SC 55W

About this documentation

• Read this documentation before initial operation or use. This is a prerequisite for safe, trouble-free handling and use of the product.
  
• Observe the safety instructions and warnings in this documentation and on the product.
  
• Always keep the operating instructions with the product and make sure that the operating instructions are with the product when it is given to other persons.
  

Explanation of symbols used

Warnings

Warnings alert persons to hazards that occur when handling or using the product. The following signal words are used:

Symbols in the documentation

The following symbols are used in this document:

	Read the operating instructions before use.
	Instructions for use and other useful information
	Dealing with recyclable materials
	Do not dispose of electric equipment and batteries as household waste

Symbols in the illustrations

The following symbols are used in illustrations:

	These numbers refer to the corresponding illustrations found at the beginning of these operating instructions
	The numbering reflects the sequence of operations shown in the illustrations and may deviate from the steps described in the text
	Item reference numbers are used in the overview illustrations and refer to the numbers used in the product overview section
	This symbol is intended to draw special attention to certain points when handling the product.

Product-dependent symbols

Symbols on the product

The following symbols can be used on the product:

	Wireless data transfer
	Rated speed under no load
	Protection class II (double-insulated)
	Saw blade

Product information

products are designed for professional users and only trained, authorized personnel are permitted to operate, service and maintain the products. This personnel must be specifically informed about the possible hazards. The product and its ancillary equipment can present hazards if used incorrectly by untrained personnel or if used not in accordance with the intended use.
The type designation and serial number are printed on the rating plate.

• Write down the serial number in the table below. You will be required to state the product details when contacting Hilti Service or your local Hilti organization to inquire about the product.
  Product information

  Circular saw	SC 55W
  Generation	01
  Serial no.

Declaration of conformity

We declare, on our sole responsibility, that the product described here complies with the applicable directives and standards. A copy of the declaration of conformity can be found at the end of this documentation.
The technical documentation is filed here:
Hilti Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH | Tool Certification | Hiltistrasse 6 | D-86916 Kaufering, Germany

General power tool safety warnings

WARNING Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
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) power tool.
Work area safety

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
  
• 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 or fumes.
  
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
  

Electrical safety

• 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 electric shock.
  
• 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 or grounded.
  
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
  
• 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 electric shock.
  
• 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 electric shock.
  
• If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.
  

Personal safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
  
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
  
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
  
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
  
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
  
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
  
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
  
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.
  

Power tool use and care

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
  
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
  
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
  
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
  
• Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
  
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
  
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
  
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.
  

Service

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
  

Safety instructions for all saws

Cutting procedures

• DANGER: Keep hands away from cutting area and the blade. Keep your second hand on auxiliary handle or motor housing. If both hands are holding the saw, they cannot be cut by the blade.
  
• Do not reach underneath the workpiece. The guard cannot protect you from the blade below the workpiece.
  
• Adjust the cutting depth to the thickness of the workpiece. Less than a full tooth of the blade teeth should be visible below the workpiece.
  
• Never hold the workpiece in your hands or across your leg while cutting. Secure the workpiece to a stable platform. It is important to support the work properly to minimise body exposure, blade binding, or loss of control.
  

• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, when performing an operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a "live" wire will also make exposed metal parts of the power tool "live" and could give the operator an electric shock.
  

• When ripping, always use a rip fence or straight edge guide. This improves the accuracy of cut and reduces the chance of blade binding.
  
• Always use blades with correct size and shape (diamond versus round) of arbour holes. Blades that do not match the mounting hardware of the saw will run off-centre, causing loss of control.
  
• Never use damaged or incorrect blade washers or bolt. The blade washers and bolt were specially designed for your saw, for optimum performance and safety of operation.
  

Kickback causes and related warnings

• kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, jammed or misaligned saw blade, causing an uncontrolled saw to lift up and out of the workpiece toward the operator;
  
• when the blade is pinched or jammed tightly by the kerf closing down, the blade stalls and the motor reaction drives the unit rapidly back toward the operator;
  
• if the blade becomes twisted or misaligned in the cut, the teeth at the back edge of the blade can dig into the top surface of the wood causing the blade to climb out of the kerf and jump back toward the operator.
  

Kickback is the result of saw misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below.

• Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw and position your arms to resist kickback forces. Position your body to either side of the blade, but not in line with the blade. Kickback could cause the saw to jump backwards, but kickback forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions are taken.
  
• When blade is binding, or when interrupting a cut for any reason, release the trigger and hold the saw motionless in the material until the blade comes to a complete stop. Never attempt to remove the saw from the work or pull the saw backward while the blade is in motion or kickback may occur. Investigate and take corrective actions to eliminate the cause of blade binding.
  
• When restarting a saw in the workpiece, centre the saw blade in the kerf so that the saw teeth are not engaged into the material. If a saw blade binds, it may walk up or kickback from the workpiece as the saw is restarted.
  
• Support large panels to minimise the risk of blade pinching and kickback. Large panels tend to sag under their own weight. Supports must be placed under the panel on both sides, near the line of cut and near the edge of the panel.
  
• Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade binding and kickback.
  
• Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers must be tight and secure before making the cut. If blade adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and kickback.
  
• Use extra caution when sawing into existing walls or other blind areas. The protruding blade may cut objects that can cause kickback.
  

Lower guard function

• Check the lower guard for proper closing before each use. Do not operate the saw if the lower guard does not move freely and close instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard into the open position. If the saw is accidentally dropped, the lower guard may be bent. Raise the lower guard with the retracting handle and make sure it moves freely and does not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and depths of cut.
  
• Check the operation of the guard return spring. If the guard and the spring are not operating properly, they must be serviced before use. Lower guard may operate sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a build-up of debris.
  
• The lower guard may be retracted manually only for special cuts such as "plunge cuts" and "compound cuts". Raise the lower guard by the retracting handle and as soon as the blade enters the material, the lower guard must be released. For all other sawing, the lower guard should operate automatically.
  
• Always observe that the lower guard is covering the blade before placing the saw down on bench or floor. An unprotected, coasting blade will cause the saw to walk backwards, cutting whatever is in its path. Be aware of the time it takes for the blade to stop after switch is released.
  

Additional safety instructions for circular saws

• Bring the saw blade into contact with the workpiece only when the circular saw is switched on.
  
• The path of the saw must be free of obstructions above and below the workpiece. Do not saw into screws, nails or similar objects.
  
• Never work overhead with a circular saw.
  
• Never attempt to brake the saw blade by applying lateral pressure.
  
• Avoid overheating the tips of the saw blade teeth.
  
• When cutting plastic, avoid melting the plastic.
  
• Always use a saw blade that is suitable for the material you are going to saw.
  
• Use only saw blades recommended by Hilti that comply with the EN 847-1 standard.
  

Product overview

1. Single-arm fence
   
2. Cutting angle setting
   
3. Spindle lock button
   
4. Auxiliary grip
   
5. On/off switch
   
6. Switch-on interlock release button
   
7. Grip
   
8. Electric supply cable
   
9. Clamping lever for cutting depth adjustment
   
10. Hex key
    
11. Small base plate
    
12. LED illumination
    
13. Front clamping lever for the fence
    
14. Clamping lever for cutting angle adjustment
    
15. Cutting depth scale
    
16. Hose connector (vacuum cleaner)
    
17. Guard
    
18. Pivoting guard operating lever
    
19. Rear clamping lever for the fence (only with large base plate)
    
20. Pivoting guard
    
21. Arbor
    
22. Direction-of-rotation arrow
    
23. Twin-arm fence
    
24. 0° cutting line indicator
    
25. 45° cutting line indicator
    
26. Cutting angle scale
    
27. Large base plate
    
28. Clamping screw
    
29. Clamping flange
    
30. Mounting flange
    
31. 0° indicator on the base plate
    
32. 1°- 50° indicator on the base plate
    

Overview of the guide rail adapter

1. Rear retaining lug
   
2. Front retaining lug
   
3. 0° indicator
   
4. 1°- 50° indicator
   

Intended use

The product described is a circular saw. It is designed for cutting wood or wood-like materials, plastics, gypsum plasterboard, gypsum fiberboard and composite materials, up to a cutting depth of 55 mm, and for miter cuts at angles up to 50°.

Possible misuse

Do not use saw blades not compliant with the technical data and do not use cutting discs, abrasive wheels or saw blades made of highly alloyed high speed steel (HSS steel). Do not use this power tool to saw metal.

Items supplied

Circular saw, saw blade, hex key, rip fence, operating instructions.

Technical data

If the device is powered by a generator or transformer, the generator or transformer’s power output must be at least twice the rated input power shown on the rating plate of the device. The operating voltage of the transformer or generator must always be within +5 % and -15 % of the rated voltage of the device.

Weight, small base plate	4.5 kg
Weight, large base plate	4.7 kg
Saw blade diameter	160 mm … 165 mm
Saw blade disc thickness	1.1 mm … 1.5 mm
Saw blade arbor size	20 mm
Cutting depth at 0°	0 mm … 55 mm
Cutting depth at 45°	0 mm … 41 mm
Cutting depth at 50°	0 mm … 37 mm
No-load speed	5,500 /min

Noise information and vibration values in accordance with EN 62841

The sound pressure and vibration values given in these instructions were measured in accordance with a standardized test and can be used to compare one power tool with another. They can also be used for a preliminary assessment of exposure.
The data given represent the main applications of the power tool. However, if the power tool is used for different applications, with different accessory tools, or is poorly maintained, the data can vary. This can significantly increase exposure over the total working period.
An accurate estimation of exposure should also take into account the times when the tool is switched off, or when it is running but not actually being used for a job. This can significantly reduce exposure over the total working period.
Identify additional safety measures to protect the operator from the effects of noise and/or vibration, for example: maintaining the power tool and accessory tools, keeping the hands warm, organization of work patterns.
Noise information

Sound power level (LWA)	101 dB(A)
Sound pressure level (LpA)	90 dB(A)
Uncertainty	3 dB(A)

Vibration information

	230 V	110 V
Triaxial vibration value when cutting wood (ah)	1.77 m/s² (5.81 ft/s²)	2.12 m/s² (6.96 ft/s²)
Uncertainty (K)	1.5 m/s²	1.5 m/s²

Removing the saw blade

1. Disconnect the supply cord plug from the power outlet.
   
2. Insert the hex key into the saw blade securing screw.
   
3. Press the drive spindle lock button and hold it in this position.
   
4. Turn the saw blade clamping screw with the hex key until the spindle lock button engages fully.
   
5. Release the clamping screw by turning the hex key in the direction of the direction-of-rotation arrow.
   
6. Remove the clamping screw from the outer clamping flange.
   
7. Open the pivoting guard by swinging it to the side and then remove the saw blade.
   
   If necessary, the mounting flange can be removed for cleaning.
   

Install saw blade

1. Disconnect the supply cord plug from the power outlet.
   
2. Clean the mounting flange and the clamping flange.
   
3. Fit the outer clamping flange the right way round (i.e. facing the right direction).
   
4. Open the pivoting guard.
   
5. Fit the new saw blade.
   
6. Install the outer clamping flange the right way round.
   
7. Insert the clamping screw.
   
8. Insert the hex key into the saw blade clamping screw.
   
9. Secure the clamping flange with the clamping screw by turning it clockwise. At the same time, use one hand to hold down the arbor lock button.
   
10. Before using the power tool, check that the saw blade is correctly seated and tightened securely.
    

Adjusting the cutting depth

1. Disconnect the supply cord plug from the power outlet.
   
2. Release the cutting depth adjustment clamping lever.
   
3. Lift the circular saw in a scissoring movement and set the cutting depth.
   
   • The cutting depth is shown on the cutting depth scale.
     
   For a clean-edged cut, set cutting depth to the thickness of the material plus 2 mm.
   
4. Secure the cutting depth adjustment clamping lever.
   

Setting the miter cut angle

1. Disconnect the supply cord plug from the power outlet.
   
2. Release the cutting angle adjustment clamping lever.
   
3. Pivot the base plate to the desired miter cut angle.
   
   • The miter cutting angle is shown on the miter cut angle scale.
     
4. Tighten the cutting angle adjustment clamping lever.
   

Cutting line indicator

At the front edge of the base plate of the circular saw is a line indicator for straight cuts and miter cuts (0° and 45°). This permits accurate cutting at the desired miter angle. The edge of the line indicator corresponds to the inside of the saw blade. There is a cutting line indicator at the opening for the saw blade at the front end of the base plate.

Sawing along a line

1. Switch on the circular saw.
   
2. Guide the circular saw along the cutting line on the workpiece at a suitable speed.
   

Sawing with the fence

The single-arm fence can be used to make accurate cuts along the edge of a workpiece or to rip strips of equal width. The fence can be fitted on either side of the base plate.
The twin-arm fence can be used only with the large base plate
When installing the fence, make sure that it is installed right way round.

Sawing with the guide rail.

Sawing with the guide rail can reduce the risk of kickback.

Inserting into / removing from the guide rail adapter

1. Remove the fence, if one is fitted.
   
2. Fit the base plate into the rear retaining lugs of the guide rail adapter.
   
3. Bring the front edge of the base plate down fully into the guide rail adapter. The base plate must engage fully with the front retaining lug.
   
4. To remove, pull the front retaining lug forward slightly and remove the circular saw from the guide rail adapter.
   

Longitudinal cuts at 0°

• Place the circular saw on the guide rail with the groove marked “0°” on the rib on the rail.
  

Longitudinal cuts at angles up to 50°

• Place the saw on the guide rail with the groove marked “1°- 50°” on the rib on the rail.
  

Using the saw on the guide rail

1. Secure the guide rail from below with two screw clamps.
   
2. Position the circular saw on the guide rail a short distance from the starting point of the cut. Open the guard manually when making longitudinal cuts (ripping) at cutting angles of 20°- 50°.
   
   The saw must be placed on the guide rail behind the workpiece.
   Take care to ensure that the saw blade is not in contact with the workpiece.
   
3. Switch on the circular saw.
   
4. Push the saw at a steady speed across the workpiece.
   
   • At cutting angles under 20° the pivoting guard opens automatically when it makes contact with the lateral actuating edge.
     
   • It closes again automatically when the saw leaves the end of the guide rail.
     

Sawing with or without sawdust extraction

The circular saw has a connector that fits common types of vacuum cleaner hose with a diameter of 27 mm. A suitable adapter might be required for connecting the vacuum-cleaner hose to the circular saw.
If possible, always use a suitable mobile dust removal system for wood and wood and mineral materials.
If you are working without a sawdust extractor, turn the ejector so that the sawdust is directed away from you.

Care and maintenance

Care

• Carefully remove any dirt that may be adhering to parts.
  
• Clean the air vents carefully with a dry brush.
  
• Use only a slightly damp cloth to clean the casing. Do not use cleaning agents containing silicone as these may attack the plastic parts.
  

Maintenance

• Check all visible parts and controls for signs of damage at regular intervals and make sure that they all function correctly.
  
• Do not operate the product if signs of damage are found or if parts malfunction. Have it repaired immediately by Hilti Service.
  
• After cleaning and maintenance, fit all guards or protective devices and check that they function correctly.
  

Checks after cleaning and maintenance

• To check the pivoting guard, open the guard fully by moving the guard operating lever.
  
  • The pivoting guard must close quickly and completely when the guard operating lever is released.
    

Cleaning the ejector

1. Disconnect the supply cord plug from the power outlet.
   
2. Remove the saw blade.
   
3. Clean the ejector.
   
4. Install the saw blade.
   
5. Check that moving parts are in full working order and do not jam and make sure there are no parts that are broken or damaged in such a way as to impair operation of the power tool.
   

Cleaning the guard

1. Remove the saw blade.
   
2. Clean the parts of the guard carefully with a dry brush.
   
3. Use a suitable tool to remove deposits or cuttings from the inside surfaces of the parts of the guard.
   
4. Install the saw blade.