Craftsman 315.108410 User Manual

Owner's Manual

7-1/4 in. CIRCULAR SAW

Double Insulated

Model Nos.

315.108400

315.108410

Save this manual for

future reference.

CAUTION: Read and follow

all Safety Rules and Operating

Instructions before first use of

this product.

Customer Help Line: 1-800-932-3188

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA
Visit the Craftsman web page: www.sears.com/craftsman

972000-823

10-01

• Safety

• Features

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................... 2

• General Safety Rules ..................................................................................................................................... 2-3

• Specific Safety Rules and/or Symbols ............................................................................................................ 3-6

• Features ......................................................................................................................................................... 7-8

• Assembly ...................................................................................................................................................... 9-10

• Operation .................................................................................................................................................... 11-18

• Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................... 18-19

• Accessories ..................................................................................................................................................... 19

• Exploded View and Repair Parts List ......................................................................................................... 20-21

• Parts Ordering/Service ................................................................................................................................... 22

_i WARNING: Read and understand all instruc-

tions. 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. Clut-
tered 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. Power tools

may create sparks which may ignite the dust or

fumes.

• Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away
while operating a power tool. Distractions can

cause you to lose control.

Electrical Safety

• Double insulated tools 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
outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,

contact a qualified electrician to install a
polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any

way. Double insulation [] eliminates the need for

the three-wire grounded power cord and grounded
power supply system.

• Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces,

such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigera-

tors. There is an increased risk of electric shock if

your body is grounded.

• Don't expose power tools to rain or wet condi-
tions. Water entering a power tool will increase

the risk of electric shock.

• 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 immedi-

ately. Damaged cords increase the risk of electric
shock,

When operating a power tool outside, use an
outdoor extension cord marked "W-A" or "W".

These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce
the risk of electric shock.

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 influ-

ence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A mo-

ment of inattention while 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.

Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught

in moving parts.

• Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is off
before plugging in. Carrying 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 wrench or 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. Proper footing and balance

enables better control of the tool in unexpected

situations.

Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protec-

tion. Dust mask, nonskid safety shoes, hard hat,
or hearing protection must be used for appropriate

conditions.

Tool Useand Care

• Use clamps or another practical way to secure

and support the workpiece to a stable plat-

form. Holding the work by hand or against your

body is unstable and may lead to loss of control.

• Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your
application. The correct tool will do the job better
and safer at the rate for which it is designed.

• Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on or

off. Any tool that cannot be controlled with the
switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

• Disconnect the plug from power source before
making any adjustments, changing accesso-
ries, or storing the tool. Such preventive safety

measures reduce the risk of starting the tool
accidentally.

• Store idle tools out of the reach of children and

other untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in
the hands of untrained users.

• Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools

sharp and clean. Properly maintained tools with
sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are

easier to control.

• Check for misalignment or binding of moving

pads, breakage of parts, and any other condi-
tion that may affect the tool's operation. If
damaged, have the tool serviced before using.

Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained

tools.

Use only accessories that are recommended
by the manufacturer for your model. Accesso-
ries that may be suitable for one tool, may become

hazardous when used on another tool.

Service

• Tool service must be performed only by quali-

fied repair personnel. Service or maintenance

performed by unqualified personnel could result in
a risk of injury.

• 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.

Specific Safety Rules for Circular Saws

• DANGER! Keep hands away from cutting

area and blade. Keep your second hand on
the auxiliary handle or motor housing. If

both hands are holding the saw, they cannot
be cut by the blade.

• Keep your body positioned to either side

of the saw blade, but not in line with the
saw blade. Kickback could cause the saw to

jump backwards. (See "Causes and Operator

Prevention of Kickback.")

• Do not reach underneath the work. The
guard cannot protect you from the blade

below the work.

• Check lower guard for proper closing

before each use. Do not operate saw if

lower guard does not move freely and

close instantly. Never clamp or tie the

lower guard into the open position. If saw

is accidentally dropped, lower guard may be
bent. Raise the lower guard with the

retracting handle. Make sure it moves freely
and does not touch the blade or any other
part, in all angles and depths of cut.

Check the operation and condition of the
lower guard spring. If the guard and the

spring are not operating properly, they
must be serviced before use. Lower guard

may operate sluggishly due to damaged
parts, gummy deposits, or a buildup of

debris.

Lower guard should be retracted manually

only for special cuts, such as "Pocket
Cuts" and "Compound Cuts." Raise lower

guard by retracting handle. As soon as

blade enters the material, lower guard
must be released. For all other sawing, the

lower guard should operate automatically.

3

Specific Safety Rules for Circular Saws
(continued)

• Always observe that the lower guard is

covering the blade before placing saw
down on bench or floor. An unprotected,

coasting blade will cause the saw to walk

backwards, cutting whatever is in its path. Be
aware of the time it takes for the blade to

stop after switch is released.

• NEVER hold piece being cut in your hands
or across your leg. It is important to support
the work properly to minimize body exposure,

blade binding, or loss of control.

• Hold tool by insulated gripping surface

when performing an operation where the
cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or

its own cord. Contact with a "live" wire will

also make exposed metal parts of the tool

"live" and shock the operator.

• When ripping, always use a rip fence or
straight edge guide. This improves the
accuracy of the cut and reduces the chance

for blade binding.

• Always use blades with correct size and

shape (diamond vs. round) arbor holes.

Blades that do not match the mounting
hardware of the saw will run eccentrically,

causing loss of control.

• Never use damaged or incorrect blade

washers or bolts. The blade washers and

bolts were specially designed for your saw for
optimum performance and safety of
operation.

Causes and Operator Prevention of Kickback

• Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched,
bound, or misaligned saw blade, causing an

uncontrolled saw to lift up and out of the

workpiece toward the operator.

• When the blade is pinched or bound tightly
by the kerf closing down, the blade stalls and
the motor reaction drives the unit rapidly back
toward the operator.

• If the blade becomes twisted or misaligned in
the cut, the teeth at the back edge of the

blade can dig into the top surface of the wood

causing the blade to climb out of the kerf and
jump back toward the operator.

• Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or
incorrect operating procedures or conditions

and can be avoided by taking proper
precautions, as given below:

• Maintain a firm grip with both hands on

the saw and position your body and arm
to allow you to resist KICKBACK forces.

KICKBACK forces can be controlled by the
operator, if proper precautions are taken.

• When blade is binding, or when

interrupting a cut for any reason, release
the trigger and hold the saw motionless in

the material until the blade comes to a
complete stop. Never attempt to remove

the saw from the work or pull the saw

backward while the blade is in motion, or
KICKBACK may occur. Investigate and take

corrective actions to eliminate the cause of

blade binding.

• When restarting a saw in the workpiece,

center the saw blade in the kerf and check

that saw teeth are not engaged into the

material. If saw blade is binding, it may walk

up or KICKBACK from the workpiece as the
saw is restarted.

• Support large panels to minimize the risk

of blade pinching and KICKBACK. Large

panels tend to sag under their own weight.
Supports must be placed under the panel on

both sides, near the line of cut and near the
edge of the panel.

• Do not use dull or damaged blade.
Unsharpened or improperly set blades
produce narrow kerf which causes excessive

friction, blade binding and KICKBACK.

• Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking

levers must be tight and secure before
making cut. If blade adjustment shifts while

cutting, it may cause binding and KICKBACK.

• Use extra caution when making a "Pocket

Cut" into existing walls or other blind
areas. The protruding blade may cut objects

that can cause KICKBACK.

4

Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the cutting tool may con-
tact hidden wiring or its cord. Contact with a "live" wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool "live" and

shock the operator.

Additional Rules For Safe Operation

• Know your power tool. Read operator's manual

carefully. Learn its applications and limitations,
as well as the specific potential hazards
related to this tool. Following this rule will reduce

the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious injury.

Always wear safety glasses. Everyday eye-
glasses have only impact-resistant lenses;
they are NOT safety glasses. Followingthis rule
will reduce the dsk of serious personal injury.

• Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if
the operation is dusty. Following this rule will
reduce the risk of serious personal injury.

Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection
during extended periods of operation. Following

this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal
injury.

Inspect tool cords periodically and, if dam-
aged, have repaired at your nearest Factory

Service Center or other Authorized Service
Organization. Constantly stay aware of cord

location. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
electric shock orfire.

Check 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 in-

tended function. Check for alignment of mov-
ing 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 by an authorized service center.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of shock,

fire, or serious injury.

Do not abuse cord. Never carry the tool by the
cord or yank it to disconnect it from the recep-

tacle. Keep cord away from heat, oil, and sharp

edges. Following this rule will reduce the risk of

electric shock or fire.

• 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. A wire gage
size (A.W.G.) of at least 16 is recommended for

an extension cord 100 feet or less in length. A
cord exceeding 100 feet is not recommended.

If in doubt, use the next heavier gage. The
smaller the gage number, the heavier the cord.

An undersized cord willcause a drop in line
voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating.

• Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber
before sawing. Following this rule will reduce the
risk of serious personal injury.

• Drugs, alcohol, medication. Do not operate tool

while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or
any medication. Followingthisrule willreduce the

risk of electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.

• Save these instructions. Refer to them fre-
quently and use them to instruct others who

may use this tool. If you loan someone this
tool, loan them these instructions also.

_I, WARNING" Some dust created by power

sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other
construction activities contains chemicals known

to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproduc-
tive 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 chemically-

treated lumber.

Your risk from these exposures varies,
depending on how often you do this type of

work. To reduce your exposure to these

chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and

work with approved safety equipment, such as
those dust masks that are specially designed to
filter out microscopic particles.

,_ WARNING:

The operation of any circular saw can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always wear

safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and a full face shield when needed. We

recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses

with side shields, available at Sears Retail Stores.

SYMBOLS

SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION

V Volts Voltage

A Amperes Current

Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)

min Minutes Time

•"k., Alternating Current Type or a characteristic of current

=_ Direct Current Type or a characteristic of current

no No Load Speed Rotational speed, at no load

Class II Construction Designates Double Insulated

Construction Tools

.../min Revolutions or Reciprocation Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface

speed, orbits etc. per minute

Indicates danger, warning or caution.

,_ Safety Alert Symbol It means attention.J Your safety is

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and
the explanations with them, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do

not by themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for
proper accident prevention measures.

SYMBOL MEANING

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL:

A

A

A

Indicates danger, warning, or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or
pictographs.

DANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning will result in serious injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.

WARNING: Failure to obey a safety warning can result in serious injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.

involved.

A

NOTE:

CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning may result in property damage or personal injury to

yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock,
and personal injury.

Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

6

Your circular saw has been shipped completely
assembled except for the blade. Inspect itcarefully to

make sure no breakage or damage has occurred
during shipping. If any parts are damaged or missing,

contact your nearest Sears Retail Store to obtain

replacement parts before attempting to operate saw. A
blade, blade wrench, and this owner's manual are also

included.

,_i WARNING: If parts are missing, do not

operate this tool until the missing parts are

replaced. Failure to do so could result in possible

serious personal injury.

any

Horsepower

Model 315.108400
Model 315.108410

Input

Model 315.108400
Model 315.108410

Blade Diameter
Blade Arbor

KNOW YOUR CIRCULAR SAW

See Figure 1.

Before attempting to use any tool, familiarize yourself
with all operating features and safety requirements.

Your circular saw has many features for making
cutting operations more pleasant and enjoyable.
Safety, performance and dependability have been
given top priority in the design of this saw making it
easy to maintain and operate.

Features include easily operated bevel cut and depth

of cut adjustment mechanisms, positive 0° bevel stop,

length of cut scale, depth of cut scale, directed air flow
for keeping line of cut clear, blade wrench storage,
dust chute, and spindle lock button on Model

315.108410 only.

CAUTION: Carefully read through this entire
owner's manual before using your new circular

saw. Pay close attention to the Rules For Safe
Operation, Warnings and Cautions. If you use
your circular saw properly and only for what it is

intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable

service.

APPLICATIONS

(Use only for the purpose listed below)

• Cutting all types of wood products (lumber,
plywood, paneling).

7-1/4 in. (184 mm)

5/8 in. (16 mm)

2-1/3
2-1/2

11 Amperes
12 Amperes

Cutting Depth at 0° Bevel Cut
Cutting Depth at 45° Bevel Cut
Cutting Depth at 51.5° Bevel Cut

Rating
No Load Speed

Model 315.108400
Model 315.108410

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
Your circular saw has a precision built electric motor. It

should be connected to a power supply that is 120

volts, 60 Hz, AC only (normal household current). Do
not operate thistool on direct current (DC). A substantial
voltage drop willcause a loss ofpower and the motor
willoverheat. Ifyour saw does notoperate when
plugged intoan outlet, double-check the power supply.

SWITCH
To turn your saw ON, depress the switch trigger.

Release switch trigger toturn your saw OFF.
DUST CHUTE

To direct saw dust and chips away from the operator,

a dust chute is located on the side of the upper blade
guard. An optional dust nozzle, that fits over the dust

chute, is available at your nearest Sears Retail Store.

SPINDLE LOCK BU'I-rON - MODEL 315.108410

A spindle lock button has been provided for locking the

spindle on your saw in a stationary position.

_k WARNING: Do not allow familiarity with your

saw to make you careless. Remember that a
careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict

severe injury.

2-3/8 in. (60 mm)

1-13/16 in. (46 mm)

1-5/8 in. (41 mm)

120 volts, 60 Hz, AC

4,700 RPM
5,000 RPM

LOWERBLADE

GUARDHANDLE

DUSTCHUTE

BASE

ASSEMBLY

BLADEGUARD

MODEL 315.108400 / MODEL 315.108410

SWITCH

TRIGGER

UPPER

_ARD

SEVELCUT

ADJUSTMENT

NU_

SPINDLELOCKBUTTON

(MODEL315.108410ONLY)

LOWER

BLADE

(

DEPTHOF

CUTSCALE

DEPTHOF

CUTADJUSTMENT

(WINGNUT)

BLADEWRENCH
STORAGEAREA

BLADEWRENCH

8

Fig. 1

WARNING:Your saw should never be

connected to power supply when you are
assembling parts, making adjustments,
assembling or removing blades, cleaning, or

when not in use. Disconnecting your saw will
prevent accidental starting that could cause

serious personal injury.

_1 WARNING: A 7-1/4 in. blade is the maximum

blade capacity of your saw. Never use a blade that
is too thick to allow outer blade washer to engage

with the flat on the spindle. Larger blades will come

in contact with the blade guards, while thicker
blades will prevent blade screw from securing

blade on spindle. Either of these situations could
result in a serious accident.

TO ASSEMBLE OR REMOVE BLADE

MODEL 315.108400

See Figures 2, 3, and 4,

• Unplug your saw.
_ WARNING: Failure to unplug your saw could

result in accidental starting causing possible
serious personal injury.

TO ASSEMBLE BLADE:

• Remove blade wrench from storage area.

See Figure I.

• Placeyoursaw on a pieceofwood as shown in
Figure4,and remove bladescrew.See Figure2.

Note:Turnbladescrewcounterclockwisetoremove.

• Remove springwasher,and outerbladewasher
("D"washer).See Figure2

SPINDLE LOWERBLADE

GUARDHANDLE

BLADE

,_ WARNING: If inner blade washer has been

removed, replace it before placing blade on
spindle. Failure to do so could cause an accident
since blade will not tighten properly.

• Fit saw blade inside lower blade guard and onto
spindle. Note: The saw teeth point upward at the
front of saw as shown in Figure 2.

OUTERBLADEWASHER("D" WASHER)

CUPPEDSIDEOF OUTSI

SPRINGWASHER SPRINGWASHER

• Replace "D" washer and spring washer.
Note: "Cupped" side of spring washer goes against

"D" washer. See Figure 3.

• Replace blade screw. Tighten blade screw securely.
Note: Turn blade screw clockwise to tighten.

• Return blade wrench to storage area.
Note: Always place angled portion of blade wrench

up as shown in Figure 1.

REMEMBER: Never use a blade that is too thick to
allow the "D" washer to engage with the flat on the

spindle.
TO REMOVE BLADE:

• Remove blade wrench from storage area.

See Figure I.

• Place your saw on a piece of scrap wood as shown
in Figure 4, and remove blade screw. See Figure 2.

Note: With blade teeth embedded in the wood, turn
blade screw counterclockwise to remove.

• Remove spring washer and outer blade washer
("D" washer). See Figure2

Note: Blade can be removed at this point.

Fig. 3

SPRING

WASHER

INNERBLADE

WASHER

OUTERBLADE

WASHER

("D"WASHER)

• Wipe a drop of oil onto inner blade washer and
outer blade washer ("D" washer) where they

contact blade.

BLADE

SCREW

Fig. 2

LOWERBLADE

GUARDHANDLE

TO

LOOSEN

BLADE

WRENCH

TO

TIGHTEN

BLADESCREW Fig. 4

9

TO ASSEMBLE OR REMOVE BLADE
MODEL 315.10841 O0

See Figures 5, 6, and 7.

• Unplug your saw.
,_ WARNING: Failure to unplug your saw could

result in accidental starting causing possible
serious personal injury.

SPINDLE LOCK BUTTON - MODEL 315.108410
If your saw is model 315.108410 it has a spindle lock

button for lockingthe spindle onyour saw ina stationary
position. Depress and hold the spindle lockbutton while
installing, changing or removing the blade.

TO ASSEMBLE BLADE:

• Remove blade wrench from storage area.

See Figure 1.

• Position your saw as shown in Figure 7, depress

spindle lock button, and remove blade screw. See

Figure 5.

Note: Turn blade screw counterclockwise to remove.

• Remove spring washer, and outer blade washer

("D" washer). See Figure 5.

SPINDLE

LOWERBLADE

GUARDHANDLE

BLADE

• Replace "D" washer and spring washer.
Note: "Cupped" side of spring washer goes
against "D" washer. See Figure 6.

OUTERBLADEWASHER("D" WASHER)

CUPPEDSIDEOF OUTSIDEOF
SPRINGWASHER SPRINGWASHER

• Depress spindle lock button, then replace blade
screw. Tighten blade screw securely.
Note: Turn blade screw clockwise to tighten.

• Return blade wrench to storage area.
Note: Always place angled portion of blade

wrench up as shown in Figure 1.

REMEMBER: Never use a blade that is too thick to
allow the "D" washer to engage with the flat on

the spindle.
TO REMOVE BLADE:

• Remove blade wrench from storage area.

See Figure 1.

• Position your saw as shown in Figure 7, depress

spindle lock button, and remove blade screw.

Note: Turn blade screw counterclockwise to remove.

• Remove spring washer and outer blade washer
("D" washer). See Figure 5.

Note: Blade can be removed at this point.

Fig. 6

SPRING

WASHER

BLADE

INNERFLANGE SCREW

BUSHING

OUTER

WASHER

("D" WASHER)

• Wipe a drop of oil onto inner flange bushing and
outer blade washer ("D" washer) where they

contact blade.

,_ WARNING: If inner flange has been

removed, replace it before placing blade on
spindle. Failure to do so could cause an accident

since blade will not tighten properly.

• Fit saw blade inside lower blade guard and onto

spindle. Note: The saw teeth point upward at the
front of saw as shown in Figure 5.

bushing

Fig. 5

TIGHTEN

10

TO

DEPRESSTO

LOCK

TO

LOOSEN

SPINDLELOCK

BUTTON

BLADE

SCREW

BLADE

WRENCH

Pig. 7

SAW BLADES

The best of saw blades will not cut efficiently if they

are not kept clean, sharp, and properly set. Using a
dull blade will place a heavy load on your saw and

increase the danger of kickback. Keep extra blades
on hand, so that sharp blades are always available.

Gum and wood pitch hardened on blades will slow
your saw down. Use gum and pitch remover, hot

water, or kerosene to remove these accumulations.

Do not use gasoline.

BLADE GUARD SYSTEM

The lower blade guard attached to your circular
saw is there for your protection and safety. It
should never be altered for any reason. If it

becomes damaged or begins to return slow or
sluggish, do not operate your saw until the
damage has been repaired or replaced. Always
leave guard in operating position when using saw.

_1= DANGER: When sawing through workpiece,

lower blade guard does not cover blade on the
underside of workpiece. Since blade is exposed
on underside of workpiece, keep hands and
fingers away from cutting area. Any part of your
body coming in contact with moving blade will
result in serious injury. See Figure 8.

LOWERBLADEGUARD
ISIN UP POSITION

KICKBACK

See Figure 9.

KICKBACKi<l_

BLADESETTOO DEEP Fig. 9

The best guard against kickback is to avoid

dangerous practices.
Kickback occurs when the blade stalls rapidly and the

saw is driven back towards you. Blade stalling is
caused by any action which pinches the blade in the

wood.

_ DANGER: Release switch immediately if blade

binds or saw stalls. Kickback could cause you to
lose control of your saw. Loss of control can lead

to serious injury.

KICKBACK IS CAUSED BY:

• Incorrect blade depth setting. See Figure 9.

• Sawing into knots or nails in workpiece.

• Twisting blade while making a cut.

• Making a cutwith a dull, gummed up, or improperly
set blade.

• Incorrectly supporting workpiece. See Figure 10.

BLADEEXPOSEDON

UNDERSIDEOFWORKPIECE

,_ CAUTION: Never use saw when guard is not

operating correctly. Guard should be checked for
correct operation before each use. If you drop

your saw, check the lower blade guard and
bumper for damage at all depth settings before
reuse. Note: The guard is operating correctly
when it moves freely and readily returns to the
closed position, tf for any reason your lower
blade guard does not close freely, take it to the
nearest Sears Repair Center for service before

using.

Fig. 8

Fig. 10

• Forcing a cut.

• Cutting warped or wet lumber.

• Tool misuse or incorrect operating procedures.

11

TO LESSEN THE CHANCE OF KICKBACK:

• Always keep the correct blade depth setting - the
correct blade depth setting for all cuts should not

exceed 1/4 inch below the material to be cut. See

Figure 11.

• When making a cut use steady, even pressure.
Never force cuts.

• Do not cut warped or wet lumber.

• Always hold your saw firmly with both hands and
keep your body in a balanced position so as to

resist the forces of kickback should it occur.

When using your saw, always stay alert and
exercise control. Do not remove your saw from
workpiece while the blade is moving.

DEPTH OF CUT ADJUSTMENT

See Figure 13.

Always keep correct blade depth setting. The correct
blade depth setting for all cuts should not exceed 1/4
inch below the material to be cut. More blade depth

will increase the chance of kickback and cause the cut
to be rough. For more depth of cut accuracy, a scale

is located on the upper blade guard.
TO ADJUST BLADE DEPTH

• Unplug your saw.

CORRECTBLADEDEPTHSETFING=BLADEEXPOSED

1/4in. ORLESSONUNDERSIDEOF WORKPIECE

Fig. 11

• Inspect the workpiece for knots or nails before.
beginning a cut. Never saw into a knot or nail.

• Make straight cuts. Always use a straight edge
guide when rip cutting. This helps prevent twisting

the blade in the cut.

• Always use clean, sharp and properly set blades,
Never make cuts with dull blades.

• To avoid pinching the blade, support the workpiece
properly before beginning a cut. The right and

wrong ways to support large pieces of work are
shown in Figures 10 and 12.

,_ WARNING: Failure to unplug your saw could

result in accidental starting causing possible
serious personal injury.

DEPTHOF

CUTSCALE

BRACKET

WING

NUT

ASSEMBLY

TO

TIGHTEN

TORAISE

TOLOWER

Fig. 13

W

RIGHT Fig. 12

• Loosen wing nut. See Figure 13.

• Determine the desired depth of cut.

• Locate depth of cut scale on back of upper blade
guard.

• Hold base flat against the workpiece and raise or
lower saw until the indicator mark on bracket aligns

with notch on blade guard.

• Tighten wing nut securely.

12

STARTING A CUT

Know the right way to use your saw.

See Figure 14.

RIGHT Fig. 14

,_ WARNING: To make sawing easier and safer,

always maintain proper control of your saw. Loss
of control of your saw could cause an accident

resulting in possible serious injury.

TO HELP MAINTAIN CONTROL:

• Always support your workpiece near the cut.

• Support your workpiece so the cut will be on your

right.

• Clamp your workpiece so it will not move during

the cut.

Place your workpiece with its good side down. Note:

The good side is the side Onwhich appearance is

important.

Before beginning a cut, draw a guideline along the
desired line of cut. Then place front edge of base on
that part of your workpiece that is solidly supported.

See Figure 14.

Never place your saw on that part of the
workpiece that will fall off when the cut is made.

See Figure 16.

Never use your saw as shown in Figure 15.

WRONG Fig. 15

Never place your hand on the workpiece behind
your saw while making a cut.

WRONG Fig. 16

Keep the cord away from cutting area. Always place
the cord to prevent it from hanging up on the

werkpiece while making a cut.

_1 DANGER: Ifthe cord hangs up on the

workpiece during a cut, release the switch trigger
immediately. Unplug your saw and reposition the
cord to prevent it from hanging up again.

,_i DANGER: Using your saw with a damaged cord

could result in serious injury or death. If the cord
has been damaged, have it replaced before

using your saw again.

13

Hold your saw firmly with both hands.

See Figure 17.

RIGHT Fig. 17

Squeeze the switch trigger to start your saw. Always
let the blade reach full speed, then guide your saw
into the workpiece.

,_ CAUTION: When lifting your saw from the

workpiece, the blade is exposed on the

underside of your saw until the lower blade guard

closes. Make sure lower guard is closed before
setting your saw down on work surface.

TO CROSS CUT OR RIP CUT
When making a cross cut or rip cut, align your line of

cut with the outer blade guide notch on the saw base
as shown in Figure 18.

TOPVIEWOFSAW

FRONTOFSAW

BLADE

GUIDENOTCH

,_i WARNING: The blade coming in contact with

the workpiece before it reaches full speed could
cause your saw to "kickback" towards you

resulting in serious injury.

When making a cut use steady, even pressure.

Forcing causes rough cuts, could shorten the life of

your saw and could cause "kickback."

REMEMBER:
When sawing through work, the lower blade guard

does not cover the blade, exposing it on the

underside of work. Keep your hands and fingers
away from cutting area. Any part of your body
coming in contact with the moving blade will

result in serious injury.

After you complete your cut release the trigger and
allow the blade to come to a complete stop. Do not

remove your saw from werkpiece while the blade

is moving.

_m

GUIDELINE

ALIGNOUTERBLADEGUIDENOTCHONSAWBASE

WITHLINEOF CUTAS SHOWNWHENMAKING

CROSSCUTSORRIPCUTS Fig. 18

Since blade thicknesses vary, always make a trial cut
in scrap material along a guideline to determine how
much, if any, the guideline must be offset to produce

an accurate cut. Note: The distance from the line of
cut to the guideline is the amount you should offset

the guideline.

14

TO BEVEL CUT

The angle of cut of your saw may be adjusted to any
desired setting between zero and 51.5 °. Note: When

making cuts at 51.5° blade should be set at full depth

of cut, with edge guide screw removed.
When making 45° bevel cuts, there is a notch in the

saw base to help you line up the blade with the line of
cut. See Figure 19.

BEVEL

SCALE

BLADE

GUIDELINE

ALIGNINNERBLADEGUIDENOTCHON SAWBASEWITH

LINEOF CUTAS SHOWNWHENMAKING45° BEVELCUTS

GUIDENOTCH

BEVELADJUSTMENT

WINGNUT

Fig. 19

When making a bevel cut hold your saw firmly with

both hands as shown in Figure 20.
Rest the front edge of the base on the workpiece.

Squeeze the switch trigger to start your saw. Always
let the blade reach full speed, then guide your saw

into the workpiece.

LOWER

BLADEGUARD Fig. 20

,_ WARNING: The blade coming in contact with

the workpiece before it reaches full speed could
cause saw to "kickback" toward you resulting in
serious injury.

After you complete your cut release the trigger and
allow the blade to come to a complete stop. After the

blade has stopped, lift your saw from the workpiece.

TO ADJUST BEVEL SETTING

• Unplug your saw.

Align your line of cut with the inner blade guide notch
on the saw base when making 45° bevel cuts.

Since blade thicknesses vary and different angles

require different settings, always make a trial cut
in scrap material along a guideline to determine
how much you should offset the guideline on the

board to be cut,

_ WARNING: Failure to unplug your saw could

result in accidental starting causing possible
serious personal injury.

• Loosen wing nut. See Figure 19.

• Raise motor housing end of saw until you reach
desired angle setting on bevel scale.

See Figure 19.

• Tighten wing nut securely.

_k WARNING: Attempting bevel cut without wing

nut securely tightened can result in serious
injury.

15

POSITIVE 0° BEVEL STOP

See Figure 21.

BEVEL ADJUSTMENT

ADJUSTMENT SCREW

NUT

POSITIVE0° BEVELSTOP

CARPENTER'S

SQUARE

SAWBLADE

TO ADJUST

• Unplugyoursaw.

,_ WARNING: Failure to unplug your saw could

result in accidental starting causing possible
serious personal injury.

• Loosen wing nut.

• Loosen hex nut securing adjustment screw.

• Turn screw and adjust base until square with saw
blade.

• Tighten hex nut and wing nut securely.

_IL WARNING: Attempting to make cuts without

wing nut securely tightened can result in serious

injury,

LENGTH OF CUT SCALE

See Figure 22.

Fig. 21

Your saw has a positive 0° bevel stop, that has been
factory adjusted to assure 0° angle of your saw blade
when making 90° cuts. However, misalignment can

occur during shipping.

TO CHECK

• Unplug your saw.

_, WARNING: Failure to unplug your saw could

result in accidental starting causing possible

serious personal injury.

• Place your saw in an upside down position on

workbench. See Figure 21.

• Using a carpenter's square, check squareness of
saw blade to the base of your saw.

LENGTHOFCUT SCALE

A length of cut scale has been provided on the base
of your saw. It is parallel with the saw blade and can
be used to measure the distance into material the

blade has cut. Note: Six inches is the maximum
length of cut that can be measured. Also, it is

accurate only when the depth of cut is set at full

maximum depth.

16

Fig. 22

TO POCKET CUT

See Figure 23.

,_ WARNING: Always adjust bevel setting to zero

before making a pocket cut. Attempting a pocket
cut at any other setting can result in loss of control
of your saw possibly causing serious injury.

C-clamps, firmly clamp a straight edge to the
workpiece and guide the saw along the straight edge
to achieve a straight rip cut. Do not bind the blade in
the cut. If using the optional rip guide, see the
following instructions and Figure 25.

ALTERNATEMETHODFORRIPCUTTING

Adjust the bevel setting to zero, set blade to correct

blade depth setting, and swing the lower blade guard
up using the lower blade guard handle.

Always raise the lower blade guard with the
handle to avoid serious injury.

While holding lower blade guard by the handle, firmly
rest the front of the base flat against the workpiece

with the rear of the handle raised so the blade does

not touch the workpiece. See Figure 23.

LOWER

BLADEGUARD

POCKET

CUT

Squeeze the switch trigger to start your saw. Always
let the blade reach full speed then slowly lower

blade into the workpiece until base is flat against
workpiece.

After you complete your cut release the trigger and
allow the blade to come to a complete stop. After the

blade has stopped, remove it from the workpiece.
Corners may then be cleared out with a hand saw or

sabre saw.

_1 WARNING: Never tie the lower blade guard in a

raised position. Leaving the blade exposed could
lead to serious injury.

TO RIP CUT
OPTIONAL RIP GUIDE (EDGE GUIDE)

See Figure 24.

Use a guide when making long or wide rip cuts with
your saw. An optional rip guide with a five inch scale is
available at your Sears Retail Store or you can make
an efficient rip guide by clamping a straight edge to
your workpiece. Secure the workpiece. Using

LOWERBLADE

GUARDHANDLE Fig. 23

STRAIGHT

EDGE

C-CLAMPS

TO ASSEMBLE OPTIONAL RIP GUIDE

• Unplug your saw.

_i WARNING: Failure to unplug your saw could

result in accidental starting causing possible
serious personal injury.

• Place rip guide through holes in saw base as
shown in Figure 25.

RIPGUIDE

(EDGEGUIDE)

GUIDETHRUHOLES

• Adjust rip guide to the width needed.

• Tighten rip guide screw securely.

When using a rip guide, position the face of the rip
guide firmly against the edge of workpiece. This
makes for a true cut without pinching the blade. The
guiding edge of workpiece must be straight for your
cut to be straight. Use caution to prevent the blade

from binding in the cut.

17

WORKPIECE

RIP

PLACERIP

Fig. 24

Fig. 25

OPTIONAL DUST NOZZLE KIT

_ee Figure 26.

An optional dust nozzle kit,part no. 982829-001, is
available for purchase at your nearest Sears Retail
Store. As shown in Figure 26, the adapter fits over the
dust chute which is located on the upper blade

guard.The nozzle attaches to the adapter.

Note: If you use the nozzle, you should always

connect it to a standard vacuum hose.

TO ATTACH DUST NOZZLE KIT

• Unplug your saw.

UPPER

BLADEGUARD

_k WARNING: Failure to unplug your saw could

result in accidental starting causing possible

serious personal injury.

• Orient adapter to fit into the dust chute opening (1)
on upper blade guard. Secure adapter with screw

(2) provided.

• When using a vacuum hose, align hole in nozzle

with raised lip on adapter and snap into place (3).

GENERAL

Only the parts shown on parts list, page 21, are

intended to be repaired or replaced by the customer.

All other parts represent an important part of the
double insulation system and should be serviced only

at a Sears Service Center.
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts.

Most plastics are susceptible to damage from various
types of commercial solvents and may be damaged

by their use. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, carbon
dust, etc.

,_L WARNING: Do not at any time let brake fluids,

gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating
oils, etc. come in contact with plastic parts. They
contain chemicals that can damage, weaken or

destroy plastic.

CHUTE RAISED

HOLE

ADAPTER

SCREW

NOZZLE Fig. 26

It has been found that electric tools are subject to
accelerated wear and possible premature failure
when they are used on fiberglass boats, sports cars,
wallboard, spackling compounds, or plaster. The
chips and grindings from these materials are highly
abrasive to electric tool parts, such as bearings,
brushes, commutators, etc. Consequently, it is not

recommended that this tool be used for extended

work on any fiberglass material, wallboard, spackling
compounds, or plaster. During any use on these

materials, it is extremely important that the tool is

cleaned frequently by blowing with an air jet.

LUBRICATION

All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with a
sufficient amount of high-grade lubricant for the life of

the unit under normal operating conditions. Therefore,
no further lubrication is required.

,_k WARNING: Always wear safety goggles or

safety glasses with side shields during power tool
operation or when blowing dust. If operation is

dusty, also wear a dust mask.

18

DOUBLE INSULATION

Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric
power tools, which eliminates the need for the usual

three-wire grounded power cord. Al! exposed metal

parts are isolated from the internal metal motor

components with protecting insulation. Double

insulated tools do not need to be grounded.

IMPORTANT

Servicing of a tool with double insulation requires
extreme care and knowledge of the system and should
be performed only by a qualified service technician. For
service, we suggest you return the tool to your nearest
Sears Service Center for repair. Always use original

factory replacement parts when servicing.

EXTENSION CORDS

The use of any extension cord will cause some loss of

power. To keep the loss to a minimum and to prevent
tool overheating, use an extension cord that is heavy
enough to carry the current the tool will draw.

A wire gage size (A.W.G.) of at least 16 is
recommended for an extension cord 100 feet or less
in length. When working outdoors, use an extension

cord that is suitable for outdoor use. The cord's jacket
will be marked WA.

,_k CAUTION: Keep extension cords away from the

cutting area and position the cord so that it will
not get caught on lumber, tools, etc., during
cutting operation.

_k WARNING: Check extension cords before each

use. If damaged replace immediately. Never use
tool with a damaged cord since touching the
damaged area could cause electrical shock
resulting in serious injury.

Extension cords suitable for use with your saw are

available at your nearest Sears Retail Store.

The following recommended accessories are currently available at Sears Retail Stores.

• 7-1/4 in. 40 Tooth General Purpose Cut-Off Blade

• 7-1/4 in. 35 Tooth Master Combination Blade

• 7-1/4 in. 200 Tooth Plywood Blade

• 7-1/4 in. 18 Tooth Carbide Blade

• 7-1/4 in. 18 Tooth Mach II Silver Series Carbide Blade

• 7-1/4 in. 24 Tooth Mach II Silver Series Carbide Blade

• 7-1/4 in. 24 Tooth Combination Carbide Blade

• Rip Guide

• Dust Nozzle Kit - Part No. 982829-001

_L WARNING: The use of attachments accessories not listed be hazardous.

WARRANTY

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN CIRCULAR SAW
If this I"RI_ICl'$MAN Circular Saw fails to give complete satisfaction within one year from the date of purchase,

RETURN IT TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE OR SEARS SERVICE CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES,

and Sears will replace it,free of charge.

If this r'RItFTINaH Circular Saw is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90

days from the date of purchase.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

or

might

19

18

CRAFTSMAN CIRCULAR SAW - MODEL NUMBER 315.108400

2

4

25

26

24

21

23 18

15

5

16

17

14

6

7

10

8

9

11

12

13

, 20 ,

CRAFTSMAN CIRCULAR SAW- MODEL NUMBER 315.108400

The model number will be found on a plate attached to the motor housing. Always mention the model number in all correspondence regarding your

I

CIRCULAR SAW or when ordering repair parts.

SEE BACK PAGE FOR PARTS ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS

PARTS LIST

I

Key

No.

1

2
3

4
5

6
7

8

9

10
11
12

13
14

Part
Number Description Quan.

982595-001
982820-001

974900-001

982492-131
610122-003
967952-001
982380-001
718602-804
999982-001

998463-001
623547-002
612999-001
621433-018

Data Plate ....................................................... 1

Logo Plate ...................................................... 1

Bumper ........................................................... 1

* Screw (#8-32 x 3/4 in. Fil. Hd.) ....................... 1

* Screw (#8-32 x 3/8 in. Pan Hd.) ..................... 3

Torsion Spring ................................................ 1

Lower Blade Guard Assembly ........................ 1

Retaining Ring ................................................ 1

Inner Blade Washer ........................................ 1

Saw Blade 7-1/4 in. for 5/8 in. Arbor ............... 1

Outer Blade Washer ....................................... 1

Spring Washer ................................................ 1

Blade Screw ................................................... 1

Carriage Bolt (1/4-20 x 3-3/4 in.) .................... 1

Key Part

No. Number Description

15 3053002
16 931744-059

17 941401-310
18 621438-006
19 706404-007
2O 6447801
21 614658-010

22 982481-001
23 621433-001
24 5542301
25 974716-001
26 982832-001

27 982829-001

972000-823

Base Assembly ............................................... 1

Flat Washer .................................................... 2

Roll Pin ........................................................... 1

Wing Nut **STD541625 .................................. 2

Hex Nut (#8-32) **STD541008 ....................... 1

Lower Blade Guard Support ........................... 1

* Screw (#8-32 x 5/8 in. Pan Hd.) ..................... 1

Gear and Spindle Assembly ........................... 1

Carriage Bolt (1/4-20 x 5/8 in.) **STD532507 1

Spacer ............................................................ 1

Wrench ........................................................... 1

Warning Tag ................................................... 1

Optional Dust Nozzle Assembly - Not Shown
Owner's Manual

Quan.

* Standard Hardware Item -- May Be Purchased Locally

** Available From Div. 98 -- Source 980.00

*** Complete Assortment Available At Your Nearest Sears Retail Store

21

CRAFTSMAN CIRCULAR SAW - MODEL NUMBER 315.108410

2

7

8

6

27

26

23

22 21

18

19

22

17

9 10

13

11

12

16

CRAFTSMAN CIRCULAR SAW- MODEL NUMBER 315.108410

The model number will be found on a plate attached to the motor housing. Always mention the model number in all correspondence regarding your

I

CIRCULAR SAW or when ordering repair parts,

SEE BACK PAGE FOR PARTS ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS

PARTS LIST

I

Key

No.

10
11

12
13

14
15

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Pad
Number

982596-001
982820-001

974900-001

982492-131

617096-002
**STD315535

982828-001
610122-003

967952-001
982380-001

718602-804
967887-003

998463-001
623547-002

Description Quan.

Data Plate ....................................................... 1

Logo Plate ...................................................... 1

Bumper ........................................................... 1

* Screw (#8-32 x 3/4 in. Fil. Hd.) ....................... 1

Retaining Ring ................................................ 1

Ball Bearing .................................................... !

Lower Blade Guard Support ........................... 1

* Screw (#8-32 x 3/8 in. Pan Hd.) ..................... 3

Torsion Spring ................................................ 1

Lower Blade Guard Assembly ........................ 1

Retaining Ring ................................................ 1

Inner Flange Bushing ..................................... 1

Saw Blade 7-1/4 in. for 5/8 in. Arbor ............... 1

Outer Blade Washer ....................................... 1

Spring Washer ................................................ 1

Key Pad

No. Number

16 612999-001
17 621433-007
18 3053002

19 931744-059

20 941401-310
21 621438-006
22 706404-007
23 614658-010
24 982821-001
25 621433-001
26 982366-002
27 974716-001
28 982832-001

29 982829-001

972000-823

Description Quan.

Blade Screw ................................................... 1

Carriage Bolt (1/4-20 x 4 in.) .......................... 1

Base Assembly ............................................... 1

Flat Washer .................................................... 2

Roll Pin ........................................................... 1

Wing Nut **STD541625 .................................. 2

Hex Nut (#8-32) **STD541008 ....................... 1

* Screw (#8-32 x 5/8 in. Pan Hd.) ..................... 1

Gear and Spindle Assembly ........................... 1

Carriage Bolt (1/4-20 x 5/8 in.) **STD532507 1

Spacer ............................................................ 1

Wrench ........................................................... 1

Warning Tag ................................................... 1

Optional Dust Nozzle Assembly- Not Shown
Owner's Manual

* Standard Hardware Item -- May Be Purchased Locally

** Available From Div.98 -- Source 980,00

*** Complete Assortment Available At Your Nearest Sears Retail Store

23

i

Get it fixed, at your home or ours!

For repair of major brand appliances in your own home...

no matter who made it, no matter who sold it!

1-800-4-MY-HOME sMAnyt,me, day or n,ght

(1-800-469-4663)

www.sears.com

To bring in products such as vacuums, lawn equipment and electronics

for repair, call for the location of your nearest Sears Parts & Repair Center.

1-800-488-1222 Anytime, day or night

www.sears.com

For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals

that you need to do-it-yourself, call Sears PartsDirect SM!

1-800-366-PART 6 a.m. - 11 p m CST,

(1-800-366-7278) 7 days a week

www.sears.com/partsdirect

To purchase or inquire about a Sears Service Agreement:

1-800-827-6655

7 a.m. - 5 p.m CST, Mon. - Sat.

Para pedir servtclo de reparaci6n a domictlio,

y para ordenar plezas con entrega a domlclho

1-888-SU-HOGAR s.

(1-888-784-6427)

Au Canada pour servtce en fran(;a_s'

1-877-LE-FOYER s_

(1-877-533-6937)

® Registered Trademark / rM Trademark of Sears Roebuck and Co

© Sears Roebuck and Co ® Marca Reglstrada / T_ Marca de Fabnca de Sears Roebuck and Co