Safety Instructions
Personal Protective Equipment Required:
- Safety glasses or face shield
- Hearing protection
- Cut-resistant gloves
- Steel-toed boots
- Close-fitting clothing
Important Safety Rules
- Electrical Safety: Always use a grounded outlet. Keep cord away from cutting area and sharp edges.
- Kickback Prevention: Hold chainsaw firmly with both hands. Never cut with the tip of the bar.
- Work Area Safety: Clear work area of obstacles and ensure secure footing before operation.
- Proper Handling: Carry chainsaw with motor stopped and guide bar pointed away from your body.
- Chain Brake: Test chain brake before each use. Engage chain brake when not actively cutting.
- Barrier Guards: Keep all guards in place and functioning properly.
- Children and Pets: Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away during operation.
Specifications
| Model Series | CMECS615 |
| Type | Electric Chainsaw |
| Motor Type | 15 Amp Brushless Electric |
| Bar Length | 16 inches |
| Chain Speed | No Load: 2,800 FPM |
| Chain Type | 3/8" Low-Kickback Pitch |
| Chain Gauge | 0.050 inches |
| Oil Capacity | 8.5 oz |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs |
| Power Requirements | 120V, 60Hz, 15A |
| Cord Length | 6 feet |
| Automatic Oiler | Yes |
| Chain Brake | Inertia-Activated |
Warranty Information
- Full Warranty: 3 years limited warranty
- Motor Warranty: 5 years on brushless motor
- Additional Coverage: 90-day satisfaction guarantee
For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit Craftsman.com
Assembly Guide
Tools Needed:
- Hex wrench (included)
- Screwdriver (flat head)
- Chain tension adjustment tool
- Bar and chain oil
Step-by-Step Assembly
- Unpack and Inspect: Remove all packaging materials and verify all parts are included and undamaged.
- Install Guide Bar: Place guide bar onto mounting studs, aligning adjustment pin with bar hole.
- Install Chain: Place chain over guide bar sprocket, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top of bar.
- Secure Bar and Chain: Replace bar cover and tighten nuts finger-tight. Adjust chain tension.
- Final Tightening: Tighten bar nuts securely with wrench while holding bar nose up.
- Chain Tension Adjustment: Adjust chain tension so it snaps back when pulled away from bar.
- Fill Oil Reservoir: Fill bar and chain oil reservoir with recommended oil type.
- Final Inspection: Check all fasteners, chain tension, and safety features before first use.
Operation Guide
Starting Procedure
Place chainsaw on firm surface. Engage chain brake. Plug into grounded outlet. Hold rear handle with right hand, front handle with left hand. Press safety lock and trigger to start.
Proper Cutting Technique
Maintain secure footing. Use full throttle before contacting wood. Let chain do the work - don't force it. Cut at waist level when possible. Be aware of kickback zone.
Chain Brake Operation
The inertia-activated chain brake stops the chain within milliseconds if kickback occurs. Test before each use by engaging brake with motor off.
Automatic Oiler System
Maintains proper lubrication to bar and chain. Check oil level frequently during extended use. Adjust oil flow rate for cutting conditions.
Cutting Techniques
Felling Trees
Plan escape path. Make notch cut on falling side, then back cut leaving hinge wood. Retreat along planned path when tree begins to fall.
Limbing
Work from base to top. Stand on opposite side of tree from limb being cut. Beware of spring-back from under tension.
Bucking Logs
Support log properly. Cut from top down for supported logs. For unsupported logs, cut 1/3 from top, then complete from bottom.
Pruning
Use bottom of bar to avoid kickback. Make relief cut first, then finishing cut. Support branch being removed.
Maintenance
| Maintenance Item | Frequency | Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Chain Sharpening | Every 2-3 hours of use | Use round file and guide. 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. |
| Bar Maintenance | Monthly | Clean bar grooves. Flip bar monthly for even wear. File down burrs on rails. |
| Air Filter Cleaning | Every 10 hours | Remove filter, tap clean. Wash in soapy water if very dirty. Dry completely. |
| Sprocket Inspection | Every 20 hours | Check for wear. Replace if teeth are hooked or worn unevenly. |
| Brush Inspection | Every 50 hours | Check motor brushes. Replace if worn to 1/4 inch or less. |
Lubrication Schedule
- Bar and Chain Oil: Check before each use, refill as needed
- Drive Sprocket: Light grease monthly
- Bar Mounting Points: Light oil weekly
- Chain Brake Mechanism: Clean monthly, no lubrication needed
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Chainsaw won't start | Power issue, chain brake engaged, safety lock not released | Check power supply, disengage chain brake, press safety lock |
| Poor cutting performance | Dull chain, improper chain tension, insufficient oil | Sharpen chain, adjust tension, check oil level and flow |
| Chain won't stay tight | Worn bar, stretched chain, loose bar nuts | Inspect bar and chain for wear, tighten bar nuts properly |
| Excessive vibration | Damaged chain, unbalanced cutting, loose components | Inspect chain for damage, check all fasteners, balance cutting pressure |
| Motor overheats | Dull chain, excessive pressure, blocked air vents | Sharpen chain, reduce pressure, clean air vents |
| Oil not dispensing | Empty reservoir, clogged oil ports, faulty pump | Refill oil, clean oil ports, check pump operation |
Common Issues and Solutions
- Chain throws off bar: Check chain tension and bar wear. Replace if necessary.
- Chain cuts crooked: Sharven cutters unevenly or file depth gauges improperly.
- Excessive kickback: Avoid cutting with bar tip. Maintain sharp chain.
- Motor runs but chain doesn't move: Check drive sprocket and clutch assembly.
- Electrical tripping: Check for damaged cord or internal short circuit.
Manual Downloads
Current Model Manuals
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16" 15-Amp Electric Chainsaw
CMECS612
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CMECS620
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CMECSB615
16" Battery Chainsaw
Popular Previous Models
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