Craftsman 315.10899 User Manual

Owner's Manual

7-1/4 in. CIRCULAR SAW

Double Insulated

Model No.

315.108990

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

972000-674

7-99

• Safety

• Features

• Adjustments

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

US

• Table Of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 2

• Warranty ......................................................................................................................................................... 2

• Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 2

• Rules For Safe Operation ........................................................................................................................... 3-5

• Product Specifications .................................................................................................................................... 6

• Unpacking ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

• Accessories .................................................................................................................................................... 6

• Features ......................................................................................................................................................... 7

• Adjustments .................................................................................................................................................... 8

• Operation ................................................................................................................................................... 9-15

• Maintenance ................................................................................................................................................. 16

• Exploded View and Repair Parts List ...................................................................................................... 18-19

• Parts Ordering / Service ............................................................................................................................... 20

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN CIRCULAR SAW
If this CRRFTSMRNCircular Saw fails to give complete satisfaction within one year from the date of purchase,

RETURN IT TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE IN THE UNITED STATES, and Sears will repair it, free of

charge.
If this £RRFTSMflN Circular Saw is used for commercial or rental purposes, thiswarranty 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

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.

,_i 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.

2

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

A
A

A

A

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

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. All exposed metal
parts are isolated from internal metal motor
components with protecting insulation. Double

insulated tools do not need to be grounded.

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL:
Indicates danger, warning or caution. May be used in conjunctionwithother symbolsor pictogrephs,

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.

CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning may result inproperty 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.

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 Store for repair. Always use
original factory replacement parts when servicing.

_i WARNING: Do not attempt to operate this tool

until you have read thoroughly and understand

completely all instructions, safety rules, etc.
contained in this manual. Failure to comply can

result in accidents involving fire, electric shock,
or serious personal injury. Save owner's manual
and review frequently for continuing safe
operation, and instructing others who may use

this tool.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Read owner's
manual carefully. Learn its applications and

limitations as well as the specific potential
hazards related to this tool.

GUARD AGAINST ELECTRICAL SHOCK BY
PREVENTING BODY CONTACT WITH

GROUNDED SURFACES. For example; pipes,
radiators, ranges, refrigerator enclosures.

KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE AND IN WORKING
ORDER. Never wedge or tie lower blade guard

open. Check operation of lower blade guard
before each use. Do not use if lower blade guard
does not close briskly over saw blade.

WARNING: If saw isdropped, lower blade

A

guard or bumper may be bent, restricting full
return.

If lower blade guard or bumper become bent or

damaged, replace them before reuse.

KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas

and benches invite accidents.
AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT. Don't

use power tools in damp or wet locations or

expose to rain. Keep work area well lit.

KEEP CHILDREN AND VISITORS AWAY. All

visitors should wear safety glasses and be kept a

safe distance from work area. Do not let visitors
contact tool or extension cord.

STORE IDLE TOOLS. When not in use, tools
should be stored in a dry and high or locked-up
place - out of the reach of children.

DON'T FORCE TOOL. It will do the job better

and safer at the rate for which it was designed.

3

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION (Continued)

USE RIGHT TOOL. Don't force small tool or
attachment to do the job of a heavy dutytool.

Don't use tool for purpose not intended - for

example - A circular saw should never be used
for cutting tree limbs or logs.

WEAR PROPER APPAREL. Do not wear loose
clothing or jewelry that can get caught in tool's
moving parts and cause personal injury. Rubber

gloves and nonskid footwear are recommended
when working outdoors. Wear protective hair

covering to contain long hair and keep it from
being drawn into nearby airvents.

ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES. Everyday
eyeglasses have only impact-resistant lenses;

they are not safety glasses.
PROTECT YOUR LUNGS. Wear a face or dust

mask ifthe cutting operation is dusty.
PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing

protection during extended periods of operation.
DON'T ABUSE CORD. Never carry tool by cord

or yank itto disconnect from receptacle. Keep
cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.

SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold

work. It's safer than using your hand and itfrees

both hands to operate tool.
DON'T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and

balance at all times. Do not use on a ladder or
unstable support. Secure tools when working at

elevated positions.
MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools

sharp and clean for best and safest performance.
Follow instructions for lubricating and changing

accessories.
DISCONNECT TOOLS. When not in use, before

servicing, or when changing attachments,

blades, bits, cutters, etc., all tools should be

disconnected from power supply.

REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND

WRENCHES. Form habit of checking to see that

keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from

tool before turning it on.
AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Don't carry

plugged-in tool with finger on switch. Be sure
switch is off when plugging in.

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. A wire gage size
(A.W.G.) of at least 14 is recommended for an

extension cord 50 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.

OUTDOOR USE EXTENSION CORDS. When
tool is used outdoors, use only extension cords

suitable for use outdoors. Outdoor approved
cords are marked with the suffix W-A, for ex-

ample - SJTW-A or SJOW-A.

KEEP BLADES CLEAN AND SHARP. Sharp

blades minimize stalling and kickback.
KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM CUTTING AREA.

Keep hands away from blades. Do not reach
underneath work while blade is rotating. Do not

attempt to remove cut material when blade is
moving.

WARNING: Blades coast after turn off.

• NEVER USE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMO-

SPHERE. Normal sparking of the motor could
ignite fumes.

INSPECT TOOL CORDS PERIODICALLY and if
damaged, have repaired by authorized service

facility. Stay constantly aware of cord location
and keep it well away from the rotating blade.

INSPECT EXTENSION CORDS PERIODI-
CALLY and replace if damaged.

KEEP HANDLES DRY, CLEAN, AND FREE
FROM OIL AND GREASE. Always use a clean

cloth when cleaning. Never use brake fluids,
gasoline, petroleum-based products, or any

strong solvents to clean your tool.
STAY ALERT AND EXERCISE CONTROL.

Watch what you are doing and use common
sense. Do not operate tool when you are tired.

Do not rush.

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 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 re-
placed by an authorized service center.

DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT
TURN IT ON AND OFF. Have defective switches

replaced by an authorized service center.
USE RIP FENCE. Always use a fence or

straight edge guide when ripping.

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION (Continued)

SUPPORT LARGE PANELS. To minimize the
risk of blade pinching and kickback, always

support large panels as shown in Figure 9, page

10. When cutting operation requires the resting

of the saw on the workpiece, the saw should be

rested on the larger portionand the smaller piece

cut off.

• LOWER BLADE GUARD.
_k WARNING: If lower blade guard must be raised

to make a cut, always raise it with the retracting

handle to avoid serious injury. See Figure 20,

Page 15.

• GUARD AGAINST KICKBACK. Kickback occurs

when the saw stalls rapidly and is driven back
towards the operator. Release switch immedi-

ately if blade binds or saw stalls. Don't remove
saw from work during a cut while the blade is
moving. See Pages 9 and 10.

• BEFORE MAKING A CUT, BE SURE THE

DEPTH AND BEVEL ADJUSTMENTS ARE
TIGHT.

USE ONLY CORRECT BLADES. Do notuse
blades with incorrect size holes. Never use blade

washers or bolts that are defective or incorrect.
The maximum blade capacity of your saw is

7-1/4 inches.

AVOID CUTTING NAILS. Inspect for and

remove all nails from lumber before cutting.
NEVER touch the blade or other moving parts

during use.

NEVER start a tool when its rotating component

is in contact with the workpiece.
NEVER lay a tool down before its moving parts

have come to a complete stop.
DO NOT operate this tool while under the

influence of drugs, alcohol, or any medication.
POLARIZED PLUGS. To reduce the risk of

electric shock, this tool has a polarized plug (one
blade is wider than the other). This plug willfit 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.

WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL
CRAFTSMAN REPLACEMENT PARTS.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them
frequently and use them to instruct others who

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

_k Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means attention!!! Your

safety is involved.

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 orstandard safety glasses

with side shields, available at Sears Retail Stores.

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS

5

Horsepower
Input

Blade Diameter
Blade Arbor

Cutting Depth at 0° Bevel Cut

2-1/4

12 Amperes

7-1/4 in. (184 mm)

518 in. (16 mm)

2-3/8 in. (60 mm)

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

Rating
No Load Speed

1-13/16 in. (46 mm)

1-5/8 in. (41 mm)

120 volts, 60 Hz, AC

5,000 RPM

Your circular saw has been shipped completely
assembled except for the blade. Inspect it carefully 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.

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

7-1/4 in.
7-1/4 in.
7-1/4 in.

7-1/4 in.
7-1/4 in.
7-1/4 in.
7-1/4 in.

40 Tooth General Purpose Cut-Off Blade
35 Tooth Master Combination Blade

200 Tooth Plywood Blade

18 Tooth Carbide Blade

18 Tooth Mach II Silver Series Carbide Blade
24 Tooth Mach IISilver Series Carbide Blade
24 Tooth Combination Carbide Blade

_ WARNING: If any 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.

Rip Guide

,_ WARNING: The use of attachments or accessories not listed might be hazardous.

8

KNOW YOUR CIRCULAR SAW

See Figure 1.

Before attempting to use any tool, familiarize yourself

with all operating features and safety requirements.

Features include easily operated bevel cut and depth
of cut adjustment mechanisms; positive 0° bevel stop;

length of cut scale; directed air flow for keeping line of
cut clear; and blade wrench storage.

SWITCH

To turn your saw ON, depress the switch trigger.

Release switch trigger to turn your saw OFF.

UPPER

BLADEGUARD

LOWERBLADE

GUARDHANDLE

APPLICATIONS

(Use only for the purpose listed below)

• Cutting all types of wood products (lumber,

plywood, paneling).

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 this tool on direct current (DC). A
substantial voltage drop will cause a loss of power and

the motor will overheat. If your saw does not operate
when plugged into an outlet, double-check the power

supply.

SWITCH

TRIGGER

DEPTHOFCUT BASE

ADJUSTMENT ASSEMBLY

(WINGNUT)

BLADEWRENCH LENGTHOF BEVELCUT
STORAGEAREA CUTSCALE BLADE ADJUSTMENT

BLADE

WRENCH

,_ 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.

7

LOWER

BLADEGUARD Fig. 1

(WINGNUT)

A 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.

,_ 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.

• 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.

• Replace "D" washer and spring washer.
Note: "Cupped" side of spring washer goes against
"D" washer. See Figure 3.

OUTERBLADEWASHER("D"WASHER)

CUPPEDSIDEOF OUTSIDEOF

SPRINGWASHER SPRINGWASHER Fig. 3

TO ASSEMBLE OR REMOVE BLADE

• Unplugyour saw.

,_ WARNING: Failure to unplug your saw could

result inaccidental starting causing possible
serious personal injury.

TO ASSEMBLE BLADE:

• Remove blade wrench from storage area.

See Figure 1.

i Remove blade screw, spring washer, and outer

blade washer ("D" washer). See Figure 2.

SPINDLE LOWERBLADE

BLADE OUTER

BLADE

WASHER

("D"WASHER)

BLADE

SCREW

M 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:

M Remove blade wrench from storage area.

See Figure 1.

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

Note: With blade teeth embedded in the wood, turn

blade screw counterclockwise to remove.

• Remove spring washer and outer blade washer
("D" washer). See Figure 2.

Note: Blade can be removed at this point.

LOWERBLADE

GUARDHANDLE

INNER

BLADEWASHER SPRING

WASHER

Note: Turn blade screw counterclockwise to remove.

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

contact blade.

,_ WARNING: If inner blade washer has been

n

removed, replace it before placing blade on

spindle. Failure to do so could cause an accident
since blade will not tighten properly.

Fig. 2

BLADE

WRENCH

\

BLADESCREW

Fig. 4

8

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.

_k 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 5.

LOWERBLADEGUARD
ISiN UPPOSITION

WHENMAKINGACUT

KICKBACK

See Figure 6.

_m KICKBACK• ( _ ( (

BLADESETTOO DEEP Fig. 6

The best guard against kickback is to avoid
dangerous practices.

Kickback occurs when the blade stalls rapidly and the
saw isdriven back towards you. Blade stalling is

caused by any action which pinches the blade inthe
wood.

_ DANGER: Release switch immediately ifblade

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 6.

• Sawing into knots or nails in workpiece.

• Twisting blade while making a cut.

• Making a cut with a dull, gummed up, or impropedy

set blade.

• Incorrectly supporting workpiece. See Figure 7.

• Forcing a cut.

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 returnsto the
closed position. If for any reason your lower

blade guard does not close freely, take it to the
nearest Sears Repair Center for service before
using.

Fig. 5

WRONG Fig. 7

• Cutting warped or wet lumber.

• Tool misuse or incorrect operating procedures.

9

TOLESSENTHECHANCEOFKICKBACK:

• 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 8.

CORRECTBLADEDEPTHSE'mNG =
BLADEEXPOSED114in.ORLESS
ONUNDERSIDEOFWORKPIECE

• 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 7 and 9.

Fig. 8

• 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

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.

TO ADJUST BLADE DEPTH

• Unplug your saw.

_ WARNING: Failure to unplug your saw could

result inaccidental starting causing possible

serious personal injury.

• Loosen wing nut. See Figure 10.

RIGHT Fig. 9

WINGNUT

BASE Fig. 10

ASSEMBLY

• Hold base flat against the workpiece and raise or

lower saw until the required depth is reached.

• Tighten wing nut securely.

10

STARTING A CUT

Know the right way to use your saw.

See Figure 11.

RIGHT Fig. 11

_, 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 on which 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 workplace that is solidly supported.

See Figure 11.

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

See Figure 13.

Never use your saw as shown in Figure 12.

WRONG Fig. 12

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

WRONG Fig. 13

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

workpiece while making a cut.

,_ DANGER: If the cord hangs up on the

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

,_ 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.

11

Hold your saw firmly with both hands.

See Figure 14.

RIGHT Fig. 14

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 15.

TOPVIEWOF SAW

OFSAWI/ , \ _ €

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

into the workpiecs.

,_ WARNING: The blade coming incontact with

the workpieca 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 workplece while the blade

Is moving,

/

ALIGNOUTERBLADEGUIDENOTCHON
SAWBASEWITHLINE OFCUTASSHOWN GUIDELINE

WHENMAKINGCROSSCUTSOR RIPCUTS Fig. 15

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,

12

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 16.

BEVEL

SCALE

BLADE

GUIDE BEVEL

NOTCH ADJUSTMENT

WINGNUT

GUIDELINE

ALIGNINNERBLADEGUIDENOTCHONSAW
BASEWITHLINEOF CUT ASSHOWNWHEN _

MAKING45° BEVELCUTS Fig. 16
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.

When making a bevel cut hold your saw firmly with

both hands as shown in Figure 17.
Rest the front edge of the base onthe 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. 17

_ 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, liftyour saw from the workpiece.

TO ADJUST BEVEL SE'I-rlNG

• Unplug your saw.

_k WARNING: Failure to unplug your saw could

result inaccidental starting causing possible

serious personal injury.

• Loosen wing nut. See Figure 16.

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

See Figure 16.

• Tighten wing nut securely.

,_ WARNING: Attempting bevel cut without wing

nut securely tightened can result in serious

injury.

13

POSITIVE0° BEVELSTOP

See Figure 18.

BEVEL

ADJUSTMENT

WINGNUT

ADJUSTMENT

SCREW

TO ADJUST

• Unplug your saw.

_k WARNING: Failure to unplug your saw could

result inaccidental starting causing possible

serious personal injury.

• Loosen wing nut.

• Loosen hex nut securing adjustment screw.

• Turn screw and adjust base untilsquare with saw

blade.

• Tighten hex nut and wing nut securely.

POSITIVEO°BEVELSTOP

CARPENTER'SSQUARE

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.

HEXNUT

SAWBLADE

Fig. 18

_, WARNING: Attempting to make cuts without

wing nut securely tightened can result in serious
injury.

LENGTH OF CUT SCALE

See Figure 19.

LENGTHOF CUTSCALE

Fig. 19

,_ 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 18.

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

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.

14

TO POCKET CUT

See Figure 20.

,_ WARNING: Always adjust bevel setting to zero

before making a pocket cut. Attempting a pocket
cut atany othersetting can resultin loss of control

of yoursaw possiblycausing seriousinjury.

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 20.

LOWER

BLADEGUARD

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 22.

ALTERNATEMETHODFORRIPCUTTING

STRAIGHT

EDGE

C-CLAMPS

WORKPIECE

Fig. 21

TO ASSEMBLE OPTIONAL RIP GUIDE

• Unplug your saw.

POCKETCUT

LOWERBLADE

GUARDHANDLE Fig. 20

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

blade Into the workplece until base is flat against
workpleee.

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.

_ 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 21.

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

_ 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 22.

EDGEGUIDE PLACERIP

GUIDETHRUHOLES

Fig. 22

• 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.

15

,_ WARNING: When servicing, use only identical

Craftsman replacement parts. Use of any other
part may create a hazard or cause product

damage.

GENERAL

Only the parts shown on parts list, page 19, 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

by a qualified Sears service technician.

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.

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.

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 14 is

recommended for an extension cord 50 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.

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.

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.

,_ 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.

CAUTION: Keep extension cords away from the
cutting area and position the cord so that itwill

not get caught on lumber, tools, etc., during

cutting operation,

,_ 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 circular saw

are available at your nearest Sears Retail Store.

16

17

28 27

CRAFTSMAN CIRCULAR SAW - MODEL NUMBER 315.108990

SEE NOTE "A" PAGE 19

2

3 4

21

11

13

14

18

17

18

CRAFTSMAN CIRCULAR SAW - MODEL NUMBER 315.108990

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

[

CIRCULAR SAW or when ordering repair parts.

SEE BACK PAGE FOR PARTS ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS

PARTS LIST

I

Key Part
No. Number

1 981579-001
2 969858-001

3 999637-OO3
4 969373-002
5 974999-001
6 981581-001
7 968442-003
8 968702-011
9 974900-001

10 989592-001

11 967952-001
12 974771-005
13 718602-804
14 999982-001
15 ***
16 998463-001

Description Quan.

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

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

Bearing ........................................................... 1

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

* Screw (#10-16 x 3/4 in. Pan Hd.) ................... 4

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

Fixed Blade Guard .......................................... 1

* Screw (#8-16 x 3/4 in. Pan Hd.) ..................... 3

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

* Screw (#8-10 x 1-1/8 in. Fil. Hd.) .................... 1

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

Key Part
No. Number

17 612999-001

18 623547-002
19 981580-001

20 621433-018

21 974802-001
22 931744-059

23 621438-006
24 621433-001

25 941401-815
26 706404-007
27 614658-010
28 990147-001

29 974716-001
30 981574-000

972000-674

Description Quan.

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

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

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

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

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

Washer ........................................................... 2

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

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

**STD532507 .................................................. 1

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

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

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

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

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

Carrying Case - Not Shown ........................... 1

Owner's Manual

NOTE: "A"- The assembly shown represents an important part of the Double Insulated System. To avoid the possibility of alteration or damage

to the system, service should be performed by your nearest Sears Repair Center. Contact your nearest Sears Retail Store for
Service Center information.

* Standard Hardware Item -- May Be Purchased Locally
** Available From Div.98 -- Source 980,00

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

19

In U.S.A. or Canada

for in-home major brand repair service:

Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

1-800-4-MY-HOME sM(1-800-469-4663)

Para pedir servicio de reparacibn a domicilio - 1-800-676-5811

Au Canada pour tout le service ou les pi_ces - 1-800-469 4663

For the repair or replacement parts you need:

Call 6 a.m. - 11 p,m. CST, 7 days a week

Parts Direct s_

1-800-366-PART (1-800-366-7278)

Para ordenar piezas con entrega a domicilio - 1-800-659-7084

For the location of a Sears Service Center in your area:

Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

1-800-488-1222

To purchase or inquire about a Sears Maintenance Agreement:

Call 7 a.rn. - 5 p.m. CST, Monday - Saturday

1-800-827-6655