The Benchmark 20V Brushless 7-1/4" Circular Saw is a powerful and versatile cordless tool designed for various cutting applications. It is part of the Benchmark 20V Max battery system, offering the convenience of cordless operation for improved portability and flexibility in the workspace. The tool is backed by a 5-year limited warranty on the tool itself, while the battery and charger (sold separately) carry a 3-year limited warranty.
Function Description:
This circular saw is engineered for cutting wood and wood-type products, including materials like MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). Its primary function is to make straight and angled cuts through various thicknesses of material. The brushless motor technology provides increased efficiency, longer run time, and extended motor life compared to brushed motors. Key features include a laser guidance system for precise cutting, an adjustable depth of cut, and an adjustable bevel angle for versatile cutting options. The saw is designed for two-handed operation to ensure safe and controlled use.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Rating: 20V
- No Load Speed: 4500 RPM
- Blade: 7-1/4" (185mm) 24-Tooth Carbon Tipped
- Arbor: 5/8" (16mm)
- Cut at 90°: 2-9/16" (65mm)
- Cut at 45°: 2" (50mm)
- Cut at 50°: 1-3/4" (45mm)
- Weight: 6.4 lb. (2.9Kg) Tool Only
- Batteries (Sold Separately): Compatible with Benchmark 5350-023 (2.5Ah), 5350-011 (4Ah), and 5350-012 (5Ah) 20V Max batteries.
- Charger (Sold Separately): Compatible with Benchmark 5350-010 2.4Amp or 5350-022 6A Fast Charger.
- Maximum Initial Battery Voltage: 20 volts (measured without a load)
- Nominal Voltage: 18 volts
Usage Features:
The Benchmark circular saw is designed with several features to enhance usability, safety, and precision:
- Brushless Motor: Provides more power, longer run time, and extended tool life.
- Cordless Operation: Powered by a 20V Max battery system, offering freedom of movement without the restriction of a power cord.
- Adjustable Depth of Cut: A depth adjustment knob allows users to easily set the cutting depth up to 2-9/16" at 90 degrees, ensuring that only a minimal portion of the blade teeth is exposed below the workpiece. This feature helps prevent kickback and ensures cleaner cuts.
- Adjustable Bevel Angle: The saw can make bevel cuts from 0 to 50 degrees, with common stops at 0, 45, and 50 degrees, indicated by notches on the base plate. This allows for versatile angled cuts.
- Laser Guidance System: An integrated adjustable laser light (Laser On/Off Switch) helps guide the user along the cutting line for improved accuracy. Users are warned not to stare directly into the laser beam and to turn it off when not in use.
- Spindle Lock Button: Facilitates easy and secure blade changes.
- Lower Blade Guard: A spring-loaded lower guard automatically covers the blade when not in use, retracting during a cut. It is crucial to ensure the guard operates freely and closes smoothly for safety.
- Removable Dust Chute: Helps manage sawdust and debris, contributing to a cleaner work area and better visibility of the cutting line.
- Edge Guide: A parallel guide is included for making long or wide rip cuts, improving accuracy and control.
- Rafter Hook: Allows for convenient storage of the saw when not in use, keeping it within reach.
- Ergonomic Handles: Features a front handle and a rear handle for two-handed operation, ensuring a firm grip and better control, especially important for resisting kickback forces.
- Lock-Off Button and On/Off Trigger: A safety lock-off button prevents unintentional starting of the saw. The trigger must be depressed after the lock-off button is engaged to start the saw.
Safety Instructions and Warnings:
The manual emphasizes several critical safety measures:
- Eye Protection: Always wear eye protection conforming to CSA Z94.3 or ANSI Z87.1 standards to prevent permanent eye damage from flying debris.
- Hearing Protection: Use hearing protection, especially during extended periods of operation or when the tool is noisy.
- Dust Mask: Wear a dust mask designed for dusty environments, as power sanding, sawing, grinding, and drilling can produce dust containing chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other genetic abnormalities (e.g., lead, crystalline silica, arsenic, chromium).
- Work Area Safety: Keep the work area clean, well-lit, and free from flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Keep children and bystanders away.
- Electrical Safety: Ensure proper circuit protection (120V AC, 15A circuit with time-delayed fuse or circuit breaker). Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Use outdoor-rated extension cords for outdoor use.
- Personal Safety: Stay alert, maintain proper footing and balance, and avoid operating the tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. Dress properly, keeping loose clothing, jewelry, and long hair away from moving parts.
- Kickback Prevention: Maintain a firm grip with both hands, position your body to either side of the blade (not in line), and support large panels properly to minimize blade pinching. Release the trigger if the blade binds.
- Blade Safety: Use only sharp, correct-sized blades with matching arbor holes. Never use dull, damaged, or high-speed steel (HSS) blades. Ensure blade clamp, washers, and bolt are secure.
- Guard Operation: Always check that the lower guard moves freely and closes instantly before each use. Never clamp or tie the guard in the open position.
- Battery Safety: Recharge only with the specified charger. Keep battery packs away from metal objects to prevent shorting. Avoid contact with battery liquids.
- General Precautions: Never reach over the blade, attempt to free a jammed blade while the machine is on, or slow/stop the blade with a piece of wood. Periodically check all nuts, bolts, and fixings.
Maintenance Features:
- Battery Removal: Always remove the battery pack from the tool before assembling parts, making adjustments, cleaning, or when not in use to prevent accidental starting.
- Cleaning: Avoid using solvents on plastic parts. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, and grease. For tools used on abrasive materials like fiberglass or wallboard, it is extremely important to clean the tool with compressed air to prevent accelerated wear.
- Lubrication: All bearings are pre-lubricated for the life of the unit under normal operating conditions, so no further lubrication is required.
- Servicing: Only use identical replacement parts for servicing to ensure the safety and integrity of the power tool.
- Blade Care: Ensure blades are sharp and clean. Inspect workpieces for nails or foreign objects before cutting.
The Benchmark 20V Brushless 7-1/4" Circular Saw is a robust and user-friendly tool designed for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals seeking a reliable cordless cutting solution, provided all safety guidelines are strictly followed.
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