16
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
CAUTION:
• Always be sure that the tool is switched off and
unplugged before adjusting or checking function on the
tool.
Blade guard (Fig. 3 & 4)
When lowering the handle, the blade guard rises auto-
matically. The blade guard returns to its original position
when the cut is completed and the handle is raised.
NEVER DEFEAT OR REMOVE THE BLADE GUARD
OR THE SPRING WHICH ATTACHES TO THE GUARD.
In the interest of your personal safety, always maintain
the blade guard in good condition. Any irregular opera-
tion of the blade guard should be corrected immediately.
Check to assure spring loaded return action of guard.
NEVER USE THE TOOL IF THE BLADE GUARD OR
SPRING ARE DAMAGED, FAULTY OR REMOVED.
DOING SO IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE
SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY.
If the see-through blade guard becomes dirty, or sawdust
adheres to it in such a way that the blade and/or work-
piece is no longer easily visible, unplug the saw and
clean the guard carefully with a damp cloth. Do not use
solvents or any petroleum-based cleaners on the plastic
guard.
If the blade guard is especially dirty and vision through
the guard is impaired, use the supplied socket wrench to
loosen the hex bolt holding the center cover.
Loosen the hex bolt by turning it counterclockwise and
raise the blade guard and center cover. With the blade
guard so positioned, cleaning can be more completely
and efficiently accomplished. When cleaning is complete,
reverse procedure above and secure bolt. Do not remove
spring holding blade guard. If guard becomes discolored
through age or UV light exposure, contact a Makita ser-
vice center for a new guard. DO NOT DEFEAT OR
REMOVE GUARD.
Positioning kerf board (Fig. 5 & 6)
This tool is provided with the kerf boards in the turn base
to minimize tearing on the exit side of a cut. The kerf
boards are factory adjusted so that the saw blade does
not contact the kerf boards. Before use, adjust the kerf
boards as follows:
First, unplug the tool. Loosen all the screws (2 each on
left and right) securing the kerf boards. Re-tighten them
only to the extent that the kerf boards can still be easily
moved by hand. Lower the handle fully and push in the
stopper pin to lock the handle in the lowered position.
Loosen the knob which secures the slide poles. Pull the
carriage toward you fully. Adjust the kerf boards so that
the kerf boards just contact the sides of the blade teeth.
Tighten the front screws (do not tighten firmly). Push the
carriage toward the guide fence fully and adjust the kerf
boards so that the kerf boards just contact the sides of
blade teeth. Tighten the rear screws (do not tighten
firmly).
After adjusting the kerf boards, release the stopper pin
and raise the handle. Then tighten all the screws
securely.
CAUTION:
• Before and after changing the bevel angle, always
adjust the kerf boards as described above.
Maintaining maximum cutting capacity (Fig. 7 &
8)
Unplug the tool before any adjustment is attempted. This
tool is factory adjusted to provide the max. cutting capac-
ity for a 255 mm saw blade.
When installing a new blade, always check the lower limit
position of the blade and if necessary, adjust it as follows:
First, unplug the tool. Push the carriage toward the guide
fence fully and lower the handle completely. Use the
socket wrench to turn the adjusting bolt until the periph-
ery of the blade extends slightly below the top surface of
the turn base at the point where the front face of the
guide fence meets the top surface of the turn base.
With the tool unplugged, rotate the blade by hand while
holding the handle all the way down to be sure that the
blade does not contact any part of the lower base. Re-
adjust slightly, if necessary.
CAUTION:
• After installing a new blade, always be sure that the
blade does not contact any part of the lower base when
the handle is lowered completely. Always do this with
the tool unplugged.
Stopper arm (Fig. 9)
The lower limit position of the blade can be easily
adjusted with the stopper arm. To adjust it, rotate the
stopper arm in the direction of the arrow as shown in the
figure. Adjust the adjusting screw so that the blade stops
at the desired position when lowering the handle fully.
Adjusting the miter angle (Fig. 10)
Loosen the grip by turning counterclockwise. Turn the
turn base while pressing down the lock lever. When you
have moved the grip to the position where the pointer
points to the desired angle on the miter scale, securely
tighten the grip clockwise.
CAUTION:
• When turning the turn base, be sure to raise the handle
fully.
• After changing the miter angle, always secure the turn
base by tightening the grip firmly.
Adjusting the bevel angle (Fig. 11 & 12)
To adjust the bevel angle, loosen the lever at the rear of
the tool counterclockwise. Unlock the arm by pushing the
handle somewhat strongly in the direction that you intend
to tilt the saw blade.
Tilt the saw blade until the pointer points to the desired
angle on the bevel scale. Then tighten the lever clock-
wise firmly to secure the arm.
CAUTION:
• When tilting the saw blade, be sure to raise the handle
fully.
• After changing the bevel angle, always secure the arm
by tightening the lever clockwise.
• When changing bevel angles, be sure to position the
kerf boards appropriately as explained in the “Position-
ing kerf boards” section.
Switch action
CAUTION:
• Before plugging in the tool, always check to see that
the switch trigger actuates properly and returns to the
“OFF” position when released.
• When not using the tool, remove the lock-off button and
store it in a secure place. This prevents unauthorized
operation.
