DeWalt Comprehensive Guide to DW331 Parts and Features

FIG. 1 FIG. 2 FIG. 3 L L

B		K	K
A		D
	C

D

F

FIG. 5

FIG. 4

E

I

G

E		F
FIG. 6	FIG. 7	FIG. 8
	H

G

I

TRIGGER SWITCH

As the trigger switch is pressed in, the strokes-per-minute continue to increase, but not to exceed the maximum setting on the speed control dial. As the trigger is released, the blade strokes-per-minute reduce.

Blade Installation and Removal (Fig. 3)

CAUTION: Turn off and unplug the tool before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories.

TO INSTALL A BLADE

NOTE: This jig saw uses only T-shank jig saw blades.

NOTE: The DT2074 flush cutting blade is for use with DEWALT DW331 and DC330 jig saws only.

NOTE: When installing flush cutting blades (DT2074), the anti-splinter insert must be removed and the shoe must to be in the 0° positive stop position.

1.Lift the keyless blade lever (D).

2.Insert the T-shank blade into the clamp mechanism (K) while guiding the back of the blade into the groove of the guide rollers (L).

3.The T-shank should be completely inside the clamp mechanism as shown in Figure 3.

4.Release the keyless blade lever.

TO REMOVE A BLADE

1.Lift the keyless blade lever (D).

2.With a slight shake the blade will drop out.

CAUTION: Do not touch used blades, they may be hot. Personal injury may result.

	F	M	F
	I
F		J	I
FIG. 9		FIG. 10

Beveling the Shoe (Fig. 4)

To unlock the shoe, pull the keyless bevel lever (E) to the side.

To lock the shoe, push the keyless bevel lever back under the body of the jig saw.

TO BEVEL THE SHOE

1.Unlock the shoe.

2.Slide the shoe (F) forward to release it from the 0° positive stop position.

3.The shoe can be beveled to the left or to the right and has detents at 15°, 30° and 45°. The shoe can be manually stopped at any degree between 0° and 45°.

4.Once the desired bevel angle is achieved, lock the shoe into place.

TO SET SHOE BACK TO 0°

1.Unlock the shoe.

2.Rotate the shoe back to 0°.

3.Slide the shoe back into the 0° positive stop position.

4.Lock the shoe.

Cutting Action – Orbital or Straight (Fig. 5)

CAUTION: Check that the tool is not locked ON before connecting it to a power supply. If the trigger switch is locked ON when the tool is connected to the power supply, it will start immedi- ately. Damage to your tool or personal injury may result.

This jig saw is equipped with four cutting actions, three orbital and one straight. Orbital action has a more aggressive blade motion and is designed for cutting in soft materials like wood or plastic. Orbital action provides a faster cut, but with a less smooth cut across the material. In orbital action, the blade moves forward during the cutting stroke in addition to the up and down motion.

NOTE: Metal or hardwoods should never be cut in orbital action.

To adjust the cutting action, move the cutting action lever (G) between the four cutting posi- tions: 0, 1, 2, and 3. Position 0 is straight cutting. Positions 1, 2, and 3 are orbital cutting. The aggressiveness of the cut increase as the lever is adjusted from one to three, with three being the most aggressive cut.

Dust Blower (Fig. 6)

The dust blower helps clear the cutting area of debris created from the blade.

NOTE: When cutting metal, turn the dust blower off so cutting fluids are not blown away from the blade.

To turn the dust blower on, slide the dust blower control (H) all the way to the top. To turn the dust blower off, slide the dust blower control all the way to the bottom.

Removable No-Mar Shoe Cover (Fig. 7)

The no-mar shoe cover (I) should be used when cutting surfaces that scratch easily, such as laminate, veneer, or paint.

To attach no-mar shoe cover, place the front of the aluminum shoe (F) into the front of the no- mar shoe cover (I) and lower the jig saw. The no-mar shoe will click securely onto the rear of aluminum shoe.

To remove no-mar shoe cover, grasp the no-mar shoe cover from the bottom; holding onto the two rear tabs (M) remove the no-mar shoe cover.

FIG. 11

O

NP

Cutting

WARNING: The jig saw should not be operated with the shoe removed or serious personal injury may result.

POCKET CUTTING (FIG. 10)

A pocket cut is an easy method of making an inside cut. The saw can be inserted directly into a panel or board without first drilling a lead or pilot hole. In pocket cutting, measure the surface to be cut and mark clearly with a pencil. Next tip the saw forward until the front end of the shoe sits firmly on the work surface and the blade clears the work through its full stroke. Switch the tool on and allow it to attain maximum speed. Grip the saw firmly and lower the back edge of tool slowly until the blade reaches its complete depth. Hold the shoe flat against the wood and begin cutting. Do not remove blade from cut while it is still moving. Blade must come to a complete stop.

FLUSH CUTTING (FIG. 9)

A flush cut is necessary when finishing off cuts up to a wall or an obstacle, such as back-splash. One of the easiest ways to accomplish the flush cut is to use a flush cutting blade (DT2074). The flush cutting blade provides the reach necessary to cut right up to the front edge of the jig saw shoe. Remove the anti-splinter insert and return the shoe to the 0° positive stop position before installing and using the flush cutting blade. For the best cut quality the flush cutting blade should be used in the 0 or 1 orbital position. The flush cutting blade should not be used to start the cut because the flush cutting blade prevents the shoe from being supported by the work surface. Use wood cutting practices explained below.

WOOD CUTTING

Support the workpiece adequately at all times. Use the higher speed setting for cutting wood. Do not attempt to turn the tool on when blade is against material to be cut. This could stall the motor. Place the front of shoe on the material to be cut and hold the jig saw shoe firmly against the wood while cutting. Don’t force the tool; let the blade cut at its own speed. When the cut is complete, turn the jig saw off. Let blade come to a complete stop and then lay the saw aside before loosening the work.

METAL CUTTING

In cutting thin gauge sheet metals, it is best to clamp wood to the bottom of sheet metal; this will insure a clean cut without the risk of vibration or tearing of metal. Always remember to use a finer blade for ferrous metals (for those that have a high iron content); and use a coarser blade for non- ferrous metals (those that do not have an iron content). Use a high speed setting for cutting soft metals (aluminum, copper, brass, mild steel, galvanized. pipe, conduit sheet metal, etc.). Use lower speed to cut plastics, tile, laminate, hard metals, and cast iron.

Anti-Splinter Insert (Fig. 8)

NOTE: Do not use the anti-splinter insert with the flush cutting blade.

The anti-splinter insert (J) should be used when trying to minimize tear-out, especially when cut- ting veneer, laminate, or finished surfaces, such as paint. The anti-splinter insert should be installed into the no-mar shoe cover (I). If the no-mar cover is not used, install anti-splinter insert into shoe (F).

MAINTENANCE

Cleaning

CAUTION: 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.

Do not use gasoline, turpentine, lacquer or paint thinner, dry cleaning fluids or similar products. Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any part of the tool into a liquid.