Welcome to the Craftsman Miter Saw Manual․ This guide provides essential information for safe and effective operation of your 12-inch compound miter saw․ Read carefully before use to ensure optimal performance and safety․

Safety Features and Precautions

• Never operate near flammable liquids or gases․
• Avoid using solvents on plastic parts․
• Ensure the blade stops completely before handling workpieces․
• Disconnect power before adjusting or cleaning․
• Use only authorized Sears replacement parts․

2․1 General Safety Precautions

To ensure safe operation of the Craftsman miter saw‚ always follow these general precautions:

• Read the entire manual carefully before using the saw․
• Wear proper safety gear‚ including safety glasses and a dust mask․
• Keep loose clothing and long hair tied back to avoid entanglement․
• Ensure the work area is clean‚ well-lit‚ and free from obstructions․
• Never operate the saw near flammable materials or liquids․
• Always use a push stick or other auxiliary aids for small workpieces․
• Disconnect the power cord before making adjustments or cleaning․
• Keep children and bystanders away from the work area․

Adhering to these guidelines will help prevent accidents and ensure safe‚ efficient operation of your miter saw․

2․2 Specific Safety Warnings

The Craftsman miter saw requires adherence to specific safety warnings to prevent accidents:

• Never use the saw in areas with flammable liquids‚ gases‚ or dust‚ as it may ignite sparks․
• Avoid using solvents to clean plastic parts‚ as they may damage the material․
• Do not modify the tool or use it for purposes other than its intended function․
• Ensure the blade has completely stopped before adjusting or removing workpieces․
• Never operate the saw with damaged or worn-out blades‚ as they can cause kickback․
• Always use Sears-approved replacement parts to maintain safety and performance standards․
• Keep the throat plate clean and free of debris to prevent binding during cuts․

By following these warnings‚ you can minimize risks and ensure safe operation of your Craftsman miter saw․

Operating the Miter Saw

Ensure the miter saw is fully assembled and locked before use․ Make precise cuts by aligning the blade with your marked material․ Always maintain firm control of the workpiece and keep hands away from the blade during operation․

3․1 Pre-Operation Checks

Before operating the Craftsman miter saw‚ perform a series of essential checks to ensure safety and accuracy․ First‚ inspect the saw blade for damage or dullness‚ and replace it if necessary․ Ensure all bolts and screws‚ including the blade bolt‚ are securely tightened․ Check the miter table and fence for proper alignment and cleanliness․ Verify that the bevel lock knob and miter lock handle are securely tightened to prevent unintended movement during cuts․ Ensure the saw arm is fully lowered and locked before plugging in the power․ Always wear safety goggles and keep loose clothing tied back․ Double-check that the workpiece is properly secured to the saw table to avoid accidents․ Finally‚ make sure the area is clear of debris and flammable materials․ These pre-operation checks are critical for safe and effective use of the miter saw․

3․2 Basic Cutting Operations

Performing accurate cuts with your Craftsman miter saw requires careful preparation and technique․ Begin by aligning the blade with the marked cutting line on the workpiece․ Use the laser guide for precise alignment if equipped․ Gently lower the saw arm‚ maintaining steady control‚ and apply consistent pressure throughout the cut․ Avoid applying too much force‚ which could cause unevenness․ Keep the workpiece firmly pressed against the fence and table to ensure stability․ After completing the cut‚ allow the blade to come to a full stop before raising the saw arm․ For angled cuts‚ adjust the miter or bevel settings as needed‚ ensuring the locks are securely tightened․ Always maintain a safe distance from the blade and avoid reaching over it during operation․ These steps ensure clean‚ accurate cuts and safe operation of the miter saw․

Adjustments and Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance․ Calibrate and align the saw according to the manual․ Clean and lubricate moving parts․ Use only genuine Craftsman replacement parts․

4․1 Calibration and Alignment

Proper calibration and alignment are crucial for accurate cuts․ Begin by locking the miter table and ensuring the bevel angle is set to zero․ Use the adjustment knobs to align the blade with the fence․ Check the miter and bevel locks for tightness․ For precise adjustments‚ refer to the manual’s calibration guide․ Ensure the saw arm is secure and the blade is square to the table․ Use a combination square to verify alignment․ Regularly inspect and adjust the throat plate to prevent misalignment․ If the saw is new or has been moved‚ recalibrate to maintain accuracy․ Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific adjustment procedures․ Proper alignment ensures consistent results and extends the tool’s lifespan․ Regular checks and adjustments are essential for maintaining optimal performance․

4․2 Regular Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance ensures your Craftsman miter saw performs optimally․ Clean the saw regularly‚ removing dust and debris from the blade‚ fence‚ and miter table․ Lubricate moving parts‚ such as the miter lock and bevel pivot‚ to maintain smooth operation․ Inspect the blade for dullness or damage; replace it when necessary․ Check the throat plate for proper alignment and ensure it is free from obstructions․ Verify that all bolts and screws are tightened securely․ Use only Sears replacement parts for repairs to maintain warranty and performance․ Avoid using solvents on plastic components‚ as they may damage the material․ Store the saw in a dry‚ clean area to prevent rust․ Refer to the manual for specific maintenance schedules and procedures․ Regular upkeep extends the lifespan of your tool and ensures precision cutting․ Always follow safety guidelines during maintenance․

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Identify and resolve common issues like blade misalignment‚ uneven cuts‚ or motor malfunction․ Check for loose parts‚ proper blade installation‚ and power supply․ Refer to the manual for detailed solutions․

5․1 Identifying Common Problems

Common issues with the Craftsman miter saw include blade misalignment‚ uneven cuts‚ and motor malfunction․ Blade misalignment can occur due to improper installation or wear‚ leading to inaccurate cuts․ Uneven cuts may result from a dull or damaged blade․ Motor issues‚ such as overheating or reduced power‚ often stem from dust buildup or electrical problems․ Other problems include miter table slippage‚ bevel lock failure‚ and laser guide inaccuracies․ Regularly inspecting and maintaining the saw can help prevent these issues․ Always refer to the manual for troubleshooting steps and ensure proper assembly and usage to minimize mechanical failures․ If problems persist‚ contact customer support or consult a professional for assistance․

5․2 Effective Solutions and Fixes

To address common issues with your Craftsman miter saw‚ start by ensuring proper blade alignment and tightening loose parts․ For uneven cuts‚ inspect and replace dull or damaged blades․ If the motor overheats‚ allow it to cool and ensure proper ventilation․ Regularly clean dust and debris from the saw to maintain performance․ For miter table slippage‚ tighten the locking mechanisms․ If the bevel lock fails‚ adjust or replace the bevel lock knob․ Inaccurate laser guides can be recalibrated following the manual’s instructions․ Always use genuine Craftsman replacement parts for repairs․ If issues persist‚ refer to the troubleshooting section in the manual or contact customer support․ Regular maintenance and proper usage will help prevent these problems and extend the tool’s lifespan․

Parts and Warranty Information

Your Craftsman miter saw includes essential parts like the blade‚ miter table‚ and bevel lock․ Genuine Craftsman replacement parts ensure optimal performance․ The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period‚ offering repair or replacement options․ Refer to the manual for full warranty details and contact customer support for assistance․ Proper use of original parts maintains warranty validity and ensures safety․

6․1 Essential Parts and Accessories

Your Craftsman miter saw includes essential components like the model number 315․212120‚ which is crucial for identifying genuine parts․ Key components include the blade‚ miter table‚ bevel lock‚ and throat plate․ Accessories such as dust bags and workpiece clamps enhance functionality․ Ensure all parts are original Craftsman replacements to maintain performance and safety․ The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship‚ offering repair or replacement options․ Refer to the manual for a detailed parts list and warranty terms․ Always use genuine accessories to avoid voiding the warranty and ensure proper operation․ For maintenance‚ use only recommended tools and supplies․ Contact Sears customer support for assistance with parts or warranty inquiries․ Proper care of these components ensures your miter saw operates efficiently and safely for years․

6․2 Warranty Coverage and Support

The Craftsman miter saw is backed by a comprehensive warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship․ For model number 315․212120‚ the warranty period ensures your investment is protected․ Sears‚ the manufacturer‚ provides dedicated customer support through their Customer Help Line at 1-800-932-3188․ This service is available to address any questions or concerns regarding your miter saw․ Proper registration and maintenance are crucial to uphold warranty terms․ Always use genuine Craftsman parts to avoid voiding the warranty․ The warranty includes repair or replacement of defective components‚ offering peace of mind․ Keep your proof of purchase and manual handy for warranty-related inquiries․ Sears’ support team is ready to assist with troubleshooting‚ repairs‚ and general guidance‚ ensuring your miter saw performs optimally for years․ This commitment to quality and customer care reinforces the reliability of the Craftsman brand․