DEWALT DW304P-XE VS Reciprocating Saw

Safety Instructions for Power Tools

When using power tools, always observe the safety regulations applicable in your country to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury. Read the following safety instructions before attempting to operate this product. Keep these instructions in a safe place.

General Safety Rules

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

The term "power tool" in the warnings below refers to your mains operated (corded) or battery operated (cordless) power tool.

1. Work Area

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered and dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which 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 (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. This reduces the risk of electric shock.

3. Personal Safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating a power tool. 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 safety 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 tools with the switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or key 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. Loose items can be caught in moving parts.
• If dust extraction and collection facilities are provided, ensure they are connected and used properly to reduce dust-related hazards.

4. Power Tool Use and Care

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct tool does the job better and safer at its designed rate.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. A tool uncontrollable by the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source before making adjustments, changing accessories, or storing tools. These measures reduce the risk of accidental starting.
• Store idle power tools out of children's reach. Do not allow unfamiliar persons or those unfamiliar with these instructions to operate the tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, or any other condition affecting operation. If damaged, have the tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained tools with sharp edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories, and tool bits according to these instructions and the intended manner for the specific tool, considering working conditions and the work to be performed. Use for different operations could result in a hazardous situation.

5. Service

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This ensures the safety of the power tool is maintained.

Electrical Safety Specifics

The electric motor is designed for one voltage only. Always check that the power supply corresponds to the voltage on the rating plate. 230 V AC means your tool will operate on alternating current. Voltage as little as 10% lower can cause loss of power and overheating. DEWALT tools are factory tested; if this tool does not operate, check the power supply. Your DEWALT tool is double insulated, therefore no earth wire is required.

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 this appliance.

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. Before using, inspect them for loose or exposed wires, damaged insulation, and defective fittings. Replace the cord if necessary.

Additional Safety Instructions

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

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. Examples include lead from lead-based paints, crystalline silica from bricks and cement, and arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber (CCA).

Your risk from these exposures varies. To reduce exposure: work in a well-ventilated area and use approved safety equipment, such as dust masks designed for microscopic particles.

Avoid prolonged contact with dust. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas with soap and water. Allowing dust into your mouth, eyes, or onto 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.

CAUTION: Wear appropriate personal hearing protection during use. Under some conditions and duration of use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.

Symbol Definitions

• V: Volts
• A: Amperes
• Hz: Hertz
• W: Watts
• min.: minutes
• DC: direct current
• AC: alternating current
• no-load speed: no load speed
• [earth terminal]: earthing terminal
• [Class II Construction]: Class II Construction
• ⚠️: safety alert symbol
• /min: revolutions per minute
• sfpm: surface feet per minute

Operation

Switch (Variable Speed) (Fig. 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 saw's speed. To turn the saw "OFF", release the trigger (A).

Figure 1: Diagram showing the variable speed trigger switch (A) and lock-off button (B).

Blade Clamping (Fig. 2)

CAUTION: TURN OFF AND UNPLUG SAW.

To install blade into saw:

1. Loosen set screw (B).
2. Insert 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 set screw. If the blade breaks off and the shank does not come out of the clamp, 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 DW304P-XE (Fig. 2)

CAUTION: TURN OFF AND UNPLUG SAW.

To install blade into saw:

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

To remove blade from saw:

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

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

Figure 2: Diagram illustrating the blade clamping mechanism with set screw (B), blade shank (C), reciprocating shaft (D), blade clamp (E), blade hole (F), pin (G), and blade clamp release lever (H).

Cutting Techniques

Cutting with Blade in Horizontal Position (Fig. 3, 3A)

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

Figures 3 & 3A: Illustrates cutting with the blade in a horizontal position.

Flush-To Cutting (Fig. 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.

Figure 4: Shows flush-to cutting close to floors or corners.

Wood Cutting (Fig. 5)

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

Figure 5: Depicts wood cutting technique.

Metal Cutting (Fig. 6)

This unit has different metal cutting capacities depending on the blade type and metal. Use a finer blade for ferrous metals and a coarse blade for non-ferrous materials. For thin gauge sheet metals, it is best to clamp wood to both sides of the sheet to ensure a clean cut without excess vibration or tearing. Do not force the cutting blade, as this reduces blade life and causes costly breakage.

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

Figure 6: Illustrates metal cutting.

Pocket Cutting (Fig. 7) (Wood Only)

The initial step is to measure the surface area to be cut and mark it clearly with a pencil, chalk, or scriber. Insert the pocket cutting blade into the blade clamp and tighten securely. Tip the saw backward until the back edge of the shoe rests on the work surface. Switch the motor on, allowing the blade to reach maximum speed. Grip the handle steadily and begin a slow, deliberate upward swing with the handle. The blade will begin to feed into the material. Ensure the blade is completely through the material before continuing the pocket cut.

NOTE: In areas where blade visibility is limited, use the edge of the saw shoe as a guide. Lines for any given cut should be extended beyond the edge of the cut to be made.

Figure 7: Shows the starting position for pocket cutting.

Maintenance

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 complete cleaning, inspection, and lubrication every two to six months. Tools used constantly on production jobs need relubrication more often. Tools out of service for long periods should be relubricated before being put back to work.

Repairs

To ensure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance, and adjustments (including brush inspection and replacement) should be performed by certified service centers or other qualified service organizations, always using identical replacement parts.

Accessories

Recommended accessories for use with your tool are available at extra cost from your local service center. For assistance locating any accessory, please contact DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., 20 Fletcher Road, Mooroolbark, VIC 3138 Australia or call 1800 654 155.

CAUTION: The use of any non-recommended accessory may be hazardous.

Guarantee and Warranty Information

Applicable to hand-held Power Tools, Lasers, and Nailers.

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 1800 654 155.

This warranty does not apply to:

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

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights under the provisions of 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: Three Year Warranty is not applicable to items deemed consumables. Radial arm saws are covered by a one (1) year warranty only. DEWALT reserves the right to review its warranty policy prior to launch of any new business development products.

30 DAY NO SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

If you are dissatisfied with any DEWALT power tool, laser, or nailer for any reason, simply 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 1800-654-155 for a free replacement.

Contact Information

For questions or comments about this or any DEWALT tool, please call:

• 1800 654 155 (Australia)
• 09 526 2556 (New Zealand)