Kobalt SM1850LW User Manual

R

R

ITEM #0358937

7-1/4 IN. SLIDING

KOBALT is a registered trademark of LF,
LLC. All Rights Reserved.

COMPOUND

WITH LASER GUIDE

MITER SAW

MODEL #SM1850LW

Français p. 45

Español p. 89

NOTICE: On the nameplate of the machine you will find the serial number and MFG date code of the
unit. Please record these numbers on this manual cover for future service reference.

ATTACH YOUR RECEIPT HERE

Serial Number Purchase Date

Questions, problems, missing parts? Before returning to your retailer, call our

customer service department at 1-888-3KOBALT (1-888-356-2258), 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST,
Monday - Friday.

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Product Specifications......................................................................................................................

Package Contents............................................................................................................................

Safety Information.............................................................................................................................

Preparation.......................................................................................................................................

Assembly Instructions.......................................................................................................................

Adjustment Instructions....................................................................................................................

Operating Instructions......................................................................................................................

Crown Moulding Chart......................................................................................................................

Care and Maintenance.....................................................................................................................

Troubleshooting................................................................................................................................

Warranty...........................................................................................................................................

Replacement Parts List and Exploded Views...................................................................................

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

2
3

4
10
12
14
23
33
34
36
37
38

MOTOR CUTTING CAPACITY

Power Source 9A, 120V A/C, 60 Hz Crosscut 2 in. x 8 in.

Arbor Shaft Size 5/8 in. Miter 45° Right & Left 2 in. x 6 in.

Speed (No load) 5,000 RPM Bevel 45° Left 1-1/2 in. x 8 in.

Electric Brake No 45° Miter & 45° Bevel 1-1/2 in. x 6 in.

Double Insulated Yes Crown Moulding Nested 3-3/8 in.

BLADE Base Moulding Against Fence 2-3/4 in.

Diameter 7-1/4 in. MITER/BEVEL POSITIVE STOP ANGLES

Arbor 5/8 in. Miter Detent Stops

0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, 45° R&L

Bevel Positive Stops 0°, 45° L

2

PACKAGE CONTENTS

UNPACKING YOUR MITER SAW

WARNING:

To avoid injury from unexpected starting or electrical shock, do not plug the power cord

into a source of power during unpacking and assembly. The cord must remain unplugged whenever
you are adjusting/assembling the saw.

1. Remove the miter saw from the carton.
IMPORTANT: Do not lift miter saw by the trigger switch handle. It may cause misalignment. Lift the

saw by the hand holds for transportation.

2. Place the saw on a secure, stationary work surface.

3. Separate all parts from the packing material. Check each one with the illustration below to make
certain all items are accounted for before discarding any packing material.

WARNING:

If any part is missing or damaged, do not attempt to assemble the miter saw or plug
in the power cord until the missing or damaged part is correctly replaced. To avoid electric shock,
use only identical replacement parts when servicing double-insulated tools.

B

A

D

PART DESCRIPTION QUANTITY

A Miter saw 1

B Hold-down clamp 1

C Dust bag 1

E

C

F

D Blade wrench 1

E Miter handle 1

F AAA battery 2

3

SAFETY INFORMATION

GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION

PROPOSITION 65 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, 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, 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 dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

Handling the power cord on this product may expose you to chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

CAUTION

● Use only the accessories recommended for this miter saw. Follow instructions that accompany the
accessories. Use of improper accessories may cause injury.

● The use of any cutting tool except 7-1/4 in. saw blades is prohibited. Do not use accessories such
as shaper cutters or dado sets. Ferrous metal cutting, the use of abrasive wheels and the cutting
of masonry products are prohibited.

● D

o not attempt to modify this tool or create accessories not recommended for use with this tool. Any
such alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible
serious injury.

WARNING

To avoid the risk of personal injury, do not modify this power tool or use accessories not recommended
to fit your tool.

WARNING

Read warnings and conditions on your CARBIDE TIPPED SAW BLADE.

● Do not operate the saw without the proper saw blade guard in place.

● Carbide is a very hard but brittle material. Care should be taken while mounting, using and storing

carbide tipped blades to prevent accidental damage.

● Slight shocks, such as striking the tip, can seriously damage the blade. Foreign objects in the
workpiece, such as wire or nails, can also cause tips to crack or break off.

● Before using, always visually examine the blade and tips for bent teeth, cracks, breakage, missing
or loose tips, or other damage.

● Do not use if damage is suspected. Failure to heed safety instructions and warnings can result in
serious bodily injury or loss of eyesight.

4

SAFETY INFORMATION

POWER TOOL SAFETY

Please read and understand this entire manual before attempting to assemble, operate or install the
product. These safety instructions are not meant to cover every possible condition that could occur.

GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

● LEARN the tool’s application, limitations and possible hazards.

● KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order.

● REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES. Always check to see that keys and adjusting
wrenches are removed from the tool and properly stored before turning it ON.

● KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents.

● DO NOT USE IN DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS. Do not use power tools in damp locations or
expose them to rain or snow. Keep work area well lit.

● KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. All visitors and bystanders should be kept at a safe distance from work
area.

● MAKE WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF with padlocks, master switches or by removing starter keys.

● DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL. It will do the job better and is safer if used at the rate for which it
was designed.

● USE THE RIGHT TOOL. Do not force the tool or an attachment to do a job for which it was not
designed.

● USE PROPER EXTENSION CORDS. 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 result in a drop in line voltage and in loss of power that will cause the
tool to overheat. The table on page 9 shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and
nameplate ampere rating.

● WEAR PROPER APPAREL. Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets or other
jewelry that may get caught in moving parts. Non-slip footwear is recommended. Contain long hair.

● ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION. Any power tool can throw foreign objects into the eyes and
could cause permanent eye damage. ALWAYS wear safety goggles (not glasses) that comply with
ANSI Safety standard Z87.1. Everyday eyeglasses have only impact-resistant lenses. They ARE
NOT safety glasses. NOTE: Wearing glasses or goggles not in compliance with ANSI Z87.1 could
lead to serious injury.

● WEAR A FACE MASK OR DUST MASK AND WEAR HEARING PROTECTION. Operating power
tools produces sawdust. Use a dust mask in dusty work conditions. Wear hearing protection during
extended periods of operation.

● SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold work when practical. It is safer than using your
hand and it frees both hands to operate the tool.

● DISCONNECT TOOLS FROM POWER SOURCE before servicing and when changing
accessories, such as blades, bits and cutters.

● REDUCE THE RISK OF UNINTENTIONAL STARTING. Make sure switch is in the OFF position
before plugging in the tool.

● USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. Consult this Operator’s Manual for recommended
accessories. The use of improper accessories may lead to risk of injury to yourself or others.

● NEVER STAND ON THE TOOL. Serious injury could occur if the tool is tipped or if the cutting tool
is unintentionally contacted.

● CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS. Check the tool for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts or mounting and any other conditions that may affect its operation.
Damaged parts should be properly repaired or replaced.

● NEVER LEAVE THE TOOL RUNNING UNATTENDED. TURN THE POWER OFF. Do not walk
away from a running tool until the blade comes to a complete stop. Unplug the unit.

● DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

5

● MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp and clean for best and safest performance.
Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.

● DIRECTION OF FEED. Feed work into a blade or cutter against the direction of rotation of the
blade or cutter.

CAUTION: Dust generated from certain materials can be hazardous to your health. Always

operate the saw in a well-ventilated area and provide for proper dust removal.

WARNING: People with electronic devices, such as pacemakers, should consult their

physician(s) before using this product. Operation of electrical equipment in close proximity to a
heart pacemaker could cause interference or failure of the pacemaker.

COMPOUND MITER SAW SAFETY

● USE ONLY CROSS-CUTTING OR COMBINATION SAW BLADES. IMPORTANT: The improper
blades may deflect and contact the blade guard and will cause possible injury to the operator.

● DO NOT operate the miter saw until it is completely assembled and installed according to these
instructions.

● IF YOU ARE NOT thoroughly familiar with the operation of a miter saw, seek guidance from your
supervisor, instructor or other qualified person.

● ALWAYS hold the work firmly against the fence and table. DO NOT perform any operation free
hand. Use clamp whenever possible.

● KEEP HANDS out of the path of the saw blade. If the workpiece you are cutting would cause your
hands to be within “no-hands zone” area of the saw blade, the workpiece should be clamped in
place before making the cut.

● MAKE SURE the blade is sharp, runs freely and is free of vibration.

● ALLOW the motor to come up to full speed before starting a cut.

● KEEP THE MOTOR AIR SLOTS CLEAN and free of chips or dust.

● ALWAYS MAKE SURE all handles are tight before cutting, even if the table is positioned in one of
the positive stops.

● MAKE SURE both the blade and the collar are clean and the arbor bolt is tightened securely.

● USE only blade collars specified for your saw.

● NEVER use blades larger than 7-1/4 in. diameter.

● NEVER apply lubricants to the blade when it is running.

● ALWAYS check the blade for cracks or damage before operation. Replace a cracked or damaged
blade immediately.

● NEVER use blades recommended for operation at less than 5,000 RPM.

● ALWAYS keep the blade guards in place and use at all times.

● NEVER reach around the saw blade.

● MAKE SURE the blade is not in contact with the workpiece before the switch is turned ON.

● IMPORTANT: After completing the cut, release the trigger switch and wait for the blade to stop
before returning the saw to the raised position.

● MAKE SURE the blade has come to a complete stop before removing or securing the workpiece,
changing the workpiece angle or changing the angle of the blade.

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

● TO PREVENT severe cuts or injury, clamp all workpieces that can cause your arms, hands or
fingers to move within 6-3/4” of the saw blade.

● PROVIDE adequate support to the sides of the saw table for long workpieces.

● NEVER use the miter saw in an area with flammable liquids or gases.

● NEVER use solvents to clean plastic parts. Solvents could possibly dissolve or otherwise damage
the material.

● SHUT OFF the power before servicing or adjusting the tool.

6

● DISCONNECT the saw from the power source and clean the machine when finished using.

● SHOULD any part of your miter saw become missing, damaged, fail in any way or any electrical
component fail to perform properly, shut off the switch and remove the plug from the power supply
outlet. Replace missing, damaged or failed parts before resuming operation.

● Because of the downward cutting motion, your safety requires that you stay very alert to keeping
hands and fingers away from the path that the blade travels.

● Be sure all guards are in place and working. If a guard seems slow to return to its normal position
or “hangs up,” adjust or repair it immediately. Be alert at all times - especially during repetitive,
monotonous operations. Don’t be lulled into carelessness due to a false sense of security. Blades
are extremely unforgiving. Clean the lower guard frequently to help visibility and movement.
Unplug before adjustment or cleaning.

● Abrasive cut-off wheels should not be used on miter saws. Miter saw guards are not appropriate
for abrasive cut-off wheels.

● To avoid loss of control or placing hands in the path of the blade, hold or clamp all material
securely against the fence when cutting. Do not perform operations freehand.

● Support long material at the same height as the saw table.

● Never place your hands or fingers in the path of the blade, or reach in back of the fence. It’s
hazardous to do so. Do not cross arms or hands in front of blade to secure workpiece. Use clamps
if necessary. Saw blades coast after being turned off. To avoid contact with a coasting blade, do not
reach into cutting areas until the blade comes to a full stop.

● After completing a cut, release the trigger switch and allow the blade to come to a complete stop,
then raise the saw blade from the workpiece.

● Miter saws have spring loaded saw heads to return the saw head to its up position. Adjust, repair,
or replace the spring mechanism if the saw head does not automatically return to its up position
when released.

● Hold or clamp the work firmly against the fence on the sawed end.

● Lock the miter saw and blades in the down position during transport or when not in use.

● DRY RUN - It is important to know where the blade will intersect with the workpiece during cutting
operations.

● Always perform the simulated cutting sequence with the power tool switched OFF to gain an
understanding of the projected path of the saw blade.

WARNING: Additional warnings are listed throughout this manual. Please review all
before operating this power tool.

7

SAFETY INFORMATION

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND SAFETY

CAUTION: POWER SUPPLY AND MOTOR

The A/C motor used in this saw is a universal, nonreversible type. See “MOTOR” in the
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section on page 2.

To avoid electrical hazards, fire hazards or damage to the tool, use proper circuit protection.
Your saw is wired at the factory for 120V operation. Connect to a 120V, 15A circuit and use a 15A
time-delay fuse or circuit breaker. If power cord is worn or cut or damaged in any way, have it
replaced immediately to avoid shock or fire.

DOUBLE INSULATED

This power tool is double insulated to provide a double thickness of insulation between you and the
tool’s electrical system. All exposed metal parts are isolated from the internal metal motor components
with protective insulation.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

– When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Refer to the

Replacement Parts List on pages 38-43.

POLARIZED PLUGS – To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this saw has a
polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug (illustrated at right)
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 the
proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.

CAUTION: Double insulation does not take the place of normal safety precautions when

operating this tool. To avoid electrocution:

● Use only identical replacement parts when servicing a tool with double insulation. Servicing should
be performed by a qualified technician.

● Do not use power tools in wet or damp locations or expose them to rain or snow.

MOTOR SAFETY PROTECTION

CAUTION: To avoid motor damage, the motor should be blown out or vacuumed frequently to

keep sawdust from interfering with motor ventilation.

● CONNECT this saw to a 120V circuit. This circuit must not be less than a #18 wire with a 9A time
lag fuse.
NOTE: When using an extension cord on a circuit with a #18 wire, the extension cord must not exceed
25 feet in length.

● If the motor will not start, release the trigger switch immediately. UNPLUG THE SAW. Check the
saw blade to make sure it turns freely. If the blade is free, try to start the saw again. If the motor
still does not start, refer to TROUBLESHOOTING.

● If the tool suddenly stalls while cutting wood, release the trigger switch, unplug the tool and free
the blade from the wood. The saw may now be started and the cut finished.

● FUSES may “blow” or circuit breakers may trip frequently if:

- MOTOR is overloaded – overloading can occur if you feed too rapidly or make too many

starts/stops in a short time.

- LINE VOLTAGE is more than 10% above or below the nameplate voltage rating. For heavy

loads, the voltage at motor terminals must equal the voltage specified on the nameplate.

- IMPROPER or dull saw blades are used.

8

GUIDELINES FOR EXTENSION CORDS
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. The table below 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.

MINIMUM GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS (AWG)

(When using 120 volts only)

Ampere Rating Total length of Cord

More Than Not More Than 25 ft. 50 ft. 100 ft. 150 ft.
0 6 18 16 16 14
6 10 18 16 14 12
10 12 16 16 14 12
12 16 14 12

Not Recommended

Be sure your extension cord is properly wired and in good condition. Always replace a damaged
extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified person before using it. Protect your extension cords
from sharp objects, excessive heat and damp or wet areas.

Use a separate electrical circuit for your tools. This circuit must not be less than #12 wire and
should be protected with a 15A time-delay fuse. Before connecting the tool to the extension cord,
make sure the saw switch is in the OFF position. The electric circuit should be rated at the same
voltage as is stamped on the motor nameplate. Running at a lower voltage will damage the motor.

CAUTION: In all cases make certain the receptacle in question is properly grounded. If you are

not sure, have a certified electrician check the receptacle.

9

PREPARATION

Before beginning assembly or operation of the product, make sure all parts are present. Compare
parts with package contents list and diagram on page 3. If any part is missing or damaged, do not
attempt to assemble, install or operate the product.

Estimated Assembly Time: 10 minutes

Tools Required for Assembly (included): Blade Wrench

Tools Required for Assembly (not included): Adjustable Wrench, 2 mm Hex Wrench, 8 mm Hex
Wrench, 10 mm Hex Wrench, Combination Square, Phillips Screwdriver, Flathead Screwdriver.

10

KNOW YOUR MITER SAW

K

Dust Bag

Hold-Down Clamp

Fence

Safety Lock

Switch Handle
Upper Blade
Guard

Laser Guide

Blade

Base

Table Insert

Hand Hold for
Transportation

Arbor Lock Button

Lower Blade
Guard

Mounting Hole

ON/OFF Trigger Switch

Motor Brush

Table

Positive Miter Stop

Positive Miter Stop
Locking Lever

Blade Wrench

Motor

Head Hold-Down
Latch

Sliding Carriage
Lock Knob

Bevel Locking
Handle

Miter Handle

Miter
Scale

Bevel Scale

Hand Hold for
Transportation

11

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: To avoid injury, do not connect this

miter saw to a power source until it is completely
assembled and adjusted and you have read and
understood the operator’s manual.

INSTALLING THE MITER HANDLE (FIG. 1)

● Thread the miter handle (E) into the hole located
at the front of the miter saw (A).

INSTALLING THE DUST BAG (FIG. 2)

●

Squeeze the metal collar wings on the dust bag (C).

●

Place the dust bag neck opening around the
exhaust port on the miter saw (A) and release the
metal collar wings.

1

A

E

2

C

NOTE: To empty the dust bag, squeeze the metal collar

wings and remove from exhaust port. Open zipper on
underside of bag and empty into waste container.

IMPORTANT: Check frequently and empty bag before
it gets full.

WARNING: Do not use this saw to cut and/or sand
metals. The hot chips or sparks may ignite sawdust
from the bag material.

A

12

INSTALLING THE HOLD-DOWN CLAMP (FIG. 3)

AAABattery

AAA Battery

LASER

ON

OFF

NOTE: There are two mounting holes for the hold­down clamp. These are located just behind the fence
on the left and right side of the base.

3

● Loosen the screw with a Phillips screwdriver.

● Place the hold-down clamp (B) in the desired

mounting hole.

● Tighten the screw to hold the hold-down

clamp.

SAW BLADE WRENCH (FIG. 4)

For convenient storage and prevention of loss, there
is a slot in the side of the switch handle for storing the
blade wrench (D) when not in use.

INSERTING AND REPLACING BATTERIES FOR
THE LASER (FIG. 4)

• Unplug your miter saw.

B

Screw

4

Mounting holes

Battery cover

WARNING:

Failure to unplug your tool could
result in accidental starting causing possible
serious personal injury.

● Open the battery cover located on the switch
handle.

● Insert the two supplied AAA batteries (F) as per
the diagram. If replacing the batteries, take out the
old batteries and replace with new AAA batteries.
Dispose of old batteries properly.

● Close the battery cover.

NOTE: Replace with batteries that have a rating of

1.5 volts (Number 4 series and AAA size or equivalent).

HELPFUL HINT:

Remove the two batteries during
long periods of non-use of the saw. This will reduce
damage to the laser guide from the batteries
corroding during storage.

F

D

Switch handle

13

K

O

B

A

L

T

ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS

K

K

O

B

A

L

T

UNLOCKING THE SLIDE CARRIAGE (FIG. 5)

● After removing the saw from the carton, loosen

the slide carriage lock knob (1). When transporting
or storing the miter saw, the slide carriage should
always be locked in position. The slide carriage
lock knob (1) is located on the right side of the
slide carriage.

UNLOCKING AND LOCKING THE CUTTER HEAD
(FIG. 6)

Unlocking the cutter head:

●

To raise the cutter head from its storage/transport
position: push down slightly on the switch handle (1).

● Pull out the stop latch knob (2).

● Allow the cutting head to rise to the up position.

5

1

6

2

1

Locking the cutting head:

When transporting or storing the miter saw, the
cutting head should always be locked in the down
position.

● Push the cutting head down to its lowest position.

● Push the stop latch knob (2) into the locking hole.

CAUTION: To avoid injury and damage to the

saw, transport and store the miter saw with the
cutting head locked in the down position. Never
use the stop latch to hold the cutting head in a
down position for cutting operations.

IMPORTANT: To avoid damage, never carry the
miter saw by the switch handle, the cutting arm or the
miter table handle. ALWAYS use the hand holds for
transportation.

14