DEWALT DW304P-XE VS Reciprocating Saw

Safety Instructions for Power Tools

Always observe applicable safety regulations to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury. Read and keep these instructions in a safe place.

General Safety Rules

⚠️ WARNING! Read all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.

The term "power tool" refers to mains-operated (corded) or battery-operated (cordless) power tools.

1. Work Area

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered and dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres (e.g., presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust). Power tools create sparks that may ignite dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause loss of control.

2. Electrical Safety

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug. Do not use adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces (e.g., pipes, radiators, ranges, refrigerators). Increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool increases the risk of electric shock.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling, or unplugging. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use.
• If operating in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.

3. Personal Safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense. Do not use while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. Inattention may result in serious personal injury.
• Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Safety equipment like dust masks, non-skid shoes, hard hats, or hearing protection reduces personal injuries.
• Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the switch is in the OFF position before plugging in. Carrying tools with a finger on the switch or plugging in with the switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench left attached to a rotating part may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times for better control in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts.
• If dust extraction facilities are provided, ensure they are connected and properly used to reduce dust-related hazards.

4. Power Tool Use and Care

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct tool for your application.
• Do not use if the switch does not turn it on and off. Such tools are dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source before making adjustments, changing accessories, or storing.
• Store idle tools out of children's reach and do not allow untrained persons to operate them.
• Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment, binding, or breakage. If damaged, have it repaired before use. Poorly maintained tools cause accidents.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Sharp edges bind less and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories, and bits according to instructions and intended use, considering working conditions.

5. Service

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts to maintain safety.

Electrical Safety Details

The electric motor is designed for one voltage only. Always check that the power supply corresponds to the voltage on the rating plate. A 230 V AC tool operates on alternating current. A voltage drop of 10% can cause loss of power and overheating. DEWALT tools are factory tested. If the tool does not operate, check the power supply. DEWALT tools are double insulated, requiring no earth wire.

[Symbol for young children and the infirm] This appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision. Young children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.

[Symbol for cord replacement] If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or an authorized DEWALT Service Centre to avoid a hazard.

Extension Cords

❗ CAUTION: Use only extension cords approved by the country's Electrical Authority. Inspect cords for loose or exposed wires, damaged insulation, and defective fittings before use. Replace if necessary.

Additional Safety Instructions

• Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a "live" wire will make exposed metal parts "live" and shock the operator.
• Do not operate for long periods. Vibration may cause permanent injury to fingers, hands, and arms. Use gloves, take frequent rest periods, and limit daily use.

⚠️ WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm (e.g., lead from lead-based paints, crystalline silica from masonry, arsenic and chromium from treated lumber). Risk varies with exposure frequency. To reduce exposure: work in a well-ventilated area and use approved safety equipment (e.g., dust masks designed for microscopic particles).

Avoid prolonged contact with dust. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas with soap and water. Dust entering mouth, eyes, or on skin may promote 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.

⚠️ WARNING: We recommend the use of a residual current device (RCD) with a residual current rating of 30mA or less.

❗ CAUTION: Wear appropriate personal hearing protection during use. Noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss under some conditions and duration of use.

Tool Symbols (Figure 1)

The label on your tool may include the following symbols:

• V: Volts
• A: Amperes
• Hz: Hertz
• W: Watts
• min: Minutes
• ~: Alternating current
• ---: Direct current
• [Symbol for Class I Construction]: Class I Construction
• [Symbol for Class II Construction]: Class II Construction
• [Symbol for earthing terminal]: Earthing terminal
• [Symbol for safety alert]: Safety alert symbol
• [Symbol for double insulated]: Double insulated
• BPM: Beats per minute
• .../min: Per minute
• RPM: Revolutions per minute
• sfpm: Surface feet per minute

Assembly and Adjustments

⚠️ WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, turn the unit off and disconnect from the power source before installing/removing accessories, adjusting set-ups, or making repairs. Ensure the trigger switch is in the OFF position. Accidental start-up can cause injury.

Switch (Variable Speed) (Figure 1)

The variable speed trigger switch (A) provides added versatility. To turn the saw ON, first press the small lock-off button (B) on the side of the handle, then depress the trigger (A). The further the trigger is depressed, the higher the speed. To turn OFF, release the trigger (A).

Blade Clamping (Figure 2)

To install a blade:

1. Loosen the set screw (B).
2. Insert the blade shank (C) from the front between the reciprocating shaft (D) and the blade clamp (E). Locate the hole in the blade (F) over the pin (G) on the reciprocating shaft.
3. Tighten the set screw. If the blade breaks and the shank does not come out, ensure the set screw is loose and eject the shank with a nail or pointed object.

❗ CAUTION: THE BLADE GUARD IS THERE FOR YOUR SAFETY. DO NOT REMOVE IT.

Blade Clamp Release Lever (Figure 2)

To install a blade:

1. Pull the blade clamp release lever (H) up.
2. Insert the blade shank from the front.
3. Push the blade clamp release lever down.

To remove a blade:

1. Open the blade clamp release lever.
2. Remove the blade.

❗ CAUTION: THE BLADE GUARD IS THERE FOR YOUR SAFETY. DO NOT REMOVE IT.

Operation

⚠️ WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn the tool off and disconnect from the power source before making adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories.

Cutting with Blade in Horizontal Position (Figures 3, 3A)

Installing the blade in a horizontal orientation allows cutting close to floors, walls, or ceilings where clearance is limited. Ensure the blade guard is pressed against the framing to avoid kickback.

Flush-To Cutting (Figure 4)

The compact design of the saw motor housing and spindle housing permits extremely close cutting to floors, corners, and other difficult areas.

❗ CAUTION: When sawing into walls, floors, or wherever "live" electrical wires may be encountered, DO NOT TOUCH ANY FRONT METAL PARTS OF THE TOOL! Hold the tool only by the plastic handle and housing to prevent electric shock if you saw into a "live" wire.

❗ CAUTION: Always wear eye protection while operating this power tool.

Wood Cutting (Figure 5)

Before cutting wood, ensure it is firmly anchored or clamped to prevent slipping. Place the blade lightly against the work, switch on the saw motor, and allow it to reach maximum speed before applying pressure. Always hold the saw firmly with both hands. Whenever possible, the saw shoe must be held firmly against the material being cut to prevent jumping or vibrating and minimize blade breakage.

Metal Cutting (Figure 6)

Metal cutting capacity depends on the blade type and metal. Use a finer blade for ferrous metals and a coarser blade for non-ferrous materials. For thin gauge sheet metals, clamp wood to both sides of the sheet for a clean cut without excess vibration or tearing. Do not force the cutting blade, as this reduces blade life and causes breakage.

Note: It is generally recommended to spread a thin film of oil or other coolant along the cut line for easier operation and longer blade life when cutting metals.

Pocket Cutting (Figure 7) (Wood Only)

To begin pocket cutting, measure the surface area, mark it clearly, and insert the pocket cutting blade, tightening it securely. Tip the saw backward until the back edge of the shoe rests on the work surface. Switch the motor on, allowing it to reach maximum speed. Grip the handle steadily and begin a slow, deliberate upward swing. The blade will feed into the material. Ensure the blade is completely through the material before continuing the cut.

Note: In areas where blade visibility is limited, use the edge of the saw shoe as a guide. Extend cut lines beyond the edge of the material.

After cutting through material, rock the tool up to the normal cutting position.

Starting position for pocket cutting is shown.

Maintenance

⚠️ WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, turn the unit off and disconnect from the power source before installing/removing accessories, adjusting set-ups, or making repairs. Ensure the trigger switch is in the OFF position. Accidental start-up can cause injury.

Lubrication

Your tool was properly lubricated before leaving the factory. Depending on use, take or send your tool to a Service Center or authorized service station for cleaning, inspection, and lubrication every two to six months. Tools used constantly on production jobs require more frequent relubrication. Tools out of service for long periods should be relubricated before use.

Repairs

To assure product safety and reliability, repairs, maintenance, and adjustments (including brush inspection and replacement) should be performed by certified service centers or other qualified organizations using only identical replacement parts.

Accessories

⚠️ WARNING: Since accessories other than those offered by DEWALT have not been tested with this product, their use could be hazardous. To reduce the risk of injury, only DEWALT recommended accessories should be used.

Recommended accessories are available at extra cost from your local service center. For assistance locating accessories, contact DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., 20 Fletcher Road, Mooroolbark, VIC 3138 Australia or call 1800 654 155 or (NZ) 0800 339258.

Guarantee and Warranty

Three Year Limited Warranty

DEWALT will repair, without charge, any defects due to faulty materials or workmanship for three years from the date of purchase. Return the complete unit, transportation prepaid, to any DEWALT Service Centre or authorized service station.

For warranty repair information, call (AUS) 1800 654 155 or (NZ) 0800 339258.

This warranty does not apply to:

• Accessories
• Damage caused by repairs made or attempted by others.
• Damage due to misuse, neglect, wear and tear, alteration, or modification.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other rights under the Consumer Guarantee Act 1993 (New Zealand only), Trade Practices Act 1974, and State Legislation (Australia only).

FREE ONE YEAR SERVICE CONTRACT

DEWALT will also maintain the tool for free at any time during the first year of purchase. This includes labor, parts, and lubrication required to restore the product to sound mechanical and/or electrical condition. Normal wear parts are not covered. Carbon brushes worn more than 50% will be replaced.

Note: The Three Year Warranty is not applicable to consumables. Radial arm saws have a one (1) year warranty only. DEWALT reserves the right to review its warranty policy.

30 DAY NO SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

If you are dissatisfied with any DEWALT power tool, laser, or nailer for any reason, return it to the point of purchase with your sales receipt within 30 days for a replacement unit or a full refund.

FREE WARNING LABEL REPLACEMENT

If your warning labels become illegible or are missing, call (AUS) 1800 654 155 or (NZ) 0800 339258 for a free replacement.

Product Identification

Model: DW304PKXE

Type: V.S. RECIPROCATING SAW

Stroke: 29mm STROKE (1 1/8")