Craftsman Chain Saw

User Manual & Safety Guide

Gas Powered Chain Saw

Safety Instructions

Essential Safety Equipment:

  • Safety glasses or face shield
  • Hearing protection
  • Cut-resistant gloves
  • Steel-toed boots
  • Chaps or protective pants
  • Hard hat (when needed)

Critical Safety Rules

  1. Read Manual First: Read and understand all instructions before operating the chain saw.
  2. Proper Training: Never operate a chain saw without proper training and experience.
  3. Inspect Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and all components before each use.
  4. Clear Work Area: Ensure work area is clear of obstacles, people, and animals.
  5. Secure Workpiece: Never cut wood that is not properly supported or secured.
  6. Proper Stance: Maintain secure footing and balance at all times.
  7. Kickback Awareness: Understand and avoid kickback situations - keep nose of bar away from objects.
  8. Never Cut Above Shoulder Height: Always cut at waist level or below.
  9. Fuel Safety: Refuel only when engine is cool, outdoors, and away from ignition sources.
  10. Emergency Preparedness: Have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher readily available.
Warning: Chain saws are dangerous power tools that can cause serious injury or death if not used properly. Always follow all safety instructions.

Assembly Guide

Tools Needed:

  • Socket wrench set
  • Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
  • Chain saw file and guide
  • Bar and chain oil
  • Two-cycle engine oil
  • Gasoline container

Step-by-Step Assembly

  1. Unpack and Inspect: Remove all packaging materials and inspect for shipping damage.
  2. Handle Assembly: Attach front and rear handles according to instructions, tightening all bolts securely.
  3. Bar and Chain Installation: Install guide bar, ensuring proper orientation of oil holes. Install chain with cutting teeth facing forward on top of bar.
  4. Chain Tension Adjustment: Adjust chain tension so chain snaps back when pulled away from bar, with approximately 1/8 inch play.
  5. Fuel Mix Preparation: Mix gasoline with two-cycle engine oil at 50:1 ratio (unless otherwise specified).
  6. Oil System Priming: Fill bar and chain oil reservoir and pump manual primer if equipped.
  7. Final Inspection: Check all fasteners, controls, and safety features before starting.
Important: Always wear protective equipment during assembly. Ensure chain brake is functioning properly before first use.

Specifications

Model Series CMCS350
Engine Type 2-Cycle Gasoline Engine
Displacement 45cc
Power Output 2.5 HP
Guide Bar Length 18 inches
Chain Pitch 0.325 inches
Chain Gauge 0.050 inches
Fuel Capacity 14.9 fl oz (440 ml)
Oil Capacity 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
Weight (dry) 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg)
Sound Power Level 112 dB(A)
Vibration Level Front Handle: 4.5 m/s², Rear Handle: 6.5 m/s²

Warranty Information

  • Full Warranty: 2 years limited warranty
  • Commercial Use: 90 days for commercial applications
  • Additional Coverage: Optional extended protection plans available

For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit Craftsman.com

Operation Guide

Starting Procedure

Place saw on clear ground. Set chain brake. Press decompression valve if equipped. Set choke. Pull starter rope until engine fires. Move choke to run position. Pull starter rope to start.

Basic Cutting Techniques

Use full throttle when cutting. Let chain do the work - don't force it. Plan cuts to avoid pinching bar. Maintain secure footing and balance. Always cut at waist level or below.

Kickback Prevention

Keep nose of bar away from wood, ground, and other objects. Maintain firm grip with thumbs wrapped around handles. Use reduced kickback chain and bar. Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned.

Fueling Procedure

Stop engine and allow to cool. Clean area around fuel cap. Use proper fuel mix (50:1). Fill to specified level. Wipe up spills immediately. Replace cap securely.

Cutting Positions & Techniques

Felling

Plan escape path. Make notch cut 1/3 of tree diameter. Make felling cut opposite notch. Use wedges for large trees or leaners.

Limbing

Work from trunk outward. Stand on opposite side of tree. Cut limbs under tension from top side. Watch for springback.

Bucking

Support log properly. Cut from top down for tension wood. Cut from bottom up for compression wood. Use plastic or wooden wedges.

Pruning

Make first cut on underside of branch. Make second cut from top. Make final cut close to trunk without damaging branch collar.

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Item Frequency Procedure
Chain Sharpening Every 2-3 hours of use Use proper file size. Maintain 30° cutting angle. File all cutters evenly.
Chain Tension Check Before each use Adjust when chain sags from bar. Chain should snap back when pulled.
Air Filter Cleaning Every 10 hours Remove and clean with soapy water. Dry completely before reinstalling.
Spark Plug Inspection Every 20 hours Check electrode gap (0.025"). Clean or replace as needed.
Bar Maintenance Every 25 hours Clean bar grooves. Flip bar to ensure even wear. File bar rails if needed.
Fuel System Seasonal Drain fuel for storage. Clean fuel filter. Inspect fuel lines.

Storage Instructions

  • Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor
  • Run engine until it stops to clear fuel lines
  • Remove chain and clean thoroughly
  • Store chain in oil to prevent rust
  • Clean entire saw and apply light oil to metal surfaces
  • Store in dry, secure location out of reach of children

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Cause Solution
Engine won't start No spark, flooded, stale fuel, clogged filter Check spark plug, use fresh fuel mix, clean air filter, check switch
Engine starts then dies Fuel delivery issue, carburetor adjustment Clean fuel filter, adjust carburetor, check fuel lines
Poor cutting performance Dull chain, improper tension, worn bar Sharpen chain, adjust tension, check bar condition
Chain won't turn Brake engaged, clutch problem, seized bearing Disengage brake, check clutch springs, inspect sprocket bearing
Excessive vibration Unbalanced chain, loose components, worn mounts Balance chain, tighten all fasteners, check anti-vibration mounts
Chain throws oil Overfilled, wrong oil, pump adjustment Check oil level, use proper bar oil, adjust oil pump

Common Issues & Solutions

  • Hard Starting: Check spark plug gap, use fresh fuel mix, ensure choke operation
  • Chain Coming Off: Check chain tension, inspect drive sprocket, examine bar rails
  • Overheating: Clean cooling fins, check fuel mix ratio, ensure proper lubrication
  • Loss of Power: Clean air filter, check exhaust screen, inspect piston condition
  • Oil Leaks: Check oil lines, inspect tank seals, examine pump connections
  • Exhaust Smoke: Adjust carburetor, check fuel mix, inspect piston rings

Manual Downloads

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