INSTALLING THE RIP GUIDE
When cutting lumber lengthwise you are usually cutting "with" the wood's grain rather then across the grain.
Cutting "with" the grain of wood is called "ripping" or a rip cut. Since rip cuts tend to be lengthy it can be difficult
to accurately follow the guideline the entire distance of the cut. To assist the operator to obtain a straight rip cut,
a straight edge can be clamped to the work piece or the supplied rip guide can be used. To install the rip guide
on your saw, perform the following steps.
• unplug your circular saw.
• Insert the rip guide through all three slots on the saw base at the front of the saw, starting with slot in the
right side edge of the base.
• Slide the guide through the slots until it extends out the left side of the base.
• Adjust the rip guide for the desired width of cut and then securely tighten the thumbscrew in the center slot
to hold the rip guide in position.
WArNING:
rip guide through all slots on the base.
OPErATION
STARTING AND STOPPING THE SAW
WArNING:
switched off. Accidently starting the saw could cause personal injury.
To start the saw,
depress and hold the Lock-Off Button, then depress the trigger switch.
NOTE:
Always let the blade reach full speed before guiding the saw into the work piece.
WArNING:
full speed, could cause your saw to KICKBACK towards you resulting in serious personal
injury.
To stop the saw,
release the switch trigger. Allow the blade to come to a complete stop.
NOTE:
D
o not remove your saw from the work piece while the blade is still moving.
OPErATING THE SAW
CAUTION:
To make sawing easier and safer, be sure to move the tool forward in a
straight line gently. Forcing or twisting the tool will result in overheating the motor and
dangerous KICKBACK, possibly causing severe personal injury.
It's important to understand the correct technique for operating your saw and to learn what the correct and
incorrect ways for handling your saw.
equally important to working safely and realizing accurate cuts is correct preparation of the work piece and work
area prior to making the first cut with the saw.
• Hold the tool firmly with both hands, using both the front grip and rear handle.
• Avoid placing your hand on the work piece while making a cut.
• Place the work piece with the "good" side down.
• Set-up and support the work piece so the cut is always on your right so the larger left side of the saw's base
will be on the part that DOeS NOT fall off when the cut is made.
• Securely clamp the work piece so it will not move during the cut.
• Place a clamp near the cut to further support the work piece.
• Draw a guideline along the desired path of cut before starting your saw or the cut.
• Move and keep the cord away from the cutting area. Position the cord to prevent it from hanging up on the
work piece and you from standing or tripping on the cord while cutting.
12 Amp, 7-1/4" Circular Saw
Operator's Manual
To avoid personal injury and damage to the work piece, extend the
Before plugging in the tool, always check to see that the tool is
The blade coming into contact with the work piece before reaching
GCS120