Owner's Manual
iP R 0 F E S S I 0 N A L I
7-1/4 in. PROFESSIONAL CIRCULAR SAW
Double Insulated
Model No.
315.271 O80
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
972000-825
7-01
• Safety
• Features
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts List
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................... 2
• General Safety Rules ..................................................................................................................................... 2-3
• Specific Safety Rules and/or Symbols ............................................................................................................ 3-6
• Features ......................................................................................................................................................... 7-8
• Assembly ........................................................................................................................................................ 8-9
• Operation .................................................................................................................................................... 10-17
• Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................... 17-18
• Accessories ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
• Exploded View and Repair Parts List ......................................................................................................... 20-21
• Parts Ordering/Service ................................................................................................................................... 22
,_ WARNING: Read and understand all instruc-
tions. Failure to follow all instructions listed
below may result in electric shock, fire and/or
serious personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Work Area
• Keep your work area clean and well lit. Clut-
tered benches and dark areas invite accidents.
Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools
may create sparks which may ignite the dust or
fumes.
• Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away
while operating a power tool. Distractions can
cause you to lose control.
Electrical Safety
• Double insulated tools are equipped with a
polarized plug (one blade is wider than the
other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet •
only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the
outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician to install a
polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any •
way. Double insulation [] eliminates the need for
the three-wire grounded power cord and grounded
power supply system.
• Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces, •
such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigera-
tors. There isan increased riskof electric shock if
your body is grounded.
• Don't expose power tools to rain or wet condi-
tions. Water entering a power tool will increase
the risk of electric shock.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to
carry the tools or pull the plug from an outlet.
Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges, or
moving parts. Replace damaged cords immedi-
ately. Damaged cords increase the riskof electric
shock.
When operating a power tool outside, use an
outdoor extension cord marked "W-A" or "W".
These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce
the risk of electric shock.
Personal Safety
• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use
common sense when operating a power tool.
Do not use tool while tired or under the influ-
ence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A mo-
ment of inattention while operating power tools
may result in serious personal injury.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your hair,
clothing, and gloves away from moving parts.
Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught
in moving parts.
Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is off
before plugging in. Carrying tools with your
finger on the switch or plugging in tools that have
the switch on, invites accidents.
Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before
turning the tool on. A wrench or a key that is left
attached to a rotating part ofthe tool may result in
personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. Proper footing and balance
enables better control of the tool in unexpected
situations.
Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protec-
tion. Dust mask, nonskid safety shoes, hard hat,
or hearing protection must be used for appropriate
conditions.
Tool Use and Care
• Use clamps or another practical way to secure
and support the workpiece to a stable plat-
form. Holding the work by hand or against your
body is unstable and may lead to loss of control.
• Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your
application. The correct tool will do the job better
and safer at the rate for which it is designed.
• Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on or
off. Any tool that cannot be controlled with the
switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from power source before
making any adjustments, changing accesso-
ries, or storing the tool. Such preventive safety
measures reduce the risk of starting the tool
accidentally.
• Store idle tools out of the reach of children and
other untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in
the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools
sharp and clean. Properly maintained tools with
sharp cutting edges are less likelyto bind and are
easier to control.
• Check for misalignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts, and any other condi-
tion that may affect the tool's operation. If
damaged, have the tool serviced before using.
Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained
tools.
Use only accessories that are recommended
by the manufacturer for your model. Accesso-
ries that may be suitable for one tool, may become
hazardous when used on another tool.
Service
• Tool service must be performed only by quali-
fied repair personnel. Service or maintenance
performed by unqualified personnel could result in
a risk of injury.
• When servicing a tool, use only identical
replacement parts. Follow instructions in the
Maintenance section of this manual. Use of
unauthorized parts or failure to follow Maintenance
Instructions may create a risk of electric shock or
injury.
Specific Safety Rules for Circular Saws
• DANGER! Keep hands away from cutting
area and blade. Keep your second hand on
the auxiliary handle or motor housing. If
both hands are holding the saw, they cannot
be cut by the blade.
• Keep your body positioned to either side
of the saw blade, but not in line with the
saw blade. Kickback could cause the saw to
jump backwards. (See "Causes and Operator
Prevention of Kickback.")
• Do not reach underneath the work. The
guard cannot protect you from the blade
below the work.
• Check lower guard for proper closing
before each use. Do not operate saw if
lower guard does not move freely and
close instantly. Never clamp or tie the
lower guard into the open position. If saw
is accidentally dropped, lower guard may be
bent. Raise the lower guard with the
retracting handle. Make sure it moves freely
and does not touch the blade or any other
part, in all angles and depths of cut.
• Check the operation and condition of the
lower guard spring. If the guard and the
spring are not operating properly, they
must be serviced before use. Lower guard
may operate sluggishly due to damaged
parts, gummy deposits, or a buildup of
debris.
• Lower guard should be retracted manually
only for special cuts, such as "Pocket
Cuts" and "Compound Cuts." Raise lower
guard by retracting handle. As soon as
blade enters the material, lower guard
must be released. For all other sawing, the
lower guard should operate automatically.
3
Specific Safety Rules for Circular Saws
(continued)
• Always observe that the lower guard is
covering the blade before placing saw
down on bench or floor. An unprotected,
coasting blade will cause the saw to walk
backwards, cutting whatever is in its path. Be
aware of the time it takes for the blade to
stop after switch is released.
NEVER hold piece being cut in your hands
or across your leg. It is important to support
the work properly to minimize body exposure,
blade binding, or loss of control.
Hold tool by insulated gripping surface
when performing an operation where the
cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or
its own cord. Contact with a "live" wire will
also make exposed metal parts of the tool
"live" and shock the operator.
• When ripping, always use a rip fence or
straight edge guide. This improves the
accuracy of the cut and reduces the chance
for blade binding.
Always use blades with correct size and
shape (diamond vs. round) arbor holes.
B_ades that do not match the mounting
hardware of the saw will run eccentrically,
causing loss of control.
Never use damaged or incorrect blade
washers or bolts. The blade washers and
bolts were specially designed for your saw for
optimum performance and safety of
operation.
Causes and Operator Prevention of Kickback
• Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched,
bound, or misaligned saw blade, causing an
uncontrolled saw to lift up and out of the
workpiece toward the operator.
• When the blade is pinched or bound tightly
by the kerf closing down, the blade stalls and
the motor reaction drives the unit rapidly back
toward the operator.
• If the blade becomes twisted or misaligned in
the cut, the teeth at the back edge of the
blade can dig into the top surface of the wood
causing the blade to climb out of the kerr and
jump back toward the operator.
• Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or
incorrect operating procedures or conditions
and can be avoided by taking proper
precautions, as given below:
• Maintain a firm grip with both hands on
the saw and position your body and arm
to allow you to resist KICKBACK forces.
KICKBACK forces can be controlled by the
operator, if proper precautions are taken.
• When blade is binding, or when
interrupting a cut for any reason, release
the trigger and hold the saw motionless in
the material until the blade comes to a
complete stop. Never attempt to remove
the saw from the work or pull the saw
backward while the blade is in motion, or
KICKBACK may occur. Investigate and take
corrective actions to eliminate the cause of
blade binding.
• When restarting a saw in the workpiece,
center the saw blade in the kerf and check
that saw teeth are not engaged into the
material. If saw blade is binding, it may walk
up or KICKBACK from the workpiece as the
saw is restarted.
• Support large panels to minimize the risk
of blade pinching and KICKBACK. Large
panels tend to sag under their own weight.
Supports must be placed under the panel on
both sides, near the line of cut and near the
edge of the panel.
• Do not use dull or damaged blade.
Unsharpened or improperly set blades
produce narrow kerf which causes excessive
friction, blade binding and KICKBACK.
• Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking
levers must be tight and secure before
making cut. If blade adjustment shifts while
cutting, it may cause binding and KICKBACK.
• Use extra caution when making a "Pocket
Cut" into existing walls or other blind
areas. The protruding blade may cut objects
that can cause KICKBACK.
Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the cutting tool may con-
tact hidden wiring or its cord. Contact with a "live" wire will make exposed metal partsof the tool "live" and
shock the operator.
Additional Rules For Safe Operation •
• Know your power tool. Read operator's manual
carefully. Learn its applications and limitations,
as well as the specific potential hazards
related to this tool. Following thisrule will reduce
the riskof etectric shock, fire, or serious injury.
• Always wear safety glasses. Everyday eye-
glasses have only impact-resistant lenses;
they are NOT safety glasses. Following this rule
will reduce the riskof serious personal injury.
• Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if •
the operation is dusty. Following this rule will
reduce the riskofserious personal injury.
• Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection •
during extended periods of operation. Following
this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal
injury.
• Inspect tool cords periodically and, if dam- •
aged, have repaired at your nearest Factory
Service Center or other Authorized Service
Organization. Constantly stay aware of cord
location. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
electric shock or fire.
Check damaged parts. Before further use of
the tool, a guard or other part that is damaged
should be carefully checked to determine that
it will operate properly and perform its in-
tended function. Check for alignment of mov-
ing parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of
parts, mounting, and any other conditions that
may affect its operation. A guard or other part
that is damaged should be properly repaired or
replaced by an authorized service center.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of shock,
fire, or serious injury.
Do not abuse cord. Never carry the tool by the
cord or yank it to disconnect it from the recep-
tacle. Keep cord away from heat, oil, and sharp
edges. Following this rule willreduce the risk of
electric shock or fire.
Make sure your extension cord is in good
condition. When using an extension cord, be
sure to use one heavy enough to carry the
current your product will draw. A wire gage
size (A.W.G.) of at least 14 is recommended for
an extension cord 25 feet or less in length. A
cord exceeding 25 feet is not recommended. If
in doubt, use the next heavier gage. The
smaller the gage number, the heavier the cord.
An undersized cord will cause a drop in line
voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating.
Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber
before cutting. Following this rule will reduce the
risk of serious personal injury.
Drugs, alcohol, medication. Do not operate tool
while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or
any medication. Followingthis rule will reduce the
risk of electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.
Save these instructions. Refer to them fre-
quently and use them to instruct others who
may use this tool. If you loan someone this
tool, loan them these instructions also.
_kWARNING: Some dust created by
sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other
construction activities contains chemicals known
to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproduc-
tive harm. Some examples of these chemicals
are:
• lead from lead-based paints,
• crystalline silica from bricks and cement
and other masonry products, and
• arsenic and chromium from chemically-
treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies,
depending on how often you do this type of
work. To reduce your exposure to these
chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and
work with approved safety equipment, such as
those dust masks that are specially designed to
filter out microscopic particles.
power
_k 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 toot 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. Always use eye protection which is
marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
SYMBOLS
SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION
V Volts Voltage
A Amperes Current
Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)
min Minutes Time
,-_ ALternating Current Type or a characteristic of current
= Direct Current Type or a characteristic of current
no No Load Speed Rotational speed, at no load
Class II Construction Designates Double Insulated
Construction Tools
.../rain Revolutions or Reciprocation Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface
speed, orbits etc. per minute
Indicates danger, warning or caution.
,_ Alert Symbol It means attention!!! Your safety is
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and
the explanations with them, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do
not by themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for
proper accident prevention measures.
SYMBOL MEANING
A
A
A
Safety
involved.
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 the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.
WARNING: Failure to obey a safety warning can result inserious injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.
A
NOTE:
CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning may result in property damage or personal injury to
yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk offire, electric shock,
and personal injury.
Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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, dust nozzle kit and this owner's
manual are also included.
_i 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.
Horsepower
Input
Blade Diameter
Blade Arbor
Cutting Depth at 0° Bevel Cut
KNOW YOUR CIRCULAR SAW
See Figure 1.
Before attempting to use any tool, familiarize yourself
with all operating features and safety requirements.
Your circular saw has many features for making
cutting operations more pleasant and enjoyable.
Safety, performance and dependability have been
given top priority in the design of this saw making it
easy to maintain and operate.
Features include easily operated bevel cut and depth
of cut adjustment mechanisms, positive 0° bevel stop,
length of cut scale, depth of cut scale, directed air flow
for keeping line of cut clear, blade wrench storage,
dust chute, and spindle lock.
Note: Blade wrench storage is located in carrying
case.
7-1/4 in. (184 mm)
5/8 in. (16 mm)
2-3/8 in. (60 mm)
3-1/4
15 Amperes
Cuffing Depth at 45° Bevel Cut
Cutting Depth at 51.5 ° Bevel Cut
Rating
No Load Speed
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
To turn your saw ON, depress the switch trigger.
Release switch trigger to turn your saw OFF.
DUST CHUTE
To direct saw dust and chips away from the operator,
a dust chute is located on the side of the upper blade
guard.
SPINDLE LOCK BUTTON
1-13/16 in. (46 mm)
1-5/8 in. (41 mm)
120 volts, 60 Hz, AC
5,500 RPM
,_ CAUTION: Carefully read through this entire
owner's manual before using your new circular
saw. Pay close attention to the Rules For Safe
Operation, Warnings and Cautions. If you use
your circular saw properly and only for what it is
intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable
service.
APPLICATIONS
(Use only for the purpose listed below)
• Cutting all types of wood products (lumber,
plywood, paneling).
A spindle lock button has been provided for locking the
spindle on your saw in a stationary position.
_i 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