Craftsman 315.2145 User Manual

Owner's Manual

11 in. variable speed BAND SAW

Model No.

315.214500

Save this manual for

future reference.

CAUTION: Read and

follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructionsbefore

first use ofthis product.

Customer Help Line

1-800-932-3188

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA

VisittheCraftsmanweb page:www.sears.com/craftsman

972000-510

6-98

• SAFETY

• FEATURES

• ADJUSTMENTS

• OPERATION

• MAINTENANCE

• PARTS LIST

NRTL

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

• Warranty and Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 2

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

• Electrical ......................................................................................................................................................... 6

• Glossary and Product Specifications ............................................................................................................. 7

• Unpacking, Loose Parts List, and Tools Needed: .......................................................................................... 8

• Labels ........................................................................ _............................................................................... 9-10

• Features ....................................................................................................................................................... 11

• Assembly ................................................................................................................................................. 12-13

• Adjustments ............................................................................................................................................. 13-18

• Basic Operation ....................................................................................................................................... 18-21

• Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................ 21-23

• Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................................ 24

• Exploded View and Repair Parts Ust ...................................................................................................... 26-33

• Parts Ordering / Service ............................................................................................................................... 34

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN BAND SAW If this CRAFTSMAN" Band Saw 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.

Ifthis product is used for commemial 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. 817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Your 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.

,_ Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means attention!i!

Your safety is involved,

_i, 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 onlyfor what it is intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.

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.

Thepurposeofsafetysymbolsisto attractyourattentionto 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

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

MEANING

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: indicates danger, warning or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbolsor picto-

graphs.

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 offire, electric shock and personal injury.

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

and personal injury.

IMPORTANT

Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and should be performed only by a qualified

service technician. For service we suggest you retom the tool to your nearest Sears store for repair. Always use

original factory replacement parts when servicing,

WARNING: Do not attempt to operate thistool

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.

• 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 isin operation,

• DO NOT USE IN DANGEROUS ENVIRON-

MENT. Do not use power tools near gasoline or other flammable liquids, in damp or wet loca- tions, or expose them to rain. Keep the work

area well lit.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Read the owner's

manual carefully. Learn the 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 inthe habit of checking to see that hex keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from tool before turning iton.

• 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

padlocks and master switches or by removing starter keys.

• DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL It willdo the job better and safer at the rate for which itwas

designed,

• USE THE RIGHT TOOL. Do not force the tool or

attachment to do a job itwas not designed for. Don't use itfor a purpose not intended.

• USE THE PROPER EXTENSION CORD. Make

sure your extension cord is in good condition.

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION (Continued)

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 18 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. Also wear protective

hair covering to contain long hair. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WITH

SIDE SHIELDS. Everyday eyeglasses have only impact-resistant lenses; they are NOT safety glasses.

• PROTECT YOUR LUNGS. Wear a face or dust mask if the cutting operation is dusty.

M PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing

protection during extended periods of operation.

B SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold

work when practical. It's safer than using your

hand and itfrees both hands to operate tool.

binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, saw stability, 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.

DIRECTION OF FEED. Feed work into a blade or cutter against the direction of rotation of the

blade or cutter only. NEVER LEAVE TOOL RUNNING UNAT-

TENDED. TURN THE POWER OFF. Do not

leave tool until itcomes to a complete stop. USE ONLY CORRECT BLADES. Use the right

blade size, style and cutting speed for the material and the type of cut. Blade teeth should point down tov!ard the table.

KEEP BLADES CLEAN, SHARP AND WITH SUFFICIENT SET. Sharp blades minimize stalling 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 CUTrlNG AREA. Do not hand hold pieces so small that your

fingers go under the blade guard. Do not reach underneath work or in blade cutting path with your hands and fingers for any reason.

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., all tools should be disconnected from power supply.

B AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Be sure

switch is off when plugging in.

M USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. The

use of improper accessories may cause risk of injury.

NEVER STAND ON TOOL. Serious injury could occur ifthe 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,

_k WARNING: Blade coasts after turn off.

• DO NOT ABUSE CORD. Never yank cord to

disconnect itfrom receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.

M 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 itwell away from the moving blade.

M 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 FRO• OIL AND GREASE. Always use a clean cloth when cleaning. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, or any solvents to

clean tool. ALWAYS SUPPORT LARGE WORKPIECES

while cutting. To minimize risk of blade pinching and kickback, always support large workpieces.

Saw may slip, walk or slide while cutting large or heavy beards.

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION (Continued)

• BEFORE MAKING A CUT, BE SURE ALL

ADJUSTMENTS ARE SECURE.

• BEFORE CHANGING THE SETUP, REMOVING

COVERS, GUARDS OR BLADE,TURN OFF THE SAW, AND UNPLUG THE SAW.

• DO NOT FEED THE MATERIAL TOO QUICKLY. Do notforce the workpiece against the blade.

• NEVER cut more than one piece at a time. DO • • NOT STACK more than one workpiece on the +

saw table at a time. AVOID cU'rFING NAILS. Inspect for and

remove all nails from lumber before cutting. NEVER TOUCH BLADE or other moving parts

during use.

NEVER START A TOOL WHEN THE BLADE IS

IN CONTACT WITH THE WORKPIECE.

• ALLOW THE MOTOR TO COME UP TO FULL SPEED before starting a cut. •

• FIRMLY CLAMP OR BOLT your band saw to a firm, level workbench or table. The most comfort-

able saw table height is 36 inches or at approxi-

mately hip height. •

• AVOID AWKWARD OPERATIONS AND HAND

POSITIONS where a sudden slip could cause

your hand to move into the blade. ALWAYS

make sure you have good balance. •

REPLACEMENT PARTS. All repairs, whether electrical or mechanical, should be made by a

qualified service technician at a Sears store.

WARNING: When servicing, use only identical

Craftsman replacement parts. Use of any other

parts may create a hazard or cause product damage.

NEVER USE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMO- SPHERE. Normal sparking of the motor could

ignite fumes. DO NOT OPERATE THIS TOOL WHILE UN-

DER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS, ALCOHOL, OR ANY MEDICATION.

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. MAKE SURE THE WORK AREA HAS AMPLE

LIGHTING to see the work and that no obstruc-

tions will interfere with safe operation BEFORE

performing any work using your saw.

ALWAYS TURN OFF SAW before disconnecting

it, to avoid accidental starting when reconnecting

to power supply. NEVER leave the band saw

unattended while connected to a power source. 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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

The blade guides and thrust bearings have been pre-assembled but will require final adjustment before using your saw. Refer to "ADJUSTING THRUST BEARINGS, BLADE GUIDE SUPPORT, AND BLADE GUIDES"

procedures explained in the ADJUSTMENTS section of the owner's manual.

EXTENSION CORDS

Use only 3-wire extension cords that have 3-prong

grounding plugs and 3-pole receptacles that accept the tool's plug. When using a power tool at a consider- able distance from the power source, use an exten- sion cord heavy enough to carry the current that the

tool will draw. An undersized extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in a loss of

power and causing the motor to overheat. Use the

chart provided below to determine the minimum wire

size required in an extension cord. Only round jack- eted cords listed by Underwriter's Laboratories (UL)

should be used.

Length of Extension Cord

Up to 25 feet 26-100 feet 16

When working with the tool outdoors, use an exten- sion cord that is designed for outside use. This is indicated by the letters WA on the cord's jacket.

Before using an extension cord, inspect it for loose or exposed wires and cut or worn insulation.

_, CAUTION: Keep the cord away from the cutting

area and position the cord so that it will not be

caught on lumber, tools, or other objects during cutting.

Wire Size (A.W.G.)

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

In the event of a malfunction or breakdown, grounding

provides a path of least resistance for electric current

to reduce the risk of electric shock. This tool is

equipped with an electric cord having an equipment- grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into a matching outlet that is properly

installed and grounded in accordance with all local cedes and ordinances.

Do not modify the plug provided. If it will not fit the outlet, have the proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician. Improper connection of the equipment- grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric

shook. The conductor with insulation having an outer surface that is green with or without yellow stripes is the equipment-grounding conductor. If repair or replacement of the electric cord or plug is necessary, do not connect the equipment-grounding conductor to

a live terminal.

Check with a qualified electrician or service personnel if the grounding instructions are not completely

understood, or if in doubt as to whether the tool is properly grounded.

Repair or replace a damaged or worn cord immedi- ately.

This tool is intended for use on a circuit that has an outlet like the one shown in Figure 1. It also has a

grounding pin like the one shown.

Your Sears Craftsman Band Saw is powered by 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 the saw does not operate when plugged into an outlet, double check the power supply.

GROUNDING

COVER01FGROUNDED

OUTLETBOX

Fig. 1

Bevel Cut A cutting operation made with an angled table. Crosscut A cutting operation made across the grain or the width

of the workpiece. Compound Cut

A compound cut is a cut made using a miter angle " and a bevel angle at the same time.

FPM Feet per minute. Used in reference to surface speed

of blade.

Ferrous Metal Metal that contains iron; such as steel.

Freehand (for band saw) Performing a cut without the workpiece properly

supported on the table.

Gum A sticky, sap based residue from wood products.

Kerf

The material removed by the blade in a through cut or the slot produced by the blade in a nonthrough or

partial cut. Leading End

The end of the workpiece pushed into the cuffing tool first.

Nonferrous Metal Metal that does not contain iron; such as aluminum,

brass, and copper. Miter Cut

A cutting operation made with the edge of the workpiece at any angle to the blade other than 90

degrees.

Push Stick

A device used to feed the workpiece through the saw

blade during narrow cuffing operations. It helps keep,

the operator's hands well away from the blade.

Reeaw

A cutting operation to reduce the thickness of the workpiece to make thinner pieces.

Resin

A sticky, sap based substance.

Ripping A cutting operation along the length of the workpiece.

Saw Blade Path

The area directly in line -- 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. Set The distance that the tip of the saw blade 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 kerr closing, such as a workpiece being dropped into the blade, or being carelessly placed in contact

with the blade. Through Sawing

Any cutting operation where the blade extends completely through the workpiece.

Workplece The item on which the cuffing operation is being done.

The surfaces of a workpiece are commonly referred to as faces, ends, and edges.

Worktable The surface on which the workpiece rests while

performing a cutting operation.

Blade Width 118 in. to 3/8 in. Blade Length 56-7/8 in.

Capacities:

Frame to Blade 11 in. Under guide 3-1/8 in.

Table Size 11-1/2 in. x 11-1/2 in.

Table Tilt 0° - 45°

Input 120 V, 4.2 amp 60 Hz, AC only No Load Speed 300-3000 FPM

Overall Dimensions 24-1/2 in. x 12-1/2 in. x 24-1/2 in.

Net Weight 28 Ibs.

_i, WARNING: To prevent accidental starting that

could cause possible serious personal injury,

assemble all parts to your saw before connecting it to power supply. Saw should never be

connected to power supply when you are assembling parts, making adjustments, installing or removing blades, or when not in use.

• Carefully remove all parts from the carton and place the saw on a level work surface. Separate and check against the list of loose parts.

Check all loose parts from the box with the list below. For your convenience when identifying parts, items A-H below have been drawn actual size. Assemble according to the instructions on the following pages.

B. Hex Nut (1/4-20) ................................................. 3

C. Wing Nut (1/4-20) ............................................... 1

D. Truss Head Screw (1/4-20 x 5/8 in.) .................. 1

E. Screw (M5 x 8) ................................................... 1

F. Scale Indicator .................................................... 1

G. Throat Plate ........................................................ 1

H. Hex Key (1/8 in.) ................................................. 1

I. Saw Table (not shown) ...................................... 1

J. Owner's Manual (not shown) ............................ 1

_k 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.

• Do not discard the packing materials until you have carefully inspected the saw, identified all parts, and satisfactorily operated your new saw.

Note: 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 parts are obtained and are installed correctly.

The following tools (not included) are needed for assembly and alignment:

• #'2 Phillips Screwdriver

• Adjustable Wrench

• Small Combination Square

• 5/16 in. Socket or Nut Driver

SMALL

COMBINATION

SQUARE

Fig. 2

#2 PHILUPSSCREWDRIVE

5116in.SOCKET/NUTDRIVER

Fig. 3

,A WARNING_ B.

DVERTENCIA|

A WARNING/ ADVERTENCIA

Fig. 4

The following labels are on the bend saw with locations indicated.

,AWARNING I ADVERTENCIA

Customer Help Line 1-800-932-3188

Fig. 5

KNOW YOUR BAND SAW Before attempting to use, familiarize yourself with all

operating features and safety requirements of _;our Sears Craftsman band saw. See Figure 6.

BLADE The saw comes with a standard 1/4 in. blade installed.

BLADE GUIDES

Blade guides support the blade and keep it from twisting during operation. An adjustment is necessary

when blades are changed or replaced.

HEX KEY HOLDER A hex key holder inside the front cover keeps hex key

conveniently located for blade guide and blade tracking adjustments.

ON/OFF KNOB Your band saw has an easy access On/Off knob with

variable speed. Pull the knob out to turn ON the saw, and push the knob in to turn OFF the saw. Turn the the knob to adjust the speed. Place a pad lock in the lock post next to the knob to lockthe sew in the OFF

position.

BLADE GUIDE KNOB AND LOCK LEVER

The blade guide assembly should just clear the workpiece while cutting. Use the blade guide knob

QUICKRELEASEKNOB TENSION

and lock lever to adjust the blade guide assembly to

keep the blade from twisting or breaking. Always lock the upper blade guide assembly in place before turning on the band saw.

TABLE LOCK KNOB

Loosening table lock knob allows table to be tilted at

different angles. Tightening knob lockstable in place.

POST

COVER

ANGLE ADJUSTMENT KNOB

Once the table lock knob has been loosened, use the

angle adjustment knob to tilt or change the angle of

BLADE

the table. Always tighten the table lock knob before

turning on the saw.

SCALE

The scale shows the angle or degree the table is tilted

for bevel cuffing. EXHAUST

PORT

TENSION ADJUSTMENT KNOB

The tension adjustment knob controls the amount of

blade tension when changing blades and when

making adjustments for various sawing applications.

TRACKING ADJUSTMENT SCREW

TRACKING

ADJUSTMENTSCREW

Tracking adjustment screw adjusts to keep the blade

running in the center of the wheels. It is a set screw

located in the center of the frame on the back of your

LOCKLEVER

band saw.

BAND SAW TABLE

BLADEGUIDE

Your band saw has an 11-1/2 in. square, aluminum

saw table with a rack and pinion tilt control for maxi-

mum accuracy, It has a red snap in throat plate, and a miter slot for use with an optional miter gage,

BLADEGUIDE

ASSEM

SAWDUST EXHAUST PORT

A standard 2-1/4 in. dust exhaust port has been

provided to make dustless cutting possible. The pickup adapter end of a vacuum hose fits inside the

dust exhaust port with a wedge tit type connection.

COVER TABS Easy open cover tabs allow the front cover to be

TABLE LOCK

KNOB

opened for making adjustments. See Figure 13,

FRONT VIEW OF BAND SAW

KNOB

-FRONT COVER

BLADEGUIDE

..SAWBLADE

BANDSAW

TABLE

BACK VIEW OF BAND SAW

ANGLEADJUSTMEN'I

DATAPLATE

KNOB Fig. 6

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