INSTRUCTION MANUAL
GUIDE D'UTILISA
TION
MANUAL
DE INSTRUCCIONES
D
E
WALT Industrial Tool Co., 701 East Joppa Road, Baltimore, MD 21286 (MAR04-CD-1)
Form No. 625461-00 DW364, DW384 Copyright © 1997, 2000, 2003, 2004
The following are trademarks for one or more D
E
WALT power tools: the yellow and black color
scheme; the “D” shaped air intake grill; the array of pyramids on the handgrip; the kit box con-
figuration; and the array of lozenge-shaped humps on the surface of the tool.
Questions? See us in the W
orld Wide W
eb at
www
.dewalt.com
DW364 7-1/4" (180 mm) Heavy Duty Circular Saw
DW384 8-1/4" (209 mm) Heavy Duty Circular Saw
DW364 Scie circulaire de service intensif de 180 mm (7
1/4
po)
DW384 Scie circulaire de service intensif de 209
mm (8
1/4
po)
DW364 Sierra circular de 180 mm (7-1/4") para trabajo pesado
DW384 Sierra circular de 209 mm (8-1/4") para trabajo pesado
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS OR ANY D
E
WALT TOOL,
CALL US TOLL FREE AT:
1-800-4-D
E
WALT (1-800-433-9258)
Important Safety Instructions
WARNING:
When using electric tools, basic safety precautions should always be followed to
reduce risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
Double Insulation
Double insulated tools are constructed throughout with two separate layers of electrical insula-
tion or one double thickness of insulation between you and the tool’s electrical system. Tools
built with this insulation system are not intended to be grounded. As a result, your tool is
equipped with a two prong plug which permits you to use extension cords without concern for
maintaining a ground connection.
NOTE:
Double insulation does not take the place of normal safety precautions when operating
this tool. The insulation system is for added protection against injury resulting from a possible
electrical insulation failure within the tool.
CAUTION:
WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS. Repair or
replace damaged cords.
Polarized Plugs
Polarized plugs (one blade is wider than the other) are used on equipment to reduce the risk of
electric shock. When provided, this plug will fit in the 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.
Safety Instructions For All Tools
•
KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN.
Cluttered areas and benches invite injuries.
•
CONSIDER WORK AREA ENVIRONMENT.
Don’t expose power tools to rain. Don’t use
power tools in damp or wet locations. Keep work area well lit. Do not use tool in presence of
flammable liquids or gases.
•
GUARD AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK.
Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces. For
example; pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerator enclosures.
•
KEEP CHILDREN AWAY.
Do not let visitors contact tool or extension cord. All visitors should
be kept away from work area.
•
STORE IDLE TOOLS.
When not in use, tools should be stored in dry, and high or locked-up
place — out of reach of children.
•
DON’T FORCE TOOL.
It will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was intend-
ed.
•
USE RIGHT TOOL.
Don’t force small tool or attachment to do the job of a heavy-duty tool.
Don’t use tool for purpose not intended- for example- don’t use circular saw for cutting tree
limbs or logs.
•
DRESS PROPERLY.
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught in moving
parts. Rubber gloves and non-skid footwear are recommended when working outdoors.
Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair. Air vents often cover moving parts and
should also be avoided.
•
USE SAFETY GLASSES.
Also use face or dust mask if cutting operation is dusty.
•
DON’T ABUSE CORD.
Never carry tool by cord or yank it to disconnect from receptacle.
Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
•
SECURE WORK.
Use clamps or a vise to hold work. It’s safer than using your hand and it
frees both hands to operate tool.
•
DON’T OVERREACH.
Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
•
MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE.
Keep tools sharp and clean for better and safer perform-
ance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Inspect tool cords period-
ically and if damaged, have repaired by authorized service facility. Inspect extension cords
periodically and replace if damaged. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.
•
DISCONNECT OR LOCK OFF TOOLS
when not in use, before servicing, and when
changing accessories, such as blades, bits, cutters.
•
REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES.
Form habit of checking to see that keys
and adjusting wrenches are removed from tool before turning it on.
•
AVOID UNINTENTIONAL STARTING.
Don’t carry tool with finger on switch. Be sure switch
is off when plugging in.
•
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 cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheat-
ing. The following table shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and name-
plate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gage. The smaller the gage number,
the heavier the cord.
Minimum Gage for Cord Sets
Volts
Total Length of Cord in Feet
120V
0-25
26-50
51-100
101-150
240V
0-50
51-100
101-200 201-300
Ampere Rating
More Not
more
AWG
Than
Than
0
-
6
18
16
16
14
6
-
10
18
16
14
12
10
-
12
16
16
14
12
12
-
16
14
12
Not Recommended
•
OUTDOOR USE EXTENSION CORDS.
When tool is used outdoors, use only extension
cords intended for use outdoors and so marked.
•
STAY ALERT.
Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate tool when you
are tired.
•
CHECK DAMAGED PARTS.
Before further use of the tool, a guard or other part that is dam-
aged 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 by an authorized service center
unless otherwise indicated elsewhere in this instruction manual. Have defective switches
replaced by authorized service center. Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on and off.
Additional Safety Instructions for Circular Saws
CAUTION:
When cutting into walls, floors or wherever live electrical wires may be encoun-
tered, DO NOT TOUCH ANY METAL PARTS OF THE TOOL! Hold the tool only by insulated
grasping surfaces to prevent electric shock if you cut in the live wire.
•
KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE AND IN WORKING ORDER.
Never wedge or tie lower guard
open. Check operation of lower guard before each use. Do not use if lower guard does not
close briskly over saw blade.
CAUTION:
If saw is dropped, lower guard may be bent, restricting full return.
•
KEEP BLADES CLEAN AND SHARP.
Sharp blades minimize stalling and kickback.
DANGER:
Keep hands away from cutting area. Keep hands away from blades. Do not reach
underneath work while blade is rotating. Do not attempt to remove cut material when blade is
moving.
CAUTION:
Blades coast after turn off.
•
SUPPORT LARGE PANELS.
Large panels must be supported as shown in Figure 14 to min-
imize the risk of blade pinching and kickback. When cutting operation requires the resting of
the saw on the work piece, the saw shall be rested on the larger portion and the smaller piece
cut off.
•
USE RIP FENCE.
Always use a rip fence or straight edge guide when ripping.
•
GUARD AGAINST KICKBACK.
Kickback occurs when the saw stalls rapidly and is driven
back towards the operator. Release switch immediately if blade binds or saw stalls. Keep
blades sharp. Support large panels as shown in Figure 14. Use fence or straight edge guide
when ripping. Don’f force tool. Stay alert-exercise control. Don’t remove saw from work during
a cut while the blade is moving.
•
LOWER GUARD.
Raise lower guard with the retracting handle.
•
ADJUSTMENTS. Before cutting be sure depth and bevel adjustments are tight.
•
USE ONLY CORRECT BLADES IN MOUNTING.
Do not use blades with incorrect size
holes. Never use defective or incorrect blade washers or bolts.
•
AVOID CUTTING NAILS.
Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber before cutting.
CAUTION: Wear appropriate hearing protection during use.
Under some conditions and
duration of use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.
WARNING:
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other con-
struction activities contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproduc-
tive 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 (CCA).
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.
•
Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling,
and other construction activities. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas
with soap and water.
Allowing dust to get into your mouth, eyes, or lay on the skin may pro-
mote absorption of harmful chemicals.
WARNING:
Use of this tool can generate and/or disburse dust, which may cause serious and
permanent respiratory or other injury. Always use NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory protection
appropriate for the dust exposure. Direct particles away from face and body.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Motor
Your D
E
WALT tool is powered by a D
E
WALT-built motor. Be sure your power supply agrees with
nameplate marking. 120 Volts AC/DC means your saw will operate on alternating or direct cur-
rent. Lower voltage will cause loss of power and can result in over-heating. All D
E
WALT tools
are factory-tested; if this tool does not operate, check the power supply.
Electric Brake
Your saw has an automatic electric brake which is designed to stop the blade from coasting in
about two seconds after you release the trigger switch. It is useful when making certain cuts in
wood where a coasting blade would result in a wide, imprecise cut.
Occasionally, under certain conditions, the brake will not function properly and won’t stop the
saw in the 2 seconds discussed above. If this condition persists, turn the saw on and off four or
five times. If the brake still does not stop the blade in about 2 seconds, the problem may be worn
brushes. Replace the brushes as described below and try the saw again. If the problem still per-
sists, have the tool serviced at a D
E
WALT certified service center.
Brushes
DISCONNECT PLUG FROM POWER SUPPLY
Inspect carbon brushes regularly by unplugging tool, removing the Brush Inspection Cap (A)
(Figure 1) and withdrawing the brush assembly. Keep brushes clean and sliding freely in their
guides. Always replace a used brush in the same orientation in the holder as it was prior to removal.
Carbon brushes have varying symbols stamped into their sides, and if the brushes are worn down
to the line closest to the spring, they must be replaced. Use only identical D
E
WALT brushes. Always
replace both brushes. Use of the correct grade of brush is essential for proper operation of electric
brakes. New brush assemblies are available at your local D
E
WALT certified service center. The tool
should be allowed to “run in” (run at no load without blade) for 10 minutes before use to seat new
brushes. This is especially important for saws equipped with electric brakes, which may be erratic
in operation until the brushes are properly seated (worn in).
While “running in” DO NOT TIE, TAPE, OR OTHERWISE LOCK THE TRIGGER SWITCH ON.
HOLD BY HAND ONLY.
Adjustments and Setup
ATTACHING AND REMOVING BLADES (FIG. 2)
DISCONNECT PLUG FROM POWER SUPPLY.
To attach the blade, retract lower blade guard (C) and place inner clamp washer (D) and blade
(E) on saw spindle with teeth at bottom of blade pointing forward. Install outer clamp washer (F).
The larger surfaces of both washers must face the blade. Thread on blade clamping screw (G)
firmly by hand to hold washers in position.
Lightly depress the blade lock (B) while turning the spindle until the blade stops rotating. Tighten
blade clamping screw (clockwise) firmly with the blade wrench (Figure 3).
NEVER ENGAGE BLADE LOCK WHILE SAW IS RUNNING, OR ENGAGE IN AN EFFORT TO
STOP THE TOOL. NEVER TURN SWITCH ON WHEN BLADE LOCK IS ENGAGED.
When removing the blade, first unplug the saw. Engage the blade lock and unscrew the blade
clamping screw by turning it counter-clockwise with the blade wrench.
CUTTING DEPTH ADJUSTMENT (FIG. 4)
DISCONNECT PLUG FROM POWER SUPPLY.
Loosen (counterclockwise) the Cutting Depth Adjustment Knob (H). Lift the saw handle, as
shown, to adjust it to the desired height. Tighten the knob to secure it in place. If depth of cut
cannot be adjusted, inspect parts for damage and service as required before use. A scale and
pointer (I) is provided to enable you to select a specific depth of cut. Simply align the pointer to
the desired depth of cut.
NOTE:
To adjust the depth of cut pointer for various blade diameters, loosen the Cutting Depth
Adjustment Knob and raise the saw until the blade just touches the workpiece and tighten the
knob. This is the zero depth of cut position. If required, loosen the screw that holds the pointer
and adjust to the zero indicator mark. The saw is now adjusted to accurately indicate the depth
of cut for the blade used.
For the most efficient cutting action using a carbide tipped saw blade, set the Depth Adjustment
so that about one half of a tooth projects below the surface of the wood to be cut. The height of
a whole tooth is the distance from the tip of the tooth to the bottom of the gullet in front of it.
Study Figures 5A and 5B to determine what one half tooth means. (5A shows one half tooth pro-
jecting below the surface and figure 5B shows a whole tooth projecting below the surface.)
Setting the saw at the proper cutting depth keeps blade friction to a minimum, removes sawdust
from between the blade teeth, results in cooler, faster sawing and reduces the chance of kick-
back.
A method of checking for the correct cutting depth is shown in Figure 6. Lay a piece of the mate-
rial you plan to cut along the side of the blade, as shown in the figure, and observe how much
tooth projects beyond the material.
NOTE:
When using a non carbide tipped blade, make an exception to the above procedure and
allow a full tooth to project below the material, as shown in Figure 5B.
BEVEL ANGLE ADJUSTMENT (FIG. 7)
DISCONNECT THE SAW FROM THE POWER SUPPLY.
The full range of the Bevel Adjustment is from
0 to 50 DEGREES
. The quadrant (J) is graduat-
ed in increments of 1 degree.
On the front of the saw is a bevel angle adjustment mechanism consisting of a calibrated quad-
rant (J) and a knob, (K). To set the saw for a bevel cut, loosen (counterclockwise) the quadrant
