DeWalt DCS378 - Page 39

37
ENGLISH
Variable Speed Control (Fig. H)
A speed control dial
3
is located near the trigger of the saw. The
speed increases as the wheel is turned from a low speed setting
of 1(67m/min) to a high speed setting of5(174m/min).
Variable Speed Trigger Switch (Fig. A, H)
Release switch lock‑off button
1
by pressing button. Pull the
variable speed trigger switch
2
to turn the motor ON. The
variable speed trigger switch will give you added versatility.
The further the trigger is depressed the higher the speed of
thesaw. Releasing the trigger switch turns the motor OFF.
Releasing the trigger switch also automatically actuates
lock-offbutton.

WARNING: This tool has no provision to lock the switch
in the ON position, and should never be locked ON by any
othermeans.
Blade Tracking (Fig. A, G, H)

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal
injury, turn tool off and remove the battery pack
before making any adjustments or removing/
installing attachments or accessories. An accidental
start-up can causeinjury.
NOTICE: Excessive tightening of the adjustment screws
could result in damage to thesaw.
Your band saw is equipped with an adjustable blade tracking
mechanism which assures proper blade tracking at all times.
The blade is properly adjusted when it is sitting fully on rubber
tires
20
and lightly touching one or both of the rear guide
bearings
24
.
To Adjust the Blade Tracking
1. Turn and open the blade tension lever
8
to allow access to
the tracking screw
13
.
2. Use a 13mm wrench to loosen the lock nut
7
(Fig.F).
3. Use a 4mm hex wrench
5
to turn the tracking screw
13
1/4 turn clockwise or counterclockwise (Fig.F).
NOTE: Turning the tracking screw clockwise(+) moves
the blade toward the guide roller, turning the tracking
screw counterclockwise(‑) moves the blade away from the
guideroller.
4. Tighten the locking nut and close the blade tension lever
and blade guard. (It will be necessary to run the saw to
observe the tracking.)
5. Observe blade tracking between runs and repeat Steps 1–4
as necessary to achieve proper bladetracking.
To Remove Blade (Fig.A, C–E)
1. Rotate the blade tension lever
8
clockwise 180degrees
until it stops to release tension in blade (refer to FigureA).
2. Turn the saw over and place it on a workbench ortable.
3. Unlatch the two blade guard latches
12
and open the
bladeguard
11
.
4. When removing the blade, tension may be released and the
blade may spring free. SAW BLADES ARE SHARP. USE CARE
IN HANDLINGTHEM.
5. Inspect the guide rollers
19
and remove any large chips
which may be lodged in them. Lodged chips can prevent
rotation of the guide rollers and cause flat spots on the
guiderollers.
6. Rubber tires
20
are mounted on the pulleys
18
. The
rubber tires should be inspected for looseness or damage
when changing the blade. Wipe any chips from the rubber
tires on the pulleys with abrush.
NOTE: Do not use your hands to wipechips.
This will extend tire life and keep the blade from slipping.
If any looseness or damage occurs, the tool should be
brought to an authorised DeWALT service centre for repair
or replacement as soon as possible. Continued use of the
tool with loose or damaged rubber tires will cause unstable
travel of the band sawblade.
7. Close the blade guard and securely latch the two
blade guard latches. Rotate the blade tension lever
8
counterclockwise 180degrees until itstops.
Blade Selection
In general, first consider the size and shape of the work, and
the type of material to be cut. Remember, for the most efficient
cutting, the coarsest tooth blade possible should be used in
a given application, because the coarser the tooth, the faster
the cut. In selecting the appropriate number of teeth per inch
of the band saw blade, at least two teeth should contact the
work surface when the blade is rested against the workpiece.
As a rule of thumb, soft materials usually require coarse
tooth blades, while hard materials require fine tooth blades.
Where a smoother finish is important, select one of the finer
toothblades.
Select the appropriate band saw blade according to the material
type, dimensions, and number of teeth. See Bi‑Metal Band Saw
Blade Descriptionchart.
The following table is intended as a general guide only.
Determine the type of material and dimension of the workpiece
and select the most appropriate band sawblade.
NOTICE: Never use the band saw to cut resin materials
which are subject to melting. Melting of resin material
caused by high heat generated during cutting may cause
the band saw blade to become bound to the material,
possibly resulting in overload and burn-out of themotor.
BI-METAL BAND SAW BLADE DESCRIPTION
Number of Teeth
Workpiece Thickness 24 18 14 14/18
3.2 mm and under
 
3.2–6.4 mm
 
Blades
This portable band saw is set up for use with 0.5mm wide,
12.7mm high and 896mm–899mm long blades. DO NOT use
0.64mm thickblades.

WARNING: The use of any other blade or accessory might
be hazardous. DO NOT use any other type of accessory
with your band saw. Blades used on stationary band saws
are of different thickness. Do not attempt to use them on
your portableunit.