CRAFTSMAN CMCS340 (01) PDF MANUAL

This reciprocating saw is designed for professional sawing applications.

DO NOT use under wet conditions or in presence of flammable liquids or gases.

This reciprocating saw is a professional power tool.

DO NOT let children come into contact with the tool. Supervision is required when inexperienced operators use this tool.

Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the cutting accessory may contact hidden wiring. Cutting accessory contacting a “live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.

Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the workpiece by hand or against your body leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of control.

ALWAYS wear a dust mask. Exposure to dust particles can cause breathing difficulty and possible injury.

Never switch on the tool when the saw blade is jammed in the workpiece or in contact with the material.

Keep hands away from cutting area. Never reach underneath the material for any reason. Hold front of saw by grasping the contoured gripping area. Do not insert fingers or thumb into vicinity of the reciprocating blade and blade clamp. Do not stabilize the saw by gripping the shoe.

Use extra caution when cutting overhead and pay particular attention to overhead wires which may be hidden from view. Anticipate the path of falling branches and debris ahead of time.

When cutting pipe or conduit, ensure that they are free from water, electrical wiring, etc.

Do not operate this tool for long periods of time. Vibration caused by the operating action of this tool may cause permanent injury to fingers, hands, and arms. Use gloves to provide extra cushion, take frequent rest periods, and limit daily time of use.

Wherever possible, use clamps and vices to fasten the workpiece securely.

Do not attempt to saw extremely small workpieces.

Do not lean too far forward. Make sure that you always stand firmly, particularly on scaffolding and ladders.

Do not charge or use the battery pack in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Inserting or removing the battery pack from the charger may ignite the dust or fumes.

NEVER force the battery pack into the charger. DO NOT modify the battery pack in any way to fit into a non-compatible charger as battery pack may rupture causing serious personal injury. Consult the chart at the end of this manual for compatibility of batteries and chargers.

Charge the battery packs only in CRAFTSMAN chargers.

DO NOT splash or immerse in water or other liquids.

DO NOT allow water or any liquid to enter battery pack.

Do not store or use the tool and battery pack in locations where the temperature may reach or exceed 104 °F (40 °C) (such as outside sheds or metal buildings in summer). For best life store battery packs in a cool, dry location.

NOTE: Do not store the battery packs in a tool with the trigger switch locked on. Never tape the trigger switch in the ON position.

Do not incinerate the battery pack even if it is severely damaged or is completely worn out. The battery pack can explode in a fire. Toxic fumes and materials are created when lithium-ion battery packs are burned.

Do not expose a battery pack or appliance to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265 °F (130 °C) may cause explosion.

Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or appliance outside of the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside of the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

If battery contents come into contact with the skin, immediately wash area with mild soap and water. If battery liquid gets into the eye, rinse water over the open eye for 15 minutes or until irritation ceases. If medical attention is needed, the battery electrolyte is composed of a mixture of liquid organic carbonates and lithium salts.

Contents of opened battery cells may cause respiratory irritation. Provide fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

Battery liquid may be flammable if exposed to spark or flame.

Never attempt to open the battery pack for any reason. If the battery pack case is cracked or damaged, do not insert into the charger. Do not crush, drop or damage the battery pack. Do not use a battery pack or charger that has received a sharp blow, been dropped, run over or damaged in any way (e.g., pierced with a nail, hit with a hammer, stepped on). Damaged battery packs should be returned to the service center for recycling.

The best storage place is one that is cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and excess heat or cold. Store the fully charged battery pack out of the charger.

Dirt and grease may be removed from the exterior of the battery pack using a cloth or soft non-metallic brush. Do not use water or any cleaning solutions.

Some battery packs include a fuel gauge. When the fuel gauge button is pressed and held, the LED lights will indicate the approximate level of charge remaining. This does not indicate tool functionality and is subject to variation based on product components, temperature, and end-user application.

WARNING: Fire hazard. Do not store, carry, or transport the battery pack so that metal objects can contact exposed battery terminals. For example, do not place the battery pack in aprons, pockets, tool boxes, product kit boxes, drawers, etc., with loose nails, screws, keys, coins, hand tools, etc.

When transporting individual battery packs, make sure that the battery terminals are protected and well insulated from materials that could contact them and cause a short circuit. NOTE: Li-ion battery packs should not be put in checked baggage on airplanes and must be properly protected from short circuits if they are in carry-on baggage.

DO NOT attempt to charge the battery pack with any chargers other than a CRAFTSMAN charger. CRAFTSMAN chargers and battery packs are specifically designed to work together.

These chargers are not intended for any uses other than charging CRAFTSMAN rechargeable battery packs. Charging other types of battery packs may cause them to overheat and burst, resulting in personal injury, property damage, fire, electric shock or electrocution.

Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.

Do not allow water or any liquid to enter charger.

Pull by the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger. This will reduce the risk of damage to the electric plug and cord.

Make sure that the cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over or otherwise subjected to damage or stress.

Do not use an extension cord unless it is absolutely necessary. Use of improper extension cord could result in risk of fire, electric shock or electrocution.

When operating a charger outdoors, always provide a dry location and use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.

An extension cord must have adequate wire size (AWG or American Wire Gauge) for safety. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the heavier the cord and thus the greater its capacity. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The following table shows the correct size to use depending on total length of all extension cords plugged together, and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.

Minimum Gauge for Cord Sets

Do not place any object on top of the charger or place the charger on a soft surface that might block the ventilation slots and result in excessive internal heat. Place the charger in a position away from any heat source. The charger is ventilated through slots in the top and the bottom of the housing.

Do not operate the charger with a damaged cord or plug. Have them replaced immediately.

Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped or otherwise damaged in any way. Take it to an authorized service center.

Do not disassemble the charger; take it to an authorized service center when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock, electrocution or fire.

The charger is designed to operate on standard 120V household electrical power. Do not attempt to use it on any other voltage. This does not apply to the vehicular charger.

Foreign materials of a conductive nature, such as, but not limited to, grinding dust, metal chips, steel wool, aluminum foil or any buildup of metallic particles should be kept away from the charger cavities and ventilation slots.

Always unplug the charger from the power supply when there is no battery pack in the cavity.

1. Plug the charger into an appropriate outlet.

2. Insert and fully seat battery pack. Green charging light(s) will continuously blink while charging.

3. Charging is complete when the green charging light(s) remain(s) continuously ON. Battery pack can be left in charger or removed.

WARNING: Only charge batteries in air temperature over 40 °F (4.5°C) and below 104 ° F (+40 °C).

4. Charger will not charge a faulty battery pack, which may be indicated by the charging light(s) staying OFF. Take charger and battery pack to an authorized service center if light(s) stay(s) OFF.

NOTE: Refer to label near charging light(s) on charger for blink patterns.

NOTE: To remove the battery pack, some chargers require the battery pack release button to be pressed.

When the charger detects a battery pack that is too hot or too cold, it automatically starts a Hot/Cold Pack Delay, suspending charging until the battery pack has reached an appropriate temperature. The charger then automatically switches to the pack charging mode. This feature ensures maximum battery pack life.

A cold battery pack may charge at a slower rate than a warm battery pack.

The hot/cold pack delay will be indicated by the green light(s) continuing to blink but with the red light continuously ON. Once the battery pack has reached an appropriate temperature, the red light will turn OFF and the charger will resume the charging procedure.

Li-Ion tools are designed with an Electronic Protection System that will protect the battery pack against overloading, overheating or deep discharge. The tool will automatically turn off and the battery pack will need to be recharged.

1. Longest life and best performance can be obtained if the battery pack is charged when the air temperature is between 65 °F – 75 °F (18°C−24 °C). DO NOT charge when the battery pack is below +40 °F (+4.5 °C), or above +104 °F (+40 °C). This is important and will prevent serious damage to the battery pack.

2. The charger and battery pack may become warm to the touch while charging. This is a normal condition, and does not indicate a problem. To facilitate the cooling of the battery pack after use, avoid placing the charger or battery pack in a warm environment such as in a metal shed or an uninsulated trailer.

3. If the battery pack does not charge properly:

a. Check operation of receptacle by plugging in a lamp or other appliance;

b. Check to see if receptacle is connected to a light switch which turns power off when you turn out the lights;

c. If charging problems persist, take the tool, battery pack and charger to your local service center.

4. You may charge a partially used pack whenever you desire with no adverse effect on the battery pack.

WARNING: Shock hazard. Disconnect the charger from the AC outlet before cleaning. Dirt and grease may be removed from the exterior of the charger using a cloth or soft non-metallic brush. Do not use water or any cleaning solutions.

Some CRAFTSMAN chargers are designed to be wall mountable or to sit upright on a table or work surface. If wall mounting, locate the charger within reach of an electrical outlet, and away from a corner or other obstructions which may impede air flow. Use the back of the charger as a template for the location of the mounting screws on the wall.

Mount the charger securely using drywall screws (purchased separately) at least 1″ (25.4 mm) long, with a screw head diameter of 0.28–0.35″ (7–9 mm), screwed into wood to an optimal depth leaving approximately 7/32″ (5.5 mm) of the screw exposed. Align the slots on the back of the charger with the exposed screws and fully engage them in the slots.

NOTE: Do not attempt to mount CMCB101 charger under a bench or table.

NOTE: Only mount CMCB101 charger with the charging lights pointed upward toward the ceiling.

WARNING: Do not charge batteries while charger is hung on Trackwall.

CRAFTSMAN chargers, except the CMCB101, can be stored on CRAFTSMAN VersaTrack™ Trackwall. Hooks and accessories are sold separately. Please refer to the VersaTrack™ Trackwall accessory sheet for further information.

NOTE: The CMCB101 charger is not CRAFTSMAN VersaTrack™ Trackwall compatible.

1. Use the tab on the blade clamp collar, rotate open the collar to its full open position.

2. Insert blade fully into blade clamp collar.

NOTE: Blade can be installed with the teeth facing up to assist in Flush Cutting.

3. Release blade clamp collar and gently tug on the blade to ensure blade is clamped securely.

WARNING: Burn hazard. Do not touch the blade and blade clamp collar immediately after use. Contact with the blade may result in personal injury.

1. Rotate open blade clamp collar to its full open position.

2. Remove blade.

WARNING: Ensure the tool/appliance is in the off position before inserting the battery pack.

NOTE: For best results, make sure your battery pack is fully charged.

To install the battery pack into the tool handle, align the battery pack with the rails inside the tool’s handle and slide it into the handle until the battery pack is firmly seated in the tool and ensure that it does not disengage.

To remove the battery pack from the tool, press the release button and firmly pull the battery pack out of the tool handle. Insert it into the charger as described in the charger section of this manual.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ALWAYS use proper hand position as shown.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ALWAYS hold securely in anticipation of a sudden reaction.

With the material being cut properly clamped, proper hand position requires one hand on the main handle and one hand the hand grip or one hand on the main handle and other hand far away from cutting action.

CAUTION: Do not stare into worklight. Serious eye injury could result.

There is a worklight located on the end of the tool near the shoe. The worklight is activated when the trigger switch is depressed, and will remain on for a short time after the trigger switch is released. If the trigger switch remains depressed, the worklight will remain on.

NOTE: The worklight is for lighting the immediate work surface and is not intended to be used as a flashlight.

Your saw is equipped with a lock button.

To lock the trigger switch, press the lock button as shown in Figure H. Always lock the trigger switch when carrying or storing the tool to eliminate unintentional starting. To lock the tool, slide lock button to the locked position. When in the locked position, the tool is locked and the trigger switch cannot be pulled.

To unlock the trigger switch, press the lock button as shown in Figure H. Pull the trigger switch to turn the motor ON. Releasing the trigger switch turns the motor OFF.

WARNING: This tool has no provision to lock the switch in the ON position, and should never be locked ON by any other means.

The variable speed trigger switch will give you added versatility. The further the trigger is depressed the higher the speed of the saw.

CAUTION: Use of very slow speed is recommended only for beginning a cut. Prolonged use at very slow speed may damage your saw.

The blade should extend past the pivoting shoe and the thickness of the workpiece throughout the cut. Select the blade best suitable for the material to be cut and use the shortest blade suitable for the thickness of the material.

NOTE: Do not use jigsaw blades with this tool.

NOTE: Before cutting any type of material, be sure it is firmly anchored or clamped to prevent slipping.

Place blade and pivoting shoe lightly against work to be cut.

Switch on saw motor and allow it to obtain maximum speed before applying pressure.

Always hold saw firmly with both hands while cutting as shown in Fig. G. Whenever possible, the pivoting shoe must be held firmly against the material being cut. This will prevent the saw from jumping or vibrating and will minimize blade breakage.

1. Before cutting any type of wood, be sure the workpiece is firmly anchored or clamped to prevent slipping.

2. Place blade and pivoting shoe firmly against work to be cut.

3. Switch on saw motor before starting the cut.

4. Always hold saw firmly as shown in Fig. G while cutting. Whenever possible, the pivoting shoe must be held firmly against the material being cut. This will prevent the saw from jumping or vibrating and minimize blade breakage.

1. Use a finer blade for ferrous metals and a coarse blade for non-ferrous materials.

2. In thin gauge sheet metals it is best to clamp wood to the underside of the sheet. This will ensure a clean cut without excess vibration or tearing of metal.

3. Avoid forcing cutting blade as this reduces blade life and causes costly blade breakage.

NOTE: You should spread a thin film of oil or other coolant along the line ahead of the saw cut for easier operation and longer blade life. For cutting aluminum, kerosene is preferred.

Measure the surface area to be cut and mark clearly with a pencil, chalk or scriber.

1. Insert blade in blade clamp collar and tighten blade clamp securely.

2. Tip the saw backward until the back edge of the pivoting shoe is firmly on the work surface.

3. Switch motor on, permitting blade to attain maximum speed.

4. Grip handle steadily and begin a slow, deliberate upward swing with the handle of the saw.

5. The blade will begin to feed into material. Always be sure blade is completely through material before continuing with pocket cut.

NOTE: In areas where blade visibility is limited, use the edge of the pivoting shoe as a guide.

Cut only with sharp blades; they cut cleaner, faster and put less strain on the motor while cutting.

When cutting, always ensure that the pivoting shoe is resting against the workpiece. This will improve operator control and minimize vibration.

For longer blade life, use bi-metal blades or carbide tipped blades. These utilize a carbon steel back welded to high speed steel teeth making the blade more flexible and less prone to breaking.

WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of all air vents with clean, dry air at least once a week. To minimize the risk of eye injury, always wear ANSI Z87.1 approved eye protection when performing this procedure.

WARNING: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals for cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. These chemicals may weaken the plastic materials used in these parts. Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap. Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any part of the tool into a liquid.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ONLY use the tool’s belt hook to hang the tool from a work belt. DO NOT use the belt hook for tethering or securing the tool to a person or object during use. DO NOT suspend tool overhead or suspend objects from the belt hook.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ensure the screw holding the belt hook is secure.

WARNING: Before hanging the tool from a work belt, ALWAYS remove the blade and ensure that the lock-off button is in the locked postion to eliminate unintentional starting.

IMPORTANT: When attaching or replacing the belt hook, use only the screw that is provided. Be sure to securely tighten the screw.

The belt hook can be attached to either side of the tool using only the screw provided, to accommodate left- or right- handed users. If the belt hook is not desired at all, it can be removed from the tool.

To move the belt hook, remove the screw that holds it in place then reassemble on the opposite side. Be sure to securely tighten the screw.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn unit off and remove the battery pack before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories. An accidental start-up can cause injury.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, do not use a damaged VersaTrack™ hang hook or VersaTrack™ Trackwall. A damaged VersaTrack™ hang hook or VersaTrack™ Trackwall will not support the weight of the tool.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ensure the screw holding the VersaTrack™ hang hook is securely tightened.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, DO NOT suspend tool overhead or suspend objects from the hang hook. ONLY suspend tool on the VersaTrack™ Trackwall using the hang hook.

WARNING: The Versatrack™ integral hang hook is not a belt hook.

WARNING: Ensure that the tool weight does not exceed the maximum rated weight of 20 lb (9 kg) for the selected VersaTrack™ hook.

WARNING: When hanging objects on a VersaTrack™ Trackwall rail, adequately space the tools in order to not exceed 75 lb (35 kg) per linear foot.

IMPORTANT: When attaching the VersaTrack™ hang hook, use only the screw that is provided. Be sure to securely tighten the screw. VersaTrack™ accessories mount compatible tools securely to the VersaTrack™ Trackwall system.

1. Turn the tool off, remove the battery pack and accessories.

CAUTION: Remove blade from saw before placing on the VersaTrack™ Trackwall.

2. Attach the hang hook on the tool.

a. Place the VersaTrack™ hang hook onto the mounting location at the base of the tool.

b. Use a screwdriver to secure the hang hook with the provided screw. Do not use any other screw for this.

The charger and batteries are not serviceable. There are no serviceable parts inside the charger or battery pack.

WARNING: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and adjustment (including brush inspection and replacement, when applicable) should be performed by a CRAFTSMAN factory service center or a CRAFTSMAN authorized service center. Always use identical replacement parts.

If your warning labels become illegible or are missing, call 1-888-331-4569 for a free replacement.