elbow (1) onto the
exhaust port (2).
NOTE: The elbow can be used to attach either the dust
bag or a vacuum hose to remove sawdust from the
work area.
INSTALLING THE HOLD-DOWN CLAMP (Fig. D)
1. Loosen two lock knobs (1) in each side on the rear
of the saw base (2).
.
Place the Hold-down Clamp (3) on either the left or
right mounting hole (4).
3.
Tighten the lock knob to secure the clamp in place.
4
Fig. D
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