Ready to assemble your Sun Joe SWJ699E 14-inch, 9-amp Electric Chain Saw? Follow the video and these operator’s manual instructions to install the guide bar and chain, set the correct chain tension, and prepare your saw for its first use.
Watch the Assembly Video
Use this video alongside the written steps below.
Video not playing? Watch on YouTube.
Before You Begin
Unpack the carton on a flat, stable surface. Confirm you have:
- Electric chain saw
- 14-inch Oregon guide bar
- 14-inch Oregon saw chain (pre-mounted on the bar)
- Dual-tipped hex key wrench/blade screwdriver
- Cutting bar sheath
- Operator’s manual with registration card
Safety first: Keep the saw unplugged from the power supply throughout assembly and adjustment. Wear heavy-duty work gloves whenever handling the sharp bar and chain. Never start the motor without the guide bar, chain, and chain/sprocket end cover correctly installed. Do not use a damaged or incomplete saw.
Install the Guide Bar and Chain
New saw? The SWJ699E comes with its chain already mounted on the guide bar. You can skip the replacement-chain preparation steps and proceed to fitting the bar and chain onto the saw.
-
Remove the Chain/Sprocket End Cover
Using the supplied hex key wrench, unscrew the end cover nut and remove the chain/sprocket end cover (operator’s manual, Fig. 1).
-
Check the Chain Orientation
If installing a replacement chain, lay it in a loop and straighten any kinks. The sharp cutting teeth must face away from you in the chain rotation direction marked on the guide bar (Fig. 2). Starting at the tip, fit the chain’s drive links into the guide bar groove, leaving a loop at the rear (Fig. 3). If the factory-installed chain is already on the bar, simply confirm its orientation.
-
Position the Bar and Chain on the Saw
Keep the chain seated in the bar groove. Place the loose rear loop around the sprocket and fit the guide bar flush against the mounting surface. Align the bar studs with the bar’s long slot and the adjusting pin with the chain tension pin hole (Fig. 4). If the pin does not align, turn the tensioning screw counterclockwise until it does.
-
Make an Initial Tension Adjustment
While holding the guide bar and chain in position, use the screwdriver tip of the supplied tool to turn the chain tensioner screw clockwise to tighten or counterclockwise to loosen (Fig. 5).
-
Reinstall the End Cover
Insert the end cover’s rear tab into its slot first, then position the cover over the bar end. Thread on the end cover nut, but leave it loose enough for the guide bar to move slightly during final tensioning (Fig. 6).
-
Set the Final Chain Tension
Turn the chain tensioner screw clockwise until the chain sits snugly against the bar and the drive links remain in the guide bar groove (Fig. 7). The chain should have no sag along the underside of the bar, yet still rotate by hand without binding. Keep the saw unplugged and wear gloves during this check.
-
Secure the End Cover Nut
Tighten the end cover nut completely using the supplied hex key wrench. Recheck chain movement. If it is too tight, slightly loosen the nut, turn the tensioner ¼ turn counterclockwise, lift the guide bar tip, and retighten the nut. Confirm the chain moves by hand without binding (manual, page 9).
Important: An incorrectly oriented chain may vibrate abnormally and fail to cut. A chain that is too loose can leave the guide bar; one that is too tight may bind. New chains stretch, so check and readjust tension frequently, especially during initial use.
Prepare the Saw Before First Use
-
Add Bar and Chain Oil
With the saw unplugged, remove the oil tank cap and add quality bar and chain oil to the top of the oil level window (Fig. 11). The SWJ699E has an automatic chain-oiling system, but oil must be added before operation. Do not operate the saw with an empty oil tank.
-
Inspect the Assembled Saw
Check that the end cover and guide bar are secure, the chain is correctly tensioned and undamaged, the handles and front hand guard are properly attached, and the cooling vents are clear. Confirm that the trigger and safety lock button move freely and return to their normal positions.
-
Connect Power Only When Ready to Operate
Use a suitable outdoor-rated extension cord connected to a 120 V outlet with GFCI protection. Route the extension cord through the handle and around the cord restraint hook before connecting it to the appliance cord (Fig. 12). Keep the bar clear of objects and maintain a two-handed grip when operating.
Before cutting: Wear eye and hearing protection, protective gloves, and non-slip footwear. Operate only in dry conditions. Keep others away, avoid contacting the bar tip with objects, and review the operator’s manual’s kickback and operating precautions. The saw starts by holding the safety lock button and squeezing the trigger switch (Fig. 13); release the trigger to stop it. The chain continues moving briefly after the trigger is released.
Need Help Assembling Your SWJ699E?
If you need help with the guide bar, chain orientation, tension adjustment, or a missing or damaged part, contact Shop Joe Customer Care or call 1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563).
For complete instructions and diagrams, see the SWJ699E Operator’s Manual (Assembly, pages 7–9; first-use preparation, pages 9–10). Search for SWJ699E on the manuals page.