Craftsman S1450 Chainsaw Manual

The Craftsman S1450 is a powerful 14-inch gas-powered chainsaw designed for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. It features a 42cc 2-cycle engine, automatic oiling system, low-kickback bar and chain, tool-free chain tensioning, and an anti-vibration handle system. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Fuel & Oil Preparation 7. Starting & Operation 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening 10. Storage Guidelines 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42cc 2-cycle engine, 14-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiler, front hand guard, rear handle with throttle trigger, choke control, primer bulb, and combination tool.

Feature	Description
Engine	42cc 2-cycle gasoline engine
Guide Bar Length	14 inches
Chain Pitch	3/8-inch low-kickback chain
Automatic Oiler	Lubricates bar and chain during operation
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces user fatigue
Tool-Free Tensioning	Adjust chain tension without tools
Safety Features	Chain brake, front hand guard, throttle lockout
Weight	10.5 lbs (without fuel and oil)
Fuel Tank Capacity	10.1 fl oz
Oil Tank Capacity	6.8 fl oz

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear protective equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
Operating Area: Keep bystanders and pets at least 30 feet away. Clear area of debris.
Kickback Awareness: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not cut with tip of bar.
Fuel Safety: Mix and fuel outdoors, away from sparks or flames.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

Attach Guide Bar and Chain: Place bar over studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
Install Chain Brake Handle: Ensure it moves freely between engaged and disengaged positions.
Fill Oil Tank: Use bar and chain oil only. Check for leaks.
Fuel Mix Preparation: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) mixed with 2-cycle oil at 40:1 ratio.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned—should snap back when pulled from bar.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman S1450
Engine Type: 2-cycle air-cooled gasoline
Displacement: 42cc
Guide Bar Length: 14 inches
Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch
Chain Gauge: 0.050 inch
Fuel Capacity: 10.1 fl oz (300 ml)
Oil Capacity: 6.8 fl oz (200 ml)
Weight: 10.5 lbs (4.8 kg) dry
Sound Pressure Level: 105 dB(A) at operator's ear

Controls and Components

Main controls located on rear handle and body.

Rear Handle: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke control, primer bulb, stop switch.

Body: Front hand guard/chain brake, fuel tank cap, oil tank cap, spark plug cover, decompression valve (if equipped).

Operation: Pull choke for cold start, press primer bulb 5 times, set stop switch to "I", pull starter rope. For warm start, leave choke open.

Fuel & Oil Preparation

Use proper fuel mix to prevent engine damage.

Fuel: Mix fresh unleaded gasoline with 2-cycle engine oil at 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas).
Oil: Use high-quality bar and chain oil in oil tank. Do not use waste oil.
Filling: Clean area around caps. Use funnel to avoid spills. Wipe spills immediately.

Tip: Use fuel stabilizer if storing saw for more than 30 days.

Starting & Operation

Follow proper starting procedure to avoid flooding.

Cold Start: Set chain brake to engaged. Move choke to closed position. Press primer bulb 5 times. Pull starter rope until engine fires. Move choke to open. Pull rope to start.
Warm Start: Choke open. Pull starter rope.
Cutting: Disengage chain brake. Apply full throttle before contacting wood. Let chain do the work.
Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle, press stop switch to "O".

WARNING! Always engage chain brake when carrying or not actively cutting.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check chain tension, inspect for damage, check fuel/oil levels
Every 5 hours	Clean air filter, check spark plug
Every 10 hours	Clean cooling fins, check bar for wear
Every 20 hours	Replace spark plug, clean fuel filter
Seasonally	Sharpen chain, replace air filter if needed

Chain Sharpening

Sharp chain cuts efficiently and safely.

Secure saw: Use vise to hold bar firmly.
File size: Use 5/32-inch round file for 3/8-inch pitch chain.
Filing angle: Maintain 30-degree angle on cutters.
File depth gauges: Use depth gauge tool to maintain proper height.
Equal strokes: Apply same number of strokes to each cutter.

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling chain. File in one direction only.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues.

Drain fuel: Run engine until it stops from empty tank, or add fuel stabilizer.
Clean saw: Remove debris from cooling fins, air filter, and exterior.
Remove chain: Clean and oil chain, store separately.
Store: Keep in dry, secure location away from children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Old fuel, flooded engine, spark plug	Use fresh fuel mix; wait 15 min if flooded; check/replace spark plug.
Engine runs then dies	Clogged fuel filter, air filter	Replace fuel filter; clean air filter.
Chain won't turn	Brake engaged, clutch, sprocket	Disengage brake; check clutch and drive sprocket for wear.
Chain throws oil	Overfilled oil tank	Drain excess oil; check oiler adjustment.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, damaged bar	Tighten all fasteners; inspect bar for damage.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Craftsman service center at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.