6
• If the charging light flashes alternately in green and red color, a problem exists and charging is not possible. The ter-
minals on the charger or battery cartridge are clogged with dust or the battery cartridge is worn out or damaged.
Trickle charge (Maintenance charge)
If you leave the battery cartridge in the charger to prevent spontaneous discharging after full charge, the charger will
switch into its "trickle charge (maintenance charge)" mode and keep the battery cartridge fresh and fully charged.
Tips for maintaining maximum battery life
1. Charge the battery cartridge before completely discharged. Always stop tool operation and charge the battery
cartridge when you notice less tool power.
2. Never recharge a fully charged battery cartridge. Overcharging shortens the battery service life.
3. Charge the battery cartridge with room temperature at 10°C – 40°C (50°F – 104°F). Let a hot battery cartridge
cool down before charging it.
4. Charge the Nickel Metal Hydride battery cartridge when you do not use it for more than six months.
Installing or removing saw blade
CAUTION:
• Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the bat-
tery cartridge is removed before installing or removing
the blade.
• Always clean out all chips or foreign matter adhering to
the blade, blade clamp and/or slider. Failure to do so
may cause insufficient tightening of the blade, resulting
in a serious injury.
To install the blade, push the push button in the direction
of the arrow and insert the blade into the blade clamp as
far as it will go. Then release the push button and make
sure that the blade cannot be extracted even though you
try to pull it out. (Fig. 5)
CAUTION:
If you release the push button without inserting the blade
deep enough, the blade may be ejected unexpectedly
during operation. This can be extremely dangerous.
To remove the blade, push the push button in the direc-
tion of the arrow and pull out the blade. (Fig. 6)
Adjusting the shoe (Fig. 7)
When the blade loses its cutting efficiency in one place
along its cutting edge, reposition the shoe to utilize a
sharp, unused portion of its cutting edge. This will help to
lengthen the life of the blade. To reposition the shoe,
loosen the lever and slide the shoe forward or back to the
desired position. Then tighten the lever to firmly secure
the shoe.
Switch action (Fig. 8)
CAUTION:
Before inserting the battery cartridge into the tool, always
check to see that the switch trigger actuates properly and
returns to the “OFF” position when released.
To prevent the trigger from being accidentally pulled, a
lock-off button is provided. To start the tool, press in the
lock-off button and pull the trigger. The lock-off button
can be pressed in from either left or right side of the tool.
Tool speed is increased by increasing pressure on the
trigger. Release the trigger to stop.
Operation (Fig. 9)
Press the shoe firmly against the workpiece. Do not allow
the tool to bounce. Bring the blade into light contact with
the workpiece. First, make a pilot groove, using a slower
speed. Then use a faster speed to continue cutting.
CAUTION:
• Always use a suitable coolant (cutting oil) when cutting
metal. Failure to do so will cause premature blade
wear.
• Always wear gloves to protect your hands from hot fly-
ing chips when cutting metal.
• Always press the shoe firmly against the workpiece
during operation. If the shoe is held away from the
workpiece during operation, strong vibration and/or
twisting will be produced, causing the blade to snap
dangerously.
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION:
Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the bat-
tery cartridge is removed before carrying out any work on
the tool.
Replacement of carbon brushes (Fig. 10 & 11)
Replace carbon brushes when they are worn down to the
limit mark. Both identical carbon brushes should be
replaced at the same time.
To maintain product safety and reliability, repairs, mainte-
nance or adjustment should be carried out by a Makita
Authorized Service Center.
