Craftsman 32017234 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

4.5 Amp Variable Speed

Sabre Saw

Model No.

320.17234

z_ CAUTION Read, understand and follow

all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions
in this Manual before using this product°

Sears, Roebuck and Co.,
Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website: www.craftsman,com

• WARRANTY

• SAFETY

• UNPACKING

• DESCRIPTION

• ASSEMBLY

• OPERATION

• ADJUSTMENTS

• MAINTENANCE

9-8-06

ONE YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ®PRODUCT
If this Craftsman product fails due to a defect in material or workmanship

within one year from the date of purchase, RETURN IT TO THE NEAREST

SEARS STORE OR PARTS AND REPAIR CENTER OR OTHER

CRAFTSMAN OUTLET IN THE UNITED STATES FOR FREE
REPLACEMENT°

This warranty does not include expendable parts such as lamps, batteries,

bits or blades,

If this Craftsman product is used for commercial or rental purposes, this

warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other

rights, which vary from state to state°
Sears, Roebuck and Co,, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONSI

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS!

The purpose of safetysymbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers,
The safety symbols, and the explanations with them,deserve your careful attention
and understanding. The symbol warnings DO NOT by themselves eliminate any
danger, The instructions andwarnings they give are no substitutes for proper accident

prevention measures,

Z_ WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all safety instructions in this

manual, including all safety alert symbols such as "DANGER", "WARNING" and

"CAUTION", BEFORE using this saw. Failure to follow all instructions listed below

may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury°

SYMBOL MEANING

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: Indicates

CAUTION. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographso

DANGER: Failure to obey this safety warning WILL result in

death or serious in_ury to yourself or to others. Always follow
the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock

and personal injury.

I z_WARNING I Failure to obey this safety warning CAN result in death or

l_ CAUTION j

DAMAGE PREVENTION AND INFORMATION MESSAGES

These informuser of important information and/or instructions that could lead to
equipment or other property damage if not folbwedo Each message is preceded bythe word

"NOTE =''as inthe example below:

not followed.

j NOTE: Equipment and/or property damage may result if these instructions are |

WEAR YOUR

Jserious injury to yourself or to others. Always follow the safety

precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal Injury,

Failure to obey this safety warning MAY result in personal
injury to yourself or others or property damage. Always follow
the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock
and personal injury.

Z_WARNING: The operation of any sabre saw can result
in foreign objects being thrown Into your eyes, which can

result In severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool
operation, ALWAYS wear safety goggles or safety glasses

with side shield and a full-face shield when needed.We
recommend a Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over

eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shield,
available at Sears Stores or other Craftsman Outlets.

DANGER, WARNING,

OR

"t

J

manual before using this sabre saw, Failure to follow all instructions may

[ _WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions in this

result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

WORK AREA SAFETY

I,, Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered workbenches and dark areas

invite accidents.

2 DO NOT operatepower tools in explosive atmospheres,such as in the presence

of flammable liquids,gases, or dust. Powertools createsparks whichmay ignite
the dust or fumes_

3, Keep bystanders, children and visitors away while operating a power tool,

Distractions can cause you to lose control

4. Make your workshop childproof with padlocks and master switches° Lock
tools away when not in use.

5. MAKE SURE the work area has ample lighting so you can see the work and that
there are no obstructions that will interfere with safe operation BEFORE using your saw.

PERSONAL SAFETY

1. KNOW your power tool. Read the operator's manual carefully, Learn the saw's
applications and limitations, as well as the specific potential hazards related to this toot.

2, STAY ALERT, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating

a power tool..

3, DO NOT use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication.

A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal

injury,

4oDRESS properly, DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry, Pull back long hair. Keep

your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving pads. Air vents often cover moving

parts and should also be avoided., Loose clot!ling, jewelry or long hair can be caught
_nmoving parts,

5_AVOID accidental starting. Be sure switch is in "OFF" position before

plugging in. DO NOT carry tools with your finger on the switch. Carrying tools
with your finger on the switch or plugging in tools that have the switch in the

"ON" position invites accidents.

6,,REMOVE adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the 1ool "ON", A wrench

that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.

7, Do not overreach, Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing

and balance enables better control of the tool in unexpected situations,

B.,ALWAYS SECURE YOUR WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold work when practical,.

It issafer than using your hand and frees both hands to operate tool.

9. USE SAFETY EQUIPMENT° Always wear eye protection,, Dust mask, non-skid safety

shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions°

10. DO NOT USE ON A LADDER or unstable support. Stable footing on a solid surface
enables better control of the tool in unexpected situations.

4

TOOL USE AND CARE SAFETY

operating this saw. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in

I WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions before

electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

I. ALWAYS use clamps or other practical ways to secure and support the

workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body is
unstable and may lead to loss of control.

2o DO NOT force the tool, Use the correct tool and blade for your application.

The correct tool and blade wilt do the job better and safer at the rate for which it is
designed°

3. DO NOT use the 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.

4o DISCONNECT the plug from the power source before making any adjustments,

changing accessories or storing the tool, Such preventive safety measures reduce
the risk of starting the tool accidentallyo

5. NEVER leave the tool running. ALWAYS turn it off. DO NOT leave the tool until it
comes to a complete stop°

6. STORE idle tools out of the reach of children and other untrained persons.
Tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

7. MAINTAIN tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained
tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control,,

& CHECK for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any

other condition that may affect the tool's operation. If damaged, have the tool serviced
before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools°

9,.USE ONLY accessories that are recommended for this tool. Accessories that may

be suilable for one tool may become hazardous when used on another tool.

10. Keep handles dry, clean,and free from oil and grease,.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

[ _WARNING: Do not permit fingers to touch the termina,s of plug when ]

installing or removing the plug from the outlet,

/

1oDouble 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,, Ifit still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician

to installa polarized outlet° Do not change tile plug in
any way.

2. Double insutation[_ eliminates the need for the
three-wire grounded power cord and grounded power
supply system,,Applicable only to Class tl

(double-insulated) tools. This sabre saw is a double
insulated tool.

Cover of
Grounded

Outlet Box ---"-

@

@

@

J

ELECTRICAL SAFETY conto

[ _WARNING" Double insulation DOES NOT take the place of normal safety

precautions when operating this tool.

3. BEFORE plugging in the tool, BE SURE that the outlet voltage supplied is within the
voltage marked on the tool's data plate.. DO NOT use "AC only" rated tools with a DC

power supply..

4oAVOID body contact with grounded surfaces, suci_ as pipes, radiators, ranges and

refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.

5.. DO NOT expose power tools to rain or wet conditions or use power tools in wet
or damp locations, Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.

6..INSPECT tool cords for damage. Have damaged too! cords repaired at a Sears
Service Center BE SURE to stay constantly aware of the cord location and keep it well

away from the moving blade_

7. DO NOT abuse the cord, NEVER use the cord to carry the toot by or pull the plug
from the outlet, Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts_ Replace
damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords increase the risk of e[ectdc shock.

EXTENSION CORDS
Use a proper extension cord, ONLY use cords listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Other extension cords can cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in a loss of power and
overheating of tool. For this tool an AWG (American Wire Gauge) size of at least

14-gauge is recommended for an extension cord of 25-ft. or less in length_Use 12-gauge

for an extension cord of 50-ft. Extension cords 100-ft, or longer are not recommended,
Remember, a smaller wire gauge size has greater capacity than a larger number
(14-gauge wire has more capacity than 16-gauge wire; 12_gauge wire has more capacity
than 14*gauge). When in doubt use the smaller number.

When operating a power too! outdoors, use an outdoor extension cord marked "W-A" or
'_V'L These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock.

Z_ CAUTION: Keep the extension cord clear of the working area, Position the

cord so that it will not get caught on lumber, tools or other obstructions while you
are working with a power tool,

Z_WARNING: Check extension cords before each use, If damaged replace

immediately, Never use tool with a damaged cord since touching the damaged
area could cause electrical shock, resulting in serious injurj,

SAFETYSYMBOLSFORYOURTOOL
Thelabel on your tool may include the following symbols.

V.......................................................................................................Volts

A...................................................................................................Amps

Hz .......................................................................................................Hertz

W..................................................................................................Watts

rain .............................................................................................Minutes

...........................................................................................................Alternating current

.............................................................................................Direct current

no ..................................................................................No-load speed

[_ ....................................................................................................Class IIconstruction, Double Insulated

,,oJmtn..........................................................................................Revolutions or Strokes per minute

Z_,............................................................................. Indicates danger, warning or caution.

SERVICE SAFETY
1oIf any part of this saw is missing or should break, bend, or fail in any way;

or should any electrical component fail to perform properly: SHUT OFF the power
switch and remove the saw plug from the power source and have the missing,
damaged or failed paris replaced BEFORE resuming operation°

2oTool service must be performed only at a Sears Parts and Repair Center_ Service

or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.

3, 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.

SAFETY RULES FOR SABRE SAWS

It means attention! Your safety is involved.

_Keep hands away from cutting area and blade, Keep one

hand on the handleltrigger switch and your other and on the front, top of the
saw's handle/motor housing. If both hands are holding the saw, the

blade cannot cut them,

I Z_ CAUTION: Blades coast after saw is switched off.

I, KEEP your body positioned to either side of the saw blade and not in direct line

with the saw blade.

2. DO NOT reach under the workplece. The blade extends under the workpiece when
saw is cutting_

3. DO NOT touch the blade or the workpiece immediately after operation; they may
be extremely hot and could burn your skin.

4,, DO NOT cut an oversized workplece.

5. CHECK for the proper clearance under the workplece before cutting so that the
blade will not strike the workbench or material under the workpieee.

7

]

SAFETY RULES FOR SABRE SAWS conto

6. MAKE SURE the blade is not contacting the workpiece before the switch is

turned on.

7_HOLDTOOL by insulated gripping surfaces (handles) when performing an

operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its own cord.

Contact with a "live" wire will make the exposed metal pads of the tool "five" and
shock the operator.

8. SECURE MATERIAL before cutting, Never hold a workptece in your hand or
across your legs. Small or thin material may flex or vibrate with the blade,

causing loss of control.

9, When ripping, ALWAYS USE a rip fence or straight edge guide. This improves the

accuracy of the cut and reduces the chance of the blade binding,

10, NEVER cut more than one piece at a time. DO NOT STACK more than one

workplece on the worktable at a time.

11. AVOID awkward operations and hand positions where a sudden slip coutd

cause your hand to move into the blade.

12. NEVER reach into the cutting path of the blade.

13. BLADE GUIDE ROLLERS must support the blade when cutting The rollers must rest

against the back edge of bfadeoTHE ONLY cutting operation when rollers DO NOT
support the btade is the scrolling mode, WHEN SCROLLING the blade must swivel as

it fs guided to follow scroll patterns. ALWAYS move the base back and blade guide up
and back away from blade in scrolling mode.

14. ALAWYS use blades that have the correct size and shape, Blades that do not match
the mounting hardware of the saw wilt run erratically and will cause loss of control.

15r ALAWYS BE SURE that all adjusting screws and the blade holder are fastened tightly

BEFORE making a cut. Loose adjusting screws can cause the tool to slip and loss of
control may result°

z_ WARNING: Use of this tool can generate dust containing chemicals known

to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, Some examples of these
chemicals are:

* Lead from lead-based paints
. Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products.

. Arsenic and chromium, from chemically treated lumber°

Your risk from these exposures varies, depending upon how often you do this type

of work.To reduce your exposure to these chemicals:

° Work in a well-ventilatedarea.
. Work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially

designed to filter out microscopic particles,.

Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grfndlng, drilling
and other construction activities. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas

with soap and water.
Allowing dust to get intoyour mouth, eyes, or lay on the skin may promote absorption of

harmful chemicals,.

WARNING; Use of this tool can generate and!ordisbursedust,which may

causeseriousand permanentrespiratoryor other injury. Alwaysuse NIOSH/OSHA
approvedrespiratoryprotectionappropriatefor the dust exposure.Directparticles

awayfrom face and body.

8

ADDITIONAL RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire ancllor serious

Z_ WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions. Failure to

personal injury°

1. Know your power tool. Read operator's manual carefully Learn the applications
and limitations, as well as the specific potential hazards related to this tool. Following

this rule will reduce the risk of eiectric shock, fire or serious injury,

2. ALWAYS wear safety glasses or eye shields when using this saw. Everyday
eyeglasses have only impact-resistant lenses; they are NOT safety glasses.

3 PROTECT your lungs. Wear a face mask or dust mask if the operation is dusty.
4 PROTECT your hearing, Wear appropriate personal hearing protection during use.

Under some conditions noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.

5oALL VISITORS AND BYSTANDERS MUST wear the same safety equipment that the

operator of the saw wears.

6. INSPECT the tool cords periodically and if damaged have them repaired at your
nearest Sears Service Center. BE AWARE of the cord location.

7. ALWAYS check the tool for damaged parts° Before further use of the tool, a guard or
other part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine if it will operate

properly and perform its intended function, Check for misalignment or binding of
moving pads, breakage of pads, and any other condition that may affect the tool's

operation, A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or
replaced at a Sears Service Center.

8, INSPECT and remove all nails from lumber before sawing.

9. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct
others who may use thls tool, If someone borrows this tool, make sure they have
these instructions also.

1

Saw Blade Path
The area over, under, behind or in front of the blade, as it applies to the workpieceo That

area which will be or has been cut by the blade,

Set

The distance that the saw blade tooth is bent (or set) outward from the face of the blade.
Strokes per Minute or Stroke Speed

The blade speed of a sabre saw, which can be varied, usually from 0 to 3000 strokes

per minute.

Cross cut

A cutting or shaping operation made against the grain of the work piece.

Bevel Cut
A cutting operation made with the blade at any angle other than 90° to the base.

Ripping or Rip Cut

A culting operation along the lenglh of the workpiece,

9

9-8-06
17234

Freehand Cut
Performing a cut without using a fence, miter gauge, fixture, work clamp, or other propeF

device to keep the workpiece from twisting or moving during the cut,
Orbital Sawing

In addition to the up and down movement of a sabre saw's blade, there is orbital action

which thrusts the blade forward on the cutting stroke and greatly increases the cutting
speed over conventional sabre saws.,

Scrolling
Allows the blade to swivel for intricate pattern cutting°

Through Sawing
Any cutting operation where the blade extends completely through the thickness of the
workpiece.

Kerf
The material removed by the blade in a through cut orthe slot produced by the blade in a

non-through or partial cuL

Workpiece or Material
The item on which the cutting operation is being done_ The surfaces of a workpiece are

commonly referred to as faces, ends and edges.,
Gum

A sticky, sap-based residue from wood products

Resin

A sticky, sap-based substance that has hardened.

z_ WARNING: Your saw should NEVER be connected to the power source

when you are assembling parts, making adjustments, installing or removing
blades, cleaning or when it is not in use. Disconnecting the saw will prevent
accidental starting, which could cause serious personal injury.

loThe Edge Guide is to be found in the color box,,

2oThe Two Blades are stored in the blade storage compartment located inthe rear of the

saw's base,

3. The Vac Adapter is attached to the saw,,
4_Carefully lift the saw out of the color box and place on a stable fiat surface,,

5oinspect the saw carefully to make sure that no breakage or damage has occurred

during shipping, If any of the items mentioned are missing (refer to Fig_1 on page

11) return the saw to your nearest Sears store or Craftsman outlet to have the saw

replaced.

z_ WARNING: If any parts are broken or missing, DO NOT attempt to plug

in the power cord or operate saw until the broken or missing parts are replaced.
Failure to do so could result in possible serious injury.

10

PARTS LIST

(Fig.I)

loSaw

KNOW YOUR SABRE SAW (Flgo2)

2. Two wood cutting blades
(stored in b_ade

storage compartment)

3. Edge Guide IIl
(stored in case)

(

4_Vacuum Adapter 11!

(attached to saw)

5. Carry bag

NOTE: Before attempting to use your saw, familiarize yourself with all of the

operating features and safety requirements.

Your sabre saw has a precision built electric motor and it should only be connected to a

120-volt, 60-Hz AC ONLY power supply (normal household current) DO NOT operate on

direct current (DC) This large voltage drop will cause a loss ofpower and the motor wiIf
overheat if the saw does not operate when plugged into a correct 120-volt, 60-Hz AC

ONLY outlet, check the power supply This saw has an 8-ft, 2-wire power cord (no adapter

needed)_

This Sabre Saw has the following features:

1 4.5 Amp, Variable Speed Motor, 800 to 3000 SPM strokes per minute

(no-load speed),

2, Variable Speed is controlled by the speed dial located on the top front of the trigger

switch handle.

3o Blade Guide Support Roller provides added blade control, 11/16 inch blade stroke

for smooth cutting.

4. Durable Epoxy Coated Steel Base glides smoothly over workpiece Bevel scaie for
easy adjustments,

5oBevel Cutting Capacity 0 ° to 45° left and right.
6 Quick blade changes with no tools.

7o LED Worklight illuminates cutting area

8 "Live Tool indicator" Light is green when saw is plugged into power source
9, Extended Length Trigger Switch with Power Lock-On Button,

10. Clear Front Chip Shield/Blade Guard
11 Sawdust Removal: Vacuum adapter on bottom of saw attaches to 11/44nchadapter

and then to wet/dry vac (bath sold separately) for removal of sawdust and chips from
the cutting area

12. Includes Edge Guide, ideal for fast, straight repetitive cutting
I3. Permanently Lubricated 100% Ball Bearings for smooth operation, long life_

14. Includes Impact Resistant Case for easy carrying and storage.
11

1

This Sabre Saw has the following features: cont. (Fig° 2)

Fig, 2

VariableSpeedDial On/OffTriggerSwitch

Power Lock
On Button

LED
Worklight

Clear Chip
Shield/Blade

Guard

Edge Guide
Mounting

Locktng Knob Blade Guide
for Edge Guide Blade Rol]ers

Edge Guide
Mounting Slol

"Live Too! Indicator"

Light

8-It Power Cord

Vacuum Adapter

Blade Storage
Compartment

Base Plate

TooNess Change

Bfade Holder Assembly

Edge Guide

HOll _* J, I

.........Rat!rig ........................... 4.5 Amps

No Load Speed 800 - 3000 SPM (strokes per rain,)

...............................Input .... 12D-volts, 60,-Hz AC ........

Bevel Cutting Angle Range 0" to 45 = left and right
Blade Stroke 11/16-inch

Cutting Depth in Wood .......... 2'l;e-inl (5smmi ........ i

cutting Depth in Steel 1t4-tn. (6ram)

12

BLADE STORAGE (Fig. 3 and 4)

Your sabre saw comes witl_2 wood cutting blades that are stored in the blade storage
compartment located on the very back of the saw under the power cord inlet (see Fig. 3)

To open blade storage door, remove the vac adapter tube (see Fig. 4). Lift the vac

adapter tube up siightty (to release tab from base plate) and pull vac adapter tube
straight out to remove. Pull tab on blade storage door down to open and turn saw upside

fown to remove blades (see Fig 3)..

Fin 3 X I

=" _OmrPar,ment .4%_._f ...-_-.J

Remember to always use the proper blade for the material being cut.

TOOL-LESS BLADE

INSTALLATION (Fig, 5, 6 and 7)
Tool-less blade change allows you to

remove and replace the saw blade quickly
and easily without the use of additional tools.

1, Unplug the saw..

Z_ WARNING; ALWAYS unplug saw

from the power source before changing

blades or making any adjustments.
Failure to unplug the saw could result in

accidental starting which can cause
serious personal Injury°

2o Raise up the clear chip shield, lift one side out

of its mounting s$ot, and remove the shield
from the saw (see Fig. 5). Appty a little force

when lifting and removing the shield from the

saw

3oTurn the saw upside down so you have access

to the blade holder assembly.

4..Rotate the "black" cover on the blade holder
assembty counterclockwise about a quarter

turn and hold it in this position while inserting
a blade into the slot of the blade holder

(see Fig 6) The teeth of the blade should be
facing to the front and point up, and the back

of the blade must rest in the groove of the
blade guide roller (see Fig 7)°

5. Release the "black" cover on the blade holder
assembly to lock the blade in place

(see Fig. 6, Fig 7 )o

13

Fig. 7

TOOL-LESS BLADE INSTALLATION cont. (Fig, 5, 6 and 7)
5 Pull on blade to make sure 1he blade ts securely locked in place_
6 Attach the clear chip shield into its mounting slots and snap the shield down to its

proper position.

NOTE: For use with both "T" and "U" shanked blades, I

Z_ CAUTION: Once the blade is installed in the saw, it is always exposed.

There is no lower blade guard. Use caution when handling the saw so that the

blade does not catch clothing, skin, etc, Each time you set the saw down take

care not to bend the blade, Always set saw down on its side when blade is

installed.ALWAYS remove blade when saw is not being used.

REMOVING THE BLADE
1o Unplug the saw.

L_ WARNING: ALWAYS unplug saw from the power source before

changing blades or making any adjustments. Failure to unplug the saw could
result in accidental starting which can cause serious personal injury,

2 Follow steps 1 through 4 on the tool-less blade installation (see pages !3 and I4).

3oCarefully remove the blade (or change the biade).
4_Reattach the clear chip shield and snap it down to its proper position_

i NOTE: When storing your saw, ALWAYS remove the cutting blade.

L

!

..................

LED WORKLIGHT (Fig.B)
"Yoursabre saw has an LED worklight that

turns "ON" automaticafly when the saw is
plugged into a power source, The light helps

provide easy visibility of the cutting line.

"LIVE TOOL INDICATOR" LIGHT (Fig. 9)
Your saw has a "Live Tool Indicator" green

light that turns "ON" automatically when
the saw is plugged into a power source.The

light is Iocated on both sides of the base of
the trigger -switch handle near the body of

the saw.

14