Manual DeWalt DC385 Reciprocating Saw

Manual

FIG. 7

least the minimum wire size. The following table shows the correct size to use depending

on cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The

smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.

Recommended Minimum Wire Size for Extension Cords

Total Length of Cord

25 ft. 50 ft. 75 ft. 100 ft. 125 ft. 150 ft. 175 ft.

7.6 m 15.2 m 22.9 m 30.5 m 38.1 m 45.7 m 53.3 m

Wire Size AWG

18 18 16 16 14 14 12

• Do not place any object on top of charger or place the charger on a soft surface

that might block the ventilation slots and result in excessive internal heat. Place the

charger in a position away from any heat source. The charger is ventilated through slots

in the top and the bottom of the housing.

• Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug.

• Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise

damaged in any way. Take it to an authorized service center.

• Do not disassemble charger; take it to an authorized service center when service or

repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock, electrocution

or fire.

• Disconnect the charger from the outlet before attempting any cleaning. This will

reduce the risk of electric shock. Removing the battery pack will not reduce this risk.

• NEVER attempt to connect 2 chargers together.

• The charger is designed to operate on standard 120V household electrical power.

Do not attempt to use it on any other voltage. This does not apply to the vehicular

charger.

Using Automatic Tune-Up™ Mode

The automatic Tune-Up™ Mode equalizes or balances the individual cells in the battery pack

allowing it to function at peak capacity. Battery packs should be tuned up weekly or after

10 charge/discharge cycles or whenever the pack no longer delivers the same amount of

work. To use the automatic Tune-Up™, place the battery pack in the charger and leave it for

at least 8 hours. The charger will cycle through the following modes.

1. The red light will blink continuously indicating that the 1-hour charge cycle has started.

2. When the 1-hour charge cycle is complete, the light will stay on continuously and will no

longer blink. This indicates that the pack is fully charged and can be used at this time.

3. If the pack is left in the charger after the initial 1-hour charge, the charger will begin the

Automatic Tune-Up™ mode. This mode continues up to 8 hours or until the individual

cells in the battery pack are equalized. The battery pack is ready for use and can be

removed at any time during the Automatic Tune-Up™ mode.

4. Once the Automatic Tune-Up™ mode is complete, the charger will begin a maintenance

charge; the red indicator will remain lit.

Chargers

Your tool uses a DEWALT 14,4 or 18 volt charger. Be sure to read all safety instructions

before using your charger. Consult the chart at the end of this manual for compatibility of

chargers and battery packs.

Charging Procedure (Fig. 2)

DANGER: Electrocution hazard. 120 volts present at charging terminals. Do not probe with

conductive objects. Danger of electric shock or electrocution.

1. Plug the charger into an appropriate outlet before inserting battery pack.

2. Insert the battery pack into the charger. The red (charging) light will blink continuously

indicating that the charging process has started.

3. The completion of charge will be indicated by the red light remaining ON continuously.

The pack is fully charged and may be used at this time or left in the charger.

Indicator Light Operation

Charge Indicators

Some chargers are designed to detect certain problems that can arise with battery packs.

Problems are indicated by the red light flashing at a fast rate. If this occurs, re-insert battery

pack into the charger. If the problem persists, try a different battery pack to determine if

the charger is OK. If the new pack charges correctly, then the original pack is defective

and should be returned to a service center or other collection site for recycling. If the new

battery pack elicits the same trouble indication as the original, have the charger tested at an

authorized service center.

HOT/COLD PACK DELAY

Some chargers have a Hot/Cold Pack Delay feature: when the charger detects a battery

that is hot, it automatically starts a Hot Pack Delay, suspending charging until the battery

has cooled. After the battery has cooled, the charger automatically switches to the Pack

Charging mode. This feature ensures maximum battery life. The red light flashes long, then

short while in the Hot Pack Delay mode.

PROBLEM POWER LINE

Some chargers have a Problem Power Line indicator. When the charger is used with some

portable power sources such as generators or sources that convert DC to AC, the charger

may temporarily suspend operation, flashing the red light with two fast blinks followed by

a pause. This indicates the power source is out of limits.

LEAVING THE BATTERY PACK IN THE CHARGER

The charger and battery pack can be left connected with the red light glowing indefinitely.

The charger will keep the battery pack fresh and fully charged.

NOTE: A battery pack will slowly lose its charge when kept out of the charger. If the battery

pack has not been kept on maintenance charge, it may need to be recharged before use.

A battery pack may also slowly lose its charge if left in a charger that is not plugged into an

appropriate AC source.

WEAK BATTERY PACKS: Chargers can also detect a weak battery pack. Such batteries

are still usable but should not be expected to perform as much work. The charger will indicate

to replace battery pack.

Important Charging Notes

1. Longest life and best performance can be obtained if the battery pack is charged when

the air temperature is between 65°F and 75°F (18°- 24°C). DO NOT charge the battery

pack in an air temperature below +40°F (+4.5°C), or above +105°F (+40.5°C). This is

important and will prevent serious damage to the battery pack.

2. The charger and battery pack may become warm to touch while charging. This is a

normal condition, and does not indicate a problem. To facilitate the cooling of the battery

pack after use, avoid placing the charger or battery pack in a warm environment such as

in a metal shed, or an uninsulated trailer.

3. If the battery pack does not charge properly:

a. Check current at receptacle by plugging in a lamp or other appliance;

b. Check to see if receptacle is connected to a light switch which turns power off when

you turn out the lights;

c. Move charger and battery pack to a location where the surrounding air temperature is

approximately 65°F - 75°F (18°- 24°C);

d. If charging problems persist, take the tool, battery pack and charger to your local

service center.

4. The battery pack should be recharged when it fails to produce sufficient power on jobs

which were easily done previously. DO NOT CONTINUE to use under these conditions.

Follow the charging procedure. You may also charge a partially used pack whenever you

desire with no adverse affect on the battery pack.

5. Under certain conditions, with the charger plugged into the power supply, the exposed

charging contacts inside the charger can be shorted by foreign material. Foreign

materials of a conductive nature such as, but not limited to, grinding dust, metal chips,

steel wool, aluminum foil, or any buildup of metallic particles should be kept away from

charger cavities. Always unplug the charger from the power supply when there is no

battery pack in the cavity. Unplug charger before attempting to clean.

6. Do not freeze or immerse charger in water or any other liquid.

WARNING: Shock hazard. Don’t allow any liquid to get inside charger. Electric shock may

result.

CAUTION: Never attempt to open the battery pack for any reason. If the plastic housing

of the battery pack breaks or cracks, return to a service center for recycling.

Storage Recommendations

1. The best storage place is one that is cool and dry away from direct sunlight and excess

heat or cold.

2. Long storage will not harm the battery pack or charger. Under proper conditions, they

can be stored for 5 years or more.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE

Motor

Your DEWALT tool is powered by a DEWALT-built motor. Be sure your power supply agrees

with the nameplate markings.

Voltage decrease of more than 10% will cause loss of power and overheating. All D

EWALT

tools are factory tested; if this tool does not operate, check your battery pack.

OPERATION

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn tool off and

disconnect tool from power source before making any adjustments or removing/

installing attachments or accessories.

Switch (Variable Speed) (Fig. 3)

LOCK-OFF BUTTON AND TRIGGER SWITCH

Your saw is equipped with a lock-off button (B).

To lock the trigger switch, press the lock-off button as shown in Figure 3. Always lock the

trigger switch (A) when carrying or storing the tool to eliminate unintentional starting. The

lock-off button is colored red to indicate when the switch is in its unlocked position.

SHOE

PATIN

BASE METÁLICA

TRIGGER SWITCH

GÂCHETTE

CONMUTADOR TIPO

GATILLO

HAND GRIP

POIGNÉE

EMPUÑADURA

LOCK-OFF BUTTON

BOUTON DE VERROUILLAGE

BOTÓN DE BLOQUEO EN OFF

(APAGADO)

A

FIG. 3

B

UNLOCKED

DÉVERROUILLÉ

DESBLOQUEADO

LOCKED

VERROUILLÉ

BLOQUEADO

FIG. 5

FIG. 2

FIG. 4

C

FIG. 6

FIG. 8

FIG. 9

FIG. 10

FIG. 12

To unlock the trigger switch, press the lock-off button as shown in Figure 3. Pull the trigger

switch to turn the motor ON. Releasing the trigger switch turns the motor OFF.

NOTE: This tool has no provision to lock the switch in the ON position, and should never be

locked ON by any other means.

The variable speed trigger switch will give you added versatility. The further the trigger is

depressed the higher the speed of the saw.

CAUTION: Use of very slow speed is recommended only for beginning a cut. Prolonged

use at very slow speed may damage your saw.

Installing and Removing the Battery Pack

NOTE: Make sure your battery pack is fully charged.

WARNING: Lock trigger switch before removing or installing battery.

To install the battery pack into the tool handle, align the base of the tool with the notch

inside the tool’s handle and slide the battery pack firmly into the handle until you hear the

lock snap into place as shown in Figure 4.

To remove the battery pack from the tool, press the release buttons and firmly pull the

battery pack out of the tool handle. Insert it into the charger as described in the charger

manual.

Blade Installation and Removal

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn tool off and

disconnect tool from power source before making any adjustments or removing/

installing attachments or accessories.

Different blade lengths are available. Use the appropriate blade for the application. The

blade should be longer than 3-1/2" and should extend past the shoe and the thickness of

the workpiece during the cut. Do not use jigsaw blades with this tool.

WARNING: Cut hazard. Blade breakage may occur if the blade does not extend past the

shoe and the workpiece during the cut (Fig. 5). Increased risk of personal injury, as well as

damage to the shoe and workpiece may result.

TO INSTALL BLADE INTO SAW

1. Open blade clamp release lever (C) up (Fig. 6).

2. Insert blade shank from the front.

3. Close blade clamp release lever down.

4. Note blade can be installed upside-down to assist in flush-to cutting, see Figure 10.

TO REMOVE BLADE FROM SAW

CAUTION: Burn hazard. Do not touch the the blade immediately after use. Contact with

the blade may result in personal injury.

1. Open up blade clamp release lever.

2. Remove blade.

Cutting with Blade in Horizontal Position (Fig. 7)

Your saw may or may not be equipped with a horizontal blade clamp. Installing a blade in the

horizontal orientation allows cutting close to floors, walls or ceilings where limited clearance

is available. Ensure that the shoe is pressed against the framing to avoid kickback.

Adjustable Shoe (Fig. 8)

Your saw may or may not come with an adjustable shoe. The shoe will adjust to limit the

depth of cut. Hold the saw with the underside facing up. Push the button on the hand grip

and slide the shoe out to one of the three settings and release the button.

CAUTION: Cut hazard. To prevent loss of control, never use tool without shoe.

Cutting (Fig. 9)

WARNING: Always use eye protection. All users and bystanders must wear eye

protection that conforms to ANSI Z87.1.

WARNING: Exercise extra caution when cutting towards operator. Always hold saw firmly

with both hands while cutting.

Before cutting any type of material, be sure it is firmly anchored or clamped to prevent

slipping. Place blade lightly against work to be cut, switch on saw motor and allow it to

obtain maximum speed before applying pressure. Whenever possible, the saw shoe must

be held firmly against the material being cut. This will prevent the saw from jumping or

vibrating and minimize blade breakage. Any cut which puts pressure on the blade such as

angle or scroll cuts increase potential for vibration, kickback, and blade breakage.

WARNING: Use extra caution when cutting overhead and pay particular attention to

overhead wires which may be hidden from view. Anticipate the path of falling branches and

debris ahead of time.

WARNING: Inspect work site for hidden gas pipes, water pipes, or electrical wires

before making blind or plunge cuts. Failure to do so may result in explosion, property

damage, electric shock, and/or serious personal injury.

FLUSH-TO CUTTING (FIG. 10)

The compact design of the saw motor housing and spindle housing permits extremely close

cutting to floors, corners and other difficult areas.

POCKET/PLUNGE CUTTING – WOOD ONLY (FIG. 11)

The initial step in pocket cutting is to measure the surface area to be cut and mark clearly with

a pencil, chalk or scriber. Use the appropriate blade for the application. The blade should be

longer than 3-1/2" and should extend past the shoe and the thickness of the workpiece during

the cut. Insert blade in blade clamp.

Next, tip the saw backward until the back edge of the shoe is resting on the work surface and

the blade clears the work surface. Now switch motor on, always permitting blade to attain

maximum speed. Grip handle steadily and begin a slow, deliberate upward swing with the

handle of the saw. Blade will begin to feed into material. Always be sure blade is completely

through material before continuing with 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 edge of cut to be made.

METAL CUTTING (FIG. 12)

This unit has different metal cutting capacities depending upon type of blade used and the

metal to be cut. Use a finer blade for ferrous metals and a coarse blade for non-ferrous

FIG. 11

ROCK TOOL UP TO NORMAL CUTTING

POSITION AFTER BLADE HAS CUT

THROUGH MATERIAL

STARTING POSITION FOR POCKET CUTTING

BALANCEE LA HERRAMIENTA

HACIA ARRIBA HASTA ALCANZAR

LA POSICIÓN NORMAL DE CORTE

LUEGO DE QUE LA HOJA

ATRAVIESE EL MATERIAL

POSICIÓN INICIAL PARA CORTES CENTRALES

PIVOTER L’OUTIL EN POSITION

NORMALE DE COUPE UNE FOIS

QUE LA LAME A TRAVERSÉ

LE MATÉRIAU.

POSITION DE DÉPART POUR COUPE INTERNE

FIG. 1

Rating

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