Genesis GCS120 User manual
12 Amp, 7-1/4" Circular Saw
Scie circulaire de 185 mm , 12A
Sierra circular de 7-1/4”, 12A
GCS120
Operator’s Manual
Manuel d’utilisation
Manual del Operario
888-552-8665
TOLL FREE
HELP LINE:
WEBSITE: www.genesispowertools.com
English
12 Amp, 7-1/4" Circular Saw
Operator’s Manual GCS120
SPECIFICATIONS
• Model: -------------------------GCS120
• Rated Power: ------------------ 120V~ /60Hz, 12 Amp
• No Load Speed: --------------- 5,500 RPM
• Blade Size: -------------------- 7-1/4” (185mm)
• Cutting Capacity at 90°: -------2-7/16” (62mm)
• Cutting Capacity at 45°: -------1-13/16” (46mm)
• Net Weight: -------------------- 7.6 lbs
Includes: 24T Carbide-tipped blade, Rip guide, and Blade wrench
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand this
operator’s manual before operating this tool. Save this Manual for future reference.
Toll-Free Help Line: 1-888-552-8665
WARNING: The Operation of any power tool can result in foreign
objects being thrown into your eyes, which can result in severe eye damage.
Before beginning tool operation, always wear safety goggles or safety glasses
with side shields and a full face shield when needed. We recommend Wide
Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side
shields. Always wear eye protection which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
Look for this symbol to point out important safety
precautions. It means attention!!! Your safety is
involved.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
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. Some examples of these chemicals are:
• Lead from lead-based paints.
• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products.
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure
to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust
masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
WARNING: Read and understand all warnings, cautions and operating
instructions before using this equipment. Failure to follow all instructions listed below
may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WORK AREA SAFETY
• Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches 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 the dust or fumes.
WEAR YOUR
FORESIGHT IS BETTER
THAN NO SIGHT
SAFETY GLASSES
3
English
• Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any
adaptor plugs in any earthed (grounded) power tools. Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized
plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not
fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a polarized
outlet. Do not change the plug in any way. Double insulation eliminates the need for the three wire grounded
power cord and grounded power supply system.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will
increase the risk of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes,
radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is
grounded.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep
cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating a power tool outside, use an extension cord suitable for
outdoor use. These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Do not use AC only rated tools with a DC power supply. While the tool may appear to
work. The electrical components of the AC rated tool are likely to fail and rate a hazard to the operator.
PERSONAL SAFETY
• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not
use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while
operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
• Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Safety equipment such as dust mask, non-skid
safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from
moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts. Air vents may cover moving
parts and should be avoided.
• Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the switch is in the off position before plugging in. Carrying power
tool with your finger on the switch or plugging in power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the power tool on.
A wrench or key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Maintain proper footing and balance at all times. Loss of balance can cause an
injury in an unexpected situation.
• If devices are provided for connection of dust extraction and collection
facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of these devices can
reduce dust related hazards.
• Do not use a ladder or unstable support. Stable footing on a solid surface enables better
control of the tool in unexpected situations.
• Keep tool handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles cannot
safely control the tool.
TOOL USE AND CARE
• Secure the workpiece. Use clamp or other practical way to hold the workpiece to a stable platform.
Holding the workpiece by hand or against your body is unstable and may lead to loss of control.
• Do not force the power tool. The tool will perform the job better and safer at the feed rate for
which it is designed. Forcing the tool could possibly damage the tool and may result in personal injury.
• Use the correct power tool for the job. Don’t force the tool or attachment to do a job for
which it is not designed.
English
12 Amp, 7-1/4" Circular Saw
Operator’s Manual GCS120
• Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on or off. Any tool that cannot be controlled
with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired or replaced by an authorized service center.
• Turn power tool off, and disconnect the plug from the power source and/or battery pack
from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing the accessories, or storing the tools. Such
preventive safety measures reduce the risk of an accidental start up which may cause personal injury.
• Store idle tool out of reach of children and other inexperienced persons. It is
dangerous in the hand of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools with care. Check for proper alignment and binding of moving parts,
component breaks, and any other conditions that may affect the tool’s operation. A guard or any other part that
is damaged must be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service center to avoid risk of personal
injury.
• Use recommended accessories. Using accessories and attachments not recommended by the
manufacturer or intended for use on this type tool may cause damage to the tool or result in personal injury to
the user. Consult the operator’s manual for recommended accessories.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges
are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Feed the workpiece in the correct direction and speed. Feed the workpiece into a
blade, cutter, or abrasive surface against the direction of the cutting tool’s direction of rotation only. Incorrectly
feeding the workpiece in the same direction may cause the workpiece to be thrown out at high speed.
• Never leave the tool running unattended, turn the power off. Do not leave the tool
until it comes to a complete stop.
• Never start the power tool when any rotating component is in contact with
the work piece.
WARNING: USE OF THIS TOOL CAN GENERATE AND DISBURSE DUST OR
OTHER AIRBORNE PARTICLES, INCLUDING WOOD DUST, CRYSTALLINE SILICA
DUST AND ASBESTOS. Direct particles away from face and body. Always operate
tool in a well-ventilated area and provide for proper dust removal. Use dust collection
system wherever possible. Exposure to the dust may cause serious and permanent
respiratory or other injury, including silicosis (a serious lung disease), cancer, and
death. Avoid breathing the dust, and avoid prolonged contact with the dust. Allowing
dust to get into your mouth or eyes, or lay on your skin may promote absorption of
harmful material. Always use properly fitting NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory
protection appropriate for dust exposure, and wash exposed areas with soap and
water.
SERVICE
• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
• Service your power tool periodically. When cleaning a tool, be careful not to disassemble any
portion of the tool since internal wires may be misplaced or pinched.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
EXTENSION CORDS
Grounded tools require a three wire extension cord. Double insulated tools can use
either a two or three wire extension cord. As the distance from the power supply outlet increases, you must use a
heavier gauge extension cord. Using extension cords with inadequately sized wire causes a serious drop in voltage,
resulting in loss of power and possible tool damage. Refer to the table shown below to determine the required
minimum wire size.
The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the greater the capacity of the cord. For example: a 14-gauge cord can
carry a higher current than a 16-gauge cord. When using more than one extension cord to make up the total length,
be sure each cord contains at least the minimum wire size required. If you are using one extension cord for more
than one tool, add the nameplate amperes and use the sum to determine the required minimum wire size.
5
English
Guidelines for Using Extension Cords
• If you are using an extension cord outdoors, be sure it is marked with the suffix “W-A” (“W” in Canada) to
indicate that it is acceptable for outdoor use.
• Be sure your extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition. Always replace a damaged
extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified person before using it.
• Protect your extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat, and damp or wet areas.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR CIRCULAR SAWS
WARNING: DO NOT LET COMFORT OR FAMILIARITY WITH PRODUCT
(GAINED FROM REPEATED USE) REPLACE STRICT ADHERENCE TO PRODUCT SAFETY
RULES. If you use this tool unsafe or incorrectly, you can suffer serious personal injury!
•
Hold the tool by insulated gripping surfaces
when performing an operation where the tool
may contact hidden wiring. Contact with a “live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool “live” and
shock the operator.
•
DANGER! Keep hands away from cutting area and blade.
Keep your second hand
on auxiliary handle, or motor housing. If both hands are holding the saw, they cannot be cut by the blade.
Keep your body positioned to either side of the saw blade, but not in line with the saw blade. KICKBACK
could cause the saw to jump backwards. (See “Causes and Operator Prevention of Kickback”) Do not reach
underneath the work. The guard cannot protect you from the blade below the work. Do not attempt to remove
cut material when blade is moving.
CAUTION:
Blades coast after turn off. Wait until blade stops before grasping cut material.
•
Check lower guard for proper closing before each use.
Do not operate saw if lower
guard does not move freely and close instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard into the open position. If
saw is accidentally dropped, lower guard may be bent. Raise the lower guard with the Retracting Lever and
make sure it moves freely and does not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and depths of cut. To
check lower guard, open lower guard by hand, then release and watch guard closure. Also check to see that
Retracting Lever does not touch tool housing. Leaving blade exposed is VERY DANGEROUS and can lead to
serious personal injury
.
•
Check the operation and condition of the lower guard spring.
If the guard and the
spring are not operating properly, they must be serviced before use. Lower guard may operate sluggishly due
to damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a buildup of debris
.
•
Lower guard should be retracted manually only for special cuts such
as
“Pocket
Cuts” and “Compound Cuts.” Raise lower guard by Retracting Lever. As soon as blade enters the material,
lower guard must be released. For all other sawing, the lower guard should operate automatically.
•
Always observe that the lower guard is covering the blade
before placing saw down
on bench or floor. An unprotected, coasting blade will cause the saw to walk backwards, cutting whatever is
in its path. Be aware of the time it takes for the blade to stop after switch is released
.
•
NEVER hold piece being cut in your hands or across your leg
.
It is important to
support the work properly to minimize body exposure, blade binding, or loss of control.
Recommended Minimum Wire Gauge for Extension Cords (120 Volt)
Nameplate
Amperes
(At Full Load)
Extension Cord Length
25 Feet 50 Feet 75 Feet 100 Feet 150 Feet 200 Feet
0–2.0 18 18 18 18 16 16
2.1–3.4 18 18 18 16 14 14
3.5–5.0 18 18 16 14 12 12
5.1–7.0 18 16 14 12 12 10
7.1–12.0 18 14 12 10 8 8
12.1–16.0 14 12 10 10 8 6
16.1–20.0 12 10 8 8 6 6
English
12 Amp, 7-1/4" Circular Saw
Operator’s Manual GCS120
•
When ripping, always use a rip fence or straight edge guide
.
This improves the
accuracy of cut and reduces the chance for blade binding.
•
Always use blades with correct size
and shape (diamond vs. round) arbor holes. Blades that
do not match the mounting hardware of the saw will run eccentrically, causing loss of control
.
•
Never use damaged or incorrect blade washers or bolts. The blade washers and bolt
were specially designed for your saw, for optimum performance and safety of operation.
•
Causes and operator prevention of Kickback:
Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound or misaligned saw blade, causing an uncontrolled saw to lift
up and out of the work piece toward the operator.
* When the blade is pinched or bound tightly by the kerf closing down, the blade stalls and the motor reaction
drives the unit rapidly back toward the operator.
* If the blade becomes twisted or misaligned in the cut, the teeth at the back edge of the blade can dig into
the top surface of the wood causing the blade to climb out of the kerf and jump back toward the operator.
* Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures of conditions and can be avoided
by taking proper precautions as given below:
> Maintain a firm grip on the saw and position your body and arm in a way that allows you to resist
KICKBACK forces. KICKBACK forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions are taken.
> When blade is binding, or when interrupting a cut for any reason, release the trigger and hold the saw
motionless in the material until the blade comes to a complete stop. Never attempt to remove the
saw from the work or pull the saw backward while the blade is in motion or KICKBACK may occur.
Investigate and take corrective actions to eliminate the cause of blade binding.
> When restarting a saw in the work piece, center the saw blade in the kerf and check that teeth are not
engaged into the material. If saw blade is binding, it may walk up or KICKBACK from the work piece as
the saw is restarted.
> Support large panels to minimize the risk of blade pinching and KICKBACK. Large panels tend to sag
under their own weight. Supports must be placed under the panel on both sides, near the line of cut and
near the edge of the panel.
> Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce narrow kerf, causing
excessive friction, blade binding, and KICKBACK.
> Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers must be tight and secure before making cut. If blade
adjustment shifts while cutting, it will cause binding and KICKBACK.
> Use extra caution when making a “Pocket Cut” into existing walls or other blind areas. The protruding
blade may cut objects that can cause KICKBACK.
•
Do not leave the tool running. Operate the tool only when hand-held.
•
When operating the tool from an elevated position,
be aware of people or things
beneath you.
•
Always hold the tool firmly in your hands before switching the tool “ON”.
The
reaction to the torque of the motor as it accelerates to full speed may cause the tool to twist.
•
Wear eye and hearing protection.
Always use safety glasses with side shields. Unless otherwise
specified, everyday glasses provide only limited impact resistance, they are not safety glasses. Use only
certified safety equipment; eye protection equipment should comply with ANSI z87.1 standards. Protective
hearing equipment should comply with ANSI s3.19 standards.
•
Protect your lungs.
Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce
the risk of personal injury.
WARNING: Read and understand all warnings, cautions and operating
instructions before using this equipment. Failure to follow all instructions listed below
may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
7
English
SYMBOLS
Some of the following symbols may appear on this product. Study these symbols and
learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow for more efficient
and safer operation of this product.
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
VVolts
or A.C.
Alternating current
AAmperes or D.C. Direct current
Hz Hertz Class II construction
Double Insulated construction
WWatts Warning symbol. Precautions
that involve your safety
No Load Speed To reduce the risk of injury,
read Operator's Manual be-
fore using this product.
kg Kilograms Wear safety glasses, ear
protection and respiratory
protection
HHours Do not dispose with house-
hold waste
RPM Revolutions per minute Do not touch the running
blade
SPM Strokes per minute Do not use in wet conditions
OPM Oscillations per minute Do not put battery in fire
.../min Per minute Battery cannot exceed 59° C
This symbol designates that this
product is listed with U.S. and
Canada requirements by ETL
testing Laboratories, Inc.
English
12 Amp, 7-1/4" Circular Saw
Operator’s Manual GCS120
KNOWING YOUR CIRCULAR SAW
UNPACKING AND CONTENTS
IMPORTANT: Due to modern mass production techniques, it is unlikely the tool is
faulty or that a part is missing. If you find anything wrong, do not operate the tool until
the parts have been replaced or the fault has been rectified. Failure to do so could result
in serious personal injury.
CONTENTS IN PACKAGE
Description Q'ty Description Q'ty
1. Saw Blade
2. Lower Blade Guard
3. Base
4. Lower Guard Lever
5. Dust Extraction Chute
6. Upper Blade Guard
7. Rear Handle
8. Front Handle
9. Brush Cap
10. Bevel Scale Bracket
11. Bevel Clamp Knob
12. Rip Guide Locking Screw
13. Blade Bolt
14. Lock Off Button
15. Trigger Switch
16. Depth Guide Bracket
17. Depth Clamp Lever
18. Motor
19. Spindle Lock
20. Rip Guide
1
11
10
9
14
15
18
8
2
13
5
4
12
3
6
7
17
19
20
16
FIG 1
Saw 1
Blade 1
Rip Guide 1
Blade Change Wrench 1
Operator’s Manual 1
9
English
ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: Always be sure that the tool is switched off and unplugged before
adjusting, adding accessories, or checking a function on the tool.
WARNING: 7-1/4” is the maximum blade capacity of your saw. Never use a
blade that is too thick to allow the outer flange washer to fit properly on the spindle. Too
thick a blade will prevent the blade bolt from securing the blade on the spindle. Larger
diameter blades will contact the blade guards. Either situation could result in a serious
accident.
BLADE INSTALLATION ( FIG 2 )
• Unplug your circular saw.
• Depress the spindle lock (19).
• Using the blade wrench (a) provided, remove the blade bolt
(13) by turning it counterclockwise.
• Remove the outer flange washer (13b).
• Lift the lower guard (2) and slide the blade onto the spindle.
The saw teeth point upward at the front of the saw.
• Replace the outer flange washer.
• Depress the spindle lock and replace the blade bolt.
• Tighten the blade bolt securely by turning it clockwise with
the wrench.
REMOVING THE BLADE
• Unplug your circular saw.
• Depress the spindle lock.
• Remove the blade bolt by turning it counterclockwise with the wrench provided.
• Remove the outer flange washer.
• Lift the lower blade guard.
• Remove the blade from the spindle and off the saw.
ADJUSTING THE DEPTH OF CUT
• Unplug your circular saw.
• Loosen the depth clamp lever on the depth guide at the back of saw.
• Move the base up or down to the desired depth as indicated on the depth of cut scale.
OR
• Raise the lower blade guard and place the saw base on the work piece to be cut with the saw blade positioned
against the edge. Hold the saw base down on the work piece surface, then raise or lower the motor housing to
obtain the desired depth of cut using the work piece edge as a reference.
• Secure the base by tightening the lever.
NOTE: Always maintain the correct blade depth setting. For all cuts the blade depth should not exceed 1⁄4”
below the material being cut. Excessive blade depth increases the chance of saw KICKBACK.
BEVEL ANGLE ADJUSTMENT
• Loosen the clamp knob at the bevel scale plate on the front of the saw base.
• Tilt the saw base until the desired graduation on the bevel scale aligns with the indicator line on the
stationary bevel bracket.
• Tighten the clamp knob securely.
• Always make a test cut in scrap lumber and measure the cut angle to confirm the bevel angle is set properly;
if necessary, adjust the bevel angle appropriately before cutting the work piece.
LINE-OF-CUT INDICATORS
• Line-of-cut indicator notch is provided at the front of the saw base.
• The right edge of the notch is used to follow a line when making a 0° cut.
• The left edge of the notch is used to follow a line when making a 45° bevel cut.
• Since blade thicknesses vary, it is necessary to make test cuts in scrap material, along a guideline, to
determine proper alignment of the guideline within the notch to obtain an accurate cut.
FIG 2
19
a
13b
13
2
English
12 Amp, 7-1/4" Circular Saw
Operator’s Manual GCS120
INSTALLING THE RIP GUIDE
When cutting lumber lengthwise you are usually cutting “with” the wood’s grain rather then across the grain.
Cutting “with” the grain of wood is called “ripping” or a rip cut. Since rip cuts tend to be lengthy it can be difficult
to accurately follow the guideline the entire distance of the cut. To assist the operator to obtain a straight rip cut,
a straight edge can be clamped to the work piece or the supplied rip guide can be used. To install the rip guide
on your saw, perform the following steps.
• Unplug your circular saw.
• Insert the rip guide through all three slots on the saw base at the front of the saw, starting with slot in the
right side edge of the base.
• Slide the guide through the slots until it extends out the left side of the base.
• Adjust the rip guide for the desired width of cut and then securely tighten the thumbscrew in the center slot
to hold the rip guide in position.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury and damage to the work piece, extend the
rip guide through all slots on the base.
OPERATION
STARTING AND STOPPING THE SAW
WARNING: Before plugging in the tool, always check to see that the tool is
switched off. Accidently starting the saw could cause personal injury.
To start the saw, depress and hold the Lock-Off Button, then depress the trigger switch.
NOTE: Always let the blade reach full speed before guiding the saw into the work piece.
WARNING: The blade coming into contact with the work piece before reaching
full speed, could cause your saw to KICKBACK towards you resulting in serious personal
injury.
To stop the saw, release the switch trigger. Allow the blade to come to a complete stop.
NOTE: Do not remove your saw from the work piece while the blade is still moving.
OPERATING THE SAW
CAUTION:
To make sawing easier and safer, be sure to move the tool forward in a
straight line gently. Forcing or twisting the tool will result in overheating the motor and
dangerous KICKBACK, possibly causing severe personal injury.
It’s important to understand the correct technique for operating your saw and to learn what the correct and
incorrect ways for handling your saw.
Equally important to working safely and realizing accurate cuts is correct preparation of the work piece and work
area prior to making the first cut with the saw.
• Hold the tool firmly with both hands, using both the front grip and rear handle.
• Avoid placing your hand on the work piece while making a cut.
• Place the work piece with the “good” side down.
• Set-up and support the work piece so the cut is always on your right so the larger left side of the saw’s base
will be on the part that DOES NOT fall off when the cut is made.
• Securely clamp the work piece so it will not move during the cut.
• Place a clamp near the cut to further support the work piece.
• Draw a guideline along the desired path of cut before starting your saw or the cut.
• Move and keep the cord away from the cutting area. Position the cord to prevent it from hanging up on the
work piece and you from standing or tripping on the cord while cutting.
Table of contents
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