Craftsman 315.214500 User Manual

Owner's Manual
11 in. variable speed BAND SAW
Model No.
315.214500
Save this manual for future reference.
^ CAUTION: Read and
Customer Help Line
1-800-932-3188
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL60179 USA
Visit the Craftsman web page: www.sears.com/craftsman
972000-510
6-98
SAFETY
FEATURES ADJUSTMENTS OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST
NRTL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents........................................................................................................................................................................2
Warranty and Introduction.........................................................................................................................................................2
Rules For Safe Operation....................................................................................................................................................... 3-5
Electrical......................................................................................................................................................................................6
Glossary and Product Specifications............................................................................................................,..........................^
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 List................................................................................................................................26-33
Parts Ordering / Service...........................................................................................................................................................34

WARRANTY

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN BAND SAW
If this CRUFTSMRir 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. 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 and enjoyable. Safety, performance and dependability have been given top priority in the design of this saw making it easy to maintain and operate.
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.
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.

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 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: -

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 tie safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, elecfric 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, eiectic shock and personal injury.
^ CAUTION; Failure to obey a safety warning may re^lt in property damage or personal injury to
yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce tie risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
Note: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

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 return the tool to your nearest Sears store for repair. Always use
original factory replacement parts when servicing.
WARNING: Do not attempt to operate tiiis tool
until you have read thoroughly and understand completely all instructions, safety rules, etc. contained in tiiis 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 YOUn 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 in the habit of checking to see
that hex keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from tool before turning it on.
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 MENT. Do not use power tools near gasoline or
other flammable liquids, in damp or wet loca tions, or expose tiiem to rain. Keep the work area welt 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
padlocks 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.
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 toss 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.
PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing
protection during extended periods of operation.
SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold
work when practical. It's safer than using your
hand and it frees 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 it comes 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 to\jfard 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 CUTTING 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.
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,
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 moving blade.
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. 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 boards.
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 not force 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 CUTTING 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.
VV 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

ATTENTION:

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.

ELECTRICAL

EXTENSION CORDS

Use only 3-wire extension cords that have 3-prong
grounding piugs and 3-p>ole 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 Undenivriter's Laboratories (UL) should be used.
Length of Extension Cord Wire Size (A.W.G.)
Up to 25 feet 18 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.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

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 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
codes 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 ttie equipment grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric
shock. 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.
PIN
COVER OF GROUNDED
OUTLET BOX
Fig. 1

GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR WOODWORKING

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
MetEil 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 cutting 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 cutting operations. It helps keep, the operator's hands well away from the blade.
Resaw
A cutting operation to reduce the ttiickness 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 kerf 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.
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.
Worktable
The surface on which the workpiece rests while
performing a cutting operation.
Blade Width Blade Length
Capacities:
Frame to Blade Under guide
Table Size

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

1/8 in. to 3/8 in.
56-7/8 in.
11 in.
3-1/8 in.
11-1/2 in. X 11-1/2 in.
Table Tilt
Input No Load Speed
Overall Dimensions
Net Weight
0° - 45'
120 V, 4.2 amp 60 Hz, AC only
300-3000 FPM
24-1/2 in. X 12-1/2 in. x24-^/2 in.
28 lbs.
UNPACKING
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.
iV 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.
LOOSE PARTS LIST
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.
A. Flat Head Screw (1/4-20 x 7/8 in.).................................3
B. Hex Nut (1/4-20)
C. Wing Nut (1/4-20)...........................................................1
D. Truss Head Screw (1/4-20 x 5/8 in.)
E. Screw (M5 x 8)...............................................................1
F. Scale Indicator
G. Throat Plate
H. Hex Key (1/8 in.) I. Saw Table (not shown)
J. Owner's Manual (not shown)
.............................................................
.............................
..............................................................
...................................................................
............................................................
.................................................
.......................................
3
1
1 1 1 1 1
ymm ^
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
TOOLS NEEDED
#2 PHILUPS SCREWDRIVER
&
5/16 in. SOCKET/NUT DRIVER
Fig. 3
11-in. Band Saw
3~wheel

A WARNING / ADVERTENCIA

For your safety, read owner's manual before operating saw. Wear eye protection. Do not remove cutoff pieces until blade has stopped. Maintain proper adjustment of blade tension, blade guides, and thrust bearings. Adjust upper guide to clear workpiece. Hold workpiece firmly against table. Do not expose to rain or use in damp places. Para su seguridad, lea el manual del usuario antes de usar la sierra.
1/3-HP
(max. developed)
c.

WARNING^

ADVERTENCIA

Keep Hands Away From Blade
Allow Tool To Slop Before Adjustinq Blade Guide.
B.
Blade
Circumference
56 7/8 in. 1/8 in.
56 7/8 in.
56 7/8 in. 56 7/8 in.
56 7/8 in.
^ 0
Blade
Width
1/4 in.
1/4 in. .12 in 3/8 in. .12 m. For straight and curved cuts in thin
1/4 in. .12 in. For non-fetrous metal cutdng.
Blade
Thickness
.12 in.
.12 in.
TPI
Applicalion^^^^^^ >
For fine scroll cuts in thin wood^^^^^r^
"ÍT
moteiials and plastics up to 1/2" ttaw^^^
For extra fast straight cutting. Best for cutting thick woods.
For straight and curved cuts in solid woods.
materialS'Wood, plywood, veneer, and plastia
OFF
Fig. 4
The following labels are on the band saw with locations indicated.
BLADE TENSION ADJUSTMENT
TO RFLtASF BLADE TFNSIO^J
thi' Ouirk Roli'.tst'
K'lr h ! .J 'urr I lUjr:'
TO ADJUST BIADE TENSION,
lurn Ih!' AdjusUiirnt Kn;'h
[[] rr1..|(,.' isi;
illTfl <.l)Un[j.T-
k ■ isi'^ ^0 il^‘j
BLADE TRACKING
rlM"! Ki', n I'.ii k!l'f|
Til- .'.-T.M H,., K. , -.hi:, r
TO ENCAGE BLADE TENSION
!l'ir Qui[:ii
^ '•! Uirn i'. !;:::k /.isi'
ii ; ri.ir- : i.nlil lii.ifi- :r k-.
A WARNING / ADVERTENCIA
• For your safety read owner's rnnnuni before making adjustments.
■ Failure to unplug your saw could result in accidental starting causing possible serious personal injury.
• Para su segundad lea ei manual del usuario antes de hacer ajustes.
11 inch Band Saw
WARNING: -e
MODEL 3-5 2 14E
[ Customer Help Line 1-800-932-3188 ,
H.
Fig. 5
10

FEATURES

KNOW YOUR BAND SAW

Before attempting to use, familiarize yourself with all
operating features and safety requirements of your
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.

BLADE GUIDE KNOB AND LOCK LEVER

The blade guide assembly should just clear the workpiece while cutting. Use the blade guide knob 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 locks table in place.

ANGLE ADJUSTMENT KNOB

Once the table lock knob has been loosened, use the angle adjustment knob to tilt or change the angle of 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 cutting.

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 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 band saw.

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 frie
lock post next to the knob to lock tiie saw in the OFF position.
FRONT VIEW OF BAND SAW
QUICK RELEASE KNOB
OWOFF
KNOB
LOCK POST
COVER
TABS’
BLADE
GUARD
EXHAUST
PORT
BACK VIEW OF BANDSAW
TENSION
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
FRONT COVER
BLADE GUIDE
ASSEMBLY
SAW BLADE
BANDSAW
TMLE

BAND SAW TABLE

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.

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 fit type connection.

COVER TABS

Easy open cover tabs allow the front cover to be
opened for making adjustments. See Figure 13.
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