narex EPK 18 Circular Saw User Manual

: June 10, 2024
: narex

narex EPK 18 Circular Saw

narex-EPK-18-Circular-Saw-product

Product Information

Circular Saw EPK 18

The Circular Saw EPK 18 is a power tool designed for cutting various materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. It has a motor that operates on either mains power or a rechargeable battery. The saw blade is adjustable and can be set to different depths and angles for precise cuts. The saw also has safety features such as a guard to protect the user from the blade and insulation on the gripping surfaces to prevent electric shock.

product Safety Warnings

Before using the Circular Saw EPK 18, it is important to read and understand all safety warnings and instructions in the user manual. Failure to do so may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury. Some important safety warnings include:

Keep the work area clean and well-lit
Do not operate the saw in explosive atmospheres
Keep hands away from cutting area and blade
Secure workpiece to a stable platform
Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces when working near hidden wiring

Product Usage

Choose the appropriate saw blade for the material being cut
Adjust the cutting depth and angle as necessary
Secure the workpiece to a stable platform
Hold the saw by insulated gripping surfaces and turn it on
Guide the saw blade along the cutting line with both hands, keeping fingers away from the blade
After cutting, turn off the saw and wait for the blade to stop moving before setting it down
Store the saw in a dry and secure place
Have the saw serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts

By following these usage instructions and safety warnings, you can safely and effectively use the Circular Saw EPK 18 for your cutting needs.

Symbols used in the manual and on the machine

Figure and description of pictograms

Notice!
To minimize the risk of injury, do read the Manual carefully!
Double insulation
Does not belong among municipal waste!
Wear ear protection!
Wear a dust mask!
Wear protective gloves!
Wear protective goggles!
Wear sturdy shoes!

Scope of delivery

Circular Saw
EPK 18
Saw blade
HW ø185×2.0/1.4×ø20 Z24T
(65406044)
Parallel stop (Guide)
PG-EPK 18
(65406307)
Dust extraction adapter
DA-EPK 18
(65406309)
Driving flange
CF-EPK 18
(65406306)
Clamping flange
MF-EPK 18
(65406305)
Clamping screw
Key
NK-EPK 18
(65406308)

Safety warnings

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

WARNING! Read all safety warnings and all instruc-tions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions 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‑operat‑ ed (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 pow-er 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 residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD 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 oper-ating 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 energising 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 jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery 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.
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 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 ac-cordance 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.
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 all saws

```
*  **a)** **DANGER:** Keep hands away from cutting area and the blade. Keep your second hand on auxiliary handle, or mo-tor housing. If both hands are holding the saw, they cannot be cut by the blade.
```
- b) Do not reach underneath the workpiece. The guard cannot protect you from the blade below the workpiece.
- c) Adjust the cutting depth to the thickness of the workpiece. Less than a full tooth of the blade teeth should be visible be-low the workpiece.
- d) Never hold piece being cut in your hands or across your leg. Secure the workpiece to a stable platform. It is important to support the work properly to minimize body exposure, blade binding, or loss of control.
- e) Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces when per-forming an operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a „live“ wire will also make exposed metal parts of the power tool „live“ and shock the operator.
- f) When ripping always use a rip fence or straight edge guide. This improves the accuracy of cut and reduces the chance of blade binding.
- g) Always use blades with correct size and shape (diamond versus round) of arbour holes. Blades that do not match the mounting hardware of the saw will run eccentrically, causing loss of control.
- h) Never use damaged or incorrect blade washers or bolt. The blade washers and boltwere specially designed for your saw, for optimum performance and safety of operation.

Further safety instructions for all saws

Causes and operator prevention of kickback:

kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound or mis-aligned saw blade, causing an uncontrolled saw to lift up and out of the workpiece 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 sur-face of the wood causing the blade to climb out of the kerf and jump back toward the operator.

Kickback is the result of saw misuse and/or incorrect operat-ing procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below.

a) Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw and po-sition your arms to resist kickback forces. Position your body to either side of the blade, but not in line with the blade. Kickback could cause the saw to jump backwards, but kickback forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions are taken.
b) 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.
c) When restarting a saw in the workpiece, centre the saw blade in the kerf and check that saw teeth are not engaged into the material. If saw blade is binding, it may walk up or kickback from the workpiece as the saw is restarted.
d) Support large panels to minimise the risk of blade pinch-ing 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.
e) Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened or im-properly set blades produce narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade binding and kickback.
f) Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers must be tight and secure before making cut. If blade adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and kickback.
g) Use extra caution when making a „plunge cut“ into exist-ing walls or other blind areas. The protruding blade may cut objects that can cause kickback.

Safety instructions for saws with lower quard

a) Check lower guard for proper closing before each use. Do not operate the 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 tower guard with the retracting handle and make sure it moves freely and does not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and depths of cut.
b) Check the operation 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 build-up of debris.
c) Lower guard may be retracted manually only for special cuts such as „plunge cuts“ and „compound cuts.“ Raise lower guard by retracting handle and as soon as blade enters the material, the lower guard must be released. For all other sawing, the lower guard should operate automatically.
d) 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.

Further safety instructions

Check the plug and cable on a regular basis and, if they are damaged, have them replaced by an authorised customer service workshop.
The switch must be in the OFF position before you connect it to the mains.
Always guide the power cable from the tool to the rear. Never pull hard on the power cable and never place it on or guide it over any sharp edges.
Only work in a safe and stable position.
Do not work in damp environments.
Wear suitable personal protective equipment: Ear protection, protective goggles, dust mask for work that generates dust and protective gloves when changing tools, sturdy shoes.

Other risks

Even in cases where the machine is used correctly and all rele-vant safety instructions have been adhered to, the design engi-neering of the machine and its operation mean that the follow-ing safety risks may also arise:

Danger caused by the power cable.
A concentration of dust which is harmful to health when working in an area that is not sufficiently ventilated.
Injuries caused by touching electrified parts when removing the machine or its parts if the plugs on the power cable have not been removed from the socket.
You must only use original spare parts.

Information about noise level and vibrations

The values have been measured in conformity with EN 62841‑1.
EPK 18

Acoustic pressure level LpA = 93.0 dB (A).
Acoustic power level LwA = 104.0 dB (A).
In accuracy of measurements K = 3.0 dB (A).

ATTENTION! Noise is generated during work!Use ear protection!

The weighted value of vibrations affecting hands and arms ah = 5.6 m.s‑2.
In accuracy of measurements K = 1.5 m.s‑2.
The emission values specified (vibration, noise) were measured in accordance with the test conditions stipulated in EN 62841 and are intended for machine comparisons. They are also used for making preliminary estimates regarding vibration and noise loads during operation.
The emission values specified refer to the main applications for which the power tool is used. If the electric power tool is used for other applications, with other tools or is not maintained sufficient‑ ly prior to operation, however, the vibration and noise load may be higher when the tool is used.
Take into account any machine idling times and downtimes to esti‑ mate these values more accurately for a specified time period. This may significantly reduce the load during the machine operating period.

Technical Specification

Machine Description

narex-EPK-18-Circular-Saw-fig
10

Switch
Safety device to prevent an accidental start
a. Movable blade guard
- b. Blade guard arresting lever
Spindle
a. Driving flange
- b. Clamping flange
Clamping screw
Saw blade*
Key
Spindle arresting button
Secondary handle
Guide plate
- a. Guiding groove for cuts without angling
- b. Guiding groove for cuts at 45° angle
a. Blade angle scale
- b. Angle indicator
- c. Angle arresting screw
- d. Perpendicular cut stop
Parallel stop (Guide)
- a. Guide slot
- b. Guide fastening screw
a. Depth of cut guide slot
- b. Depth of cut arresting lever
- c. Depth of cut scale
- d. Depth of cut indicator
Hole for chip extraction
a. Dust extraction adapter
- b. Fastening screw
Vents

Some accessories displayed or described here may not be included in the delivery.

Double insulation
To ensure maximum safety of the user, our tools are designed and built to satisfy applicable European standards (EN standards). Tools with double insulation are marked by the international symbol of a double square. These tools must not be grounded and a two-wire cable is sufficient to supply them with power. Tools are shielded in accordance with EN 55014.

Use

The machine is designed to make straight longitudinal and transverse cuts and cuts at a 45° angle in wood with the use of a fixed support. The user bears full responsibility for the consequences of using the machine for purposes it was not designed for.

Mounting a Saw Blade

ATTENTION! Risk of injury from electric current.
Unplug the machine from the power socket before making any adjustments!
The cutting power and quality of the cut are highly dependent on the condition and shape of the teeth. Only use sharp saw blades suited for the given type of material.
When mounting the blade, make sure the orientation of the teeth aligns with the sense of rotation of thespindle (indicated by an arrow on the guard). Lift up the movable guard [3a] using the lever [3b]. On the spindle [4], place the driving flange [5a], then place the cleaned saw blade [7] on the spindle [4]. You can put the movable guard back in place. Mount a cleaned clamping flange [5b] onto the fitting of the spindle [4], then screw a cleaned clamping screw [6] on top of it. Tighten the saw blade onto the spindle by inserting the key [8] on the clamping screw [6], pressing the spindle arresting button [9] towards the saw motor and tightening the clamping screw [6] with the key [8].

The saw blade [7] is removed by reversing the procedure.

Suction attachment

ATTENTION! Risk of injury from electric current. Unplug the machine from the power socket before making any adjustments!
To connect the suction hose of the vacuum cleaner for chip and dust extraction, it is necessary to mount the dust extraction adapter [16a] on the circular saw guard.
Insert the dust extraction adapter [16a] into the upper edge of the hole for chip extraction [15] and then secure with the fastening screw [16b].

Setting Depth of Cut

ATTENTION! Risk of injury from electric current. Unplug the machine from the power socket before making any adjustments!
Loosen the depth of cut arresting lever [14b].
Adjust the depth of cut to the desired dimension by raising or low‑ ering the circular saw body. Read the approximate value of the set depth of cut on the scale [14c] at the depth indicator [14d].
Lift up: lower depth of cut
Lower down: higher depth of cut
Re‑tighten the depth of cut arresting lever [14b].
The exact depth of cut value can be determined by holding the gauge to the saw blade [7] and reading the distance from the lower side of the guide plate [11] to the saw blade teeth, or by measuring the depth of the test cut.
ATTENTION! Depth of cut is set correctly if the saw blade does not protrude through the other side of the workpiece by more than 3 mm.

Setting Cutting Angle

ATTENTION! Risk of injury from electric current. Unplug the machine from the power socket before making any adjustments!
Loosen the angle locking screws [12c].
Use the blade angle scale [12a] to approximately set the angle of choice (the angle scale is graded in 15° increments).
Re‑tighten the angle locking screws [12c]. You can find out the exact value of the set angle by measuring the angle between the lower side of the guide plate [11] and the cutting blade [7], or by measuring the bevel angle on the test cut.
ATTENTION! The depth of cut when cutting at an angle is lower than indicated on the depth of cut scale.

Precise setting of the cutting perpendicularity

ATTENTION! Risk of injury from electric current. Unplug the machine from the power socket before making any adjustments!
Perpendicular cut stop [12d] is set at the factory. Over time, as a result of vibrations, impacts etc., the saw blade may be deflected (within a tenth of an angular degree) from the perpendicular plane to the guide plate [11] of the circular saw. You can achieve a precise perpendicular cut by readjusting the perpendicular stop [12d]. You can turn the perpendicular cut stop and readjust the perpendicular cut with a 3 mm Allen key (screwdriver) inserted into the hole on the lower side of the guide plate. Verification of the perpendicularity of the cut is best achieved through a test cut of thicker material using an angle.

Parallel Stop (Guide)

ATTENTION! Risk of injury from electric current. Unplug the machine from the power socket before making any adjustments!
Slide the scale guide [13] into the guide slot [13a] on the guide plate [11] and secure it with the guide fastening screw [13b]. The guide allows for the making of parallel cuts along a straight edge and cutting strips of identical sizes.

Starting the Machine

Turning the Machine On

The machine is fitted with a safety device to prevent an acci-dental start [2].
Push the safety [2] in, hold it in place and press the switch [1]. You can release the safety once the machine is running.

Turning the Machine Off

Release the switch [1]. The rundown time of the spindle is short‑ ened by a brake once the machine is off.

Work Instructions

Fasten the workpiece to a solid base.
Feed that is too high greatly reduces the performance of the tool and shortens the life of the saw blade and the motor. Use sharp saw blades suited for the given type of material. A thin oil film on the saw blade prevents rusting.
Clean the saw blade immediately after work. Glue and resin resi‑ dues reduce the quality of the cut.

Cutting Plastic

Cutting plastic creates long, spiral shavings. Electrostatic charge may cause the hole for chip extraction [15] to clog and the mova‑ ble guard [3a] to get stuck.
Workpieces made of plastic must make good contact with the base/supports underneath. Make careful cuts and work smoothly, steadily and without interruptions. This prevents the teeth from getting smeared with plastic and keeps the cut smooth and clean.

Maintenance and service

Attention! Risk of el. shock. Prior to start any opera-tion, pull the plug out of the socket!

Instructions for Cleaning the Machine

Blow away dirt and dust from the tool’s vents when the motor is running. Use protective glasses when doing this. You can clean ex‑ terior plastic parts with a moistened cloth and a mild detergent. Though these parts are made of materials resistant to solvents, DO NOT use solvents to clean them.

Attention! With respect to protection from el. shock and preservation of the class of protection, all mainte-nance and service operations requesting jig saw case removal must be performed by the authorized service centre only!
The current list of authorized service centres can be found at our website www.narex.cz, section “Service Centres”.

Accessories

The accessories recommended for use with this device are available commercially in the shops with hand el. tools.

Storage

Packed appliance may be stored in dry, unheated storage place with temperature not lower than ‑5 °C.
Unpacked appliance should be stored only in dry storage place with temperature not lower than +5 °C with exclusion of all sudden temperature changes.

Environmental protection

Power tools, accessories and packaging should be sorted for envi‑ ronmental‑friendly recy.

Only for EU countries:
Do not dispose of power tools into household waste!
According to the European Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment and its incorporation into national law, power tools that are no longer suitable for must be separately collected and sent for recovery in an environmental‑friendly manner.

Warranty

Our equipment is under warranty for at least 12 months with regard to material or production faults in accordance with national legislation. In the EU countries, the warranty period for exclusively private use is 24 months (an invoice or delivery note is required as proof of purchase).
Damage resulting from, in particular, normal wear and tear, over‑ loading, improper handling, or caused by the user or other dam‑ age caused by not following the operating instructions, or any fault acknowledged at the time of purchase, is not covered by the warranty.
Complaints will only be acknowledged if the equipment has not been dismantled before being sent back to the suppliers or to an authorised NAREX customer support workshop. Store the operat‑ ing instructions, safety notes, spare parts list and proof of purchase in a safe place. In addition, the manufacturer’s current warranty conditions apply.

Note
Due to continuous research and development work, we re‑ serve the right to make changes to the technical content of this documentation.

Certificate of Conformity

EPK 18:
We declare that the device meets requirements of the following standards and directives.
Safety:
EN 62841‑1:2015
EN 62841‑2‑5:2014
Directive 2006/42/EC
Electromagnetic compatibility:
EN 55014‑1: 2017
EN 55014‑2: 2015
Directive 2014/30/EU
RoHS:
Directive 2011/65/EU
Place of storage of the technical documentation:
Narex s.r.o., Chelčického 1932, 470 01 Česká Lípa, Czech Republic