Makita 3901 User manual

Plate Joiner
20 mm (25132”)
MODEL 3901
10,000 307 mm I1 2-1 /6”) 2.8 kg (6.1 Ibs)
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
DOUBLE
INSULATION
SPECIFICATIONS
~~
Max. cuttingcapacities I No ‘;ka:M5pced[p Overall length I Net weight

IMPORTANT
SAFETY IN STRU CTI 0 N S
(For All Tools)
WARNING:
WHENUSINGELECTRICTOOLS, BASICSAFETY
PRECAUTIONSSHOULDALWAYS BE FOLLOWEDTO REDUCE
THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, AND PERSONAL
INJURY, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
IO.
11.
12.
13.
2
KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and benches invite injuries.
CONSIDER WORK AREA ENVIRONMENT. Don't use power tools
in damp
or wet locations. Keep work area well
lit. Don't expose power tools to rain.
Don't use tool
in presence of flammable liquids or gases.
KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. All visitors should be kept away from work area.
Don't let visitors contact tool or extension cord.
STORE IDLETOOLS. When not
in use, toolsshould bestoredindry, andhigh
or locked-up place
- out of reach of children.
DON'T FORCETOOL.
It will dothejob betterandsafer atthe ratefor which
it was intended.
USE RIGHT TOOL. Don't force small tool or attachment
to do the job of a
heavy-dutytool. Don't usetoolfor purposenotintended; for example, don't
use circular saw for cutting tree limbs or logs.
DRESSPROPERLY. Don't wear looseclothingor jewelry. They canbecaught
in moving parts. Rubber gloves and non-skid footwear are recommended
when working outdoors. Wear protective hair covering tocontain longhair.
USE SAFETY GLASSES. Also use face or dust mask if cutting operation is
dusty.
DON'T ABUSE CORD. Never carry tool by cordor yank
it todisconnect from
receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold work. It's safer than using
your hand and
it frees both hands to operate tool.
DON'T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp and clean for better and
safer performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing acces-
sories. Inspecttoolcordsperiodicallyandifdamaged, haverepairedbyautho-
rized service facility. Inspect extension cords periodically and replace if
damaged. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.
DISCONNECTTOOLS. When not
in use, beforeservicing, and when chang-
ing accessories, such
as blades, bits, cutters.

14. REMOVEADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES. Form habit of checking to
seethat keysand adjusting wrenches are removedfromtoolbefore turning
it on.
15. AVOID UNINTENTIONALSTARTING. Don’t carry tool with finger onswitch.
Be sure switch is OFF when plugging
in.
16. EXTENSIONCORDS. Make sure your extension cord is in good condition.
When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry
the current your product
will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop
in linevoltage resultingin loss of power and overheating. Table 1 shows the
correct size touse depending oncordlengthand nameplate ampere rating.
If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the
heavierthe cord.
TABLE 1
MINIMUMGAUGE FOR CORD SETS
Total Lenath of Cord in Feet
18 16 16
18 16 14
16 16 14
I 0 - 25 I 26 - 50 I 51 - 100 I 101 - 150
14
12
12
Ampere Rating
More Not More
Than Than
14 12
0- 6
6
- 10
10
- 12
12
- 16 Not
Recommended
17. OUTDOORUSE EXTENSIONCORDS. Whentoolisusedoutdoors, use only
extension cords intended for use outdoors and
so marked.
18. STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing, use common sense. Don’t operate
tool when you are tired.
19. CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before further use of the tool, a guard or other
part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that
it will
operate properly and perform itsintended function. Check for alignment of
moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage
of parts, mounting, and
any other conditions that may affect its operation. A guard or other part
that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized
service center unless otherwise indicated elsewhere
in this instruction
manual. Havedefective switches replacedby authorizedservicecenter. Don’t
use tool
if switch does not turn it on and off.
20. GUARDAGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK. Preventbody contact with grounded
surfaces. For example; pipes, radiators, ranges, refrigerator enclosures.
21. REPLACEMENTPARTS.When servicing, useonly identicalreplacementparts.
22. POLARIZEDPLUGS. To reduce the risk of electric shock, this equipment has
a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug will fit in a
polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully
in the outlet,
reversethe plug. If
it still does notfit, contact aqualifiedelectrician toinstall
the proper outlet. Do not change the plug
in any way.
3

VOLTAGE WARNING: Beforeconnecting the tool toa power source (receptacle,
outlet, etc.) be sure the voltage supplied is the same as that specified on the
nameplate of the tool. A power source
with voltage greater than that specified
for the tool can result
in SERIOUS INJURY tothe user - as well as damageto
the tool. If in doubt,
DO NOT PLUG IN THE TOOL. Using a power source with
voltage less than the nameplate rating is harmful to the motor.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES
1. Use only the blades specified for this tool. This is extremely important for
2. Never operate thetool withthe bladelocked in exposedpositionor without
3. Make sure that the blade slides smoothly before operation.
4. Check the blade for cracks or damage before operation. Replace cracked
5. Make sure that the flange fits in the arbor hole when installing the blade.
6. Inspect for and remove all nails or foreign matter from the workpieces be-
7. Always place the workpiece on a stable workbench.
8. Secure the workpiece firmly with clamp or vise.
9. Never wear gloves during operation.
IO. Hold the tool firmly with both hands.
11. Keep your hands and body away from the cutting area.
12. Run the tool for a while without the blade pointingtowardanybody. Watch
for vibration or wobbling that could indicate poor installation or a poorly
balanced blade.
13. Never reach your hands underneath the workpieces while the blade is
rotating.
14. Do not leave the tool running unattended.
15. Always be sure that the tool is switched off and unplugged before making
your personal safety.
the blade cover secured properly
in place.
or damaged blade immediately.
fore operation.
any adjustments.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
4

Dust bag
To attach the dust bag, fit
it onto the dust
nozzle.
If thedust bag becomes an obstacle
toyour work, turnthedust nozzletochange
the dust bag position.
Whenthe dust bag isabouthalf full, switch
off andunplugthetool. Removethe dust bag
fromthetool and pullthe bag's fastener out.
Empty the dust bag by tapping
it lightly to
remove as much of the dust as possible.
Size on stopper 0 10 20 S
h
Dust bag
D MAX
Fastener Dust nozzle
NOTE:
If you connect a Makita vacuum cleaner to your plate joiner, more efficient and cleaner
~
-
Biscuit size 0 10 20
operations can be performed.
Adjusting the depth
of cut
6 cuttingdepthscan bepreset accordingto
the size of biscuit to be used or
if trimming
the wall or ceiling panels as explained later.
Rotatethestopper untilthepointer pointsto
the appropriate size markedonthestopper.
Refer
to the table below for the correspon-
dence between the sizes marked on the
stopper and the biscuit size. Fine adjust-
mentstothecuttingdepth can be madeby
turning the adjusting screw after loosening
the hex nut. This may become necessary
after the blade has been reshamened a few
-
times.
8 mm
(5/16")
Depth
of cut 10"
12.3" 13" 14.7" 20mm
(0.4")
(0.48") (0.51") 10.58")
(0.8")
Angle guide
The angleguidecan be movedupand downtoadjusttheposition
of the blade inrelation
to the top of the workpiece. To adjust the angle guide height, loosenthe lock lever and
rotate the knob until the pointer points to the desired scale graduation marked on the
angleguide. Thentightenthe lock lever tosecuretheangleguide. The scaleonthe angle
guide indicates the distance from the top of the workpiece to the center of the blade
thickness.
Knob
\
Down
Center
of blade thickness
5

Fence
The angle of the fence can be adjusted between
0’ and 90’ (positivestops at Oo, 45’
and goo). To adjust the angle, loosen the lock lever and tilt the fence until the pointer
pointsto the desired graduationon the angle scale. Then tighten the lock lever to secure
the fence. When the fence is set at
90°, boththe distance from the center of the blade
thickness to the fence and the distance from the center of the blade thickness to the
bottom of the base are
10 mm (0.4”).
Fence Lock lever I
Anale scale I
Pointe! Lock lever
/ll--l
10 mm (0.4”)
Center of blade thickness
Set plate
Use the set plate as shown below when cutting slots in thin workpieces.
Lock lever
Pointer,
/ 11- 1
Set plate
set plate:
base
Center
of blade thickness
Switch action
To start the tool, slide the switch lever
toward the “ON” position.
To stop the tool, simply depress the “OFF
side
of the switch lever.
The switch lever will return
to the “OFF
position.
Set pl
Switch lever
i=-:il /
CAUTION: I
Before plugging in the tool, always check to see that the switch actuates properly and
returns
to the “OFFposition when the “OFFside of the switch lever is depressed. If
not, then have it repaired by a qualified repair facility before use.
6

How to make joints
To make joints, proceed as follows:
1. Fit the two workpieces together as they will appear in the finished joint position.
Corner Joint T-Butt Joint
4iter Joint
Edge-To-Edge Joint
<
I I
rame Joint
2. Mark the center of the intended biscuit slots on the workpiece using a pencil.
(Note)
The center of slotsshould be at least 50 mm (2") from the outer edge of the workpieces.
*Allow
100 mm - 150 mm (4" - 6") between slots in multiple biscuit application.
7

3. For Corner Joint and T-Butt Joint only
Clamp the vertical workpiece to the
workbench.
For Miter Joint only
Clamp one workpiece to the workbench
with the mitered edge facing up.
For Frame Joint and Edge-To-Edge Joint only
~
Clamp one workpiece to the workbench.
For Frame Joint
For Edge-To-Edge-Joint
-\
4. Set the depth of cut according to the size of biscuit to be used. Refer to the table in
5. Adjust the angle guide height so that the blade is centered in the board thickness.
the “Adjusting the depth
of cut” section.
8

6. Align the center mark on the base with
the pencil line on the workpiece.
7. Switchon the tool and gently push it forward to extend the blade intothe workpiece.
8. Gently return thetool totheoriginal position after the adjusting screw reachesthestopper.
9. For Corner Joint and T-Butt Joint only
Clamp the horizontal workpiece to the workbench.
For Corner Joint
For Miter Joint only
Clamp the other workpiece to the work-
bench with the mitered edge facing up.
For Frame Joint and Edge-To-Edge Joint only
Clamp the other workpiece to the workbench.
For Frame Joint
For Edge-To-Edge-Joint
7-L
9

IO. For Corner Joint only
Placethe tool on the workpiece
so that
the blade is facing down.
For T-Butt Joint only
Remove the angle guide from the tool.
Placethe tool on the workpiece
so that
the blade is facing down.
11. Repeat the steps 6 - 8 to cut the slots in the horizontal or the other workpiece. .
If you do not need to center the blade in the board thickness, proceed as follows:
For Corner Joint, Miter Joint, Frame Joint and Edge-To-EdgeJoint only
i 1 Removethe angle guide from the tool.
Set the fence at 90° for Corner Joint,
Frame Joint and Edge-To-EdgeJoint or
at
45O for Miter Joint.
ii ) Follow steps 1 - 11 excluding steps 5
and 10 described above.
10

For T-Butt Joint only
i ) Fit the two workpieces together as they will appear in the finished joint position.
ii) Lay thevertical workpiece onthe horizontalone. Clamp bothworkpieces to the work-
bench as shown in the figure.
i i i ) Remove the angle guide from the tool.
i v ) Follow the steps 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 11 described above.
F-
How to trim wall or ceiling panels
First unplug the tool. Open the blade cover and replace the existing cutter blade with an
optional circularsaw blade
110 mm (4-3/8") in diameter. Refer to the"Removing or installing
theblade" section which
is described later. Remove therubberfacing from the base. Then
close and secure the blade cover. Now the max. depth of cut is
25 mm (1").
CAUTION :
Be very carefulthat the blade has been properly mountedon the tool spindle betweenthe
inner flange and the lock
nut. Be sure to securely tighten the lock nut.
Lock nut @ Blade cover
Set thedepth of cutto "MAX". Restthe baseonthefloor (whentrimmingthe wall panels)
or the wall (whentrimming the ceilingpanels). Usingthe floor or wall as a guide, trim wall
or ceiling panels. Feed
in ;he direction of the arrow.
11

CAUTl ON:
Beforetrimming the panels, check the wall or ceilingcarefullytoavoidcuttingthe electrical
wires, nails or other foreign materials.
*Always reinstall the rubber facing after trimming the panels. If cutting slots for biscuits
withoutthe rubber facing installed properly on the
tool, the tool might slip unexpectedly
onthe workpiece, causingdangerous
loss of control of the tool. When installingthe rubber
facing, always hook
it onto the inside of the front opening.
Removing
or installing the blade
CAUTION:
Always be sure that the tool is switched off and unplugged before removing or installing
the blade.
To removethe blade, loosenthe clamp screw
andopenthe bladecover. Pushtheshaft lock
and loosen the lock nut using the lock nut
wrench.
To install the blade, first mount the inner
flange.
CAUTION:
When installingthe cutter blade, mountthe
inner flange with the side marked
“22”
facing toward you.
When installing the circular saw blade,
mount the inner flange with the side
marked
“22“ facing toward the tool.
Lock nut -@
Cutter blade
Inner flange
Blade coyer
Then mount the blade and the lock nut. Securely tighten the lock nut using the lock nut
wrench. Close the blade cover and tighten the clamp screw to secure the blade cover.
CAUTlON:
*Use only the Makita lock nut wrench provided to remove or install the blade.
*Always check the depth of cut after replacing the blade. Readjust
it if necessary.
12

MAINTENANCE
CAUTIO N :
Always be sure that the tool is switched off and unplugged before attemptinn to Derform
__
inspection or maintenance.
Replacing carbon brushes
Remove and check the carbon brushes
regularly. Replace whenthey wear downto
the limit mark. Keep the carbon brushes
clean and free to slip
in the holders. Both
carbon brushes should be replaced at the
same time. Use only identical carbon
brushes.
Limit mark
Usea screwdriver toremovethe brushholder
caps. Take out the worn carbon brushes,
insert the new ones and secure the brush
holder caps.
To maintain productSAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, any other maintenanceor adjustment
should beperformed by MakitaAuthorized
or Factory Service Centers, always usingMakita
replacement parts.
13

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
The accessories listedin this manualare available at an extra cost from your Makita distributor or Makitafactory
servicecenter.Service centersare listedonthe warranty cardpackedwith your tool.
CAUTION
:
These accessories or attachments are recommended for use with your Makitatool specified in this
manual. The use of any other accessories or attachmentsmight present a risk
of injurytopersons.
The accessories or attachments should be used only
in the proper and intended manner.
Hole
diameter
Diameter
(mm)
(mm)
For rip and cross-cutwork.
Angle guide Dust bag
Part No. 122473-8 Part No. 122474-6
:z,h
*Set plate 4
Part No. 415579-2
Hole
Diameter diameter
(mm)
(mm)
Part No.
Carbide-tipped saw blade
Faster, smoother, longer sawing
Lock nut wrench 20
Plastic tool case
Part No. A00471-9
Part No. 782401-1
2
No.
Teeth
Cutter blade 100-4
Carbide-tipped
platejoiner blade
2 ( 732215-8 I 100 (4") I 22 (718") I 6
f ,-
792010-8 j llo (4-3/8") j 2o (3/4") i 50
Hasfewer teeth than
cross-cutbladefor
faster cutting
vv I ,", I I~~LII
0 Cross-cut saw blade
For smoother cross-cutwork.
Hole
Diameter ,I I diameter I )2iL
I
\I
792012-4 I 110(4-3/8") I 20 (3/4") 1 60
Makes smoother cuts than
combinationblade.
f
792015-8 i llo (4-3/8") j 20 ~4") j 4
without blade sharpening.
Cuts wood, dry wall, plastics,
hard wood, etc.
14

Feb.-24-'94 US
Note: The switch and other part configurations
may differ from country to country.
15

MODEL 3901
Item Qty. Description
No. Used
MACHINE
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
Item Qty. Description
No. Used
14
21
31
41
51
61
71
82
91
1
i
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
Feb-2444 US
MACHINE
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
2
1
I
2
1
1
1
1
Pan HeadScrew M4 x 20 (With Washer)
Spiral Bevel Gear 11
0 Ring26
Ball Bearing 6000DDW
Plate
Fan 60
ARMATUREASSEMBLY
(With Item 6 17 8 18)
Pan Head Screw M4x70 (WithWasher)
FIELD ASSEMBLY
MomHousing
Rubber Pin 4
Switch Rod
Stop Ring E-2 3
Brush Holder Cap
Carbon Brush
Switch Lever
Ball Bearing 627LLB
lnsulalion Washer
Grip
Hex Sockel Head Boll Max16
FlatWasher 8
Gear Housing
Spiral Bevel Gear 36
Retaining Ring R42
Ball Bearing 6201LLB
Spindle
Rod 10
Cap Square Neck Bolt M6x20
Fence
P,” 4
Hex Nul M4
Tension Spring 8
Compression Spring 2 4
Steel Ball 3 5
36 I 1 I FlatWasher6 I
Nole.The switch and other pan specI1Icalionsmay diner from country lo Country
MCA 10194
Hex Nut M6
Lever40
Stop Ring E-8
Rubber Facing
Stop Ring E-3
Blade Cover
Lock Nul 11340
Culler 100-4
Inner Flange 40
Leal Spring
Screw M5x10
0 Ring 24
DUS~ Nozzle
Pan Head Screw M4x60 (With Washer)
Rear Cover
Cord
Cord Guard
Pan Head Screw M4x10 (With Washer)
Switch
Compression Spring 6
Base
Pan Head Screw M4
stopper
Compression Spring 2 4
Steel Ball 3 5
Pan Head Screw M4xZO (With Washer)
Bearing Box
Pan Head Screw M5x45
Pan Head Screw M4xi8(WithWasher)
Switch Holder
Strain Relief
Pan Head Screw M4x14 (With Washer)
Set Plale
Name Plate
Hex Nut M5
Terminal Block
MAKITALIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY
Warranty Policy
Every Makita tool 1s thoroughly inspected and tested before leaving the factory. It IS warranled to
be free of defects from worktnanshlp and materials for the period of ONE YEAR from the date of
original purchase. Should any trouble develop dunng this one-year period,
return the COMPLETE
tool freight prepaid to one of Makita’s Factory or Authorized Serwce Centers. If inspection shows
the irouble is causeh by defective workmanship or material, Makita will repair (or at our option,
replace) wilhout charge
This Warranty does not apply where:
repairs have been made or attempted by others:
repairs are required because of normal wear and tear
The tool has been abused. misused or improperly maintained,
1
alterations have been made to the tool.
IN NO EVENT SHALL MAKITA BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CON-
SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FROM THE SALE OR USE OFTHE PRODUCT. THIS DISCLAIMER
I APPLIESBOTH DURING AND AFTER THE TERM OF THIS WARRANTY.
MAKITA DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED
1 WARRANTIES OF “MERCHANTABILITY” AND “FITNESS FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE,”
AFTER THE ONE-YEAR TERM OFTHIS WARRANTY.
This Warranty gwes you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state Some States do not allow the exclusion or llmitallon of incidental or consequential
damages
so the above Imitation 01 exclusion may not apply 10 you, Some states do not allow
limitati& on how long an implled warranty lasts, so the above limitallon may not apply lo you.
Makita Corporation of America
2650 Gainesville Hwy., Buford, GA 30518
883857-064
PRINTED IN USA
1994-10-4D