Old Craftsman Chainsaw Manual

The Old Craftsman Chainsaw is a durable, gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for demanding woodcutting tasks. It features a high-performance 2-stroke engine, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handle, chain brake, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Specifications 4. Controls and Functions 5. Starting the Chainsaw 6. Safe Operation 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Chain Sharpening 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-torque 2-stroke engine, 16-inch cutting bar, automatic chain oiler, anti-vibration system, inertia-activated chain brake, and tool-free chain tensioning.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	2-stroke, air-cooled gasoline engine
Displacement	45cc
Fuel Capacity	14.9 fl oz (440 ml)
Oil Capacity	8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
Bar Length	16 inches
Chain Pitch	3/8 inch
Chain Gauge	0.050 inch
Weight (dry)	10.8 lbs (4.9 kg)
Ignition System	Electronic ignition
Safety Features	Chain brake, throttle lockout, right-hand guard

Assembly & Setup

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

Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on mounting studs, loop chain around sprocket, adjust tension.
Install chain brake: Ensure brake band is properly positioned.
Fill with fuel: Mix gasoline with 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio.
Fill chain oil: Use SAE 30 or equivalent bar and chain oil.
Check controls: Verify throttle, choke, and stop switch function.

WARNING! Always wear cut-resistant gloves during assembly. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before use.

Specifications

Engine: 45cc 2-stroke, single cylinder
Power Output: 2.5 HP at 9,500 RPM
Fuel Mix: 50:1 (unleaded gasoline to 2-stroke oil)
Idle Speed: 2,800 RPM
Maximum Power Speed: 9,500 RPM
Sound Pressure Level: 105 dB(A)
Vibration Level: 4.2 m/s² front handle, 5.1 m/s² rear handle
Warranty: 2 years limited warranty

Controls and Functions

Main controls located on top and rear handle. Front Handle: Chain brake lever, throttle lockout. Rear Handle: Throttle trigger, stop switch, choke lever.

Additional Features: Decompression valve (if equipped), primer bulb, manual oil pump, chain tensioning knob.

Operation: Pull chain brake toward front handle to engage; push away to disengage. Use decompression valve for easier starting. Adjust chain tension via side knob when engine is off.

Starting the Chainsaw

Cold Start Procedure:

Place chainsaw on flat ground, clear of debris.
Engage chain brake by pulling toward front handle.
Move choke lever to FULL CHOKE position.
Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
Pull starter rope briskly 2-3 times until engine fires.
Move choke to HALF CHOKE position.
Pull starter rope until engine starts.
Allow engine to warm up for 30 seconds before disengaging chain brake.

Warm Start: Use HALF CHOKE position only. Do not use primer bulb.

Safe Operation

Always wear personal protective equipment: helmet with face shield, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.

Clear work area of obstacles and bystanders.
Maintain secure footing with feet shoulder-width apart.
Hold chainsaw firmly with both hands: left on front handle, right on rear handle.
Do not cut above shoulder height.
Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of guide bar tip).
Shut off engine when carrying more than 10 feet or when not in use.

DANGER! Never operate chainsaw with one hand. Always be prepared for kickback.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check chain tension, fuel/oil levels, chain sharpness
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
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, check carburetor adjustment
Seasonally	Replace fuel filter, clean exhaust port

Note: More frequent maintenance may be required under heavy use conditions.

Chain Sharpening

Tools needed: round file (5/32" or 4.0mm), file guide, flat file, depth gauge tool.

Secure bar in vise or use filing clamp.
File each cutter from inside to outside at 30° angle.
Maintain equal number of strokes per cutter.
File depth gauges to 0.025" below cutter edge.
Check chain for equal cutter length.
Clean chain with kerosene after sharpening.

Tip: Sharpen chain when sawdust becomes fine powder instead of chips.

Storage Guidelines

For storage longer than 30 days:

Drain fuel tank completely.
Run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
Remove chain and bar; clean and oil thoroughly.
Clean entire chainsaw of dirt and debris.
Store in dry place with chain brake disengaged.
Cover with breathable cloth to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for extended periods. Fuel can deteriorate and damage engine components.

Warranty Information

Craftsman provides a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or use of non-genuine parts. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact authorized Craftsman service centers or call 1-888-331-4569. Keep this manual as proof of ownership.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Old fuel, clogged filter, flooded engine	Use fresh fuel mix; clean/replace filter; wait 10 minutes if flooded
Engine starts then dies	Dirty carburetor, fuel line issue	Clean carburetor; check fuel lines for cracks
Poor cutting performance	Dull chain, improper tension	Sharpen chain; adjust tension to 1/4" pull from bar
Chain won't oil	Empty oil tank, clogged oil ports	Fill oil tank; clean oil ports with wire
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all bolts; check chain for damaged cutters
Chain comes off bar	Worn bar, improper tension	Replace worn bar; adjust tension properly

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Craftsman service center at 1-888-331-4569.