
Operator's Manual
12 in. COMPOUND MITER SAW
WiTH LASER TRAC ®
Model No. 137.212170
6)
CAUTION:
Before using this Miter Saw,
read this manual and follow
all its Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions
Customer Help Line
For Techr|ical Support
1-800-843-1682
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
Part No. 137212170001 Printed in China
• Safety Instructions
• Installation
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts List
Sears Parts &
Repair Center
1-800-488=1222

SECTION PAGE
Warranty ............................................................. 2
Product Specifications ........................................ 2
Power Tool Safety .............................................. 4
Compound Miter Saw Safety .............................. 5
Electrical Requirements and Safety .................... 5
Accessories and Attachments ............................ 7
Tools Needed for Assembly ................................ 7
Carton Contents .................................................. 8
SECTION PAGE
Know Your Compound Miter Saw ....................... 9
Glossary of Terms ............................................... 10
Assembly and Adjustments ................................. 11
Operation ............................................................ 17
Maintenance ....................................................... 23
Troubleshooting Guide ........................................ 24
Parts List ............................................................. 25
CRAFTSMAN ONE YEAR FULL WARRANTY
If this Craftsman tool fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within one year from the date of purchase,
call 1-800-4-MY-HOME® to arrange for free repair (or replacement if repair proves impossible).
This warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase if this product is ever used for commercial or
rental purposes.
This warranty does not include expendable parts, such as lamps, batteries, bits or blades.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
,_ WARNING]
;ome 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:
o Lead from lead-based paints
o 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 ...................... 120V AC, 60Hz, 15 Amp
Arbor Shaft Size .................. 5/8 in. (with 1 in. adaptor)
Speed .................................. 4200 RPM (No load)
Brake ................................... Electric
Double Insulated .................. Yes
MITER SAW
Rotating Table:
Miter Detent Stops ................ 0°, 15°, 22.5°,31.6°, 45° R & L
Bevel Positive Stops ............. 0°, 33.9, 45° L
Cutting Capacity:
Crosscut ................................... 2-1/2 in. x 7-5/8 in.
4 in. x 4 in.
Miter 45° R & L ......................... 2-1/2 in. x 5-1/2 in.
Bevel 45° L ............................... 1-3/4 in. x 7-5/8 in.
45 ° Miter and 45° Bevel ............ 1-3/4 in. x 5-1/2 in.
Extension Wings ....................... 2
[_ WARNING]
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.
2
2007/04

WARNING iCONS
Your power tool and its Owner's Manual may contain "WARNING iCONS" (a picture symbol intended to alert
you to, and/or instruct you how to avoid, a potentially hazardous condition). Understanding and heeding these
symbols will help you operate your tool better and safer. Shown below are some of the symbols you may see.
SAFETY ALERT: Precautions that involve your safety.
PROHiBiTiON
®
O
WEAR EYE PROTECTION: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields.
READ AND UNDERSTAND iNSTRUCTiON MANUAL: To reduce the risk of injury, user and all bystanders
must read and understand instruction manual before using this product.
KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM BLADE: Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in serious
personal injury.
SUPPORT AND CLAMP WORK
i_,, DANGER i
i,A WARNING 1
DANGER: indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death
or serious injury.
WARNING: indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
iA CAuTIoNi
[ CAUTION ]
CAUTION: indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor
or moderate injury.
CAUTION: used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.

GENERAL SAFETY iNSTRUCTiONS
BEFORE USING THiS POWER TOOL
Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert
and knowing how to use your power tool.
[,_ WARNING]
To avoid mistakes that could cause serious injury,
do not plug the tool in until you have read and
understood the following.
,
2. KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order.
, 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.
4. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and
benches invite accidents.
5. DO NOT USE IN DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS.
Do not use power tools in damp locations, or expose
them to rain or snow. Keep work area well lit.
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. DO NOT 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.
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.
READ and become familiar with the
entire Operator's Manual. LEARN the
tool's application, limitations and possible
hazards.
12._ ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION. Any
power tool can throw foreign objects into
the eyes and could cause permanent eye
damage. ALWAYS wear Safety Goggles
(not glasses) that comply with ANSI Safety standard
Z87.1. Everyday eyeglasses have only impact-
resistant 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 is safer than
using your hand and it frees both hands to
operate the tool.
15.
DISCONNECT TOOLS FROM POWER SOURCE
before 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 Operator's 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.
NEVER LEAVE THE TOOL RUNNING
20.
UNATTENDED. TURN THE POWER "OFF". Do
not walk away from a running tool until the blade
comes to a complete stop and the tool is unplugged
from the power source,
21.
DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times.
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.
4

SPECiFiC SAFETY iNSTRUCTiONS FOR THiS
COMPOUND MITER SAW
1. DO NOT operate the miter saw until it is completely
assembled and installed according to these
instructions.
2. iF YOU ARE NOT thoroughly familiar with the
operation of miter saws, seek guidance from your
supervisor, instructor or other qualified person.
3. 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 8-3/4 in. of the saw blade, the
workpiece should be clamped in place before
making the cut.
5. BE SURE the blade is sharp, runs freely and is free
of vibration.
6. ALLOW the motor to come up to full speed before
starting a cut.
18. iMPORTANT: After completing the cut, release
the trigger and wait for the blade to stop before
returning the saw to the raised position.
19.
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.
20. NEVER cut metals or masonry products with this
tool. This miter saw is designed for use on wood
and wood-like products.
21. NEVER cut small pieces. If the workpiece being cut
would cause your hand or fingers to be within 8-3/4
in. of the saw blade the workpiece is too small.
22. PROVIDE adequate support to the sides of the saw
table for long work pieces,
23. NEVER use the miter saw in an area with flammable
liquids or gases.
24. NEVER use solvents to clean plastic parts. Solvents
could possibly dissolve or otherwise damage the
material.
7. KEEP THE MOTOR AiR SLOTS CLEAN and free
of chips or dust.
8. ALWAYS MAKE SURE all handles are tight before
cutting, even if the table is positioned in one of the
positive stops.
9. BE SURE both the blade and the collar are clean
and the arbor bolt is tightened securely.
10. USE only blade collars specified for your saw.
11. NEVER use blades larger in diameter than 12
inches.
12. NEVER apply lubricants to the blade when it is
running.
13. ALWAYS check the blade for cracks or damage
before operation. Replace a cracked or damaged
blade immediately.
14. NEVER use blades recommended for operation at
less than 4200 RPM.
15. ALWAYS keep the blade guards in place and use at
all times.
16. NEVER reach around the saw blade.
17. MAKE SURE the blade is not contacting the
workpiece before the switch is turned ON.
25. SHUT OFF the power before servicing or adjusting
the tool.
26. DISCONNECT the saw from the power source and
clean the machine when finished using.
27. MAKE SURE the work area is clean before leaving
the machine.
28.
SHOULD any part of your miter saw be missing,
damaged, or fail in any way, or any electrical
component fail to perform properly, lock the switch
and remove the plug from the power supply outlet.
Replace missing, damaged, or failed parts before
resuming operation.
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.
I_ WARNING]
To avoid electrical hazards, fire hazards, or damage
to the tool, use proper circuit protection. Your saw
is wired at the factory for 120 V operation. Connect
to a 120 V, 15 A circuit and use a 15 A 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.
5

ELECTRICALREQUIREMENTS- cont'd
DOUBLE INSULATED []
The power tool is double insulated to provide a double
thickness of insulation between you and tool's electrical
system. All exposed metal parts are isolated from
the internal metal motor components with protecting
insulation.
Replacement parts - When servicing, use only
identical replacement parts.
Polarized plugs - This saw has a plug that looks like
the one shown below:
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.
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 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.
[,_ WARNING ]
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.
MOTOR SAFETY PROTECTION
IMPORTANT
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 120 V circuit. This circuit
must not be less than a #12 wire with a 20 A time
lag fuse or a #14 wire with a 15 A time lag fuse.
NOTE: When using an extension cord on a circuit
with a #14 wire, the extension cord must not exceed
25 feet in length.
2. If the motor will not 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.
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 a #12 wire with a 20 A
time lag fuse or a #14 wire with a 15 A time lag fuse.
NOTE: When using an extension cord on a circuit with
a #14 wire, the extension cord must not exceed 25 feet
in length. 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
More Than Not MoreThan 25ft. 50ft. 100ft. 150ft.
0 6 18 16 16 14
6 10 18 16 14 12
10 12 16 16 14 12
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.
6

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
,_ WARNING
o Use only accessories recommended for this
miter saw. Follow instructions that accompany
accessories. Use of improper accessories may
cause hazards.
o The use of any cutting tool except 12 in. saw
blades which meet the requirements under
recommended accessories is prohibited. Do
not use accessories such as shaper cutters or
dado sets. Ferrous metal cutting and the use of
abrasive wheels is prohibited.
o 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.
[_ WARNING]
To avoid the risk of personal injury, do not modify this
power tool or use accessories not recommended by
Sears.
Supplied
Blade Wrench
Not supplied
Adjustable Wrench
Hex Key
Combination Square
Phillips Screwdriver
Slotted Screwdriver
COMBINATION SQUARE MUST BE TRUE
Should not gap or overlap when square is flipped over
(see dotted figure).
Straight edge or
a 3/4 in. board,
Draw light line on board
along this edge.
this edge must be
perfectly straight.
1_, WARNING]
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
blade, 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.
L _
/
/
/
i
/
/
/
I
/
L_
Should not gap or overlap
when square flipped over
(see dotted figure).
7

UNPACKING YOUR MITER SAW
1_, WARNING]
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.
. Remove the miter saw from the carton.
iMPORTANT: Do not lift miter saw by the trigger
switch handle. It may cause misalignment. Lift
machine by the built-in carry handle.
f
2. Place the saw on a secure stationary work surface.
3. 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.
WARNING]
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. Call 1-800-4-MY-HOME ®for replacement parts.
Dust Bag
Miter Saw
Hold-Down Clamp
Extension Wings
Miter Table Handle
Extension Wing
Hardware Bag
Blade Wrench

SafetyLock-OffButton
Cover Plate
Upper Blade Guard
\
Dust Bag
Hold Down Latch
Sliding Fence
Left Extension Wing
Arbor Lock
Lower Blade Guard
Stop Block
Right Extension Wing
Stop Locking Lever
Lock Handle
Switch Handle
-- ON/OFF Trigger Switch
Carrying Handle
Blade
Bevel Scale
Laser Guide
Hold-Down Clamp
Positive Mite Detents Mounting Holes
9