Makita Makstar BSS610 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
WARNING:
For your personal safety, READ and UNDERSTAND before using.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
ENGLISH
Cordless Circular Saw
MODEL BSS610
006699

2
SPECIFICATIONS
• Due to our continuing programme of research and development, the specifications herein are subject to change
without notice.
• Note: Specifications may differ from country to country.
END001-1
Symbols
The following show the symbols used for the equipment.
Be sure that you understand their meaning before use.
..................Only for EU countries
Do not dispose of electric equipment
together with household waste
material!
In observance of European Directive
2002/96/EC on waste electric and
electronic equipment and its
implementation in accordance with
national law, electric equipment that
have reached the end of their life
must be collected separately and
returned to an environmentally
compatible recycling facility.
Intended use
The tool is intended for performing lengthways and
crossways straight cuts and mitre cuts with angles in
wood while in firm contact with the workpiece.
For European countries only
Noise and Vibration
The typical A-weighted noise levels are
sound pressure level: 90 dB (A)
sound power level: 101 dB (A)
Uncertainty: 3 dB(A)
– Wear ear protection. –
The typical weighted root mean square acceleration
value is not more than 2.5 m/s2.
These values have been obtained according to
EN60745.
ENH102-4
EC-DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We declare under our sole responsibility that this product
is in compliance with the following standards of stan-
dardized documents;
EN60745, EN55014 in accordance with Council Direc-
tives, 89/336/EEC, 98/37/EC.
Yasuhiko Kanzaki CE2005
Director
MAKITA INTERNATIONAL EUROPE LTD.
Michigan Drive, Tongwell, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK15
8JD, ENGLAND
Responsible manufacturer:
Makita Corporation Anjo Aichi Japan
Model BSS610
Blade diameter 165 mm
Max. Cutting depth
at 90° 57 mm
at 45° 40 mm
at 50° 36 mm
No load speed (min-1)3,700
Overall length 347 mm
Net weight 3.2 kg
Rated voltage D.C. 18V

3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES GEA002-3
WARNING:
Read all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in
electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. The term “power tool” in all of the
warnings listed below refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-
operated (cordless) power tool.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Work area safety
1. Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered and
dark areas invite accidents.
2. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmo-
spheres, such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
3. Keep children and bystanders away while oper-
ating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to
lose control.
Electrical safety
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet condi-
tions. Water entering a power tool will increase the
risk of electric shock.
7. 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.
8. 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.
Personal safety
9. 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.
10. Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protec-
tion. Safety equipment such as dust mask, non-skid
safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used
for appropriate conditions will reduce personal inju-
ries.
11. Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the switch is
in the off-position before plugging in. Carrying
power tools with your finger on the switch or plug-
ging in power tools that have the switch on invites
accidents.
12. 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.
13. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and bal-
ance at all times. This enables better control of the
power tool in unexpected situations.
14. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery
or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
15. If devices are provided for the connection of
dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure
these are connected and properly used. Use of
these devices can reduce dust-related hazards.
Power tool use and care
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/
or the battery pack 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.

4
19. Store idle power tools out of the reach of chil-
dren 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.
20. Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or
binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and
any other condition that may affect the power
tools operation. If damaged, have the power tool
repaired before use. Many accidents are caused
by poorly maintained power tools.
21. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges
are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
22. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits
etc. in accordance with these instructions and in
the manner intended for the particular type of
power tool, taking into account the working con-
ditions and the work to be performed. Use of the
power tool for operations different from those
intended could result in a hazardous situation.
Battery tool use and care
23. Ensure the switch is in the off position before
inserting battery pack. Inserting the battery pack
into power tools that have the switch on invites acci-
dents.
24. Recharge only with the charger specified by the
manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one
type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when
used with another battery pack.
25. Use power tools only with specifically desig-
nated battery packs. Use of any other battery
packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
26. When battery pack is not in use, keep it away
from other metal objects like paper clips, coins,
keys, nails, screws, or other small metal objects
that can make a connection from one terminal to
another. Shorting the battery terminals together
may cause burns or a fire.
27. Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected
from the battery, avoid contact. If contact acci-
dentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid con-
tacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid
ejected from the battery may cause irritation or
burns.
Service
28. 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.
29. Follow instruction for lubricating and changing
accessories.
30. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and
grease.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES GEB014-1
DO NOT let comfort or familiarity with product (gained from repeated use)
replace strict adherence to Circular Saw safety rules. If you use this tool
unsafely or incorrectly, you can suffer serious personal injury.
DANGER:
1. Keep hands away from cutting area and the
blade. Keep your second hand on auxiliary han-
dle, or motor housing. If both hands are holding
the saw, they cannot be cut by the blade.
2. Do not reach underneath the workpiece. The
guard cannot protect you from the blade below the
workpiece. Do not attempt to remove cut material
when blade is moving.
CAUTION: Blades coast after turn off. Wait until
blade stops before grasping cut material.
3. 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.
4. Never hold piece being cut in your hands or
across your leg. Secure the workpiece to stable
platform. It is important to support the work prop-
erly to minimize body exposure, blade binding, or
loss of control.
A typical illustration of proper hand support and
workpiece support.

5
5. Hold 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 shock the
operator.
6. When ripping always use a rip fence or straight
edge guide. This improves the accuracy cut and
reduces the chance of blade binding.
7. 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 eccentrically, causing loss of control.
8. 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.
9. Causes and Operator Prevention of Kickback:
•kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched,
bound or misaligned saw blade, causing an
uncontrolled saw to lift up and out of the work-
piece toward the operator;
•When the blade is pinched or bound 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 incor-
rect 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 kick-
back 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 control-
led 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 and check
that saw teeth are not engaged into the
material. If saw blade is binding, 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.
To minimize the risk of blade pinching and kickback.
When cutting operation requires the resting of the
saw on the workpiece, the saw should be rested on
the larger portion and the smaller piece cut off.
•Do not use dull or damaged blades.
Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce
narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade
binding and kickback. Keep blade sharp and
clean. Gum and wood pitch hardened on
blades slows saw and increases potential for
kickback. Keep blade clean by first removing it
from tool, then cleaning it with gum and pitch
remover, hot water or kerosene. Never use
gasoline.
•Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking
levers must be tight and secure before mak-
ing cut. If blade adjustment shifts while cutting,
it may cause binding and kickback.
To avoid kickback, do support board or panel near
the cut.
Do not support board or panel away from the cut.

6
•Use extra caution when making a “plunge
cut” into existing walls or other blind areas.
The protruding blade may cut objects that can
cause kickback.
For plunge cuts, retract lower guard using
Retracting handle.
•ALWAYS hold the tool firmly with both
hands. NEVER place your hand or fingers
behind the saw. If kickback occurs, the saw
could easily jump backwards over your hand,
leading to serious personal injury.
•Never force the saw. Forcing the saw can
cause uneven cuts, loss of accuracy, and
possible kickback. Push the saw forward at a
speed so that the blade cuts without slowing.
10. Check lower guard for proper closing before
each use. Do not operate the saw if lower guard
does not move freely and close instantly. Never
clamp or tie the lower guard into the open posi-
tion. If saw is accidentally dropped, lower guard
may be bent. Raise the lower guard with the retract-
ing handle and make sure it moves freely and does
not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles
and depths of cut.
To check lower guard, open lower guard by hand,
then release and watch guard closure. Also check to
see that Retracting handle does not touch tool
housing. Leaving blade exposed is VERY DANGER-
OUS and can lead to serious personal injury.
11. Check the operation of the lower guard spring. If
the guard and the spring are not operating prop-
erly, they must be serviced before use. Lower
guard may operate sluggishly due to damaged
parts, gummy deposits, or a build-up of debris.
12. Lower guard should be retracted manually only
for special cuts such as “plunge cuts” and
“compound cuts.” Raise lower guard by retract-
ing handle and as soon as blade enters the
material, the lower guard must be released. For
all other sawing, the lower guard should operate
automatically.
13. Always observe that the lower guard is covering
the blade before placing 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. Before setting the tool
down after completing a cut, be sure that the lower
guard has closed and the blade has come to a com-
plete stop.
14. Use extra caution when cutting damp wood,
pressure treated lumber, or wood containing
knots. Adjust speed of cut to maintain smooth
advancement of tool without decrease in blade
speed.
15. Avoid Cutting Nails. Inspect for and remove all
nails from lumber before cutting.
16. Place the wider portion of the saw base on that
part of the workpiece which is solidly sup-
ported, not on the section that will fall off when
the cut is made. As examples, Fig. 1 illustrates
the RIGHT way to cut off the end of a board, and
Fig. 2 the WRONG way. If the workpiece is short
or small, clamp it down. DO NOT TRY TO HOLD
SHORT PIECES BY HAND!
Fig. 1
Fig. 2

7
17. Never attempt to saw with the circular saw held
upside down in a vise. This is extremely danger-
ous and can lead to serious accidents.
18. Some material contains chemicals which may
be toxic. Take caution to prevent dust inhalation
and skin contact. Follow material supplier safety
data.
19. Do not stop the blades by lateral pressure on
the saw blade.
20. Always use blades recommended in this man-
ual. Do not use any abrasive wheels.
21. Wear a dust mask and hearing protection when
use the tool.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:
MISUSE or failure to follow the safety rules stated in this instruction manual
may cause serious personal injury.
ENC007-2
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR BATTERY CARTRIDGE
1. Before using battery cartridge, read all instruc-
tions and cautionary markings on (1) battery
charger, (2) battery, and (3) product using bat-
tery.
2. Do not disassemble battery cartridge.
3. If operating time has become excessively
shorter, stop operating immediately. It may
result in a risk of overheating, possible burns
and even an explosion.
4. If electrolyte gets into your eyes, rinse them out
with clear water and seek medical attention
right away. It may result in loss of your eye-
sight.
5. Do not short the battery cartridge:
(1) Do not touch the terminals with any con-
ductive material.
(2) Avoid storing battery cartridge in a con-
tainer with other metal objects such as
nails, coins, etc.
(3) Do not expose battery cartridge to water
or rain.
A battery short can cause a large current
flow, overheating, possible burns and
even a breakdown.
6. Do not store the tool and battery cartridge in
locations where the temperature may reach or
exceed 50°C (122°F).
7. Do not incinerate the battery cartridge even if it
is severely damaged or is completely worn out.
The battery cartridge can explode in a fire.
8. Be careful not to drop or strike battery.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Tips for maintaining maximum battery life
1. Charge the battery cartridge before completely
discharged.
Always stop tool operation and charge the bat-
tery cartridge when you notice less tool power.
2. Never recharge a fully charged battery car-
tridge.
Overcharging shortens the battery service life.
3. Charge the battery cartridge with room temper-
ature at 10°C - 40°C (50°F - 104°F). Let a hot bat-
tery cartridge cool down before charging it.

8
FUNCTIONAL
DESCRIPTION CAUTION:
• Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the battery cartridge is
removed before adjusting or checking function on the tool.
Installing or removing battery cartridge
• Always switch off the tool before insertion or removal of the battery
cartridge.
• To remove the battery cartridge, withdraw it from the tool while sliding
the button on the side of the cartridge.
• To insert the battery cartridge, align the tongue on the battery cartridge
with the groove in the housing and slip it into place. Always insert it all
the way until it locks in place with a little click. If you can see the red part
on the upper side of the button, it is not locked completely. Insert it fully
until the red part cannot be seen. If not, it may accidentally fall out of the
tool, causing injury to you or someone around you.
• Do not use force when inserting the battery cartridge. If the cartridge
does not slide in easily, it is not being inserted correctly.
Adjusting depth of cut
CAUTION:
• After adjusting the depth of cut, always tighten the lever securely.
Loosen the lever on the side of the rear handle and move the base up or
down. At the desired depth of cut, secure the base by tightening the lever.
For cleaner, safer cuts, set cut depth so that no more than one blade tooth
projects below workpiece. Using proper cut depth helps to reduce potential for
dangerous KICKBACKS which can cause personal injury.
Bevel cutting
Loosen the lever on the bebel scale plate on the front base. Set for the desired
angle (0° - 50°) by tilting accordingly, then tighten the lever securely. Use the
45° stopper when you do precise 45° angle cutting. Turn the stopper counter-
clockwise fully for bevel cut (0° - 45°) and turn it clockwise for 0° - 50° bevel
cuts.
1. Red part
2. Button
3. Battery cartridge
1
2
3
006700
1. Lever
1
006701
1. Lever
1. Stopper
1
006702
1
0-45 0-50
006703

9
Sighting
For straight cuts, align the A position on the front of the base with your cutting
line. For 45°bevel cuts, align the B position with it.
Switch action
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.
•Do not pull the switch trigger hard without pressing the lock-off lever. This
can cause switch breakage.
To prevent the switch trigger from being accidentally pulled, a lock-off lever is
provided. To start the tool, press the lock-off lever and pull the switch trigger.
Release the switch trigger to stop.
WARNING:
•For your safety, this tool is equipped with lock-off lever which prevents the
tool from unintended starting. NEVER use the tool if it runs when you
simply pull the switch trigger without pressing the lock-off lever. Return
tool a MAKITA service center for proper repairs BAFORE further usage.
•NEVER tape down or defeat purpose and function of lock-off lever.
Lighting the lamp
CAUTION:
•Do not look in the light or see the source of light directly.
Only to turn on the light, pull the switch trigger without pressing the lock-off
lever.To turn on the light and run the tool, press the lock-off lever and pull the
switch trigger with the lock-off lever being pressed.
NOTE:
•Use a dry cloth to wipe the dirt off the lens of lamp. Be careful not to
scratch the lens of lamp, or it may lower the illumination.
•Do not use gasoline, thinner or the like to clean the lens of lamp. Using
such substances will damage the lens.
1. Base
2. Cutting line
1
B2A
006704
1. Switch trigger
2. Lock-off lever
12
006705

10
ASSEMBLY CAUTION:
•Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the battery cartridge is
removed before carrying out any work on the tool.
Removing or installing saw blade
CAUTION:
•Be sure the blade is installed with teeth pointing up at the front of the
tool.
•Use only the Makita wrench to install or remove the blade.
To remove the blade, press the shaft lock so that the blade cannot revolve and
use the wrench to loosen the hex bolt clockwise. Then remove the hex bolt,
outer flange and blade.
To install the blade, follow the removal procedure in reverse. BE SURE TO
TIGHTEN THE HEX BOLT COUNTERCLOCKWISE SECURELY.
When changing blade, make sure to also clean upper and lower blade guards
of accumulated sawdust. Such efforts do not, however, replace the need to
check lower guard operation before each use.
Hex wrench storage
When not in use, store the hex wrench as shown in the figure to keep it from
being lost.
1. Shaft lock
2. Hex wrench
1
2
006706
1. Inner flange
2. Saw blade
3. Outer flange
4. Hex. bolt
1
2
3
4
006707
1. Hex wrench
1
006708

11
Connecting a vacuum cleaner
When you wish to perform clean cutting operation, connect a Makita vacuum
cleaner to your tool. Install the dust nozzle on the tool using the screw. Then
connect a hose of the vacuum cleaner to the dust nozzle as shown in the fig-
ure.
OPERATION
CAUTION:
•Always insert the battery cartridge all the way until it locks in place. If you
can see the red part on the upper side of the button, it is not locked
completely. Insert it fully until the red part cannot be seen. If not, it may
accidentally fall out of the tool, causing injury to you or someone around
you.
•Be sure to move the tool forward in a straight line gently. Forcing or
twisting the tool will result in overheating the motor and dangerous
kickback, possibly causing severe injury.
•If the tool is operated continuously until the battery cartridge has
discharged, allow the tool to rest for 15 minutes before proceeding with a
fresh battery.
Hold the tool firmly. The tool is provided with both a front grip and rear handle.
Use both to best grasp the tool. If both hands are holding saw, they cannot be
cut by the blade. Set the base on the workpiece to be cut without the blade
making any contact. Then turn the tool on and wait until the blade attains full
speed. Now simply move the tool forward over the workpiece surface, keeping
it flat and advancing smoothly until the sawing is completed.
To get clean cuts, keep your sawing line straight and your speed of advance
uniform. If the cut fails to properly follow your intended cut line, do not attempt
to turn or force the tool back to the cut line. Doing so may bind the blade and
lead to dangerous kickback and possible serious injury. Release switch, wait
for blade to stop and then withdraw tool. Realign tool on new cut line, and start
cut again. Attempt to avoid positioning which exposes operator to chips and
wood dust being ejected from saw. Use eye protection to help avoid injury.
1. Dust nozzle (accessory)
2. Screw
1. Hose
2. Vacuum cleaner
1
2
006711
1
2
006712
1. Rear handle
2. Front grip
3. Base
12
3
006709

12
Rip fence (Guide rule)
The handy rip fence allows you to do extra-accurate straight cuts. Simply slide
the rip fence up snugly against the side of the workpiece and secure it in posi-
tion with the screw on the front of the base. It also makes repeated cuts of uni-
form width possible.
MAINTENANCE CAUTION:
•Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the battery cartridge is
removed before attempting to perform inspection or maintenance.
Adjusting for accuracy of 90° and 45° cut (vertical and 45° cut)
This adjustment has been made at the factory. But if it is off, adjust the adjust-
ing screws with a hex wrench while inspecting 90°or 45°the blade with the
base using a triangular rule or square rule, etc.
Replacing carbon brushes
Remove and check the carbon brushes regularly. Replace when they wear
down to 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.
1. Clamping screw
2. Rip fence (Guide rule)
12
006710
1. Adjusting screw for 45°
2. Adjusting screw for 90°
1. Triangular rule
12
006713
1
90 45
006714
1. Limit mark
1
001145

13
Use a screwdriver to remove the brush holder caps. Take out the worn carbon
brushes, insert the new ones and secure the brush holder caps.
To maintain product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, any other mainte-
nance or adjustment should be performed by Makita Authorized Service Cent-
ers, always using Makita replacement parts.
ACCESSORIES
CAUTION:
•These accessories or attachments are recommended for use with your Makita tool specified in this manual. The
use of any other accessories or attachments might present a risk of injury to persons. Only use accessory or
attachment for its stated purpose.
If you need any assistance for more details regarding these accessories, ask your local Makita Service Center.
1. Brush holder cap
2. Screwdriver
1
2
006715
•Saw blades
•Rip fence (Guide rule)
•Hex wrench 5
•Dust nozzle
•Various type of Makita genuine batteries and
chargers

Memo
14

Memo
15

Makita Corporation Anjo, Aichi, Japan
884641A224