DEWALT DWE396 Alligator Saw Instruction Manual

DWE396/DWE397
DWE398/DWE399

DWE396 Alligator Saw

ALLIGATOR SAW
DWE396, DWE397, DWE398, DWE399
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Technical Data

| | DWE396| DWE397| DWE398| DWE399
---|---|---|---|---|---
Voltage
UK & Ireland| VAC
VAC| 230
230/115| 230
230/115| 230
230/115| 230
230/115
Type| | 1| 1| 1| 1
Power input| W| 1600| 1700| 1700| 1700
No load speed| min-¹| 3000| 3000| 3000| 3000
Stroke length| mm| 40| 40| 40| 40
Cutting length| mm| 295| 430| 430| 430
Cord length| m| 4.0| 4.0| 4.0| 4.0
Weight| kg| 5.3| 5.5| 5.5| 5.5
Noise values and vibration values (triax vector sum) according to EN62841‑2‑11:

LPA  (emission sound pressure level)| dB(A)| 95| 95| 95| 95
LWA  (sound power level)| dB(A)| 104| 104| 104| 104
K  (uncertainty for the given sound level)| dB(A)| 3.0| 3.0| 3.0| 3.0
Cutting clay building blocks
Vibration emission value for DT2974 ah, PCB =
Uncertainty K =| m/s²
m/s²| 5.4
1.5| 5.4
1.5| 5.4
1.5| 5.4
1.5
---|---|---|---|---|---
Cutting wood/chipboard & plastic
Vibration emission value for DT2372 ah, WP =
Uncertainty K =| m/s²
m/s²| 5.4
1.5| 5.4
1.5| 5.4
1.5| 5.4
1.5
Cutting cellular concrete
Vibration emission value for DT2975 ah, CC =
Uncertainty K =| m/s²
m/s²| 5.4
1.5| 5.4
1.5| 5.4
1.5| 5.4
1.5
Cutting insulation material
Vibration emission value for DT2979 ah, IM =
Uncertainty K =| m/s²
m/s²| 5.4
1.5| 5.4
1.5| 5.4
1.5| 5.4
1.5

The vibration emission level given in this information sheet has been measured in accordance with a standardised test given in EN62841 and may be used to compare one tool with another. It may be used for a preliminary assessment of exposure.
WARNING: The declared vibration emission level represents the main applications of the tool. However if the tool is used for different applications, with different accessories or poorly maintained, the vibration emission may differ. This may significantly  increase the exposure level over the total working period.
An estimation of the level of exposure to vibration should also take into account the times when the tool is switched off or when it is running but not actually doing the job.
This may significantly reduce the exposure level over the total working period.
Identify additional safety measures to protect the operator from the effects of vibration such as: maintain the tool and the accessories, keep the hands warm, organisation of work patterns.

EC‑Declaration of Conformity Machinery Directive
Alligator Saw
DWE396, DWE397, DWE398, DWE399
DeWALT declares that these products described under Technical Data are in compliance with:
2006/42/EC, EN62841‑1:2015+AC:2015, EN62841‑2‑11: 2016+A1:2020.
These products also comply with Directive 2014/30/EU and 2011/65/EU. For more information, please contact DeWALT at the following address or refer to the back of the manual.
The undersigned is responsible for compilation of the technical file and makes this declaration on behalf of DeWALT.

Markus Rompel
Vice‑President Engineering, PTE‑Europe Engineering
DeWALT, Richard‑Klinger‑Straße 11, 65510, Idstein, Germany
09.03.2022

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
THE SUPPLY OF MACHINERY (SAFETY)
REGULATIONS 2008
Alligator Saw
DWE396, DWE397, DWE398, DWE399
DeWALT declares that these products described under “technical data” are in compliance with:
The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations, 2008, S.I.
2008/1597 (as amended),
EN62841‑1:2015+AC:2015, EN62841‑2‑11: 2016+A1:2020
These products also conform to the following UK Regulations:
Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations, 2016, S.I.2016/1091 (as amended).
The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012, S.I. 2012/3032 (as amended).
For more information, please contact DeWALT at the following address or refer to the back of the manual.
The undersigned is responsible for compilation of the technical file and makes this declaration on behalf of DeWALT.

Karl Evans
Vice President Professional Power Tools EANZ GTS
DeWALT UK, 270 Bath Road, Slough
Berkshire SL1 4DX
England
09.03.2022
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, read the instruction manual.

Definitions: Safety Guidelines

The definitions below describe the level of severity for each signal word. Please read the manual and pay attention to these symbols.

DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
** CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE: Indicates a practice not related to personal injury which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.
** Denotes risk of electric shock.
**** Denotes risk of fire.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

WARNING: Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains‑operated (corded) power tool or battery‑operated (cordless) power tool.

1. Work Area Safety
   a ) Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
   b ) 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.
   c ) Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

2. Electrical Safety
   a ) Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools.
   Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
   b ) 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 earthed or grounded.
   c ) Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
   d ) 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 or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
   e ) When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
   f ) If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

3. Personal Safety
   a ) Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
   b ) Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non‑skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
   c ) Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the  switch on invites accidents.
   d ) Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
   e ) Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
   f ) 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.
   g ) If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust‑related hazards.
   h ) Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.

4. Power Tool Use and Care
   a ) Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
   b ) Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
   c ) Disconnect the plug from the power source and/ or the battery pack, if detachable, from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power  tool accidentally.
   d ) Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool.
   Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
   e ) Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
   f ) Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
   g ) Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits, etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
   h ) Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

5. Service
   a ) 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.

Safety Instructions for Reciprocating Saws
a ) Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, when performing an operation where the cutting accessory may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Cutting accessory contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and  could give the operator an electric shock.
b ) Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the workpiece by hand or against your body leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of control.

Plugging into the mains, switching ON and OFF

• Always ensure that the alligator saw is switched OFF before plugging into the mains.
• After switching OFF, never attempt to stop the saw blades with your fingers.
• Never put the saw down on a table or work bench unless switched OFF. The saw blades will keep running up to 10 seconds after the machine has been switched OFF.

When sawing

• Remove all nails and metal objects from the workpiece before starting work.
• Wherever possible, use clamps and vices to fasten the workpiece securely.
• Do not attempt to saw extremely small workpieces.
• Do not bend too far forward. Make sure that you always stand firmly, particularly on scaffolding and ladders.
• Always hold the saw with both hands.
• Do not use the saw for cutting curves and pockets.

Checking and changing the saw blades

• Unplug the tool before cleaning or changing the saw blades.
• Only use DeWALT saw blades conforming to the specifications contained in these operating instructions.
• Only sharp saw blades in perfect working condition should be used; cracked or bent saw blades should be discarded and replaced at once.
• Always use suitable gloves when handling the saw blades and rough work materials.

WARNING: We recommend the use of a residual current device with a residual current rating of 30mA or less.

Residual Risks

In spite of the application of the relevant safety regulations and the implementation of safety devices, certain residual risks cannot be avoided. These are:

• Impairment of hearing.
• Risk of personal injury due to flying particles.
• Risk of burns due to accessories becoming hot during operation.
• Risk of personal injury due to prolonged use.

Electrical Safety

The electric motor has been designed for one voltage only.
Always check that the power supply corresponds to the voltage on the rating plate.
Your DeWALT tool is double insulated in accordance with EN62841; therefore no earth wire is required.
If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by a specially prepared cord available through the DeWALT service organisation.

Mains Plug Replacement
(U.K. & Ireland Only)
If a new mains plug needs to be fitted:

• Safely dispose of the old plug.
• Connect the brown lead to the live terminal in the plug.
•  Connect the blue lead to the neutral terminal.

WARNING: No connection is to be made to the earth terminal.
Follow the fitting instructions supplied with good quality plugs.
Recommended fuse: 13 A.

Using an Extension Cable
An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use an approved extension cable suitable for the power input of your charger (see Technical Data). The minimum conductor size is 1.5 mm2 ; the maximum length is 30 m.
When using a cable reel, always unwind the cable completely.

Package Contents

The package contains:
1 Alligator saw
1 TCT saw blade set for low density building block (DWE396, DWE397)
1 TCT saw blade set for medium density building block (DWE398)
1 TCT saw blade set for cellular concrete and plaster board (DWE399)
1Hex key
1 Cutting slot scraper (DWE399 only)
1 Instruction manual

• Check for damage to the tool, parts or accessories which may have occurred during transport.
• Take the time to thoroughly read and understand this manual prior to operation.

Markings on Tool

The following pictograms are shown on the tool:
Read instruction manual before use.
**** Wear ear protection.
Wear eye protection.
Do not expose the power tool to humidity.
Do not use the power tool if the main cable is damaged.

Date Code Position (Fig. A)
The date code  17 , which also includes the year of manufacture, is printed into the housing.
Example:
2018 XX XX
Year of Manufacture

Description (Fig. A)
WARNING: Never modify the power tool or any part of it.
Damage or personal injury could result.

1. On/off trigger switch
2. Lock‑off button
3. Rear grip handle
4. Front handle
5. Saw blades
6. Bar
7. Hex key
8. Dust port

Intended Use

Your DeWALT alligator saw DWE396, DWE397, DWE398 and DWE399 has been designed for professional sawing applications of clay building blocks, cellular concrete, wood, plastic and insulation materials with suitable saw blade.
DO nOt use under wet conditions or in the presence of flammable liquids or gases.
DO nOt let children come into contact with the tool.
Supervision is required when inexperienced operators use this tool.

• Young children and the infirm. This appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.
• This product is not intended for use by persons (including children) suffering from diminished physical, sensory or mental abilities; lack of experience, knowledge or skills unless they are supervised by a person responsible for their safety. Children should never be left alone with this product.

ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENTS

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. Be sure the trigger switch is in the OFF position. An accidental  start‑up can cause injury.

Replacing the Saw Blades

Removing the saw blades (Fig. B–E)

1. Place the tool upside down on a flat, stable work surface.

2. Loosen the gearcase cap screw  11  with the hex key  7 .
   When loosened, the gearcase cap  12  should release and spring open.

3. With the hex key  7 , loosen both of the blade setting screws  13 . The screws will be held in place by the screw clips.

4. Carefully pull the saw‑blade‑end up until it is disengaged from and clear of the Blade‑Clamp‑system.

5. Pull the saw blade back and out of the front guard  14  and take it off of the bar  6 .

6. Repeat this procedure for the other saw blade.

Fitting the saw blades (Fig. D)

1. Slide one saw‑blade into the blade guide slot  9  making sure that the end with the slotted hole  16  fits into the front guard  14 .
2. Slide the back of the saw blade down until the threaded hole  15  aligns with the blade setting screw  13 .
3. Repeat this procedure for the other saw blade.
4. Tighten both saw blade setting screws  13  securely by pressing and turning simultaneously with the short end of the hex key  7 .
5. Close the gearcase cap  12  and tighten the gearcase cap screw.

WARNING: Before operation let the saw blades run freely for approx. 20 s.

Saw Blades

Prior to Operation (Fig. A)

• Mount the appropriate type of saw blade.
• Check that the tool is running properly and can perform all its functions. Make sure that the bar  6  is still straight and the saw blades  5  and the housing are undamaged.

OPERATION

Instructions for Use
WARNING: Always observe the safety instructions and applicable regulations.
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. Be sure the trigger switch is in the OFF position. An accidental start‑up can cause injury.
WARNING:

• Ensure the material to be sawn is secured in place.
• Apply only a gentle pressure to the tool and do not exert side pressure on the saw blade.
• Avoid overloading.

WARNING: For applications where mineral dust or hardwood is emitted due to the work process the machine shall be connected to a suitable dust extraction system.

Proper Hand Position (Fig. A, F)
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ALWAYS use proper hand position as shown.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ALWAYS hold securely in anticipation of a sudden reaction.
Proper hand position requires one hand on the front handle  4  with the other hand on the rear grip handle  3 .

Switching On and Off (Fig. A)
For safety reasons the ON/OFF switch  1  is equipped with a lock‑off button  2 .

1. Push the lock‑off button  2  to unlock the tool.
2. To run the tool, press the ON/OFF switch  1 .As soon as the ON/OFF switch is released the lock‑off switch is automatically activated to prevent unintended starting.
3. Always switch off the tool before unplugging.

Sawing (Fig. A, C, D, F)
NOTICE: Do not use the saw for cutting curves or pockets.
Make sure the bar end protrudes from the workpiece.
For long, straight cuts first draw a line on the workpiece and follow the line.
Make downward cuts only. Avoid cutting earth as this will blunt the saw blades very quickly.
When using a saw horse always cut on the outside of the saw horse arms.

1. Clamp the workpiece on one side only to prevent the bar from jamming in the workpiece. Should this happen, ease open the cut with wedges to relieve the strain on the blade.
   Do not try to wrench the saw free.

2. Hold your DeWALT power tool by the front handle  4  and the rear grip handle  3  to guide the saw properly.

3. Switch the tool on before placing blade in contact with the workpiece. Refer to Switching On and Off instruction in this manual.
   WARNING: Apply only a gentle pressure to the tool and do not exert side pressure on the saw blade.

4. After blades have engaged the workpiece, guide the tool back and forth in a rotating, see saw like motion as the blades cut down through the workpiece. Refer to Figure F.

5. Once cut is complete, release the trigger switch.

To increase performance and lifetime of non‑painted saw blades, regularly apply oil to the blades and in the oil holes  10  (every 15–30 min.). Do not lubricate painted blades.
Regularly check the saw blade setting screws  13 .

Sawing in Cellular Concrete, Low Density and Medium Density Building Blocks (Fig. E)
WARNING: Cellular concrete, low density and medium density building blocks contain lime and quartz sand.
After use to guarantee optimum performance, the saw blades, the bar and the saw blade guide slot  9  must be thoroughly cleaned, using the cutting slot scraper.
(DWE399 only)

MAINTENANCE

Your DeWALT power tool has been designed to operate over a long period of time with a minimum of maintenance.
Continuous satisfactory operation depends upon proper tool care and regular cleaning.
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. Be sure the trigger switch is in the OFF position. An accidental start‑up can cause injury.

Lubrication

• Lubricate the saw blades (if fitted with non‑painted blades), the bar and the saw blade guide slot upon cleaning. Do not lubricate painted blades.
• If the tool will not be used for a long period of time, coat the non‑painted saw blades and fill the oil holes with a little oil (e.g., machine oil) Do not oil painted blades.

Let the tool run for a few seconds to enable the oil to reach all parts. This protects the tool from corrosion.

Cleaning

WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of the main housing with dry air as often as dirt is seen collecting in and around the air vents. Wear approved eye protection and approved dust mask when performing this procedure.
WARNING: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals for cleaning the non‑metallic parts of the tool. These chemicals may weaken the materials used in these parts.
Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap.
Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any part of the tool into a liquid.
Regularly remove the saw blades after cutting cellular concrete or thermal building blocks. Thoroughly clean the saw blades and the bar. To clean the saw blade guide slot use the scraper supplied with the tool. (DWE399 ONLY)

Optional Accessories
WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered by DeWALT, have not been tested with this product, use of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous.
To reduce the risk of injury, only DeWALT recommended accessories should be used with this product.
Consult your dealer for further information on the appropriate accessories.

Protecting the Environment
**** Separate collection. Products and batteries marked with this symbol must not be disposed of with normal household waste.
Products and batteries contain materials that can be recovered or recycled reducing the demand for raw materials. Please recycle electrical products and batteries according to local provisions. Further information is available at www.2helpU.com.

Danmark| DeWALT
Roskildevej 22
2620 Albertslund| Tel: 70 20 15 10
Fax: 70 22 49 10| www.dewalt.dk
kundeservice.dk@sbdinc.com
---|---|---|---
United Kingdom| DeWALT, 210 Bath Road;
Slough, Berks SL1 3YD| Tel:  01753-567055
Fax:  01753-572112| www.dewalt.co.uk
emeaservice@sbdinc.com
Australia| DeWALT
810 Whitehorse Road Box HillVIC 3103 Australia| Tel: Aust 1800 338 002
Tel: NZ 0800 339 258| www.dewalt.com.au
www.dewalt.co.nz

90NA239586
www.DeWALT.com

References

• 2helpU
• Dewalt.co

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