Craftsman 315.212120 User Manual
Owner's Manual
12 in. COMPOUND
MITER SAW
Double Insulated
Model No.
315.212120
Save this manual for
future reference.
A 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:
972000-557
9-98
www.sears.com/craftsman
• Safety
• Features
• Adjustments
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts List
@®
NRTiyC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................................................. 2
Warranty and Introduction............................................................................................................................................. 2
Rules For Safe Operation................................................................................................................................................ 3-6
Glossary.......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Product Specifications and Unpacking................................................................................................................................ 7
Labels...............................................................................................................................................................................8
Loose Parts and Tools Needed......................................................................................................................................... 9
Feeitures.................................................................................................................................................................... 10-12
Adjustments................................................................................................................................................................ 13-19
Operation....................................................................................................................................................................20-26
Maintenance.............................................................................................................................................................. 27-28
Exploded View and Repair Parts List.............................................................................................................................. 30-35
Parts Ordering / Service................................................................................................................................................... 36
WARRANTY
FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY
If this product fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within one year from the date of purchase,
Sears will repair it free of charge.
Contact a Sears Service Center for repair.
If this product is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies only for 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. 81 TWA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
INTRODUCTION
Your saw has many features for making cutting
operations more pleasant arfo enjoyable. Safety,
performance and dependability have been given top
priority in the design of this saw making it easy to
maintain and operate.
A Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means attention!!!
Your safety is involved.
WARNING:
The operation of any power tool 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.
CAUTION: Carefully read through this entire
owner's manual before using your new saw. Pay
close attention to the Rules For Safe Operation,
and all Safety Alert Symbols including Danger,
Warning and Caution. If you use your saw
properly and only for what it is intended, you will
enjoy years of safe, reliable service.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
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 uriderstanding. The safety warnings do
not by themselves eliminate any |langer. The Instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for
proper accident prevention measures.
SYMBOL MEANING
^ SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL:
Indicates danger, warning or caution. May be used in conjunction with o№er symbols or picto-
graphs.
iV 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.
A 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.
A 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, elecWc shock
and personal injury.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipirtent.
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.
A WARNING; Do not attempt to operate this tool
until you have read thoroughly arid understand
completely all instructions, safety rules, etc.
contsuned in this manual. Failure to comply can
result in accidents iirvolving fire, electric shock,
or serious personal injury. Save owner's manual
arxl review frequently for continuing safe
operation, aixl instructing others who may use
this tool.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
■ KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Read the owner's
manual carefully. Learn toe saw's 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 good working
order.
■ REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND
WRENCHES. Get in the habit of checking to see
that hex keys and adjusting wrerrehes are
removed from tool before turning on saw.
IMPORTANT
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge of toe
system and should be performed only by a qualified
service technician. For service we ^gest you return
the tool to your nearest Sears store for repair. Always
use origin^ factory replacement parts when ser^cing.
KEEP THE WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered work
areas and work benches invite accidents. DO
NOT leave tools or pieces of wood on the saw
while it is in operation.
DO NOT USE IN DANGEROUS ENVIRON
MENTS. Do not use power tools near gasoline or
other flammable liquids, in damp or wet locations,
or expose toem to rain. Keep the 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 while operating.
MAKE WORKSHOP CHILD-PROOF with pad
locks and master switches, or by removing starter
keys.
DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL It will do the job
better and safer at the rate for which it was
designed.
USE THE RIGHT TOOL Do not force the tool or
attachment to do a job it was not designed for.
Don't use it for a purpose not intended.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION (Continued)
USE THE 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. A wire gage size (A.W.G.) of at
least 14 is recommended for an extension cord
25 feet or less in length. If in doubt, use the next
heavier gage. The smaller the gage number, the
heavier the cord.
INSPECT EXTENSION CORDS PERIODI
CALLY and replace if damaged.
DRESS PROPERLY. Do not wear loose clothing,
gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets, or other
jewelry. They can get caught and draw you into
moving parts. Rubber gloves and nonslip foot
wear are recommended when working putdoors.
Also wear protective hair covering to contain long
hair.
ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WITH
SIDE SHIELDS. Everyday eyeglasses have only
impact-resistant ienses; they are NOT safety
glasses.
PROTECT YOUR LUNGS. Wear a face or dust
mask if the cutting operation is dusty.
PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing
protection during extended periods of operation.
SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold
work when practical. If s safer than using your
hand and it frees both hands to operate tooi.
DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times.
MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools
sharp and clean for better and safer perfor
mance. Follow instructions for lubricating and
changing accessories.
DISCONNECT ALL TOOLS. When not in use,
before servicing, or when changing attachments,
blades, bits, cutters, etc., ail tools should be
disconnected.
AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Be sure
switch is off when plugging in.
USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. The
use of improper accessories may cause risk of
injury.
NEVER STAND ON TOOL. Serious injury could
occur if the tool is tipped or if the blade is unin
tentionally contacted.
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 must be properly repaired or replaced
by a qualified service technician at a Sears store
to avoid risk of personal injury.
NEVER LEAVE TOOL RUNNING UNAT
TENDED. TURN THE POWER OFF. Do not
leave tool until it comes to a complete stop.
FIRMLY CLAMP OR BOLT your miter saw to a
workbench or table at approximately hip height.
USE ONLY CORRECT BLADES. Do not use
blades with incorrect size holes. Never use blade
washers or blade bolts that are defective or
incorrect. The maximum blade capacity of your
saw is 12 in.
KEEP BLADES CLEAN, SHARP AND WITH
SUFFICIENT SET. Sharp blades minimize
stailing and kickback.
DO NOT REMOVE THE SAW'S BLADE
GUARDS. Never operate the saw with any guard
or cover removed. Make sure all guards are
operating properly before each use.
KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM CUTTING AREA.
Keep hands away from blades. Do not reach
underneath work or around or under the blade
white blade is rotating. Do not attempt to remove
cut material when blade is moving.
WARNING: Blade coasts after turn off.
DO NOT ABUSE CORD. Never yank cord to
disconnect it from receptacle. Keep cord from
heat, oil, and sharp edges.
INSPECT TOOL CORDS PERIODICALLY and if
damaged, have repaired by a qualified service
technician at a Sears store. Stay constantly
aware of cord location and keep it well away
from the rotating blade.
USE OUTDOOR EXTENSION CORDS. V\men
tool is used outdoors, use only extension cords
with approved ground connection №at are
intended for use outdoors and so marked.
DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT
TURN IT ON AND OFF. Have defective switches
replaced by a qualified service technician at a
Sears store.
KEEP TOOL DRY, CLEAN, AND FREE FROM
OIL AND GREASE. Aiways use a clean cloth
when cleaning. Never use brake fluids, gasoiine,
petroleum-based products, or any solvents to
clean tool.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION (ContinuecQ
ALWAYS SUPPORT LONG WORKPIECES to
minimize risk of blade pinching and kickback.
Saw may siip, waik, or siide whiie cutting iong or
heavy boards.
BEFORE MAKING A CUT, BE SURE ALL
ADJUSTMENTS ARE SECURE.
GUARD AGAINST KICKBACK. Kickback occurs
when the biade staiis rapidly and wol1фiece is
driven back towards the operator, it can puii your
har>d into the biade resuiting in serious personal
injury. Stay out of blade path and turn switeh off
immediately if blade binds or stalls.
AVOID CUTTING NAILS. Inspect tor and
remove all nails from lumber before cutting.
ALWAYS USE A CLAMP to secure the work
piece when possible.
NEVER TOUCH BLADE or other moving parts
during use.
NEVER START A TOOL WHEN THE BLADE IS
IN CONTACT WITH WORKPIECE. Allow motor
to come up to full speed before starting cut.
MAKE SURE TNE MITER TABLE AND SAW
ARM (BEVEL FUNCTION) ARE LOCKED IN
POSITION BEFORE OPERATING YOUR SAW.
Lock the miter table by securely tightening the
miter lock handle. Lock the saw arm (bevel
function) by securely tightening the bevel lock
knob.
NEVER USE A LENGTH STOP ON THE FREE
SCRAP END OF A CLAMPED WORKPIECE.
NEVER hold onto or bind toe free scrap end of
toe workpiece in any operation. If a work damp
and length stop are used together, they must
both be installed on toe same side of toe saw
table to prevent the saw from catching the loose
end and kicking up.
NEVER cut more than one piece at a time. DO
NOT STACK more than one workpiece on the
saw table at a time.
NEVER PERFORM ANY OPERATION "FREE
HAND". Always place the workpiece to be cut on
the miter table and position it firmly against toe
fence as a backstop. Always use the fence.
NEVER hand hold a workpiece that is too small
to be clamped. Keep hands clear of the no hartos
zone.
NEVER reach behind, under, or within three
inches of the blade and its cutting path with your
hands and fingers for any reason.
NEVER reach to pick up a workpiece, a piece of
scrap, or anything else that is in or near the
cutting path of the blade.
AVOID AWKWARD OPERATIONS AND HAND
POSITIONS where a sudden slip could cause
your hand to move into toe blade. ALWAYS
make sure you have good balance. NEVER
operate your miter saw on toe floor or in a
crouched position.
NEVER stand or have any part of your body in
line with the path of the saw blade.
ALWAYS release the power switch and allow toe
saw blade to stop rotating before raising it out of
the workpiece.
DO NOT TURN THE MOTOR SWITCH ON AND
OFF RAPIDLY. This could cause toe saw blade
to loosen and could create a hazard. Should this
ever occur, stand clear and allow the saw blade
to come to a complete stop. Disconnect your saw
from the power supply and securely retighten tod
blade bolt.
REPLACEMENT PARTS. All repairs, whether
electrical or mechanical, should be made by
qualified service technician at a Sears store.
WARNING: When servicing use only identical
' Craftsman replacement parts. Use of any otoer
parts may create a hazard or cause product
damage.
NEVER USE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMO
SPHERE. Normal sparking of the motor could
ignite fumes.
NEVER leave toe miter saw unattended while
connected to a power source.
POLARIZED PLUGS. To reduce toe risk of
electric shock, this tool 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 toe plug
in any way.
IF ANY PART OF THIS MITER SAW IS MISS
ING or should break, bend, or fail in any way, or
should any electrical component fail to perfoim
properly, shut off the power switch, remove the
miter saw plug from toe power source and have
damaged, missing, or failed parts replaced
before resuming operation.
DO NOT OPERATE THIS TOOL WHILE UN
DER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS, ALCOHOL,
OR ANY MEDICATION.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION (Continued)
■ ALWAYS STAY ALERT! Do not allow familiarity
(gained from frequent use of your saw) to cause
a careless mistake. ALWAYS REMEMBER that
a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to
inflict severe injury.
■ 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.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR WOODWORKING
Arbor
The shaft on which a biade or cutting tool is mounted.
Bevel Cut
A cutting operation made with the blade at emy angle
other than 90’ to the miter table.
Crosscut
A cutting or shaping operation made across the grain
of the workpiece.
Compound Miter Cut
A compound miter cut Is a cut made using a miter
angle arvl a bevel angle at the same time.
Freehand
Performing a cut without using a fence, miter gage,
fixture, work damp, or other proper device to keep the
workpiece from twisting or moving during the cut.
Gum
A sticky, sap based residue from wood products.
Miter Cut
A cutting operation made witti the blade at any angle
other than 90' to ttie fence,
Resin
A sticky, sap base substance ttiat has hardened.
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)
The number of turns completed by a spinning object
in one minute.
Saw Blade Path
The area over, under, behind, or in front of the blade.
As it applies to the workpiece, that area which will be,
or has been, cut by the blade.
MAKE SURE THE WORK AREA HAS AMPLE
LIGHTING to see the work and that no obstruc
tions will interfere with safe operaflon BEFORE
performing any work using your saw.
ALWAYS TURN OFF SAW before disconnecting
it, to avoid accidental starting when re-connect
ing to power supply.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them
frequently and use to instruct other users. If you
loan someone this tool, loan them these instruc
tions also.
Set
The distance that the tip of the sawbiade tooth is bent
(or set) outward from the face of the blade.
Throw-Back
Throwing of a workpiece in a manner similar to a
kickback. Usually associated with a cause other than
the kerf closing, such as a workpiece not being
against the fence, being dropped into the blade, or
being placed inadvertently in contact wi№ the blade.
Through Sawing
Any cutting operation where the blade extends
completely through the thickness of the workpiece.
Workpiece
The item on which the cutting operation is being done.
The surfaces of a workpiece are commonly referred to
as faces, ends, and edges.
Zero Clearance Throat Plate
A plastic throat plate inserted in the miter table that
allows for blade clearance. When you make your first
cut with your compound miter saw, the saw blade cuts
a slot through the throat plate the exact width of the
blade. This provides for a zero clearance kerf that
minimizes workpiece tear-out.
No Hands Zone
The area between the marked lines on ttie left and
right side of the miter table base. This zone Is
identified by no hands zone Itesels placed inside the
marked lines on the miter table base.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Diameter
Blade Arbor
No Load Speed
Rating
Input
Net Weight
Your Compound Miter Saw has been shipped
completely assembled except for the blade, miter lock
handle, and dust guide.
A WARNING; If any parts are missing, do not
operate №is ^1 until the missing parte are
replaced. Failure to do so could result in possible
serious personal injury.
' ■ Remove all loose parts from №e carton. Separate
arxf check with the list of loose parte. See Figure 2.
■ Remove the packing materials from around your
saw.
■ Carefully lift saw from the carton and place it on a
level work surface. This saw is heavy. To avoid
back injury, get help when needed.
120 Volts, 60 Hz-AC Only
12 in.
5/8 in.
4000 RPM
15 Amperes
41 lbs.
UNPACKING
Cutting Capacity with Miter at O^/Bevel 0°:
max width x resulting height 7-7/8 in. x 2-1/2 in.
Maximum Cutting Capacity with Miter at 45°/Bevel 0°:
max width x resulting height 5-1/2 in. x 2-1/2 in.
Maximum Cutting Capacity with Miter at 0°/Bevel 45®:
max width x resulting height 7-7/B in. x 1-3/4 in.
■ Do not discard the packing materials until you
have carefully inspected the saw, identified all
loose parte, and satisfactorily operated your new
saw.
■ Your saw has been shipped with №e saw arm
locked in the down position. To release saw arm,
push down on top of saw arm and pull out the lock
pin. See Figure 4.
■ Hand pressure should remain on the saw arm to
prevent sudden rise upon release of the lock pin.
■ Examine all parte to make sure no breakage or
damage has occurred during shipping.
If any parts are damaged or missing, do not attempt to
plug in the power cord and turn the switch on until the
damaged or missing parte are obtained and are
installed correctly.
The following labels are on the miter saw with loca
tions indicated.
Restore lower blade guard
and securely tighten screw
before use
DANGER: DO NOT REMOVE
ANY GUARD. USE OF SAW
WTTHOUT THEIS GUARD WILL
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
AWARNING / ADVERTENCIA
• For your sifaty, rud owners manual before operating miter saw.
• Wear eye protection.
• Keop bands out of path of saw blade.
• Do not operala saw without guards In place.
• Do not perform any operaHoa freehand.
• Nneer reach around the saw blade.
• Ihm off fool and wait lor saw blade to slop before moving
woifipiece or changing settings.
• Disconnect the saw from the power source before changing
blade or servicing.
• Do not expose to rain or use In damp places.
• Para su pregia tegurldad, lea el manual del usuario ames de
usar la sletra fngletadora.
12 inch Compound Miter Saw
DOWtEMSUUm 4,e00RPM 120V0US Mill K0M.Y 15«
WARNING: when servicing, use om.Y ioentical craftsman
REPLACEMENT MRTS. .
MODEL 315.212120
MADE IN TAIWAN
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND Ca
Customer Help Line 1‘80i>-932‘3188
SER. NO.
□
Fig. 1
LOOSE PARTS LIST
The following items are included with your Compound Miter Saw:
Saw Blade -12 in.
Miter Lock Handle
Dust Guide
Blade Wrench
5 mm Hex Key Wrench
6 mm Hex Key Wrench
10 mm Hex Key Wrench
Owner's Manual
WARNING: The use of attachments or accessories not listed might be hazardous and could
‘ cause serious personal injury.
TOOLS NEEDED
The following tools (not included) are needed for
checking adjustments of your saw or for
installing the blade:
17 mm COMBINATION WRENCH
12 mm COMBINATION WRENCH
PHILUPS SCREWDRIVER
Fig. 2
FEATURES
KNOW YOUR COMPOUND MITER SAW
See Figure 3.
Before attempting to use your saw, familiarize yourself
with all operating features and safety requirements,
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.
15 AMP MOTOR
Your saw has a powerful 15 amp motor with sufficient
power to handle tough cutting jobs. It is made with all
ball bearings, and has externally accessible brushes
for ease of servicing.
12 in. BLADE
A 12 in. saw blade is included with your compound
miter saw. It will cut materials up to 7-7/8 in. wide,
depending upon the thickness of the material and the
setting at which the cut is being made.
SWITCH
LOCK-OFF LEVER
CUTTING CAPACITIES
When the miter angle (miter table) Is set at 0° and
the bevel angle Is set at 0°:
Your saw will cut materials up to:
max width x resulting height 7-7/8 in. x 2-1/2 in.
When the miter angle (miter table) Is set at 45° and
the bevel angle Is set at 0°:
Your saw will cut materials up to:
max width x resulting height 5-1/2 in. x 2-1/2 in.
When the miter angle (miter table) Is set at 0° and
the bevel angle Is set at 45°:
Your saw will cut materials up to:
max width x resulting height 7-7/8 in. x 1-3/4 in.
HEX KEY
STORAGE AREA
TABLE FRAME
UPPER
BLADE GUARD
MITER
POSITIVE STOP (S)
10
_ _
LOWER
BLADE GUARD
N0 HANDS ZONP BOUNDARY UNE
N0 HANDS
ZONE LABEL
ZERO CLEARANCE
THROAT PLATE
MITER SCALE
MITER
LOCK PLATE
MrTER
LOCK HANDLE
Fig.3
FEMURES
CARRYING HANDLE
See Figure 4.
For convenience when carrying or tiwisporting your
miter saw from one place to aitother, a carrying
handle has been provided on top of the saw arm as
shown in figure 4. To transport, turn off and unplug
your saw, then lower the saw arm and lock it in the
down position. Lock saw arm by depressing the lock
pin.
LOCK PIN
CARRYING
SAW ARM
MITER LOCK
HANDLE
LOCKED IN DOWN POSITION
SAW ARM
Fig. 4
MITER LOCK HANDLE
See Figure 4.
The miter lock handle securely locks your saw at
desired miter angles.
LOCK-OFF LEVER
See Figure 5.
The switoh trigger is equipped with a lock-off lever to
reduce the possibility of accidental starting. TTie lockoff lever must be pressed down with the palm of your
hand to turn saw on. The spring loaded lever will
spring back into the lock-off position when the switch
trigger is released.
SPINDLE LOCK BUTTON
See Figure 5.
A spindle lock button has been provided tor locking
the spindle which keeps toe blade in your saw from
rotating. Depress and hold toe lock button while
installing, changing, or removing blade only.
TRIGGER LOCK
See Figure 6.
To prevent unauthorized use of your compound miter
saw, we suggest that you disconnect it from the power
supply and lock the switch in the off position. To lock
the switoh, install a padlock through the hole In toe
swritch trigger. A lock with a shackle up to 13/64 in.
diameter may be used. When toe lock is installed and
locked, the switch is inoperable. Store the padlock key
in another location.
SWITCH
TRIGGER
11
Fig. 6
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