Makita M2300 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MANUEL D'INSTRUCTION
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES
Compound Miter Saw
Scie à Coupe d’Onglet
Sierra De Inglete Mixta
M2300
IMPORTANT: Read Before Using.
IMPORTANT : Lire avant usage.
IMPORTANTE: Lea antes de usar.
DOUBLE INSULATION
DOUBLE ISOLATION
DOBLE AISLAMIENTO

2ENGLISH
ENGLISH (Original instructions)
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: M2300
Blade diameter 255 mm (10")
Hole diameter 15.88mm (5/8")
Max. miter angle Left 45°, Right 45°
Max. bevel angle Left 45°
No load speed (RPM) 4,200 /min
Dimensions (L x W x H) 610 mm x 485 mm x 515 mm
(24" x 19-3/32" x 20-1/4")
Net weight 14.7 kg (32.5 lbs)
Cutting capacities (H x W) with blade 255 mm in diameter
Bevel angle Miter angle
0° 45° (left and right)
0° 75 mm x 130 mm
(2-15/16″ x 5-1/8″)
75 mm x 90 mm
(2-15/16″ x 3-9/16″)
45° (left) 48 mm x 120 mm
(1-7/8″ x 4-3/4″)
48 mm x 90 mm
(1-7/8″ x 3-9/16″)
• Due to our continuing program of research and development, the specications herein are subject to change
without notice.
• Specications may differ from country to country.
• Weight according to EPTA-Procedure 01/2003
For your own safety, read
instruction manual before oper-
ating tool.
Save it for future reference.
General safety precautions (For all
tools)
1. KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Read the owner's
manual carefully. Learn the tool's applications
and limitations, as well as the specic poten-
tial hazards peculiar to it.
2. KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working
order.
3. REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES.
Form habit of checking to see that keys and
adjusting wrenches are removed from tool
before turning it on.
4. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas
and benches invite accidents.
5. DO NOT USE IN DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT.
Do not use power tools in damp or wet loca-
tions, or expose them to rain. Keep work area
well lighted. Do not use tool in presence of
ammable liquids or gases.
6. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. 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. DO NOT FORCE TOOL. It will do the job better
and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
9. USE RIGHT TOOL. Do not force tool or attach-
ment to do a job for which it was not designed.
10. WEAR PROPER APPAREL. Do not wear loose
clothing, gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets, or
other jewelry which may get caught in moving
parts. Nonslip footwear is recommended. Wear
protective hair covering to contain long hair.
11. ALWAYS USE SAFETY GLASSES. Also use
face or dust mask if cutting operation is dusty.
Everyday eyeglasses only have impact resis-
tant lenses, they are NOT safety glasses.
12. SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold
work when practical. It's safer than using your
hand and it frees both hands to operate tool.
13. DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing
and balance at all times.
14. MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools
sharp and clean for best and safest perfor-
mance. Follow instructions for lubricating and
changing accessories.
15. DISCONNECT TOOLS before servicing; when
changing accessories such as blades, bits,
cutters, and the like.
16. REDUCE THE RISK OF UNINTENTIONAL
STARTING. Make sure switch is in off position
before plugging in.
17. USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. Consult
the owner's manual for recommended acces-
sories. The use of improper accessories may
cause risk of injury to persons.
18. NEVER STAND ON TOOL. Serious injury could
occur if the tool is tipped or if the cutting tool
is unintentionally contacted.

3ENGLISH
19. CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before further use
of the tool, a guard or other part that is dam-
aged should be carefully checked to determine
that it will operate properly and perform its
intended function - check for alignment of
moving parts, binding of moving parts, break-
age of parts, mounting, and any other condi-
tions that may affect its operation. A guard or
other part that is damaged should be properly
repaired or replaced.
20. DIRECTION OF FEED. Feed work into a blade
or cutter against the direction of rotation of the
blade or cutter only.
21. NEVER LEAVE TOOL RUNNING UNATTENDED.
TURN POWER OFF. Do not leave tool until it
comes to a complete stop.
22. REPLACEMENT PARTS. When servicing, use
only identical replacement parts.
23. POLARIZED PLUGS. To reduce the risk of elec-
tric shock, this equipment has a polarized plug
(one blade is wider than the other). This plug
will t in a polarized outlet only one way. If the
plug does not t fully in the outlet, reverse the
plug. If it still does not t, contact a qualied
electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not
change the plug in any way.
VOLTAGE WARNING: Before connecting the tool
to a power source (receptacle, outlet, etc.) be sure
the voltage supplied is the same as that specied
on the nameplate of the tool. A power source with
voltage greater than that specied for the tool can
result in SERIOUS INJURY to the 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.
USE PROPER EXTENSION CORD. 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 under-
sized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting
in loss of power and overheating. Table 1 shows the
correct size to use depending on cord length and
nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next
heavier gage. The smaller the gage number, the
heavier the cord.
Table 1: Minimum gage for cord
Ampere Rating Volts Total length of cord in feet
120V 25 ft. 50 ft. 100 ft. 150 ft.
220V - 240V 50 ft. 100 ft. 200 ft. 300 ft.
More Than Not More Than AWG
06–18 16 16 14
610 18 16 14 12
10 12 16 16 14 12
12 16 14 12 Not Recommended
Additional safety rules
DO NOT let comfort or familiarity with product
(gained from repeated use) replace strict adher-
ence to miter saw safety rules. If you use this tool
unsafely or incorrectly, you can suffer serious per-
sonal injury.
1. Wear eye protection.
2. Keep hands out of path of saw blade. Avoid
contact with any coasting blade. It can still
cause severe injury.
3. Do not operate saw without guards in place.
Check blade guard for proper closing before
each use. Do not operate saw if blade guard
does not move freely and close instantly.
Never clamp or tie the blade guard into the
open position.
4. Do not perform any operation freehand. The
workpiece must be secured rmly against the
turn base and guide fence with a vise during
all operations. Never use your hand to secure
the workpiece.
5. Never reach around saw blade.
6. Turn off tool and wait for saw blade to stop
before moving workpiece or changing
settings.
7. Unplug tool before changing blade or
servicing.
8. Always secure all moving portions before
carrying the tool.
9. Do not use the tool in the presence of amma-
ble liquids or gases.
10. Check the blade carefully for cracks or damage
before operation. Replace cracked or damaged
blade immediately. Gum and wood pitch hard-
ened on blades slows saw and increases potential
for kickback. Keep blade clean by rst removing
it from tool, then cleaning it with gum and pitch
remover, hot water or kerosene. Never use gaso-
line to clean blade.
11. Use only anges specied for this tool.
12.
Be careful not to damage the arbor, anges
(especially the installing surface) or bolt. Damage
to these parts could result in blade breakage.
13. Make sure that the turn base is properly
secured so it will not move during operation.
Use the holes in the base to fasten the saw to a
stable work platform or bench. NEVER use tool
where operator positioning would be awkward.
14. For your safety, remove the chips, small
pieces, etc. from the table top before
operation.

4ENGLISH
15. Avoid cutting nails. Inspect for and remove all
nails from the workpiece before operation.
16. Make sure the shaft lock is released before the
switch is turned on.
17. Be sure that the blade does not contact the
turn base in the lowest position.
18. Hold the handle rmly. Be aware that the saw
moves up or down slightly during start-up and
stopping.
19. Make sure the blade is not contacting the
workpiece before the switch is turned on.
20. 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.
21. Wait until the blade attains full speed before
cutting.
22. Stop operation immediately if you notice any-
thing abnormal.
23. Do not attempt to lock the trigger in the "ON"
position.
24. Be alert at all times, especially during repeti-
tive, monotonous operations. Do not be lulled
into a false sense of security. Blades are
extremely unforgiving.
25. Always use accessories recommended in this
manual. Use of improper accessories such as
abrasive wheels may cause an injury.
26. NEVER hold workpiece on right side of blade
with left hand or vice versa. This is called
cross-armed cutting and exposes user to risk
of SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY as shown
in the gure. ALWAYS use vise to secure
workpiece.
Fig.1
27. Do not abuse cord. Never yank cord to discon-
nect it from the receptacle. Keep cord away
from heat, oil, water and sharp objects.
28. NEVER stack workpieces on the table top to
speed cutting operations. Cut only one piece
at a time.
29. Some material contains chemicals which may
be toxic. Take caution to prevent dust inhala-
tion and skin contact. Follow material supplier
safety data.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
WARNING: MISUSE or failure to follow the
safety rules stated in this instruction manual may
cause serious personal injury.
INSTALLATION
When the tool is shipped, the handle is locked in the lowered
position by the stopper pin. Loosen the bolt with a wrench pro-
vided with the tool and move the saw head to the right angle.
Remove the bolt and secure the saw head with the knob.
1
Fig.2
► 1. Wrench
1
Fig.3
► 1. Knob
Installing auxiliary plate
Installing the auxiliary plate using the hole in the tool's
base and secure it by tightening the screw.
1
2
3
Fig.4
► 1. Auxiliary plate 2. Screw 3. Base
Bench mounting
When the tool is shipped, the handle is locked in the low-
ered position by the stopper pin. Release the stopper pin
by lowering the handle slightly and pulling the stopper pin.

5ENGLISH
1
Fig.5
► 1. Stopper pin
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.
1
Fig.6
► 1. Bolt
FUNCTIONAL
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Always be sure that the tool is
switched off and unplugged before adjusting or
checking function on the tool.
Blade guard
1
Fig.7
► 1. Blade guard
When lowering the handle, the blade guard rises auto-
matically. The guard is spring loaded so it 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 IS 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 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
efciently 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.
1
Fig.8
► 1. Blade guard

6ENGLISH
Kerf board
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.
1
Fig.9
► 1. Kerf board
Maintaining maximum cutting
capacity
This tool is factory adjusted to provide the maximum
cutting capacity for a 255 mm (10") 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 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.
1
Fig.10
► 1. Adjusting bolt
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.
2
1
3
130mm(5-1/8")
Fig.11
►
1. Top surface of turn base 2. Periphery of blade 3. Guide fence
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
1
2
Fig.12
► 1. Lock lever 2. Grip
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.
CAUTION: After changing the miter angle,
always secure the turn base by tightening the grip
rmly.

7ENGLISH
Adjusting the bevel angle
1
Fig.13
► 1. Knob
To adjust the bevel angle, loosen the knob at the rear of
the tool counterclockwise.
1
Fig.14
► 1. Pointer
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 knob clockwise rmly to secure the
arm.
CAUTION: When tilting the saw blade, be sure
to raise the handle fully.
CAUTION: After changing the bevel angle,
always secure the arm by tightening the knob
clockwise.
Switch action
WARNING: Before plugging in the tool,
always check to see that the switch trigger actu-
ates properly and returns to the "OFF" position
when released. Operating a tool with a switch that
does not actuate properly can lead to loss of control
and serious personal injury.
WARNING: NEVER use tool without a fully
operative switch trigger. Any tool with an inoper-
ative switch is HIGHLY DANGEROUS and must be
repaired before further usage or serious personal
injury may occur.
1
2
Fig.15
► 1. Switch trigger 2. Hole
To start the tool, simply pull the switch trigger. Release
the switch trigger to stop.
No lock button or similar for locking the switch on is
provided on the tool, but a hole is provided for insertion
of a padlock to lock the tool off.
Electric brake
This tool is equipped with an electric blade brake. If the
tool consistently fails to quickly stop the blade after the
switch trigger is released, have the tool serviced at a
Makita service center.
CAUTION: The blade brake system is not a
substitute for the blade guard. Never use tool
without a functioning blade guard. An unguarded
blade may result in serious personal injury.
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.
CAUTION: Use only the Makita wrench pro-
vided to install or remove the blade. Failure to
do so may result in overtightening or insufcient
tightening of the hex bolt. This could cause an
injury.
When removing or installing the blade, keep the handle
in the raised position.
To remove the blade, use the wrench to loosen the hex
bolt holding the center cover by turning it counterclock-
wise. Raise the blade guard and center cover.

8ENGLISH
1
2
Fig.16
► 1. Wrench 2. Center cover
1
Fig.17
► 1. Hex bolt
Press the shaft lock to lock the spindle and use the
wrench to loosen the hex bolt clockwise. Then remove
the hex bolt, outer ange and blade.
1
2
Fig.18
► 1. Hex bolt 2. Wrench
To install the blade, mount it carefully onto the spindle,
making sure that the direction of the arrow on the sur-
face of the blade matches the direction of the arrow on
the blade case.
12
3
4
Fig.19
► 1. Blade case 2. Arrow 3. Arrow 4. Saw blade
Install the outer ange and hex bolt, and then use the
wrench to tighten the hex bolt (left-handed) securely
counterclockwise while pressing the shaft lock.
12 4
3
5
Fig.20
► 1. Hex bolt 2. Outer ange 3. Saw blade 4. Inner
ange 5. Spindle
Return the blade guard and center cover to its original
position. Then tighten the hex bolt clockwise to secure
the center cover. Lower the handle to make sure that
the blade guard moves properly. Make sure shaft lock
has released spindle before making cut.
Dust bag
1
Fig.21
► 1. Dust bag

9ENGLISH
1
Fig.22
► 1. Fastener
The use of the dust bag makes cutting operations clean
and dust collection easy. To attach the dust bag, t it
onto the dust nozzle.
When the dust bag is about half full, remove the dust
bag from 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
hamper further collection.
NOTE: If you connect a Makita vacuum cleaner to
your saw, more efcient and cleaner operations can
be performed.
Securing workpiece
WARNING: It is extremely important to always
secure the workpiece properly and tightly with
the vise. Failure to do so can cause the tool to be
damaged and/or the workpiece to be destroyed.
PERSONAL INJURY MAY ALSO RESULT. Also,
after a cutting operation, DO NOT raise the blade
until the blade has come to a complete stop.
CAUTION: When cutting long workpieces,
use supports that are as high as the top surface
level of the turn base. Do not rely solely on the
vertical vise and/or horizontal vise to secure the
workpiece. Thin material tends to sag. Support
workpiece over its entire length to avoid blade
pinch and possible KICKBACK.
12
Fig.23
► 1. Support 2. Turn base
Vertical vise
1
2
3
4
Fig.24
► 1. Vise knob 2. Screw 3. Vise arm 4. Vise rod
The vertical vise can be installed in two positions on
either the left or right side of the guide fence. Insert the
vise rod into the hole in the guide fence 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. Make sure that no part of the tool
contacts the vise when lowering the handle all the way.
If some part contacts the vise, re-position the vise.
Press the workpiece at against the guide fence and the
turn base. Position the workpiece at the desired cutting
position and secure it rmly by tightening the vise knob.
CAUTION: The workpiece must be secured
rmly against the turn base and guide fence with
the vise during all operations.
OPERATION
CAUTION: Before use, be sure to release the
handle from the lowered position by pulling the
stopper pin.
CAUTION: Make sure the blade is not con-
tacting the workpiece, etc. before the switch is
turned on.
CAUTION: Do not apply excessive pressure
on the handle when cutting. Too much force may
result in overload of the motor and/or decreased cut-
ting efciency. Press down handle with only as much
force as necessary for smooth cutting and without
signicant decrease in blade speed.
CAUTION: Gently press down the handle
to perform the cut. If the handle is pressed down
with force or if lateral force is applied, the blade may
vibrate and leave a mark (saw mark) in the workpiece
and the precision of the cut may be impaired.

10 ENGLISH
Press cutting
1
Fig.25
► 1. Vertical vise
Secure the workpiece with the vise. Switch on the tool
without the blade making any contact and wait until the
blade attains full speed before lowering. Then gently
lower the handle to the fully lowered position to cut the
workpiece. When the cut is completed, switch off the
tool and WAIT UNTIL THE BLADE HAS COME TO A
COMPLETE STOP before returning the blade to its fully
elevated position.
Miter cutting
Refer to the previously covered "Adjusting the miter
angle".
Bevel cut
Fig.26
Loosen the knob and tilt the saw blade to set the bevel
angle (Refer to the previously covered "Adjusting the
bevel angle"). Be sure to retighten the knob rmly to
secure the selected bevel angle safely. Secure the
workpiece with a vise. Switch on the tool without the
blade making any contact and wait until the blade
attains full speed. Then gently lower the handle to the
fully lowered position while applying pressure in parallel
with the blade. When the cut is completed, switch off the
tool and WAIT UNTIL THE BLADE HAS COME TO A
COMPLETE STOP before returning the blade to its fully
elevated position.
CAUTION: Always be sure that the blade will
move down to bevel direction during a bevel cut.
Keep hands out of path of saw blade.
CAUTION: During a bevel cut, it may create
a condition whereby the piece cut off will come
to rest against the side of the blade. If the blade is
raised while the blade is still rotating, this piece may
be caught by the blade, causing fragments to be scat-
tered which is dangerous. The blade should be raised
ONLY after the blade has come to a complete stop.
CAUTION: When pressing the handle down,
apply pressure parallel to the blade. If the pressure
is not parallel to the blade during a cut, the angle of
the blade might be shifted and the precision of the cut
will be impaired.
Compound cutting
Compound cutting is the process in which a bevel
angle is made at the same time in which a miter angle
is being cut on a workpiece. Compound cutting can be
performed at the angle shown in the table.
Bevel angle Miter angle
45° Left and Right 0° - 45°
When performing compound cutting, refer to “Press
cutting”, “Miter cutting” and “Bevel cut” explanations.
Cutting crown and cove moldings
Crown and cove moldings can be cut on a compound
miter saw with the moldings laid at on the turn base.
There are two common types of crown moldings and
one type of cove moldings; 52/38° wall angle crown
molding, 45° wall angle crown molding and 45° wall
angle cove molding.
123
Fig.27
► 1. 52/38° type crown molding 2. 45° type crown
molding 3. 45° type cove molding
There are crown and cove molding joints which are
made to t "Inside" 90° corners ((a) and (b) in the gure)
and "Outside" 90° corners ((c) and (d) in the gure.)