Montgomery Ward Electric Chainsaw Manual

The Montgomery Ward Electric Chainsaw is a powerful and efficient tool designed for home woodcutting tasks. This manual covers the model with a 14-inch or 16-inch guide bar, powered by a standard 120V AC electric motor. It includes key sections on safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and warranty information to ensure safe and effective use.

1. Safety Instructions 2. Features & Components 3. Assembly & Installation 4. Specifications 5. Controls & Operation 6. Chain Tension & Lubrication 7. Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Storage 10. Troubleshooting 11. Warranty & Support

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before use. Failure to follow safety rules may result in serious injury or death.

Hazard	Precaution
Electric Shock	Use only 120V outlet; keep cord away from cutting area; do not use in wet conditions.
Kickback	Hold saw firmly with both hands; do not cut with tip of bar; use reduced-kickback chain.
Flying Debris	Wear safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and sturdy footwear.
Fire/Explosion	Do not use near flammable liquids or gases; allow motor to cool before storage.
Entanglement	Keep loose clothing, hair, and jewelry away from moving parts.

WARNING! Always disconnect power before performing maintenance or adjusting chain tension.

Features & Components

Key components: Electric motor, Guide bar, Saw chain, Chain brake (if equipped), Oil reservoir, Front hand guard, Rear handle with trigger, Cord strain relief.

Feature	Description
Electric Motor	High-torque, oil-bath lubricated, 120V AC operation
Guide Bar	14-inch or 16-inch solid steel bar with groove for chain
Saw Chain	Low-kickback safety chain with cutting teeth and depth gauges
Chain Brake	Manual or inertia-activated brake to stop chain in event of kickback
Oil Reservoir	Holds bar and chain lubricant; manual or automatic oiler
Front Hand Guard	Protects left hand from debris and chain
Trigger Switch	Lock-off safety button with trigger for motor control
Cord Strain Relief	Prevents cord from being pulled from housing

Assembly & Installation

Unpack all parts. Assembly requires attaching guide bar and chain, filling oil reservoir.

Attach guide bar: Place bar onto mounting studs, align chain tensioning pin.
Install chain: Fit chain over bar sprocket and into bar groove, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top.
Tension chain: Adjust tension screw until chain snaps back when pulled from bar.
Fill oil reservoir: Use only recommended bar and chain oil; check for leaks.
Plug into outlet: Ensure outlet is grounded; use extension cord rated for outdoor use if needed.

CAUTION! Do not force parts. Ensure chain is properly seated and tensioned before use.

Specifications

Motor: 120V AC, 60Hz, 12-15 Amp.
Guide Bar Length: 14 inches or 16 inches.
Chain Pitch: 3/8 inch low-profile.
Chain Gauge: 0.050 inch.
Oil Capacity: Approximately 4-6 oz.
Weight: 8-10 lbs (without cord).
Cord Length: 6 feet (use heavy-duty extension cord for longer reach).
Sound Level: Approximately 95 dB(A); hearing protection required.

Controls & Operation

Front Panel: Trigger switch with lock-off button, Chain brake lever (if equipped), Manual oiler button (if equipped).

Starting: Press lock-off button, then squeeze trigger. Allow chain to reach full speed before cutting.

Stopping: Release trigger; chain will stop. Engage chain brake if equipped for added safety.

Oiling: Automatic oiler feeds oil during operation; manual oiler requires pressing button periodically.

WARNING! Never operate chainsaw with one hand. Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.

Chain Tension & Lubrication

Proper tension and lubrication are critical for performance and safety.

Check tension: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand.
Adjust tension: Loosen bar nuts, turn tensioning screw clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen.
Retighten bar nuts: After adjusting, tighten bar nuts securely.
Lubricate: Fill reservoir before each use; check oil flow by holding saw over light surface and running briefly.

Tip: Chain stretches when new; check tension frequently during first hour of use.

Cutting Techniques

Use proper stance and grip. Plan cut to avoid pinching bar.

Felling trees: Not recommended for this model; use only for cutting logs on ground or sawhorse.
Bucking (cutting logs): Support log evenly; cut from top down; avoid cutting into ground.
Limbing (removing branches): Work from trunk outward; keep body to side of cutting path.
Avoid kickback: Do not let bar nose contact wood; cut with lower portion of bar.

WARNING! Do not cut above shoulder height. Be aware of falling branches.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Disconnect power before all maintenance.

Clean air vents: Use soft brush to remove sawdust from motor housing vents.
Clean guide bar: Remove bar and clean groove with wire or compressed air.
Sharpen chain: Use round file and guide; maintain correct filing angle (usually 30°).
Inspect cord: Check for cuts or frays; replace if damaged.

CAUTION! Never use gasoline or solvents to clean plastic parts.

Storage

Store in dry, secure location out of reach of children.

Clean thoroughly: Remove all sawdust and resin.
Drain oil: If storing for extended period, drain oil reservoir to prevent leaks.
Protect bar and chain: Apply light oil to prevent rust.
Coil cord: Avoid kinks; store separately if possible.

Tip: Hang saw by rear handle to save space and protect guide bar.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Motor does not start	No power, locked trigger, faulty outlet	Check outlet; ensure lock-off is released; try different circuit.
Chain does not move	Chain brake engaged, loose drive sprocket	Disengage chain brake; tighten bar nuts; inspect sprocket.
Chain cuts poorly	Dull chain, improper tension, low oil	Sharpen chain; adjust tension; refill oil reservoir.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, damaged chain	Tighten all fasteners; inspect chain for damaged or missing teeth.
Overheating	Dull chain, clogged air vents, insufficient oil	Sharpen chain; clean vents; ensure proper oil flow.

Reset: Some models have thermal overload protector; allow to cool if motor stops.

Warranty & Support

Montgomery Ward Electric Chainsaw is covered by a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from date of purchase. Proof of purchase required. This warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, or normal wear. For service or parts, contact Montgomery Ward Customer Service at 1-800-XXX-XXXX or visit www.montgomeryward.com. Always use genuine replacement parts.