10
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
service center for a new guard. DO NOT DEFEAT OR
REMOVE GUARD. (Fig. 4)
Kerf board (Fig. 5)
This tool is provided with the kerf board in the turn base to
minimize tearing on the exit side of a cut. If the kerf
groove has not yet been cut in the kerf board by the
factory, you should cut the groove before actually using
the tool to cut a workpiece. Switch on the tool and lower
the blade gently to cut a groove in the kerf board.
Maintaining maximum cutting capacity
(Fig. 6 & 7)
This tool is factory adjusted to provide the maximum
cutting capacity for a 260 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. Lower the handle completely. Use
the socket wrench to turn the adjusting bolt until the
periphery 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.
Adjusting the miter angle (Fig. 8)
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. 9 & 10)
To adjust the bevel angle, loosen the lever at the rear of
the tool counterclockwise.
Push the handle to the left to tilt the saw blade until the
pointer points to the desired angle on the bevel scale.
Then tighten the lever clockwise 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.
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.
• Do not pull the switch trigger hard without pressing in
the lock-off button. This can cause switch breakage.
(Fig. 11)
To prevent the switch trigger from being accidentally
pulled, a lock-off button is provided. To start the tool, press
in the lock-off button and pull the switch trigger. Release
the switch trigger to stop.
WARNING:
• NEVER use tool without a fully operative switch trigger.
Any tool with an inoperative switch is HIGHLY
DANGEROUS and must be repaired before further
usage.
• For your safety, this tool is equipped with a lock-off
button 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
button. Return tool to a Makita service center for proper
repairs BEFORE further usage.
• NEVER tape down or defeat purpose and function of
lock-off button.
ASSEMBLY
CAUTION:
• Always be sure that the tool is switched off and
unplugged before carrying out any work on the tool.
Installing or removing saw blade
CAUTION:
• Always be sure that the tool is switched off and
unplugged before installing or removing the blade.
• Use only the Makita socket wrench provided to install
or remove the blade. Failure to do so may result in
overtightening or insufficient tightening of the hex bolt.
This could cause an injury.
Lock the handle in the raised position by pushing in the
stopper pin.
To remove the blade, use the socket wrench to loosen the
hex bolt holding the center cover by turning it
counterclockwise. Raise the blade guard and center
cover. (Fig. 12)
Press the shaft lock to lock the spindle and use the socket
wrench to loosen the hex bolt clockwise. Then remove the
hex bolt, outer flange and blade. (Fig. 13)
To install the blade, mount it carefully onto the spindle,
making sure that the direction of the arrow on the surface
of the blade matches the direction of the arrow on the
blade case. Install the outer flange and hex bolt, and then
use the socket wrench to tighten the hex bolt (left-handed)
