Craftsman 32021180 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

CRAFTSMAN I

Amp

71/4-in. Compound Miter Saw

with Laser Trac TM

Model No.

320.21180

c(_)0s

DOUBLE INSULATED

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 web site: www.sears.com/craftsman

• WARRANTY

• SAFETY

• UNPACKING

• ADJUSTMENT

• OPERATION

• MAINTENANCE

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Warranty .......................................................... Page 2

Safety Symbols ................................................. Page 3

Safety Instructions ............................................. Pages 4-11

Glossary of Terms ............................................. Pages 12-13

Unpacking ................................................................. Page 14

Description ....................................................... Pages 15-18

Assembly ............................................................ Page 19

Adjustments .............................................................. Pages 20-24

Operation .............................................................. Pages 24-35

Maintenance ............................................................. Pages 35-38

Troubleshooting ........................................................ Page 39

Repair Parts ............................................................. Pages 40-42

Sears Repair Parts Phone Numbers ........................ Back Cover

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 ITTOTHE NEAREST

SEARS STORE OR PARTS AND REPAIR CENTER OR OTHER CRAFTSMAN OUTLET IN THE UNITED STATES FOR FREE REPAIR

(or replacement if repair proves impossible). 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

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 symbol warnings DO NOT by themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions and warnings they give are no substitutes

for proper accident prevention measures.

this manual, including all safety alert symbols such as "DANGER", "WARNING" and "CAUTION", BEFORE using this saw. Failure to follow all instructions

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

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

SYMBOL MEANING

//_ SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: IndicatesDANGER,WARNING,OR

I AWARNING I

I A CAUTION I

DAMAGE PREVENTION AND INFORMATION MESSAGES

These inform user of important information and/or instructions that could lead to equipment or other property damage if not followed. Each message is preceded by the word "NOTE:" as inthe example below:

NOTE: Equipment and/or property damage may result if these instructions are I not followed.

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

Failure to obey this safety warning WILL result in death or

serious 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 CAN result in death or

serious 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.

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SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS!

WEAR YOUR

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/_WARNING: The operation of any tool with a circular

blade 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.

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z WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions in this I

manual before using the miter saw. Failure to follow all instructions may result in hazardous radiation exposure, electric shock, fire and/or serious

personal injury.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR LASERS

This miter saw has a built-in laser light. The laser is a Class Ilia and emits output

power of a maximum 2.5roW and 635-665nm wavelengths. These lasers do not normally present an optical hazard. However, DO NOT stare at the beam as this can

cause flash blindness.

CAUTION: The following label is on your tool. It indicates where the saw emits the laser light.

BE AWARE of the laser light location when using.

ALWAYS MAKE SURE that any bystanders in the vicinity of use are made aware of the dangers of

looking directly into the laser.

[ :tmJn d[o] I

Cla_s Ilia La_er Product

CompItes with 21 CFR p_rls 1040.10 ,ind 1040.11

AVOID EXPOSURE _,

Laser radiation is emitted through this aperture

z WARNING: LASER LIGHT. LASER RADIATION. Avoid Direct Eye

Exposure. DO NOT stare into beam. Only turn laser beam on when the saw is on the workpiece. Class Ilia laser.

z WARNING: Use of controls, adjustments or performance of procedures

other than those specified in this manual may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

z WARNING: The use of optical instruments such as, but not limited to,

telescopes or transits to view the laser beam will increase eye hazard.

1 DO NOT remove or deface any product labels. Removing product labels

increases the risk of exposure to laser radiation.

2 The laser beam can be harmful to the eyes. ALWAYS avoid direct eye

exposure. DO NOT Iook directly into the laser beam output aperture during operation. DO NOT project the laser beam directly into the eyes of others. Turn laser on ONLY when making cuts.

3. The laser on the miter saw is not a toy. ALWAYS keep out of the reach of children. The laser light emitted from this device SHOULD NEVER be directed towards

any person for any reason.

4. BE SURE the laser beam is aimed at a workpiece (such as wood or rough coated

surfaces) that does not have a reflective surface.

5. DO NOT use on surfaces such as sheet steel that have a shiny, reflective surface. The shiny surface could reflect the beam back at the operator. Be aware that

laser light reflected off of a mirror or any other reflective surfaces can also be dangerous.

6. ALWAYS turn the laser beam off when not in use. Leaving the tooI on increases

the risk of someone inadvertently staring into the laser's beam.

A CAUTION: ALWAYS follow only the instructions contained in this I

manual when using this laser. Use of this feature in any manner other than what appears in this manual may result in a hazardous radiation exposure.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR LASERS cont.

7. DO NOT attempt to modify the performance of this laser device in any way. This may result in a dangerous exposure to laser radiation.

8. ALWAYS use only the accessories that are recommended by Sears for use with

this product. Use of accessories that have been designed for use with other laser tools could result in serious injury.

9. For further information regarding lasers, refer to ANSI-Z136.1 The STANDARD

FOR THE SAFE USE OF LASERS, available from the Laser Institute of America

(407) 380-1553.

WORK AREA SAFETY

1. Keep your work area clean and well lit. DO NOT leave tools or wood scraps on the saw while it is in operation. Cluttered workbenches and dark areas invite

accidents.

2. DO NOT operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

3 ALWAYS keep bystanders, children and visitors away while operating a

power tool. Distractions can cause you to tose 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.

PERSONALSAFETY

!. 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 tool.

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.

4. DRESS properly. DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry. Pull back long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothing or long hair can be caught in moving parts. Air vents often cover moving parts and

should also be avoided.

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

6. REMOVE adjusting keys or blade wrenches before turning the tool "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 toot in unexpected situations.

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PERSONAL SAFETY cont.

8. ALWAYS SECURE YOUR WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold work when practical. It is safer 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. NEVER stand on tool. Serious injury could occur if the tool is tipped or if the blade is accidentally contacted.

TOOL USEANDCARESAFETY

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

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

1. 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.

2. DO NOT force the tool. Use the correct tool and blade for your application. The correct tool and blade wilI 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.

4. 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 tooI accidentally.

5. NEVER leave the tool running unattended. ALWAYS turn it off. DO NOT leave until the tool 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.

8 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 suitable for one tool may become hazardous when used on another tool.

10. NEVER cut metals or masonry products with this tool. This miter saw is designed for use ONLY on wood and wood-like products.

11. KEEP blade guards in place and in good working order.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

WARNING: Do not permit fingers to touch the terminal or plug when I

installing or removing the plug from an outlet.

1. 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,

Iin electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

contact a qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any

way.

2. Double insulation [] eliminates the need for the three-wire grounded power cord and grounded

power supply system. Applicable only to Class II (double-insulated) tools. This compound miter

saw is a double insulated tool.

Coverof @ Grounded

Outlet Box-- ---- _.-_-_

z 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.

4. AVOID body contact with grounded surfaces, such 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. This tool is intended for indoor use only.

6. If operating a power tool in damp locations is unavoidable, ALWAYS USE a

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to supply power to your tool. ALWAYS WEAR

electrician's rubber gloves and footwear in damp conditions.

7. INSPECT tool cords for damage. Have damaged tool 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.

8. DO NOT abuse the cord. NEVER use the cord to carry the tool by or to 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

electric shock.

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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 a 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 tool outdoors, use an outdoor extension cord marked

"W-A" or "W". These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric

shock.

/k CAUTION: Keep the extension cord clear of the working area. Position

while you are working with a power tool.

the cord so that it will not get caught on lumber, tools or other obstructions

AkWARNING: Check extension cords before each use. If damaged I

replace immediately. Never use tool with a damaged cord since touching

the damaged area could cause electrical shock, resulting in serious injury.

The label 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 II construction

.../rain ........................................................ Revolutions or Strokes per minute

............................................................... Indicates danger, warning caution.

It means attention! Your safety is involved.

SERVICESAFETY

1. If 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 parts replaced BEFORE resuming operation,

2. Tool service must be performed only at a Sears Parts and Repair Center. Service or maintenance pedormed 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 MITER SAWS

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 electric shock, fire or serious injury.

2. ALWAYS firmly clamp or bolt your miter saw to a secure, stable workbench or table at approximately hip height.

3. BE SURE that all adjustments are secure BEFORE making a cut.

4. ALWAYS make sure that the miter table and saw arm (bevel function) are locked in position BEFORE operating your saw. Lock the miter table by securely tightening the miter lock lever. Lock the saw arm (bevel function) by securely tightening the bevel lock knob.

5. USE the hold down clamp (included) to secure the workpiece,WHENEVER

possible.

6. BE SURE that the blade path is free of nails. ALWAYS carefully inspect lumber and remove all nails BEFORE cutting.

7. ALWAYS be sure that the blade clears the workpiece. NEVER start the saw with the blade touching the workpiece. ALWAYS allow the motor to come up to full speed BEFORE starting a cut.

8. SUPPORT long workpieces when cutting to minimize the risk of blade pinching or kickback. The saw may slip, walk or slide while cutting long or heavy

boards.

9. NEVER use a length-stop on the free (scrap end) of a clamped workpiece, NEVER hold onto or bind the free scrap end of the workpiece in any operation. If a work clamp and length stop are used together, THEY MUST BOTH BE INSTALLED on the SAME SIDE of the saw table to prevent the saw from catching the loose end and kicking up.

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

workpiece on the worktable at a time.

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

cause your hand to move into the blade. ALWAYS make sure that you have good balance. NEVER operate your saw on the floor or in a crouched position.

12. NEVER stand or have any part of your body in line with the path of

the blade.

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SAFETY RULES FOR MITER SAWS cont.

13. ONLY USE the correct blades. Use the right blade size, style and cutting speed for the material and the type of cut. DO NOT use blades with incorrect size holes.

NEVER use blade washers or blade bolts that are defective or incorrect. The maximum blade capacity for this saw is 71/4-inches.

14. ALWAYS keep blades clean, sharp and with the sufficient set. Sharp blades

minimize stalling and kickback.

15. DO NOT use dull or damaged blades. Bent blades can break easily, or cause kickback.

16. DO NOT remove the saw's blade guards. NEVER operate the saw with any guard or cover removed. MAKE SURE that all guards are operating properly

BEFORE each use.

17. NEVER hand hold a workpiece that is too small to be clamped. ALWAYS keep your hands clear of the "no hands" zone.

18. NEVER perform any operation freehand. ALWAYS place the workpiece to be cut on the miter saw table and position it firmly against the fence as a backstop.

ALWAYS use the fence.

19. NEVER apply lubricants to the blade when it is running. NEVER use solvents to clean plastic parts. Solvents could possibly dissolve or otherwise damage the

material.

20. KEEPYOUR HANDS AWAY from the cutting area. DO NOT reach under the material being cut or in the blade's cutting path with your fingers or hand for any reason, ALWAYS turn the power off.

/k WARNING: Blade continues to turn after power to saw cuts off.To I

avoid possible serious injury, after releasing trigger switch to cut power, allow the saw blade to stop rotating BEFORE raising the blade out of the workpiece.

21. NEVER reach behind, under or within three inches of the blade and its cutting path with your hands or fingers for any reason.

22. NEVER, for any reason, touch the blade or other moving parts during use.

23. DO NOT turn the motor switch on and off rapidly. This could cause the blade to loosen, which could create a hazard. Should this ever occur, stand clear and allow the saw blade to come to a complete stop. Disconnect the saw from the power source and securely tighten the blade bolt.

24. ALWAYS turn off the saw before disconnecting it to avoid accidental starting when reconnecting the saw to a power supply. NEVER leave the saw unattended while connected to a power supply.

25. KEEPTHE MOTOR AIR SLOTS clean and free of chips or dust. To avoid motor damage, the motor should be blown out or vacuumed frequently to keep sawdust from interfering with the motor ventilation.

26. NEVER lift this tool by gripping the cutting handle or the miter fence. This may cause misalignment. ALWAYS carry saw by holding the base or carry by the support bracket/carrying handle after you have locked the saw arm in the "DOWN" position.

_AI=I::TV Rill I:.q I=_R MITI::R ._AW._ _nnr

WARNING: use of this product 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-ventilated area.

•Work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

ADDITIONAL RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

/kWARNING: Use of this tool can generate and/or disburse dust, which

may cause serious and permanent respiratory or other injury. Always use NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory protection appropriate for the dust

exposure. Direct particles away from face and body.

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 electric 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. All

users and bystanders MUST wear eye protection that conforms to ANSI Z87.1

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 and duration of use, noise from this product may

contribute to hearing loss.

5. ALL VlSTORS 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 or other Authorized Service Facility. BE AWARE of

the cord location when operating the saw.

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 parts, breakage of parts, 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 this tool. If someone borrows this tool, make

sure they have these instructions also.

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Arbor The revolving shaft on which a blade or cutting tool is mounted.

Arbor Lock Allows the user to stop blade from rotating while tightening or loosening the arbor

screw during blade replacement or removal.

Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) The number of turns completed by a spinning object in one minute.

No Hands Zone The area between the marked lines on the left and right side of the miter table base. This zone is identified by no hands zone symbols inside the marked lines on the

miter table base.

Throat Plate A plastic throat plate inserted in the miter saw's table that allows for blade clearance.

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

That area which will be or has been cut by the blade.

Set Tile distance that the saw blade tooth is bent (or set) outward from the face of

the blade.

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

Compound Miter Cut A compound miter cut is a cut made using a miter angle and a bevel angle at the

same time.

Cross cut

A cutting or shaping operation made against the grain of the workpiece.

Bevel Cut

A cutting operation made with the blade at any angle other than 90° to the miter table.

Chamfer Cut A cut removing a wedge from a block of wood so the end (or part of the end) is

angled at other than 90 °.

Ripping or Rip Cut

A cutting operation along the length of the workpiece.

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

proper device to keep the workpiece from twisting or moving during the cut.

Through Sawing

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

Non-Through Cuts Any cutting operation where the blade does not extend completely through the

thickness of the workpiece.

Kerf

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

in a non-through or partial cut.

Kickback

A hazard that can occur when the blade binds or stalls, throwing the workpiece back toward operator.

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.

Dado Cut A non-through cut which produces a square-sided notch or trough in the workpiece

(requires special blade).

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