DEWALT DCS378 Heavy Duty Band Saw Instruction Manual

: May 15, 2024
: Dewalt

DEWALT DCS378 Heavy Duty Band Saw

DEWALT-DCS378-Heavy-Duty-Band-Saw-PRODUCT

Product Information

Specifications

Model: DCS378, DCS379
Intended Use: Professional metal cutting applications
Power Source: Battery pack
Features: Variable speed trigger switch, LED worklight, auxiliary handle

Product Usage Instructions

Intended Use

The heavy-duty band saw is specifically designed for professional metal cutting applications. It is a powerful tool meant for precise and efficient cutting tasks.

Safety Instructions

Before using the band saw, it is crucial to read all safety warnings and instructions provided in the manual. Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock, fire, or serious injury.

Work Area Safety

Keep the work area clean and well-lit to prevent accidents.
Avoid operating the band saw in explosive atmospheres with flammable liquids, gases, or dust.
Ensure children and bystanders are kept away from the work area to maintain control over the tool.

Electrical Safety

Use power tool plugs that match the outlet without modification.
Avoid using adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools to reduce the risk of electric shock.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

Always refer to the safety warnings, instructions, illustrations, and specifications provided with the band saw. Keep all warnings and instructions for future reference.

FAQs

Q: Can this band saw be used for cutting materials other than metal?
- A: No, this band saw is specifically designed for professional metal cutting applications and should not be used for other materials.
Q: How do I adjust the blade tension on this band saw?
- A: To adjust the blade tension, use the blade tension lever located on the main handle of the band saw. Refer to the instruction manual for detailed steps on adjusting the blade tension.
Q: Is it safe to use this band saw in wet conditions?
- A: No, do not use this band saw under wet conditions or in the presence of flammable liquids or gases as it may pose a safety hazard.

Product overview

$DEWALT-DCS378-Heavy-Duty-Band-Saw-FIG $1$$

Lock‑off button
Variable speed trigger switch
Variable speed dial
Main handle
Hex wrench
Work stop
Lock nut
Blade tension lever
Blade
Hang hook
Blade guard
Blade guard latches
Tracking screw
Battery pack
Battery release button
Bracket
LED worklight
Auxiliary handle

WARNING: Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, read the instruction manual.

Intended Use

This heavy‑duty band saw is designed for professional metal cutting applications. This band saw is a professional power tool.

DO NOT use under wet conditions or in 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.

Definitions: Safety Alert Symbols and Words

This instruction manual uses the following safety alert symbols and words to alert you to hazardous situations and your risk of personal injury or property damage.

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.
- (Used without word) Indicates a safety related message.

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.

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.

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

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 a 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.

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 remove 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 and accessories. 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.

Battery Tool Use and Care

a ) Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
b ) Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
c ) When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
d ) Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
e ) Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
f ) Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265 °F (130 °C) may cause explosion.
g ) Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

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.
b ) Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers

Additional Safety Rules for Portable Band Saws

Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the cutting accessory may contact hidden wiring. Cutting accessories contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
Keep hands away from cutting area and blade.
Always make sure the portable band saw is clean before using.
Always cease operation at once if you notice any abnormality whatsoever.
Always be sure all components are mounted properly and securely before using tool.
Always handle the band saw blade with care when mounting or removing it.
Always keep your hands out of the line of the band saw blade.
Always wait until the motor has reached full speed before starting a cut.
Always keep handles dry, clean, and free of oil and grease. Hold the tool firmly when in use.
Always be alert at all times, especially during repetitive, monotonous operations. Always be sure of position of your hands relative to the blade.
Never remove work stop.
Stay clear of end pieces that may fall after cutting off. They may be hot, sharp and/or heavy. Serious personal injury may result.

Additional Safety Information

WARNING: Never modify the power tool or any part of it. Damage or personal injury could result.
WARNING: ALWAYS use safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses are NOT safety glasses. Also use face or dust mask if cutting operation is dusty. ALWAYS WEAR CERTIFIED SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

ANSI Z87.1 eye protection (CAN/CSA Z94.3),
ANSI S12.6 (S3.19) hearing protection,
NIOSH/OSHA/MSHA respiratory protection.
WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to the State of California 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, and • 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.
Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas with soap and water. Allowing dust to get into your mouth, eyes, or lay on the skin may promote absorption of harmful chemicals. Direct particles away from face and body.
Use the appropriate dust extractor vacuum to remove the vast majority of static and airborne dust. Failure to remove static and airborne dust could contaminate the working environment or pose an increased health risk to the operator and those in close proximity.
Use clamps or other practical ways to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body is unstable and may lead to loss of control and injury.
Air vents often cover moving parts and should be avoided. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
CAUTION: When not in use, place tool on its side on a stable surface where it will not cause a tripping or falling hazard. Some tools with large battery packs will stand upright on the battery pack but may be easily knocked over.

The label on your tool may include the following symbols. The symbols and their definitions are as follows $DEWALT-DCS378-Heavy-Duty-Band-Saw-FIG $15$$ $DEWALT-DCS378-Heavy-Duty-Band-Saw-FIG $14$$

BATTERIES AND CHARGERS

The battery pack is not fully charged out of the carton. Before using the battery pack and charger, read the safety instructions below and then follow charging procedures outlined. When ordering replacement battery packs, be sure to include the catalog number and voltage

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

Important Safety Instructions for All Battery Packs

WARNING: Read all safety warnings, instructions, and cautionary markings for the battery pack, charger and product. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Do not charge or use the battery pack in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Inserting or removing the battery pack from the charger may ignite the dust or fumes.
NEVER force the battery pack into the charger. DO NOT modify the battery pack in any way to fit into a non‑compatible charger as battery pack may rupture causing serious personal injury. Consult the chart at the end of this manual for compatibility of batteries and chargers.
Charge the battery packs only in DeWALT chargers.
DO NOT splash or immerse in water or other liquids.
DO NOT allow water or any liquid to enter battery pack.
Do not store or use the tool and battery pack in locations where the temperature may reach or exceed 104 °F (40 °C) (such as outside sheds or metal buildings in summer). For best life, store battery packs in a cool, dry location.
NOTE: Do not store the battery packs in a tool with the trigger switch locked on. Never tape the trigger switch in the ON position.
Do not incinerate the battery pack even if it is severely damaged or is completely worn out. The battery pack can explode in a fire. Toxic fumes and materials are created when lithium‑ion battery packs are burned.
Do not expose a battery pack or appliance to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265 °F (130 °C) may cause explosion
Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or appliance outside of the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside of the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
If battery contents come into contact with the skin, immediately wash area with mild soap and water. If battery liquid gets into the eye, rinse water over the open eye for 15 minutes or until irritation ceases. If medical attention is needed, the battery electrolyte is composed of a mixture of liquid organic carbonates and lithium salts.
Contents of opened battery cells may cause respiratory irritation. Provide fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Battery liquid may be flammable if exposed to spark or flame.
Never attempt to open the battery pack for any reason. If the battery pack case is cracked or damaged, do not insert into the charger. Do not crush, drop or damage the battery pack. Do not use a battery pack or charger that has received a sharp blow, been dropped, run over or damaged in any way (e.g., pierced with a nail, hit with a hammer, stepped on). Damaged battery packs should be returned to the service center for recycling.

Storage Recommendations

The best storage place is one that is cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and excess heat or cold. Store the fully charged battery pack out of the charger.

Battery Pack Cleaning Instructions

Dirt and grease may be removed from the exterior of the battery pack using a cloth or soft non‑metallic brush. Do not use water or any cleaning solutions.

Fuel Gauge Battery Packs (Fig. B)

Some battery packs include a fuel gauge. When the fuel gauge button is pressed and held, the LED lights will indicate the approximate level of charge remaining. This does not indicate tool functionality and is subject to variation based on product components, temperature, and end‑user application.

Transportation

WARNING: Fire hazard. Do not store, carry, or transport the battery pack so that metal objects can contact exposed battery terminals. For example, do not place the battery pack in aprons, pockets, tool boxes, product kit boxes, drawers, etc., with loose nails, screws, keys, coins, hand tools, etc. When transporting individual battery packs, make sure that the battery terminals are protected and well insulated from materials that could contact them and cause a short circuit. NOTE : Li‑ion battery packs should not be put in checked baggage on airplanes and must be properly protected from short circuits if they are in carry‑on baggage.

Shipping the DeWALT FLEXVOLT™ Battery Pack

The DeWALT FLEXVOLT™ battery pack has a battery cap that should be used when shipping the battery pack. Attach the cap to the battery pack to ready it for shipping. This converts the battery pack to three separate 20V batteries. The three batteries have the Watt hour rating labeled “Shipping” on the battery pack. If shipping without the cap or in a tool, the pack is one battery at the Watt hour rating labeled “Use.”

Example battery pack label:

USE: 120
Wh SHIPPING : 3 x 40 Wh

In this example, the battery pack is three batteries with 40 Watt hours each when using the cap. Otherwise, the battery pack is one battery with 120 Watt hours.

The RBRC® Seal

Please take your spent battery packs to an authorized DeWALT service center or to your local retailer for recycling. In some areas, it is illegal to place spent battery packs in the trash. You may also contact your local recycling center for information on where to drop off the spent battery pack. Do not place in curbside recycling. For more information visit www.call2recycle.org or call the toll‑free number in the RBRC® Seal. RBRC® is a registered trademark of Call 2 Recycle, Inc

Important Safety Instructions for All Battery Chargers

WARNING: Read all safety warnings, instructions, and cautionary markings for the battery pack, charger and product. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

DO NOT attempt to charge the battery pack with any chargers other than a DeWALT charger. DeWALT chargers and battery packs are specifically designed to work together.
These chargers are not intended for any uses other than charging DeWALT rechargeable battery packs. Charging other types of battery packs may cause them to overheat and burst, resulting in personal injury, property damage, fire, electric shock or electrocution.
Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.
Do not allow water or any liquid to enter charger.
Pull by the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger. This will reduce the risk of damage to the electric plug and cord.
Make sure that the cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over or otherwise subjected to damage or stress.
Do not use an extension cord unless it is absolutely necessary. Use of improper extension cord could result in risk of fire, electric shock or electrocution.
When operating a charger outdoors, always provide a dry location and use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
An extension cord must have adequate wire size (AWG or American Wire Gauge) for safety. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the heavier the cord and thus the greater its capacity. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The following table shows the correct size to use depending on total length of all extension cords plugged together, and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.

Minimum Gauge for Cord Sets

Volts| Total length of Cord in Feet

(meters)

---|---
120V| 25 (7.6)| 50 (15.2)| 100 (30.5)| 150 (45.7)
Ampere Rating| American Wire gauge
More Than| Not More

Than

0| 6| 18| 16| 16| 14
6| 10| 18| 16| 14| 12
10| 12| 16| 16| 14| 12
12| 16| 14| 12| Not Recommended

Do not place any object on top of the 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 the charger with a damaged cordor plug. Have them replaced immediately.
Do not operate the 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 the 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.
The charger is designed to operate on standard 120V household electrical power. Do not attempt touse it on any other voltage. This does not apply to the vehicular charger.
Foreign materials of a conductive nature, such as, butnot limited to, grinding dust, metal chips, steel wool, aluminum foil or any buildup of metallic particles should be kept away from the charger cavities and ventilation slots.
Always unplug the charger from the power supply when there is no battery pack in the cavity.

Charging a Battery (Fig. C)

Plug the charger into an appropriate outlet.
Insert and fully seat battery pack 14 . The red charging light(s) will continuously blink while charging.
Charging is complete when the red charging light(s) remain(s) continuously ON. Battery pack can be left in charger or removed.
WARNING: Only charge batteries in air temperature over 40 ° F (4.5 ° C) and below 104 ° F (40 ° C).
Charger will not charge a faulty battery pack, which may be indicated by the charging light(s) staying OFF. Take charger and battery pack to an authorized service center if light(s) stay(s) OFF.
- NOTE: Refer to label near charging light(s) on charger for blink patterns. Older chargers may have additional information and/or may not have a yellow indicator light.
- NOTE: To remove the battery pack, some chargers require the battery pack release button 15 to be pressed.

Hot/Cold Pack Delay

When the charger detects a battery pack that is too hot or too cold, it automatically starts a Hot/Cold Pack Delay, suspending charging until the battery pack has reached an appropriate temperature. The charger then automatically switches to the pack charging mode. This feature ensures maximum battery pack life. A cold battery pack may charge at a slower rate than a warm battery pack. The hot/cold pack delay will be indicated by the red light(s) continuing to blink but with the yellow light continuously ON. Once the battery pack has reached an appropriate temperature, the yellow light will turn OFF and the charger will resume the charging procedure.

DCB118 and DCB1112 Chargers

The DCB118 and DCB1112 chargers are equipped with an internal fan designed to cool the battery pack. The fan will turn on automatically when the battery pack needs to be cooled.
Never operate the charger if the fan does not operate properly or if ventilation slots are blocked. Do not permit foreign objects to enter the interior of the charger.

Electronic Protection System

Li‑ion tools are designed with an Electronic Protection System that will protect the battery pack against overloading, overheating or deep discharge. The tool will automatically turn off and the battery pack will need to be recharged.

Important Charging Notes

Longest life and best performance can be obtained if the battery pack is charged when the air temperature is between 65 ° F – 75 ° F (18 ° C– 24 ° C). DO NOT charge when the battery pack is below 40 ° F (4.5 ° C), or above 104 ° F (40 ° C). This is important and will prevent serious damage to the battery pack.
The charger and battery pack may become warm to the 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.
If the battery pack does not charge properly
- a. Check operation of 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. If charging problems persist, take the tool, battery pack and charger to your local service center.
You may charge a partially used pack whenever you desire with no adverse effect on the battery pack. Charger Cleaning Instructions

WARNING: Shock hazard. Disconnect the charger from the AC outlet before cleaning. Dirt and grease may be removed from the exterior of the charger using a cloth or soft non‑metallic brush. Do not use water or any cleaning solutions.

Wall Mounting

Some DeWALT chargers are designed to be wall mountable or to sit upright on a table or work surface. If wall mounting, locate the charger within reach of an electrical outlet, and away from a corner or other obstructions which may impede air flow. Use the back of the charger as a template for the location of the mounting screws on the wall. Mount the charger securely using drywall screws (purchased separately) at least 1” (25.4 mm) long, with a screw head diameter of 0.28–0.35” (7–9 mm), screwed into wood to an optimal depth leaving approximately 7/32” (5.5 mm) of the screw exposed. Align the slots on the back of the charger with the exposed screws and fully engage them in the slots.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE

Lanyard Connection (Fig. A)

Optional Accessory

Safety Warnings Specific for Use At Height

WARNING:

If the tool is dropped for any reason the lanyard connection must be inspected and properly serviced prior to reuse. The lanyard connection is designed to stretch to absorb the shock of a drop. Any permanent stretch to the connection exposing the red marked internal coils indicates it has been compromised and must be serviced prior to reuse.
Do not use hang hook as lanyard attachment point.
Only use batteries that contain the integral battery strap. Do not use unsecured batteries while the tool is tethered. Unsecured batteries may detach from the tool if dropped.
Always keep the tool and accessories tethered when working “at height”. (Maximum lanyardlength: 6.5 ft [2 m].)
Use only with lanyards appropriate for this tool type and rated for at least the weight identified on the tool lanyard attachment point label.
Crush, cut or entanglement hazard. Do not use near moving parts, mechanisms or running machinery.
Do not anchor the tool lanyard to anything on your body. Anchor to a rigid structure that can withstand the forces of a dropped tool.
Make sure the lanyard is properly secure at each end prior to use.
Inspect tool and lanyard before each use for damage and proper function (including fabricand stitching). Do not use if damaged or not functioning properly.
Do not alter the lanyard attachment point or use in a manner other than as instructed in this manual.
Only attach tool to a lanyard with a locking carabiner. Do not attach by looping or knotting thelanyard. Do not use rope or cord.
Electrical shock hazard. Be sure power is off when working in high voltage areas. Some lanyards are conductive.
Dropped tools will swing on the lanyard, whichcould cause injury or loss of balance.
Do not carry the tool by the attachment point, the battery strap or the lanyard.
Do not attach more than one tool to each lanyard.
Only use appropriate DeWALT brand lanyard‑readyattachment kit. NEVER modify tools to create attachment points.
Only transfer the tool between hands while properly balanced in a stable orientation.
Do not attach lanyards to tool in a way that keeps guards, switches or lock‑offs from operating properly.
Avoid getting tangled in the lanyard.
Keep lanyard away from the cutting area of the tool.
Do not use lanyards or attachment devices to get additional leverage from the tool.
Do not use for personal fall protection.
Falling object hazard! Only change batteries, accessories and attachments where a dropped object won’t cause a hazard below you. Consult your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or site supervisor for procedures for working at height.
Do not use the charger or contractor bag at height.
Use multi‑action or screw gate type carabiners.

Do not use single action spring clip carabiners. The bracket 16 is for mounting the DeWALT Lanyard Ready Attachment Point, available at a DeWALT service center. The lanyard‑ready attachment kit is intended for use by competent personnel who are trained and knowledgeable regarding working with tools in and around machinery and “at height”. A lanyard‑ready attachment kit may only be added to certain models and must be installed by an authorized service center.

ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENTS

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn unit off and remove the battery pack before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories. An accidental start‑up can cause injury.

Installing and Removing Blades

CAUTION: Cut hazard. Blade tension lever is under spring pressure. Maintain control of lever when releasing blade tension.
WARNING: ALWAYS wear gloves when touching the saw blade.

To Install Blade (Fig. A, D–G)

Rotate the blade tension lever 8 clockwise 180 degrees until it stops to release tension on blade (refer to Figure A).
Turn the saw over and place it on a workbench or table.
Unlatch the two blade guard latches 12 and open the blade guard.
Position the blade so that the teeth face out from the saw and cut towards the work stop 6 $DEWALT-DCS378-Heavy-Duty-Band-Saw-FIG $17$$
Slip blade into the guide rollers 20 and around both pulleys 19 as shown in Figure D. $DEWALT-DCS378-Heavy-Duty-Band-Saw-FIG $4$$
Make sure that the blade is fully inserted into the guide rollers and positioned fully on the rubber tires 21 and just touching the rear guide bearings 25 .
Rotate the blade tension lever 8 counterclockwise until it stops and then close blade guard 11 and secure latches. Make sure the teeth face away from the band saw (as shown in the Figure in Step 4).
Turn the saw on and off a few times to ensure that the blade is seated properly.

Work Stop Adjustment (Fig. G)

To support large workpieces, the work stop should be lowered following these steps:

Loosen the two screws 26 , shown in Figure G, with the hex wrench 5 provided.
Move the work stop 6 to the desired position.
Securely tighten screws 26 .

To Remove Blade (Fig. A, D–H)

Rotate the blade tension lever 8 clockwise 180 degrees until it stops to release tension in blade (refer to Figure A).
Turn the saw over and place it on a workbench or table.
Unlatch the two blade guard latches 12 and open the blade guard 11 .
When removing the blade, tension may be released and the blade may spring free. SAW BLADES ARE SHARP. USE CARE IN HANDLING THEM.
Inspect the guide rollers 20 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.
Rubber tires 21 are mounted on the pulleys 19 . 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 authorized DeWALT service center 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.
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 Tracking (Fig. A, 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 21 and lightly touching one or both of the rear guide bearings 25 .

To Adjust the Blade Tracking (Fig. A, H)

Turn and open the blade tension lever 8 to allow access to the tracking screw 13 .
Use a 13 mm wrench to loosen the lock nut 7 (Fig. H).
Use a 4 mm hex wrench 5 to turn the tracking screw 13 1/4 turn clockwise or counterclockwise (Fig. H).
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.
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.)
Observe blade tracking between runs and repeat Steps 1–4 as necessary to achieve proper blade tracking.

Blades

This portable band saw is set up for use with 0.02″ (0.5 mm) thick, 1/2″ (12.7 mm) wide and 35-1/4″–35-3/8″ (896 mm–899 mm) long blades. DO NOT use 0.025″ (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.

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. Refer to the 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. $DEWALT-DCS378-Heavy-Duty- Band-Saw-FIG $18$$

Variable Speed Trigger Switch (Fig. A, I) DCS378

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.

Dual Trigger Switch (Fig. A, J) DCS379

Release the lock and un‑lock button 1 by pressing button. Pull the variable speed trigger switch 2 and then pull the front trigger switch 27 for at least five seconds 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 front trigger switch or the variable speed trigger switch turns the motor OFF

WARNING : This tool has no provision to lock the switch in the ON position, and should never be locked ON by any other means

Variable Speed Control (Fig. I, J)

A variable speed 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 (220 SFPM) to a high speed setting of 5 (570 SFPM

LED Worklight (Fig. A)

CAUTION: Do not stare into worklight. Serious eye injury could result.
There is a worklight 17 located above the blade. The worklight is activated when the trigger switch is depressed, and will automatically turn off 20 seconds after the trigger switch is released. If the trigger switch remains depressed, the worklight will remain on.
NOTE: The worklight is for lighting the immediate work surface and is not intended to be used as a flashlight.

OPERATION

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn unit off and remove the battery pack before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories. An accidental start‑up can cause injury

Installing and Removing the Battery Pack (Fig. K)

WARNING: Ensure the tool/appliance is in the off position before inserting the battery pack.
NOTE: For best results, make sure your battery pack is fully charged.

To install the battery pack 14 into the tool handle, align the battery pack with the rails inside the tool’s handle and slide it into the handle until the battery pack is firmly seated in the tool and ensure that it does not disengage.
To remove the battery pack from the tool, press the battery pack release button 15 and firmly pull the battery pack out of the tool handle. Insert it into the charger as described in the charger section of this manual.

Proper Hand Position (Fig. L)

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.
Hold the saw firmly with one hand on the main handle 4 and one hand on the auxiliary handle 18 .

Cutting (Fig. A, I, J, L)

Refer to Recommended Cutting Positions for recommended cutting positions for various materials

NOTE: Select and use a band saw blade that is most appropriate for the material being cut. Refer to Bi‑Metal Band Saw Blade Description.

This portable band saw may be hung using the hang hook ( 10 , Fig. A). Hang tool on a pipe vise or other suitable, stable structure.

WARNING: When using the hang hook make sure it is secure and stable before releasing it. The saw may fall resulting in serious injury to you or others.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, only use hang hook to support the weight of the tool. Never rely on the hang hook for your own support or to help you maintain your balance.
WARNING: Never attempt to use this tool by resting it upside down on a work surface and bringing the material to the tool. Always securely clamp the workpiece and bring the tool to the workpiece, securely holding the tool as shown in Figure L.
WARNING: Do not use hang hook as lanyard attachment point.

Material to be cut must be rigidly secure where it is or clamped in a vise or other clamping device.
Bring the work stop 6 into contact with the workpiece while keeping the blade off of the workpiece. Turn the saw on.
When saw reaches desired rotation speed, slowly and gently tilt the main body of the tool to bring the band saw blade into contact with the workpiece. Do not apply additional pressure in excess of the weight of the main body of the tool. Carefully avoid bringing the band saw blade suddenly and heavily into contact with the upper surface of the workpiece. This will cause serious damage to the band saw blade. To obtain maximum service life of the band saw blade, ensure there is no sudden impact at the beginning of the cutting operation.
Straight cutting can be accomplished by keeping the band saw blade aligned perpendicular to the material. Any twisting or cocking of the blade will cause the cut to go offline and decrease the life of the blade.
NOTICE: During cutting, if the band saw becomes locked or jammed in the workpiece material, release the switch immediately to avoid damage to the band saw blade and motor.
The tool’s own weight provides the most efficient downward cutting pressure. Added operator pressure slows the blade and reduces blade life.
End pieces, which would be heavy enough to cause injury when they drop, after cut‑off, should be supported. Safety shoes are strongly recommended. End pieces may be hot and sharp.

Recommended Cutting Positions $DEWALT-DCS378-Heavy-Duty-Band-Saw-FIG $19$$

Tips for Better Cutting

The following recommendations should be used as a guide (refer to Recommended Cutting Positions). Results may vary with the operator and the particular material being cut.

Never twist the band saw blade during cutting operation.
Never use liquid coolants with portable band saws. Use of liquid coolants will cause build‑up on tires and reduce performance.
If excessive vibration occurs during the cut, ensure that the material being cut is securely clamped down. If vibration continues, change the band saw blade.
Always keep at least 2–3 teeth engaged in the cut.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn unit off and remove the battery pack before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories. An accidental start‑up can cause injury. 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.

Lubrication

Self‑lubricating bearings are used in the tool and periodic relubrication is not required. In the unlikely event that service is ever needed, take your tool to an authorized service location

Cleaning

WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of all air vents with clean, dry air at least once a week. To minimize the risk of eye injury, always wear ANSI Z87.1 approved eye protection 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 plastic 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.

Accessories

WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered by DeWALT, have not been tested with this product, use of such accessories with this product could be hazardous. To reduce the risk of injury, only DeWALT recommended accessories should be used with this product. Recommended accessories for use with your product are available at extra cost from your local dealer or authorized service center. If you need assistance in locating any accessory, please contact DeWALT. Call 1‑800‑4‑DeWALT (1‑800‑433‑9258) or visit our website: www.dewalt.com

Tool Connect™ Chip (Fig. M) $DEWALT-DCS378-Heavy-Duty-Band-Saw-FIG $13$$

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn unit off and remove the battery pack before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories. An accidental start‑up can cause injury.
Your tool is Tool Connect™ Chip ready and has a location for installation of a Tool Connect™ Chip. Tool Connect™ Chip is an optional application for your smart device (such as a smart phone or tablet) that connects the device to utilize the mobile application for inventory management functions. Refer to Tool Connect™ Chip Instruction Sheet for more information.

Installing the Tool Connect™ Chip

Remove the retaining screws 23 that hold the Tool Connect™ Chip protective cover 22 into the tool.
Remove the protective cover and insert the Tool Connect™ Chip into the empty pocket 24 .
Ensure that the Tool Connect™ Chip is flush with the housing. Secure it with the retaining screws and tighten the screws.
Refer to Tool Connect™ Chip Instruction Sheet for further instruction

Repairs

The charger and batteries are not serviceable. There are no serviceable parts inside the charger or battery pack.
WARNING: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and adjustment (including brush inspection and replacement, when applicable) should be performed by a factory service center or an authorized service center. Always use identical replacement parts.

Register Online

Thank you for your purchase. Register your product now for:

WARRANTY SERVICE: Registering your product will help you obtain more efficient warranty service in case there is a problem with your product.
CONFIRMATION OF OWNERSHI P: In case of an insurance loss, such as fire, flood or theft, your registration of ownership will serve as your proof of purchase.
FOR YOUR SAFETY: Registering your product will allow us to contact you in the unlikely event a safety notification is required under the Federal Consumer Safety Act.
Register online at www.dewalt.com.

Warranty

Three Year Limited Warranty

For warranty terms, go to https://www.dewalt.com/support/warranty.
To request a written copy of the warranty terms, contact: Customer Service at DeWALT Industrial Tool Co., 701 East Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286 or call 1‑800‑4‑DeWALT (1‑800‑433‑9258).
LATIN AMERICA: This warranty does not apply to products sold in Latin America. For products sold in Latin America, see country‑specific warranty information contained in the packaging, call the local company or see website for warranty information.
FREE WARNING LABEL REPLACEMENT: If your warning labels become illegible or are missing, call 1‑800‑4‑DeWALT (1‑800‑433‑9258) for a free replacement

Compatible battery packs and chargers

*20V Max Li‑Ion**

Battery Packs
- DCB201, DCB203, DCB203G, DCB204, DCB204BT, DCB205, DCB205G, DCB205BT, DCB206, DCB208, DCB210, DCB230, DCB240, DCBP034, DCBP520
Chargers
- DCB094, DCB102, DCB103, DCB104, DCB107, DCB112, DCB113, DCB115, DCB118, DCB132, DCB1102, DCB1104, DCB1106, DCB1112

*60V Max Li‑Ion**

Battery Packs
- DCB606, DCB609, DCB609G, DCB612, DCB615
Chargers
- DCB094, DCB102, DCB103, DCB104, DCB107, DCB112, DCB113, DCB115, DCB118, DCB132, DCB1102, DCB1104, DCB1106, DCB1112

Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20, 60 or 120 volts. Nominal voltage is 18, 54 or 108. (120V Max is based on using 2 DeWALT 60V Max lithium‑ion batteries combined.)

NOTE: The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth® SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by DeWALT is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

WARNING: Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.

DeWALT Industrial Tool Co. 701 East Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286 Copyright © 2023 The following are trademarks for one or more DeWALT power tools: the yellow and black color scheme, the “D” shaped air intake grill, the array of pyramids on the handgrip, the kit box configuration, and the array of lozenge‑shaped humps on the surface of the tool.