Makita LS1220 User manual

Compound Miter Saw
305 mm (12”) MODEL LS1220
Equipped wlth Electric Brake
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
I DOUBLE
111 IMSULATION

SPECIFICAi'IONS
00
98 mm x 153 mm
63.5 mm
x 203 mm
(3-7/8" x 6")
00
(2-1/2" x 8")
45O (left and right)
98 mm x 107 mm
63.5 mm
x 143 mm
(3-7/8"
x 4-1/4")
(2- 1 /2" x 5-5/8")
450
(left)
70 mm
x 149 mm *44.5 mm
x 130 mm
1 (2-3/4" x 5-7/8") 1 (1-3/4" x 5-1/8")
44.5 mm x 200 mm *44.5 mm
x 140 mm
(1-3/4" x 7-7/8") (1-3/4"
x 5-1/2")
2

For Your Own Safety Read Instruction
Manual Before Operating
Compound Saw
Save it for future reference
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
(For All Tools)
1. KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Readthe owner's manual carefully. Learn the
tools applications and limitations, as well as the specific potential hazards
peculiar to
it.
2. KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order.
3. REMOVEADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES. Form habit of checking to
see that keysand adjusting wrenches are removed from tool beforeturning
it on.
4. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents.
5. DON'T USE INDANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT. Don't usepower tools indamp
or wet locations, or expose them to rain. Keep work area well lighted.
Don't use tool
in presence of flammable liquids or gases.
6. KEEP CHILDRENAWAY. All visitors should be kept safe distance from work
area.
7. MAKE WORKSHOP KID PROOF with padlocks, master switches, or by
removing starter keys.
8. DON'T FORCETOOL. It will do thejob better and safer at the ratefor which
it was designed.
9. USE RIGHT TOOL. Don't force tool or attachment to do a job for which it
was not designed.
10. WEAR PROPER APPAREL. Wear no loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings,
bracelets, or other jewelry which may get caught
in moving parts. Nonslip
footwear isrecommended. Wear protective haircoveringtocontain longhair.
11. ALWAYS USE SAFETY GLASSES. Also use face or dust mask if cutting
operation isdusty. Everyday eyeglasses only have impact resistant lenses,
they are NOT safety glasses.
12. SECURE WORK. Useclamps or avise toholdwork when practical. It's safer
than using your hand and
it frees both hands to operate tool.
13. DON'T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
14. MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp and clean for best and
safest performance. Follow instructions for lubricating andchanging acces-
sories.
15. DISCONNECTTOOLS before servicing; when changing accessories such as
blades, bits, cutters, and the like.
3

16. EXTENSION CORDS. 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 undersizedcord will cause a drop
in
line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. Table 1 shows the
correct size to usedepending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating.
If
in doubt, usethe nextheavier gage. The smaller the gage number, the heav-
ier the cord.
Minimum aage for cord
Ampere Rating
More Than More Than
0 6
6 10
10 12
12 16
Not
Volts
12OV 25ft. 50 ft. 100 ft. 150 ft.
Total length of cord in feet
AWG
18 16 16 14
18 16 14 12
16 16 14 12
14 12
Not Recommended
17. REDUCE THE RISK OF UNINTENTIONALSTARTING. Make sure switch is
in off position before plugging in.
18. USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. Consult the owner's manual for
recommendedaccessories.The useof improper accessoriesmay cause risk
of injury to persons.
19. NEVER STAND ON TOOL. Serious injurycould occur if the toolistipped or
if the cutting tool is accidentally contacted.
20. 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 its intended function - check for alignment
of moving parts, binding of movingparts, breakageof parts, mounting, and
anyother conditionsthat mayaffect itsoperation. A guardor otherpart that
is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced.
21. DIRECTIONOF FEED. Feed work into a blade or cutter against the direction
of rotation of the blade or cutter only.
22. NEVER LEAVE TOOL RUNNING UNATTENDED. TURN POWER OFF. Don't
leave tool until
it comes to a complete stop.
23. When servicing use only identical replacement parts.
24. POLARIZEDPLUGS. To reducethe riskof electric shock, this equipment has
a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug
will fit in a
polarizedoutlet only one way. Ifthe plugdoes notfitfully
in theoutlet, reverse
the plug. If
it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the
proper outlet. Do not change the plug
in any way.
4

VOLTAGE WARNING: Before connecting the tooltoa 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 inSERIOUS INJURY tothe user
- as well as damage to
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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
IO.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Wear eye protection.
Do not operate saw without guards in place.
Don't use the tool
in the presence of flammable liquids or gases.
Check the blade carefully for cracks or damage before operation.
Replace cracked or damaged blade immediately.
Use only flanges specified for this tool.
Becareful nottodamagethe arbor, flanges (especiallythe installing surface)
or bolt. Damage to these parts could result
in blade breakage.
Make sure that the turn base is properly secured
so it will not move during
operation.
Foryour safety, removethechips, small pieces, etc. fromthetable topbefore
operation.
Avoid cutting nails. Inspectfor and removeallnailsfromthe workpiece before
operation.
Make sure the shaft lock is released before the switch is turned on.
Be sure that the blade does notcontacttheturnbase
in thelowestposition.
Hold the handle firmly. Be aware that the saw moves up or down slightly
during start-up and stopping.
Do not perform any operation freehand. The workpiece must be secured
firmly against the turn base and guide fence during all operations.
Keephandsout of pathof saw blade. Avoid contactwithany coasting blade.
It can still cause severe injury.
Never reach around saw blade.
Make sure the blade
is not contacting the workpiece before the switch is
turned on.
Before using the tool on an actual workpiece, let
it run for a while. Watch
for vibration or wobbling that could indicate poor installation or a poorly
balanced blade.
Wait until the blade attains full speed before cutting.
Stop operation immediately if you notice anything abnormal.
Do not attempt to lock the trigger in the on position.
5

21. Shut off power and wait for saw bladetostop before servicing or adjusting
tool.
22. Be alert at all times, especially during repetitive, monotonous operations.
Don't belulledintoafalsesense of security.Bladesare extremelyunforgiving.
I
23. Do not cut cross-armed as shown
in the picture.
24. Always use accessories recommended in this manual. Use of improper
25. Don't abusecord. Neveryank cordtodisconnect it from the receptacle.Keep
26. Turn off tool and wait for saw blade to stop before moving workpiece or
27. Unplug tool before changing blade or servicing.
accessories such as abrasive wheels may cause an injury.
cord away from heat, oil, water and sharp edges.
changing settings.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
6

Carrying tool
When carrying the tool, lower the handle
fully and press the stopper pin to lock the
handle in the lowered position. Secure the
turn base by means of the knob. Carry the
tool by holding both side of the tool base.
WARNING:
Besurethat the tool is unplugged first
Socketwrench
The socket wrench is stored as shown in
the figure. When using the socket wrench,
pull it out of the wrench holder. After using
the socket wrench, return it to the wrench
holder
Bench mounting miter saw
This tool should be bolted with four bolts to
a level and stable surface using the bolt
holes provided in the tool’s base. This
will
help prevent tipping and possible injury.
Removing or installingsaw blade
CAUTION:
Always be sure that the tool is switched off
and unplugged before removing or installing
the blade.
To remove the blade, use the socket
wrench
to loosen the hex bolt holding the
center cover by turning it more than three
turns counterclockwise. Raise the safety
cover and center cover.
I
~
I
7

Press the shaft lock so that the blade can-
not revolve and use the socket wrench to
loosenthe hex bolt clockwise.Then remove
the hex bolt, outer flange and blade.
To install the blade, mount the blade 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 securely counterclock-
wise while pressing the shaft lock. Then
tighten the hex bolt clockwise to secure
the center cover.
CAUTION:
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.
Safety cover
When lowering the handle, the safety
cover rises automatically. The cover returns
to its original position when the cut is com-
pleted and the handle is raised. NEVER
DEFEAT
OR REMOVE THE SAFETY
COVER. In the interest of your personal
safety, always maintain the safety cover in
good condition. Any irregular operation of
the safety cover should be corrected imme-
diately. NEVER USE THE TOOL WITH A
FAULTY SAFETY COVER. If the see-
through safety cover becomes dirty, or
cover
sawdust adheres to it insuch a way that the bladeandlor workpiece is no longer easily vis-
ible, unplug the saw and clean the cover carefully with a damp cloth.
Do not use solvents
or any petroleum-based cleanerson the plastic cover.
8

Dustbag I
The use-of the dust bag makes cutting
operations clean and dust collections easy.
To attach the dust bag, fit the bags entry
port over the dust nozzle.
When the dust bag is about half full,
remove the dust bagfrom the tool and pull
the fastener out. Empty the dust bag of its
contents, tapping
it lightly so as to remove
particles adhering to the insides which
might hamperfurther collection.
Switch action
To prevent the switch lever from being
accidentally pulled,
a lock-off button is pro-
vided.
To start the tool, press in the lock-off but-
ton and pull the switch lever. Release the
switch lever to stop.
Dust nozzle
@
I Dust bag -
Lock-off button
Switch lever
I
I
CAUTION :
*Before plugging in the tool, always check to see that the switch lever actuates properly
*When not using the tool, remove the lock-off button and store
it in a secure place. This
*Do not pull the switch lever hard without pressing in the lock-off button. This can cause
and returnsto the
"OFF" position when released.
prevents unauthorizedoperation.
breakageof the switch.
9

Positioning kerf boards
This tool is provided with kerf boards in the turn base.The kerf boardsare factory-adjusted
so that the saw bladedoes not contact the kerf boards. Before use, adjust the kerf boards
as follows:
First unplug the tool. Loosen the all screws
(2 each on left and right) which secure the
kerf boards. Retighten them to the extent
that the kerf boards can be easily moved
by hand. Lower the handle fully and press
the stopper pin to lock the handle in the
lowered position. Adjust the kerf boards
so that the kerf boards just contact the
sides
of blade teeth slightly. Tighten the all
screws (do not tighten firmly). After adjust-
ing the kerf boards, releasethe stopper pin
and raise the handle. Then tighten the
all
screws securely.
Kerf board 3 LScrew
w- B
Left bevel cut Straight cut
CAUTION:
After changingthe bevel angle, always readjust the kerf boardsas described above.
10

Maintaining maximum cutting capacity '
Unplugthe tool before any adjustment is attempted.
This tool is factory adjusted to provide the max. cutting capacity for
a 305 mm (12") saw
blade. When the diameter
of the blade has been reduced due to sharpening, adjust the
depth adjusting bolt by turning it with the socket wrench. The saw blade is lowered by
turning the depth adjustingbolt counterclockwise and raisedby turning
it clockwise. Adjust
so that when the handle is in the fully lowered position, there will be a distance of about
203 mm (8") from the front face of the guide fence to the point where the front edge of
the blade enters the kerf. With the tool unplugged, rotate the blade by hand while holding
the handle
all the way down. Be sure that the blade does not contact any part of the lower
base when the handleis lowered completely.
Adjusting bolt 7
Positioningfor adjustingthe miter angle
Loosen the knob by turning counterclock-
wise. Turn the turn base while pressing
down the lock lever. When
you have
moved the grip to the position where the
pointer indicates the desired angle on the
miter scale, securely tighten the knob
clockwise.
CAUTION:
When turning the turn base, be sure to raise the handle fully.
11

Positioning for adjustingthe bevel angle
The saw blade tilts up to 45" to the left. To adjust the bevel angle, loosen the lever at the
rear of the tool. Tilt the blade to the left
so that the pointer indicates the desired angle on
the bevel scale.Then tighten the lever firmly to secure the arm.
CAUTION:
When tilting the saw blade,be sure to raisl
Securingworkpiece
he handlefullv.
Whenever possible, secure the workpiece with the optional vise. If you must use your
handto holdthe workpiece, then it must be done firmly and securely
so as not to lose con-
trol of the workpiece. Your hand and arm must be kept well away from the blade area
(4"
minimum).Squeeze the workpiece firmly against the guide fence with your fingers held
over the top of the guide fence. The workpiece must also rest steadily on the turn base.
WARNING
:
Never use your hand to hold the workpiece that requires your hand to be any closer than
4" from the blade area. Inthis case, always use the optional vise to secure the workpiece.
After any cutting operation, raise the blade gently. Never raise the blade until it has come
to
a complete stop. Serious injury may result.
1. Verticalvise (optionalaccessory)
The vertical vise can be installed on the guide fence or the holder assembly (optional
accessory).
Insert the vise rod into the hole in the
guide fence or holder assembly and
tighten the screw to secure the vise rod.
Position the vise arm according to the
thickness and shape of the workpiece
and secure the vise arm by tightening
the screw. Press the workpiece flat
against the guide fence and the turn
base. Position of the workpiece
at the
desired cutting position and secure
it
firmly by tightening the clamp screw.
base
12

2. Horizontal vise (optionalaccessory)
The horizontal vise can be installed in
two positions on either the left or right
side of the base. When performing
15"
or greater miter cuts, install the horizon-
tal vise on the side opposite the direc-
tion in which the turn table
is to be
turned.
By flipping the vise nut to the
left, the vise is released, and rapidly
moves in and out. To grip workpieces,
push the vise knobforward until the vise
plate contacts the workpiece and flip the
vise nut to the right. Then turn the vise
When cutting long workpieces, use the
holder-rod assembly (optional acces-
sory). It consists of two holder assem-
blies and two rods
12.
CAUTION:
I Vise plate
Holder
Rod 12
Vise nut 2 LVise knob
knob clockwise to secure the workpiece. Then maximum width of workpieces which
can be secured by the horizontalvise is
200 mm (7-7/8").
CAUTION:
Always set the vise nut to the right fully when securing the workpiece. Failureto do
so
may result in insufficient securing of the workpiece. This could cause the workpiece to
be thrown, cause damage to the blade or cause the dangerous
loss of control of the
tool
3. Holdersand holder assembly
(optionalaccessories)
The holders and the holder assembly
can be installed on either side as
a con-
venient means of supporting workpieces
horizontally.Installthem as shown inthe
figure. Then tighten the screws firmly
to secure the holders and the holder
assembly.
Holderassembly 1 Screw
13

Operation
CAUTION:
*Before use, be sure to releasethe handle from the lowered position by pulling the stop-
per pin.
*Make sure the blade is not contacting the workpiece, etc. before the switch is turned on.
*Do not apply excessive pressure on the handlewhen cutting. Too much force may result
in overloadof the motor and/or decreased cutting efficiency.
*Gently press down the handle to perform the cut. If the handle is pressed down with
force or if lateralforce is applied, the blade will vibrate and leave
a mark (saw mark)inthe
workpiece and the precision of the cut will be impaired.
When cutting with this tool, the thickness
of the blade is cut out of the workpiece as
well. Therefore, your cutting line should be
on either the left or right side of the groove
in the kerf board. Switch
on the tool and
wait until the blade attains full speed
before lowering gently into the cut. When
the blade, contacts the workpiece, gradual-
ly bear down on the handle to perform the
cut. When the cut is completed, switch off
the tool and WAIT UNTILTHE BLADE HAS
COME TO A COMPLETE STOP before
returning the blade to its fully elevated
position. A thin piece of cut off material
Groove
could otherwise contact the coasting blade and be thrown arounddangerously.
CAUTION:
When cutting long workpieces, use sup-
ports that are as high as the top surface
level
of the turn base.
1. Miter cutting
Referto the previously covered "Positioning for adjusting the miter angle".
14

*Loosen the lever and tilt the Saw blade
to set the bevel angle. Be sure to
retighten the lever firmly to secure the
selected bevel angle safely. Secure the
workpiece. Switch on the tool and wait
until the blade attains full speed. Then
gently lower the handle to the fully
lowered position while applying pres-
sure in the direction of the arrow (in
parallelwith the blade).When the cut is
completed, switchoff the tool and WAIT
UNTIL THE BLADE HAS COME TO A
COMPLETE STOP before returning the
blade to its fully elevated position.
Sub fence-,
Apply pressure in the
direction
of thearrow (in
Parallelwith the blade)
1s

3. Compoundcutting
Compoundcutting can be performedat angles shown inthe table below.
Bevel angle 1 Miter angle
45O I Left and right 0' - 45"
When performing the compound cutting, refer to "Miter cutting" and "Bevel cut"
explanations.
4. Cuttingcrownandcove moldings
*Crown and cove molding can be cut on a compoundcut with the moldings laid flat on
the turn base.
*There are two common types of crown moldings and one typeof cove molding; 52/38'
wall angle crown molding,45" wall angle crown moldingand 45" wall angle cove mold-
ing. See illustrationsbelow.
Ceiling Ceiling Ceiling
--
-
- -
-
2 3 2
crown molding crown molding cove molding
*There are crown and cove moldingjoints to fit "Inside" 90" corners (0 and @ in Fig. A)
and "Outside" 90" corners (@ and @ in Fig. A).
- -
Inside corner Outside corner
Fig. (A)
Insidecorner
16

Position Bevel angle
in Fig
(A) 52/38" type 45" type
0
@ Left 33 90 Left 30"
0
@
For inside corner
-
For outside corner ~
Miter angle
52/38" type 45" type
Right 31
6'
Left 31 6'
Right 31 6'
Right 35 3"
Left
35 3"
Right 35 3'
Position
in Fig
(Ai
Molding edge against guide fence
Ceiling contact edge should be
against guide fence
Wall contact edge should be
against guide fence
Ceiling contact edge
Ghouid be
against guide fence
For inside corner
@
a
a
For outside corner
I
-
Save the right side of blade
Left 45"
0
a I Right 45" I Save the left side of blade
For outside corner
Finished piece
Finished piece
will be on the
Left side of blade
Finished piece will be on the
Right side of blade
17
Position in Fig (A) Miter angle
0 Right 45"
0
For inside corner
Finished piece
Save the right side of blade
Save the left side of blade

5. Cuttingaluminum extrusion
When securing aluminum extrusions,
use spacer blocks or pieces of scrap as
shown inthe figure to prevent deforma-
tion of the aluminum. Use
a cutting
lubricant when cutting the aluminum
extrusion to prevent build-up of the alu-
minum material on the blade.
n
Aluminum extrusion
Spacer block
I'
CAUTION:
Never attempt to cut thick or round aluminum extrusions. Thick aluminum extrusions
may come loose during operation and round aluminum extrusion cannot be secured
firmly withthis tool.
6. Wood facing
Useof wood facing helpsto assure splinter-free cuts in workiieces. Attach a wood fac-
ing to the guide fence using the holes in the guide fence.
CAUTION:
*Use straight wood of even thickness as the wood facing.
*See the figure belowconcerning the dimensions for
a suggested wood facing.
Over 10 mm 1318")
Over 580 mm I22-314"l
m
98 mm
13-7/8")
105" 115" 115" 105" Hole
(4-1/8"1 (4-1/2"1 14-1/2'') (4-1/8"1
I
Center of wood facing
18

7. Cutting repetitive lengths
When cutting several pieces of stock to
the same length, ranging from
295 mm
(11-5/8") to 440 mm (17-1/4"), use of
the set plate (optional accessory) will
facilitate more efficient operation. Install
the set plate on the holder (optional
accessory) as shown in the figure. Align
the cutting line on your workpiece with
either the left or right side of the groove
in the kerf board, and while holding the
workpiece from moving, move the set
plate flush against the end of the work-
piece. Then secure the set plate with
!- Set plate
- LHolder
1 Screw
the screw. When the set plate is not used, loosen the screw and turn the set plate out
of the way.
19

MAINTENANCE
CAUTION:
Always be sure that the tool is switched off and unplugged before attempting to perform
inspection or maintenance.
WARN
I N G :
Always be sure that the blade is sharp and cleanfor the best and safest performance.
Alignmentfor squareness
This tool was carefully adjusted and aligned for squarenessof cut at the factory, b,ut rough
handling may have affected the alignment. If your tool is not aligned properly, performthe
following.
1) Miter angle
Loosen the grip and set the turn baseat zero degrees by turning the turn base. Tighten
the grip securely and loosen the hex bolts on the guide fence. Square the side
of the
bladewiththe face of the guide fence using a triangular rule, try-square, etc. by moving
the right sideof the guide fence. Then securely tighten the hex bolts on the guide fence
inthe order indicated in the figure.
2) Bevel angle
a) 0" bevel angle
Loosen the lever
at the rear of the
tool. Turn the left hex bolt
(A) at the
rear of the turn base two or three
revolutions counterclockwise with
the socket wrench. Then
tilt the
bladeto the right.
Leve
Hex Armbolt -2-J (A)
20