10
ENGLISH
NOTE: The blade can be installed in two positions as shown in
Figure I.
To Remove Blade from Saw
CAUTION: Burn hazard. Do not touch the blade
immediately after use. Contact with the blade may result
in personal injury.
1. Open up blade clamp release lever.
2. Remove blade.
Cutting (Fig. J–K)
WARNING: Always use eye protection. All users and
bystanders must wear approved eye protection.
WARNING: Exercise extra caution when cutting towards
operator. Always hold saw firmly with both hands while
cutting.
Before cutting any type of material, be sure it is firmly anchored
or clamped to prevent slipping. Place blade lightly against
work to be cut, switch on saw motor and allow it to obtain
maximum speed before applying pressure. Whenever possible,
the saw shoe must be held firmly against the material being
cut (Fig.K). This will prevent the saw from jumping or vibrating
and minimise blade breakage. Any cuts that put pressure on the
blade such as angle or scroll cuts increase potential for vibration,
kickback, and blade breakage.
WARNING: Use extra caution when cutting overhead and
pay particular attention to overhead wires that may be
hidden from view. Anticipate the path of falling branches
and debris ahead of time.
WARNING: Inspect work site for hidden gas pipes, water
pipes, or electrical wires before making blind or plunge
cuts. Failure to do so may result in explosion, property
damage, electric shock, and/or serious personal injury.
Pocket/Plunge Cutting – Wood Only (Fig. J)
The initial step in pocket cutting is to measure the surface area
to be cut and mark clearly with a pencil, chalk or scriber. Use
the appropriate blade for the application. The blade should be
longer than 90mm and should extend past the shoe and the
thickness of the workpiece during the cut. Insert blade in blade
clamp.
Next, tip the saw backward until the back edge of the shoe
is resting on the work surface and the blade clears the work
surface (position 1, Fig. J). Now switch motor on, and allow
saw to come up to speed. Grip saw firmly with both hands and
begin a slow, deliberate upward swing with the handle of the
saw, keeping the bottom of the shoe firmly in contact with
the workpiece (position 2, Fig. J). Blade will begin to feed into
material. Always be sure blade is completely through material
before continuing with pocket cut.
NOTE: In areas where blade visibility is limited, use the edge
of the saw shoe as a guide. Lines for any given cut should be
extended beyond edge of cut to be made.
Metal Cutting (Fig. K)
Your saw has different metal cutting capacities depending upon
type of blade used and the metal to be cut. Use a finer blade for
4
English
NOTICE: Indicates a practice not related to
personal injury which, if not avoided, may result in
propertydamage.
Denotes risk of electricshock.
Denotes risk offire.
General Power Tool Safety Warnings
WARNING: Read all safety warnings and all
instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and
instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or
seriousinjury.
SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-
operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless)
powertool.
Work Area Safety
a) Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark
areas inviteaccidents.
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 orfumes.
c) Keep children and bystanders away while operating
a power tool. Distractions can cause you to losecontrol.
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
electricshock.
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 orgrounded.
c) Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of
electricshock.
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 electricshock.
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 electricshock.
f) If operating a power tool in a damp location is
unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk
of electricshock.
English (original instructions)
CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW
DCS388
Congratulations!
You have chosen a DeWALT tool. Years of experience, thorough
product development and innovation make
DeWALT one of the
most reliable partners for professional power toolusers.
Technical Data
DCS388
Max/Rating Voltage V
DC
60/54
Battery type Li-Ion
Max. power output W 1550
No load speed min
-1
0–3000
Stroke length mm 28.6
Cutting capacity in wood/metal profiles/
plastic tubes
mm 300/130/160
Weight (without battery pack) kg 3.54
Battery pack DCB606 DCB546
Battery type Li-Ion Li-Ion
Voltage V
DC
20/60 18/54
Capacity Ah 6.0/2.0 6.0/2.0
Weight kg 1.05 1.05
Charger DCB118
Mains voltage V
AC
220-240
Battery type 20/60Li-Ion
Approx. charging time
of battery packs
min 22 (1.3 Ah) 22 (1.5 Ah) 30 (2.0 Ah)
45 (3.0 Ah) 60 (4.0 Ah) 75 (5.0 Ah)
60 (6.0 Ah)
Weight kg 0,66
The DCB118 charger accepts 18/20V Li-Ion XR and
XRFLEXVOLT
TM
battery packs (DCB181, DCB182, DCB183,
DCB183B, DCB184, DCB184B, DCB185 DCB546 and DCB606).
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, read the
instruction manual.
Definitions: Safety Guidelines
The definitions below describe the level of severity for each
signal word. Please read the manual and pay attention to
thesesymbols.
ZV DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
seriousinjury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death or
seriousinjury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderateinjury.
12
ENGLISH
Cleaning
WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of the main housing
with dry air as often as dirt is seen collecting in and around
the air vents. Wear approved eye protection and approved
dust mask when performing thisprocedure.
WARNING: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals
for cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. These
chemicals may weaken the materials used in these parts.
Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap.
Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any
part of the tool into aliquid.
Optional Accessories
WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered
by
DeWALT, have not been tested with this product, use
of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous.
To reduce the risk of injury, only DeWALT recommended
accessories should be used with thisproduct.
Consult your dealer for further information on the
appropriateaccessories.
Protecting the Environment
Separate collection. Products and batteries marked
with this symbol must not be disposed of with normal
household waste.
Products and batteries contain materials that can
be recovered or recycled reducing the demand for raw
materials. Please recycle electrical products and batteries
according to local provisions. Further information is available at
www.2helpU.com.
Rechargeable Battery Pack
This long life battery pack must be recharged when it fails
to produce sufficient power on jobs which were easily done
before. At the end of its technical life, discard it with due care for
our environment:
• Run the battery pack down completely, then remove it from
the tool.
• Li-Ion cells are recyclable. Take them to your dealer or a
local recycling station. The collected battery packs will be
recycled or disposed of properly.
12
ENGLISH
Cleaning
WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of the main housing
with dry air as often as dirt is seen collecting in and around
the air vents. Wear approved eye protection and approved
dust mask when performing thisprocedure.
WARNING: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals
for cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. These
chemicals may weaken the materials used in these parts.
Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap.
Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any
part of the tool into aliquid.
Optional Accessories
WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered
by
DeWALT, have not been tested with this product, use
of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous.
To reduce the risk of injury, only
DeWALT recommended
accessories should be used with thisproduct.
Consult your dealer for further information on the
appropriateaccessories.
Protecting the Environment
Separate collection. Products and batteries marked
with this symbol must not be disposed of with normal
household waste.
Products and batteries contain materials that can
be recovered or recycled reducing the demand for raw
materials. Please recycle electrical products and batteries
according to local provisions. Further information is available at
www.2helpU.com.
Rechargeable Battery Pack
This long life battery pack must be recharged when it fails
to produce sufficient power on jobs which were easily done
before. At the end of its technical life, discard it with due care for
our environment:
• Run the battery pack down completely, then remove it from
the tool.
• Li-Ion cells are recyclable. Take them to your dealer or a
local recycling station. The collected battery packs will be
recycled or disposed of properly.
12
ENGLISH
Cleaning
WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of the main housing
with dry air as often as dirt is seen collecting in and around
the air vents. Wear approved eye protection and approved
dust mask when performing thisprocedure.
WARNING: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals
for cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. These
chemicals may weaken the materials used in these parts.
Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap.
Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any
part of the tool into aliquid.
Optional Accessories
WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered
by
DeWALT, have not been tested with this product, use
of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous.
To reduce the risk of injury, only DeWALT recommended
accessories should be used with thisproduct.
Consult your dealer for further information on the
appropriateaccessories.
Protecting the Environment
Separate collection. Products and batteries marked
with this symbol must not be disposed of with normal
household waste.
Products and batteries contain materials that can
be recovered or recycled reducing the demand for raw
materials. Please recycle electrical products and batteries
according to local provisions. Further information is available at
www.2helpU.com.
Rechargeable Battery Pack
This long life battery pack must be recharged when it fails
to produce sufficient power on jobs which were easily done
before. At the end of its technical life, discard it with due care for
our environment:
• Run the battery pack down completely, then remove it from
the tool.
• Li-Ion cells are recyclable. Take them to your dealer or a
local recycling station. The collected battery packs will be
recycled or disposed of properly.
12
ENGLISH
Cleaning
WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of the main housing
with dry air as often as dirt is seen collecting in and around
the air vents. Wear approved eye protection and approved
dust mask when performing thisprocedure.
WARNING: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals
for cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. These
chemicals may weaken the materials used in these parts.
Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap.
Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any
part of the tool into aliquid.
Optional Accessories
WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered
by
DeWALT, have not been tested with this product, use
of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous.
To reduce the risk of injury, only DeWALT recommended
accessories should be used with thisproduct.
Consult your dealer for further information on the
appropriateaccessories.
Protecting the Environment
Separate collection. Products and batteries marked
with this symbol must not be disposed of with normal
household waste.
Products and batteries contain materials that can
be recovered or recycled reducing the demand for raw
materials. Please recycle electrical products and batteries
according to local provisions. Further information is available at
www.2helpU.com.
Rechargeable Battery Pack
This long life battery pack must be recharged when it fails
to produce sufficient power on jobs which were easily done
before. At the end of its technical life, discard it with due care for
our environment:
• Run the battery pack down completely, then remove it from
the tool.
• Li-Ion cells are recyclable. Take them to your dealer or a
local recycling station. The collected battery packs will be
recycled or disposed of properly.
ferrous metals and a coarse blade for non-ferrous materials. In
thin gauge sheet metals it is best to clamp wood to both sides
of sheet. This will ensure a clean cut without excess vibration or
tearing of metal. Always remember not to force cutting blade as
this reduces blade life and causes costly blade breakage.
NOTE: It is generally recommended that when cutting metals
you should spread a thin film of oil or other lubricant along
the line ahead of the saw cut for easier operation and longer
bladelife.
MAINTENANCE
Your DeWALT power tool has been designed to operate
over a long period of time with a minimum of maintenance.
Continuous satisfactory operation depends upon proper tool
care and regularcleaning.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal
injury, turn tool off and disconnect battery pack
before making any adjustments or removing/
installing attachments or accessories. An accidental
start-up can causeinjury.
The charger and battery pack are notserviceable.
Lubrication
Your power tool requires no additionallubrication.
Cleaning
WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of the main housing
with dry air as often as dirt is seen collecting in and around
the air vents. Wear approved eye protection and approved
dust mask when performing thisprocedure.
WARNING: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals
for cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. These
chemicals may weaken the materials used in these parts.
Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap.
Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any
part of the tool into aliquid.
Optional Accessories
WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered
by DeWALT, have not been tested with this product, use
of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous.
To reduce the risk of injury, only DeWALT recommended
accessories should be used with thisproduct.
Consult your dealer for further information on the
appropriateaccessories.
Protecting the Environment
Separate collection. Products and batteries marked
with this symbol must not be disposed of with normal
household waste.
Products and batteries contain materials that can
be recovered or recycled reducing the demand for raw
materials. Please recycle electrical products and batteries
12
ENGLISH
Cleaning
WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of the main housing
with dry air as often as dirt is seen collecting in and around
the air vents. Wear approved eye protection and approved
dust mask when performing thisprocedure.
WARNING: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals
for cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. These
chemicals may weaken the materials used in these parts.
Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap.
Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any
part of the tool into aliquid.
Optional Accessories
WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered
by
DeWALT, have not been tested with this product, use
of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous.
To reduce the risk of injury, only DeWALT recommended
accessories should be used with thisproduct.
Consult your dealer for further information on the
appropriateaccessories.
Protecting the Environment
Separate collection. Products and batteries marked
with this symbol must not be disposed of with normal
household waste.
Products and batteries contain materials that can
be recovered or recycled reducing the demand for raw
materials. Please recycle electrical products and batteries
according to local provisions. Further information is available at
www.2helpU.com.
Rechargeable Battery Pack
This long life battery pack must be recharged when it fails
to produce sufficient power on jobs which were easily done
before. At the end of its technical life, discard it with due care for
our environment:
• Run the battery pack down completely, then remove it from
the tool.
• Li-Ion cells are recyclable. Take them to your dealer or a
local recycling station. The collected battery packs will be
recycled or disposed of properly.
12
ENGLISH
Cleaning
WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of the main housing
with dry air as often as dirt is seen collecting in and around
the air vents. Wear approved eye protection and approved
dust mask when performing thisprocedure.
WARNING: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals
for cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. These
chemicals may weaken the materials used in these parts.
Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap.
Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any
part of the tool into aliquid.
Optional Accessories
WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered
by
DeWALT, have not been tested with this product, use
of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous.
To reduce the risk of injury, only
DeWALT recommended
accessories should be used with thisproduct.
Consult your dealer for further information on the
appropriateaccessories.
Protecting the Environment
Separate collection. Products and batteries marked
with this symbol must not be disposed of with normal
household waste.
Products and batteries contain materials that can
be recovered or recycled reducing the demand for raw
materials. Please recycle electrical products and batteries
according to local provisions. Further information is available at
www.2helpU.com.
Rechargeable Battery Pack
This long life battery pack must be recharged when it fails
to produce sufficient power on jobs which were easily done
before. At the end of its technical life, discard it with due care for
our environment:
• Run the battery pack down completely, then remove it from
the tool.
• Li-Ion cells are recyclable. Take them to your dealer or a
local recycling station. The collected battery packs will be
recycled or disposed of properly.
12
ENGLISH
Cleaning
WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of the main housing
with dry air as often as dirt is seen collecting in and around
the air vents. Wear approved eye protection and approved
dust mask when performing thisprocedure.
WARNING: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals
for cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. These
chemicals may weaken the materials used in these parts.
Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap.
Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any
part of the tool into aliquid.
Optional Accessories
WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered
by
DeWALT, have not been tested with this product, use
of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous.
To reduce the risk of injury, only DeWALT recommended
accessories should be used with thisproduct.
Consult your dealer for further information on the
appropriateaccessories.
Protecting the Environment
Separate collection. Products and batteries marked
with this symbol must not be disposed of with normal
household waste.
Products and batteries contain materials that can
be recovered or recycled reducing the demand for raw
materials. Please recycle electrical products and batteries
according to local provisions. Further information is available at
www.2helpU.com.
Rechargeable Battery Pack
This long life battery pack must be recharged when it fails
to produce sufficient power on jobs which were easily done
before. At the end of its technical life, discard it with due care for
our environment:
• Run the battery pack down completely, then remove it from
the tool.
• Li-Ion cells are recyclable. Take them to your dealer or a
local recycling station. The collected battery packs will be
recycled or disposed of properly.
12
ENGLISH
Cleaning
WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of the main housing
with dry air as often as dirt is seen collecting in and around
the air vents. Wear approved eye protection and approved
dust mask when performing thisprocedure.
WARNING: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals
for cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. These
chemicals may weaken the materials used in these parts.
Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap.
Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any
part of the tool into aliquid.
Optional Accessories
WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered
by
DeWALT, have not been tested with this product, use
of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous.
To reduce the risk of injury, only
DeWALT recommended
accessories should be used with thisproduct.
Consult your dealer for further information on the
appropriateaccessories.
Protecting the Environment
Separate collection. Products and batteries marked
with this symbol must not be disposed of with normal
household waste.
Products and batteries contain materials that can
be recovered or recycled reducing the demand for raw
materials. Please recycle electrical products and batteries
according to local provisions. Further information is available at
www.2helpU.com.
Rechargeable Battery Pack
This long life battery pack must be recharged when it fails
to produce sufficient power on jobs which were easily done
before. At the end of its technical life, discard it with due care for
our environment:
• Run the battery pack down completely, then remove it from
the tool.
• Li-Ion cells are recyclable. Take them to your dealer or a
local recycling station. The collected battery packs will be
recycled or disposed of properly.