FIG. 8
•
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.
•
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.
•
Disconnect the charger from the outlet before attempting any cleaning. This will
reduce the risk of electric shock.
Removing the battery pack will not reduce this risk.
•
NEVER
attempt to connect 2 chargers together.
•
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.
Chargers
Your tool uses a D
E
WALT charger. Be sure to read all safety instructions before using your
charger. Consult the chart at the end of this manual for compatibility of chargers and battery
packs.
Charging Procedure (Fig. 2)
1. Plug the charger into an appropriate outlet before inserting the battery pack.
2. Insert the battery pack (F) into the charger, as shown in Figure 2, making sure the pack
is fully seated in charger. The red (charging) light will blink continuously, indicating that the
charging process has started.
3. The completion of charge will be indicated by the red light remaining ON continuously. The
pack is fully charged and may be used at this time or left in the charger.
Indicator Light Operation
PACK CHARGING
PACK CHARGED
x
HOT/COLD DELAY
PROBLEM PACK OR CHARGER
PROBLEM POWERLINE
Charge Indicators
This charger is designed to detect certain problems that can arise. Problems are indicated by
the red light flashing at a fast rate. If this occurs, re-insert the battery pack into the charger. If
the problem persists, try a different battery pack to determine if the charger is working properly.
If the new pack charges correctly, then the original pack is defective and should be returned
to a service center or other collection site for recycling. If the new battery pack elicits the same
trouble indication as the original, have the charger and the battery pack tested at an authorized
service center.
HOT/COLD DELAY
This charger has a hot/cold delay feature: when the charger detects a battery that is hot, it
automatically starts a delay, suspending charging until the battery has cooled. After the battery
has cooled, the charger automatically switches to the pack charging mode. This feature ensures
maximum battery life. The red light flashes long, then short while in the hot/cold delay mode.
LEAVING THE BATTERY PACK IN THE CHARGER
The charger and battery pack can be left connected with the charge indicator showing Pack
Charged.
WEAK BATTERY PACKS:
Weak batteries will continue to function but should not be
expected to perform as much work.
FAULTY BATTERY PACKS:
This charger will not charge a faulty battery pack. The charger will
indicate faulty battery pack by refusing to light or by displaying problem pack or charger.
NOTE:
This could also mean a problem with a charger.
PROBLEM POWER LINE
Some chargers have a problem powerline indicator. When the charger is used with some
portable power sources such as generators or sources that convert DC to AC, the charger may
temporarily suspend operation, flashing the red light with two fast blinks followed by a pause.
This indicates the power source is out of limits.
Important Charging Notes
1. Longest life and best performance can be obtained if the battery pack is charged when the
air temperature is between 65 °F and 75 °F (18 ° – 24 °C). DO NOT charge the battery pack
in an air temperature below +40 °F (+4.5 °C), or above +105 °F (+40.5 °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. A cold battery pack will charge at about half the rate of a warm battery pack. The battery
pack will charge at that slower rate throughout the entire charging cycle and will not return
to maximum charge rate even if the battery pack warms.
4. 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.
Move the charger and battery pack to a location where the surrounding air temperature
is approximately 65 °F – 75 °F (18 ° – 24 °C);
d.
If charging problems persist, take the tool, battery pack and charger to your local service
center.
5. The battery pack should be recharged when it fails to produce sufficient power on jobs
which were easily done previously. DO NOT CONTINUE to use under these conditions.
Follow the charging procedure. You may also charge a partially used pack whenever you
desire with no adverse effect on the battery pack.
6. 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 charger cavities. Always unplug the charger from the power supply when there is no
battery pack in the cavity. Unplug the charger before attempting to clean.
7. Do not freeze or immerse the charger in water or any other liquid.
WARNING:
Shock hazard. Don’t allow any liquid to get inside the charger. Electric shock
may result.
WARNING:
Burn hazard. Do not submerge the battery pack in any liquid or allow any liquid
to enter the battery pack. Never attempt to open the battery pack for any reason. If the plastic
housing of the battery pack breaks or cracks, return to a service center for recycling.
Storage Recommendations
1. The best storage place is one that is cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and excess
heat or cold.
2. For long storage, it is recommended to store a fully charged battery pack in a cool dry place
out of the charger for optimal results.
NOTE:
Battery packs should not be stored completely depleted of charge. The battery pack
will need to be recharged before use.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE
COMPONENTS (Fig. 1)
WARNING:
Never modify the power tool or any part of it. Damage or personal injury could
result.
A. Trigger switch
E. Hand grip
B. Lock-off button
F. Battery pack
C. Blade clamp release lever
G. Battery release button
D. Shoe
Variable Speed Trigger Switch (Fig. 1, 3)
LOCK-OFF BUTTON AND TRIGGER SWITCH
Your saw is equipped with a lock-off button (B).
To lock the trigger switch,
press the lock-off button as shown in Figure 3. Always lock the
trigger switch (A) when carrying or storing the tool to eliminate unintentional starting. The lock-
off button is colored
red
to indicate when the switch is in its
unlocked
position.
To unlock the trigger switch,
press the lock-off button as shown in Figure 3. Pull the trigger
switch to turn the motor ON. Releasing the trigger switch turns the motor OFF.
FIG. 5
FIG. 4
FIG. 9
FIG. 10
FIG. 11
FIG. 13
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.
OPERATION
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn tool off and disconnect
tool from power source before making any adjustments or removing/installing
attachments or accessories.
An accidental start-up can cause injury.
Installing and Removing the Battery Pack (Fig. 4)
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury, never depress the battery release button without
removing the battery pack. Depressing the battery release button without removing the battery
pack can result in the battery pack falling out unexpectedly.
NOTE:
For best results, make sure your battery pack is fully charged.
To install the battery pack (F) 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 (G) 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.
FUEL GAUGE BATTERY PACKS (FIG. 4A)
Some D
E
WALT battery packs include a fuel gauge which consists of three green LED lights that
indicate the level of charge remaining in the battery pack.
To actuate the fuel gauge, press and hold the fuel gauge button (H). A combination of the three
green LED lights will illuminate designating the level of charge left. When the level of charge in
the battery is below the usable limit, the fuel gauge will not illuminate and the battery will need
to be recharged.
NOTE:
The fuel gauge is only an indication of the charge left on the battery pack. It does
not indicate tool functionality and is subject to variation based on product components,
temperature and end-user application.
For more information regarding fuel gauge battery packs, please call 1-800-4-D
E
WALT (1-800-
433-9258) or visit our website www.dewalt.com.
Blade Installation and Removal (Fig. 5–7, 11)
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn tool off and disconnect
tool from power source before making any adjustments or removing/installing
attachments or accessories.
An accidental start-up can cause injury.
Different blade lengths are available. Use the appropriate blade for the application. The blade
should be longer than 3-1/2" (89 mm) and should extend past the shoe and the thickness of
the workpiece during the cut. Do not use jigsaw blades with this tool.
WARNING:
Cut hazard. Blade breakage may occur if the blade does not extend past the
shoe and the workpiece during the cut (Fig. 5). Increased risk of personal injury, as well as
damage to the shoe and workpiece may result.
TO INSTALL BLADE INTO SAW
1. Pull blade clamp release lever (C) up (Fig. 6).
2. Insert blade shank from the front.
3. Push blade clamp release lever down.
NOTE:
The blade can be installed in the
DCS380
in four positions as shown in Figure 7. The
blade can be installed in the
DCS381
in two positions as shown in Figure 7. Both units allow
the blade to be installed upside-down to assist in flush-to cutting; see Figure 11.
TO REMOVE BLADE FROM SAW
CAUTION:
Burn hazard. Do not touch the the blade immediately after use. Contact with the
blade may result in personal injury.
1. Open up blade clamp release lever.
2. Remove blade.
Cutting with Blade in Horizontal Position
(DCS380 only) (Fig. 8)
Your DCS380 is equipped with a horizontal blade clamp. Installing a blade in the horizontal
orientation allows cutting close to floors, walls or ceilings where limited clearance is available.
Ensure that the shoe is pressed against the framing to avoid kickback.
Adjustable Shoe (DCS380 only) (Fig. 1, 9)
CAUTION:
Cut hazard. To prevent loss of control, never use tool without shoe.
Your DCS380 comes with an adjustable shoe. The shoe will adjust to limit the depth of cut.
Hold the saw with the underside facing up. Push the button on the hand grip and slide the shoe
out to one of the three settings and release the button.
The DCS381 comes with a fixed shoe that is not adjustable.
1
2
FIG. 12
1. STARTING POSITION FOR POCKET CUTTING
2. ROCK TOOL UP TO NORMAL CUTTING
POSITION AFTER BLADE HAS CUT THROUGH
MATERIAL.
1. POSITION DE DÉPART POUR COUPE INTERNE
2. PIVOTER L’OUTIL EN POSITION NORMALE DE
COUPE UNE FOIS QUE LA LAME A TRAVERSÉ
LE MATÉRIAU.
1. POSICIÓN INICIAL PARA CORTES CENTRALES
2. BALANCEE LA HERRAMIENTA HACIA ARRIBA
HASTA ALCANZAR LA POSICIÓN NORMAL DE
CORTE LUEGO DE QUE LA HOJA
ATRAVIESE EL MATERIAL.
FIG. 1
FIG. 3
A
B
UNLOCKED
DÉVERROUILLÉ
DESBLOQUEADO
LOCKED
VERROUILLÉ
BLOQUEADO
FIG. 7
DCS381
DCS380
FIG. 6
C
FIG. 2
F
G
F
DCS381
B
D
A
C
F
G
DCS380
B
E
D
C
A
F
G
E
H
FIG. 4A
