Harbor Freight Tools 98265 Product manual

Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions

Save This Manual Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly,

operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures� Write the product’s serial number in the
back of the manual near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if product has no number)�
Keep this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference�

1.5 HORSEPOWER

7" BRIDGE

TILE SAW

REV 15d

Note: Stand and Diamond Blade sold separately�

When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact

and undamaged� If any parts are missing or broken,

please call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible�

Copyright© 2008 by Harbor Freight Tools®� All rights reserved�

No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in

any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools�

Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally� Due to continuing

improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein�

Tools required for assembly and service may not be included�

Email our technical support at: [e-mail]

Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com

Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.

Table of Contents

Safety ��������������������������������������������������������� 3
Setup - Before Use: ������������������������������������ 8
Setup ���������������������������������������������������������� 8

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

Operation ��������������������������������������������������� 10

Maintenance ���������������������������������������������� 12
Parts Lists and Diagrams �������������������������� 14
Warranty ���������������������������������������������������� 20

WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS

This is the safety alert symbol� It is used to alert you to potential

personal injury hazards� Obey all safety messages that

follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death�

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury�

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious injury�

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in minor or moderate injury�

Addresses practices not related to personal injury�

Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 98265

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

General Tool Safety Warnings

Read all safety warnings and instructions.

Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

1� KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order�

2� REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND

WRENCHES� Form habit of checking to
see that keys and adjusting wrenches are
removed from tool before turning it on�

3� KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN�

Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents�

4� DON’T USE IN DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT�

Don’t use power tools in damp or wet locations,
or expose them to rain� Keep work area well lighted�

5� KEEP CHILDREN AWAY� All visitors should

be kept safe distance from work area�

6� MAKE WORKSHOP KID PROOF with padlocks,

master switches, or by removing starter keys�

7� DON’T FORCE TOOL� It will do the job better

and safer at the rate for which it was designed�

8� USE RIGHT TOOL� Don’t force tool or attachment

to do a job for which it was not designed�

Table A: RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE

GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS (120 VOLT)

NAMEPLATE

AMPERES

(at full load)

0 – 6 18 16 16 14

6�1 – 10 18 16 14 12

10�1 – 12 16 16 14 12

12�1 – 16 14 12 Do not use.

9� USE PROPER EXTENSION CORD� 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�
An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage
resulting in loss of power and overheating�
Table A shows the correct size to use depending
on cord length and nameplate ampere rating�
If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge�
The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord�

10� WEAR PROPER APPAREL� Do not wear

loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets,
or other jewelry which may get caught in moving
parts� Nonslip footwear is recommended�
Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair�

EXTENSION CORD

LENGTH

25′ 50′ 100′ 150′

11� ALWAYS USE SAFETY GLASSES� Also use

face or dust mask if cutting operation is dusty�
Everyday eyeglasses only have impact resistant
lenses, they are NOT safety glasses�

12� 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�

13� DON’T OVERREACH�

Keep proper footing and balance at all times�

14� MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE� Keep

tools sharp and clean for best and safest
performance� Follow instructions for
lubricating and changing accessories�

15� DISCONNECT TOOLS before servicing;

when changing accessories, such as
blades, bits, cutters, and the like�

16� REDUCE THE RISK OF UNINTENTIONAL

STARTING� Make sure switch is in
off position before plugging in�

17� USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES�

Consult the owner’s manual for recommended
accessories� The use of improper accessories
may cause risk of injury to persons�

18� NEVER STAND ON TOOL�

Serious injury could occur if the tool is tipped or
if the cutting tool is unintentionally contacted�

19� 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,
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�

20� DIRECTION OF FEED�

Feed work into a blade or cutter against the
direction of rotation of the blade or cutter only�

21� NEVER LEAVE TOOL RUNNING UNATTENDED�

TURN POWER OFF� Don’t leave tool
until it comes to a complete stop�

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 98265

Grounding Instructions

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK AND DEATH FROM INCORRECT
GROUNDING WIRE CONNECTION READ AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:

110-120 VAC Grounded Tools: Tools with Three Prong Plugs

1� 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�

2� Do not modify the plug provided – if it will

not fit the outlet, have the proper outlet
installed by a qualified electrician�

3� Improper connection of the 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 equipment­grounding conductor to a live terminal�

4� 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�

5� Use only 3-wire extension cords that

have 3-prong grounding plugs and 3-pole
receptacles that accept the tool’s plug�

6� Repair or replace damaged or

worn cord immediately�

Grounding

Pin

125 VAC 3-Prong Plug and Outlet

(for up to 125 VAC and up to 15 A)

7� This tool is intended for use on a circuit that has

an outlet that looks like the one illustrated above in
125 VAC 3-Prong Plug and Outlet� The tool has
a grounding plug that looks like the plug illustrated
above in 125 VAC 3-Prong Plug and Outlet�

8� The outlet must be properly installed and grounded

in accordance with all codes and ordinances�

9� Do not use an adapter to connect

this tool to a different outlet�

Tile Saw Safety Warnings

For Your Own Safety Read Instruction

Manual Before Operating Saw

1� Wear eye protection�

2� Use saw-blade guard and spreader

for every operation for which it can be
used, including all through sawing�

3� Keep hands out of the line of saw blade�

4� Use an appropriate push-stick when required�

5� Know how to reduce risk of kickback�

6� Do not perform any operation freehand�

7� Never reach around or over saw blade�

8� Make sure the workpiece is supported

at all times while sawing�

Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 98265

9� To properly understand all safety warnings,

be familiar with the following safety
terms and equipment:

a� Featherboard – A block with “fingers” that hold

the workpiece against the fence while sawing�

b� Through-sawing – A cut made from one side of

a tile to the opposite side, without stopping�

c� Freehand – Feeding a workpiece through the

saw without using a fence or guided support
to guide it� NOT A SAFE METHOD.

d� Kerf – The gap made by the

saw in the workpiece�

e� Kickback – A sudden reaction to a pinched,

bound, or misaligned blade, causing
an uncontrolled workpiece to lift up and
out of the saw toward the operator�

f� Spreader – A metal plate that follows the

saw blade to keep the kerf (gap) from
closing on the saw blade� Spreaders,
except riving knives, must be aligned to the
blade after blade adjustment to prevent binding�

g� Riving Knife – A spreader mounted on

the same mechanism as the blade�
Generally more effective than simple spreaders�

10� As noted previously, Kickback is a sudden reaction

to a pinched, bound, or misaligned blade,
causing an uncontrolled workpiece to lift up and
out of the saw toward the operator�
Kickback is usually a result of tool
misuse and can be limited or avoided by
following the precautions below:

• Fence must be completely
parallel to the saw blade�

• Workpiece must be free from flaws
and from foreign objects�

11� Do not use a dull or damaged blade�

12� Maintain control of the workpiece� Do not

allow the workpiece to rest against the
moving blade without holding onto it�

• If the blade binds or a cut is interrupted, turn
off the power switch and hold the workpiece
still until the blade stops� Correct the cause
of blade binding before proceeding�

• Before continuing an unfinished cut,
center the blade in the pre-cut kerf and
check that the saw is not engaged into the
workpiece before turning on the saw�

• Push the tile past the blade prior to release�

13� Check guards for proper operation with saw

disconnected from power before each use�
Do not disable any guard� Do not operate
saw if any movable guard does not move
freely and close instantly� Make sure any
movable guard does not touch the blade in
all angles, depths of cut, and positions�

14� Keep the guard in place while through-sawing�

Verify that the spreader lines up with
the blade to prevent binding�

15� POSITION OF TILE SAW

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

1� To avoid the possibility of the tool plug or

receptacle getting wet, position tile saw to one
side of a wall mounted receptacle to prevent
water from dripping onto the receptacle or plug�
The user should arrange a “drip loop” in the cord
connecting the saw to a receptacle� The “drip
loop” is that part of the cord below the level of
the receptacle, or the connector if an extension
cord is used, to prevent water traveling along the
cord and coming in contact with the receptacle�

2� If the plug or receptacle does get wet, DON’T unplug

the cord� Disconnect the fuse or circuit breaker
that supplies power to the tool� Then unplug and
examine for presence of water in the receptacle�

EXTENSION CORDS

3� Use only extension cords that are intended for

outdoor use� These extension cords are identified
by a marking “Acceptable for use with outdoor
tools; store indoors while not in use�” Use only
extension cords having an electrical rating not
less than the rating of the product� Do not use
damaged extension cords� Examine extension
cord before using and replace if damaged� Do
not abuse extension cords and do not yank
on any cord to disconnect� Keep cord away
from heat and sharp edges� Always disconnect
the extension cord from the receptacle before
disconnecting the product from the extension cord�

4� WARNING – To reduce the risk of electrocution,

keep all connections dry and off the ground�
Do not touch plug with wet hands�

5� Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection

should be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s)
to be used for the tile saw� Receptacles are
available having built-in GFCI protection and
may be used for this measure of safety�

6� DO NOT OPERATE WITH ANY GUARD

DISABLED, DAMAGED, OR REMOVED. Moving
guards must move freely and close instantly.

Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 98265

7� The use of accessories or attachments not

recommended by the manufacturer may
result in a risk of injury to persons�

8� When servicing use only identical replacement parts�

9� Do not depress the spindle lock when

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

starting or during operation�

10� Only use safety equipment that has been approved

by an appropriate standards agency� Unapproved
safety equipment may not provide adequate
protection� Eye protection must be ANSI-approved
and breathing protection must be NIOSH-approved
for the specific hazards in the work area�

11� Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use

common sense when operating a power tool�
Do not use a power tool while you are tired or
under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication�
A moment of inattention while operating power
tools may result in serious personal injury�

12� Industrial applications must follow OSHA guidelines�

13� Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool�

These carry important safety information�
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement�

14� Avoid unintentional starting�

Prepare to begin work before turning on the tool�

16� WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding,

sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction
activities, contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm� Some examples of these
chemicals are:

• Lead from lead-based paints

• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement or other
masonry products

• 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�
(California Health & Safety Code § 25249�5, et seq.)

17� WARNING: The cord of this product contains

lead and/or di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP),
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer, and birth defects or other
reproductive harm� Wash hands after handling�
(California Health & Safety Code § 25249�5, et seq.)

18� WARNING: This product contains di (2-ethylhexyl)

phthalate (DEHP), a chemical known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm� (California Health
& Safety Code § 25249�5, et seq.)

15� People with pacemakers should consult their

physician(s) before use� Electromagnetic fields in
close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure�

Vibration Safety

This tool vibrates during use� Repeated or
long-term exposure to vibration may cause
temporary or permanent physical injury,
particularly to the hands, arms and shoulders�
To reduce the risk of vibration-related injury:

1� Anyone using vibrating tools regularly or for an

extended period should first be examined by a
doctor and then have regular medical check-ups
to ensure medical problems are not being caused
or worsened from use� Pregnant women or
people who have impaired blood circulation to
the hand, past hand injuries, nervous system
disorders, diabetes, or Raynaud’s Disease should
not use this tool� If you feel any medical or
physical symptoms related to vibration (such as
tingling, numbness, and white or blue fingers),
seek medical advice as soon as possible�

19� The warnings, precautions, and instructions

discussed in this instruction manual cannot cover all
possible conditions and situations that may occur�
It must be understood by the operator that
common sense and caution are factors
which cannot be built into this product,
but must be supplied by the operator�

2� Do not smoke during use� Nicotine reduces

the blood supply to the hands and fingers,
increasing the risk of vibration-related injury�

3� Use tools with the lowest vibration when there

is a choice between different processes�

4� Include vibration-free periods each day of work�

5� Grip workpiece as lightly as possible (while still

keeping safe control of it)� Let the tool do the work�

6� To reduce vibration, maintain the tool as

explained in this manual� If any abnormal
vibration occurs, stop use immediately�

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 98265