Craftsman 358.34021 - User Manual

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Summary

SPECIAL SAFETY SECTION

GUARD AGAINST KICKBACK

Explains kickback hazards and how to prevent them.

REDUCE THE CHANCE OF KICKBACK

Provides 10 tips to minimize kickback risks during operation.

MAINTAIN CONTROL

Details proper grip, stance, and body positioning for safe saw operation.

AVOID REACTIVE FORCES

Explains pinch-kickback and pull-in forces and how to avoid them.

OPERATE YOUR SAW SAFELY

Outlines safe operating practices, including tool condition and avoiding hazards.

MAINTAIN YOUR SAW IN GOOD WORKING ORDER

KNOW YOUR CHAIN SAW

KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES

Details reduced-kickback guide bar and low-kickback chain features.

PREPARING YOUR SAW FOR USE

POWER SOURCE AND EXTENSION CORD

CHAIN TENSION

Explains the importance of correct chain tension and how to check it.

USING YOUR SAW

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS

Lists essential safety checks and inspections before operating the saw.

STARTING AND STOPPING THE SAW

Provides step-by-step instructions for safely starting and stopping the saw.

USING THE POWER SHARP SYSTEM (MODEL 358.34031)

TYPES OF CUTTING

BASIC CUTTING TECHNIQUE

Covers fundamental cutting principles, safety, and procedure.

FELLING LARGE TREES - 6 DIAMETER OR MORE

BUCKING

Explains the process of cutting fallen trees into desired log sizes.

MAINTENANCE

CHAIN MAINTENANCE

Procedures for cleaning, sharpening, and maintaining the saw chain.

CORRECT DEPTH GAUGES

Guidance on adjusting depth gauges for optimal cutting and safety.

QUICK REFERENCE PAGE

BAR AND CHAIN OIL

Brief reminder on oiling the bar and chain.

OPERATING THE SAW

Concise steps for starting, operating, and stopping the saw.

Summary

SPECIAL SAFETY SECTION

GUARD AGAINST KICKBACK

Explains kickback hazards and how to prevent them.

REDUCE THE CHANCE OF KICKBACK

Provides 10 tips to minimize kickback risks during operation.

MAINTAIN CONTROL

Details proper grip, stance, and body positioning for safe saw operation.

AVOID REACTIVE FORCES

Explains pinch-kickback and pull-in forces and how to avoid them.

OPERATE YOUR SAW SAFELY

Outlines safe operating practices, including tool condition and avoiding hazards.

MAINTAIN YOUR SAW IN GOOD WORKING ORDER

KNOW YOUR CHAIN SAW

KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES

Details reduced-kickback guide bar and low-kickback chain features.

PREPARING YOUR SAW FOR USE

POWER SOURCE AND EXTENSION CORD

CHAIN TENSION

Explains the importance of correct chain tension and how to check it.

USING YOUR SAW

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS

Lists essential safety checks and inspections before operating the saw.

STARTING AND STOPPING THE SAW

Provides step-by-step instructions for safely starting and stopping the saw.

USING THE POWER SHARP SYSTEM (MODEL 358.34031)

TYPES OF CUTTING

BASIC CUTTING TECHNIQUE

Covers fundamental cutting principles, safety, and procedure.

FELLING LARGE TREES - 6 DIAMETER OR MORE

BUCKING

Explains the process of cutting fallen trees into desired log sizes.

MAINTENANCE

CHAIN MAINTENANCE

Procedures for cleaning, sharpening, and maintaining the saw chain.

CORRECT DEPTH GAUGES

Guidance on adjusting depth gauges for optimal cutting and safety.

QUICK REFERENCE PAGE

BAR AND CHAIN OIL

Brief reminder on oiling the bar and chain.

OPERATING THE SAW

Concise steps for starting, operating, and stopping the saw.

This document is an operator's manual for Sears Craftsman Electric Chain Saws, specifically models 358.34021-2.0/12" and 358.34031-2.0/14"P.S. These chain saws are designed for occasional use only.

Function Description:

The Sears Craftsman Electric Chain Saw is a high-speed wood-cutting tool used for tasks such as tree felling, bucking (cutting a fallen tree into desired log sizes), debranching, and pruning. It is powered by an A.C. voltage supply and features a chain and guide bar system for cutting. The saw is designed with safety features to reduce the risk of kickback, a dangerous reaction that can lead to serious personal injury.

Important Technical Specifications:

Models: 358.34021 (2.0/12") and 358.34031 (2.0/14"P.S.)
Power Supply: 110-120 Volts AC, 50-60 Hz
Rated Current: 12 Amps
Maximum Motor Output: 2.0 Horsepower
Sprocket/Drive: 6 Tooth-Slip Clutch
Chain: Oregon® 3/8 Pitch, Low Profile, Chromed Cutters - Xtra-GUARD® (for 358.34021) or Power Sharp® Chromed Cutters (for 358.34031)
Guide Bar: Lo-Kick® 12" Sprocket Nose (for 358.34021) or 14" Sprocket Nose (for 358.34031)
Oiler: Manual (for 358.34021) or Manual & Automatic (for 358.34031)
Chain Sharpening: Manual (for 358.34021) or Power Sharp® System (for 358.34031)

Usage Features:

The chain saw incorporates several features for safe and effective operation:

Reduced-Kickback Guide Bar (Lo-Kick®): Designed with a small radius tip to reduce the kickback danger zone.
Low-Kickback Chain (Xtra-GUARD®): Features a contoured depth gauge and guard link to deflect kickback force.
Handguard: Reduces the chance of the left hand contacting the chain.
Double Insulation: Provides added protection against electric shock, eliminating the need for grounding.
Control Devices:
- Trigger Switch: Starts and stops the motor, located in the rear handle.
- Lockout Button: Prevents accidental starting; must be pressed before the trigger can be squeezed.
- Front and Rear Handles: Provide support and control during operation.
Oiler Activator: Manually supplies oil to the bar and chain (Model 358.34021). Model 358.34031 also has an automatic oiler, which can be supplemented manually.
Oil Level Indicator: Allows monitoring of the oil tank level.
Power Sharp® System (Model 358.34031 only): A built-in grinding stone sharpens cutter top plates and sets depth gauges, performing approximately 80% of the necessary sharpening. Hand filing is required periodically to correct side plates and depth gauges.
Pre-Operation Checks: Emphasizes checking safety rules, protective gear, work area, weather conditions, loose parts, cords, chain sharpness and tension, oil tank level, and handle cleanliness before each use.
Cutting Techniques: Provides detailed instructions for basic cutting, tree felling (including notch method for large trees), bucking (overcutting and undercutting), debranching, and pruning. It warns against stalling the chain, cutting above shoulder height, and using the saw from a ladder or tree.

Maintenance Features:

Regular maintenance is crucial for the saw's service life, safety, and performance:

Electrical Repairs: All electrical repairs must be performed by a Sears Service Center to maintain double insulation effectiveness.
Wire Insulation Inspection: Inspect wire insulation before each use; do not operate with cracked or deteriorated insulation.
Fastener Checks: Daily checks for loose bolts, screws, nuts, and fittings are recommended.
Handlebar Screws: Check and retighten screws holding the front handle every five hours of operation.
Cleaning:
- Remove bar and chain for cleaning after each day of use.
- Clean debris and sawdust from air inlet and exhaust slots using a small brush or vacuum.
- Wipe saw clean with rags, ensuring no oil film on handles or housing.
- Remove sawdust and oil from the drive sprocket and bar-mounting pad area.
- Caution: Do not use water, gasoline, kerosene, or cleaning fluids on the housing to avoid short circuits or deterioration.
Guide Bar and Chain Lubrication: Continuous lubrication is essential. Use Sears Bar and Chain Lubricant #71-36554 or clean SAE 30W oil. Fill the oil tank every time the saw is used.
Chain Tension: Crucial for preventing wear, jumping off the bar, or damage. Check tension frequently, especially when the chain is new or warms up.
Chain Sharpening: Sharpen when wood chips are small/powdery, the saw cuts to one side, or needs to be forced through the cut. Instructions for hand filing and using the Power Sharp® System are provided, including maintaining proper hook angle and depth gauges.
Guide Bar Maintenance: Clean oil holes, remove sawdust from the groove, and remove burrs from side edges. Replace if worn, bent, or cracked.
Sprocket Maintenance: Clean daily during heavy use. Inspect regularly for wear and replace whenever a new chain is installed to avoid erratic chain movement and premature wear.
Storage: For storage over 30 days, drain the oil tank, clean and dry the bar and chain, store the chain in an oil-filled container, apply oil to the bar and wrap it, wipe outside surfaces of the unit, and store in a dry, child-safe area.

Warranty:

A full 1-year warranty covers defects in material or workmanship, excluding the bar and chain. For commercial or rental use, the warranty is 30 days. Warranty service is available by returning the chain saw to the nearest Sears Service Center.