MasterCraft 55-6898-8 User manual

1
OPERATING MANUAL
12” COMPOUND MITRE SAW
WITH LASER
55-6898-8
Parts missing or damaged? Questions? Toll-Free Help Line – 1-800-689-9928
IMPORTANT:
Read through this operating manual carefully before using this tool. Pay close
attention to all Safety Instructions, Warnings, and Caution sections.Use this tool
properly and only for its intended use.
Safety symbols in this manual are used to call attention to possible dangers.
The safety symbols and their explanations require the operator’s full understanding.
The safety warnings do not, by themselves, eliminate any danger, nor are they a
substitute for proper accident-prevention measures.
This Safety Alert Symbol indicates caution, warning, or danger. Failure to obey
a safety warning can result in serious injury to the operator or to others. To reduce
the risk of injury, fire, or electric shock, always follow the safety precautions.

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Specifications…………………………………………..Page 2
Rules for Safe Operation……………………… ….. Page 3-7
Glossary of Woodworking Terms……………………Page 8
Description…………………………………….............Page 9
Assembly……………………........…….....................Page 10-11
Adjustments.............................................................Page 12
Operation...................………………….....................Page 13-20
Maintenance............................................................Page 20
Troubleshooting.......................................................Page 21
Repair Parts.............................................................Page 22
Exploded View & Part List....................................... Page 23-24
Warranty………………………………………………..Page 25
SPECIFICATIONS
Motor: 120 V 60Hz 15 A,
Speed: 4500 RPM (no load)
Blade size: 12″(30.5 cm) 40-tooth, carbide -tipped
Arbour size: 5/8” (15.9mm)
Weight: 44.1 lbs (20kg)
Cutting capacity: 2" X 7" at 90°mitre, 0°bevel
2" X 7" at 90°mitre, 45°bevel
2" X 5" at 45°mitre, 0°bevel
2" X 4-7/8" at 45°mitre, 45°bevel

3
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
KNOW THE TOOL
To operate this tool safely, carefully read this operating manual and all the labels
affixed to the Compound Mitre Saw before using it, and follow all instructions
contained therein. Retain this manual for future reference.
MPORTANT
This tool should only be serviced by a qualified service technician.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR LASERS
This Mitre Saw has a built-in laser light. The laser is ClassIIlA and emits output power
of a maximum 2.5mW and 635-650nm wavelengths. These lasers do not normally
present an optical hazard. However, DO NOT stare at the beam, as this can cause
flash blindness.
CAUTION: The following label is on the tool. It
indicates the location from which the saw emits the
laser light. Be aware of the laser-light location
when using. Always make sure that any
bystanders in the vicinity of use are made aware of
the dangers of looking directly into the laser.
•Do not remove or deface any product labels. Removing product labels increases
the risk of exposure to laser radiation.
•The laser beam can be harmful to the eyes. Always avoid direct eye
exposure.
•Do not look directly into the laser-beam-output aperture during operation.
•Do not project the laser beam directly into the eyes of others.
•Turn the laser on only when making cuts. The laser on the Mitre Saw is not a toy.
Always keep it out of the reach of children. The laser light emitted from this
device should never be directed toward any person for any reason.
•Be sure that the laser beam is aimed at a work piece (such as wood or a rough-
coated surface) that does not have a reflective surface.
•Do not use on materials, such as sheet steel, that have shiny, reflective surfaces.
The reflective surface could reflect the beam back at the operator. Be aware that
laser light reflected off of a mirror or any other reflective surfaces can also be
dangerous.
•Always turn the laser beam off when it is not in use. Leaving the tool on
increases the risk of someone inadvertently staring into the laser's beam.
CAUTION: Always follow the instructions contained in this manual when using
this laser. Use of this feature in any manner other than which is directed in this
manual may result in a hazardous radiation exposure.
•Always wear laser-protective eyewear when working on or near reflective
surfaces

4
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Read and become familiar with the entire Operating Manual.
Learn the tool’s application, limitations, and possible hazards.
Keep the guard in place and in working order.
Remove all adjusting tools before turning tools on. Form the habit of checking to
see that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from the tool before turning the
tool ON.
Keep the work area clean. Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents.
Do not use the tool in wet locations. Do not use power tools in damp locations or
expose them to rain or snow.
Keep the work area well lit.
Keep children away. All visitors & bystanders should be kept a safe distance from
the work area.
Make the workshop childproof with padlocks, master switches, or by removing
starter keys.
Do not force the tool. The tool will do the job better and more safely at its designed
rate.
Only use the correct tool. Do not force the tool or an attachment to do a job that it
was not designed to perform.
Use proper extension cords. Make sure that extension cords are in good condition.
When using an extension cord, be sure to use a cord heavy enough to carry the
drawn current needed by the Compound Mitre Saw. An undersized cord will result in
a drop in line voltage and in loss of power, which will cause the tool to overheat. The
table on Page 5 shows the correct size to use, depending on cord length and
nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge: the smaller the
gauge number, the heavier the cord.
Wear proper apparel. Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets,
or other jewellery that may get caught in moving parts. Non-slip footwear is
recommended. Wear a protective hair covering to contain long hair
Wear a facemask or a dust mask. Sawing operations produce dust.
Secure the work. Use clamps or a vise to hold the work; it is safer than using the
hand/body and it allows both hands to operate the Compound Mitre Saw.
Disconnect tools before servicing the tool and when changing accessories, such as
blades, bits, and cutters.
Reduce the risk of the tool unintentionally starting. Make sure that the switch is
in the OFF position before plugging in the tool.
Only use recommended accessories. Consult this Operating Manual for
recommended accessories. The use of improper accessories may cause risk of injury
to the operator or to others.
Never stand on the tool. Serious injury could occur if the tool is tipped or if the
cutting tool is unintentionally contacted.

5
WARNING: The operation of any tool can result in foreign objects being
propelled into the eyes, which could result in severe eye damage. When operating a
power tool, always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields, or a full-
face shield, if necessary.
Check for 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 moving
parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and any other conditions that may affect the
operation of the tool. A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly
repaired or replaced.
Never leave the tool unattended while the power is “on.” Turn the power “off.” Do
not leave the tool until the blade has come to a complete stop and the Mitre Saw has
been unplugged.
Do not over-reach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
Maintain tools with care. Keep tools sharp and clean for optimum performance.
Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to operate this tool until having thoroughly read all
instructions, safety rules, and warnings. Failure to comply can result in fire, electric
shock, or serious personal injury. Retain the Operating Manual for future reference
and review it frequently.
WARNING: Dust generated from certain materials can be hazardous to one’s
health. Always operate the saw in a well-ventilated area, and provide for proper dust
removal.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Ground instruction: In the event of a malfunction or
breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance for
electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This tool is
equipped with an electric cord having an equipment-grounding
conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into
a matching outlet that is properly installed and grounded in
accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
Do not modify the plug provided. If it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet
installed by a qualified electrician.
Use only 3-wire extension cords that have 3-prong grounding plugs and 3-pole
receptacles that accept the tool’s plug.
Permanently connected tools: This tool should be connected to a grounded metal
permanent wiring system or to a system having an equipment-grounding conductor.

6
GUIDELINES FOR EXTENSION CORDS
Use a proper extension cord. Make sure that extension cords are in good
condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to use a cord heavy enough to
carry the drawn current needed by the Compound Mitre Saw. An undersized cord will
cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in loss of power and overheating. The table
below shows the correct size to use, depending on the cord length and nameplate
ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge: the smaller the gauge
number, the heavier the cord.
Be sure extension cords are properly wired and in good condition. Always replace
a damaged extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified person before using it.
Protect extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat, and damp or wet areas.
Use a separate electrical circuit for power tools. This circuit must not be less than
#6 wire and should be protected with a time-delay fuse. Before connecting the tool to
the power line, make sure the switch is in the OFF position and the electric current is
rated the same as the current stamped on the motor nameplate; running at a lower
voltage will damage the motor.
Recommended size of extension cords
Total length of the extension cord
Amperage rating of the tool
(120 V circuit only) 25’ (7.6 m) 50’ (15.2 m) 100’ (30.4 m) 150’ (45.7
m)
More than Not more than Minimum Gauge for the extension cord (AWG)
0 6 18 16 16 14
6 10 18 16 14 12
10 12 16 16 14 12
12 16 14 12
Not recommended
WARNING: Ensure the power supply outlet in question is properly grounded. If
not sure, have a licensed electrician check the outlet.
WARNING: To avoid electrical hazards, fire hazards, or damage to the tool,
use proper circuit protection.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
Use only crosscutting saw blades. When using the mitre saw to cut non-ferrous
metal, make sure that the blade has a negative hook angle.
IMPORTANT: Do not use thin-kerf blades. Thin-kerf blades can deflect and contact
the guard, which can cause possible injury to the operator.
Do not operate the Mitre Saw until it is completely assembled and installed
according to these instructions.
If not thoroughly familiar with the operation of Mitre Saws, seek guidance from a
supervisor, instructor, or other qualified person.
Always hold the work firmly against the fence and table. Do not perform any
operation free hand; use a clamp or vise whenever possible
Keep hands out of the path of the saw blade. If the work piece causes the hands to
be within the “no hands” zone (3’’ (7.6 cm) from the blade), the work piece should be
clamped in place before making the cut.
Be sure that the blade is sharp, runs freely, and is free of vibration.

7
Allow the motor to come up to full speed before starting a cut.
Keep the motor’s air slots clean and free of chips or dust.
Always make sure that all adjusting knobs are tightened before cutting, even if the
table is positioned in one of the positive stops.
Be sure that both the blade and the flange are clean and the arbour bolt is tightened
securely.
Use only flanges specified for this saw.
Never use blades larger or smaller in diameter than 12 inches (30.5 cm).
Never apply lubricants to the blade while it is running.
Always check the blade for cracks or damage before operation. Replace a cracked
or damaged blade before further use.
Never use blades recommended for operation at less than 4500 RPM.
Use the blade guards at all times.
Always keep the blade guards in place.
Never reach around the saw blade.
Make sure that the blade is not contacting the work piece before the ON/OFF switch
is turned ON.
IMPORTANT: After completing the cut, release the power switch and wait for the
blade to stop before returning the saw to the raised position.
Make sure that the blade has come to a complete stop before removing or securing
the work piece, changing the work-piece angle, or changing the angle of the blade.
Never cut ferrous metals or masonry products with this tool.
Never cut small pieces. Keep hands outside the no-hands zone: at least 3” (7.6 cm)
from the blade.
Provide adequate support to the sides of the mitre table for long work pieces.
Never use the Mitre Saw in an area with flammable liquids or gases.
Never use solvents to clean plastic parts. Solvents could possibly dissolve or
otherwise damage the material.
Shut off the power and unplug the tool before servicing or adjusting the tool.
Disconnect the saw from the power source and clean the tool when finished using it.
Make sure that the work area is clean before leaving the tool.
Should any part of this Compound Mitre Saw be missing, damaged, or fail in any
way, or should any electrical component fail to perform properly, shut off the power
switch and remove the plug from the power-supply outlet. Replace missing,
damaged, or failed parts before resuming operation.

8
GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR WOODWORKING
•Arbour: The revolving shaft on which a blade or cutting tool is mounted.
•Arbour Lock: Allows the user to stop the blade from rotating while tightening or
loosening the arbour screw during blade replacement or removal.
•Bevel Cut: A cutting operation made with the blade at any angle other than 90°
to the mitre table.
•Chamfer Cut: A cut removing a wedge from a block of wood so the end (or part
of the end) is angled at other than 90°.
•Compound Mitre Cut: A cut made using both a mitre angle and a bevel angle at
the same time.
•Cross cut: A cutting operation made across the grain of the work piece.
•Flange: A ring or collar on the end of a spindle that permits other objects, such as
a blade, to be attached to it.
•Freehand Cut: Performing a cut without using a fence, mitre gauge, fixture, work
clamp, or other proper device to keep the work piece from twisting or moving
during the cut. Do not perform any operation free hand. Use a clamp or vise
wherever possible.
•Gum: A sticky, sap-based residue from wood products.
•Kerf: The material removed by the blade in a through cut or the slot produced by
the blade in a non-through or partial cut.
•Kickback: A hazard that can occur when the blade binds or stalls, throwing the
work piece back toward operator.
•Mitre Cut: A cutting operation made with the blade at any angle other than 90° to
the fence.
•No Hands Zone: The area between the marked lines on the left and right side of
the mitre-table base. This zone is identified by No Hands Zone symbols inside the
marked lines on the mitre table base.
•Non-Through Cuts: Any cutting operation where the blade does not extend
completely through the thickness of the work piece.
•Resin: A sticky, sap-based substance that has hardened.
•Revolutions Per Minute (RPM): The number of turns completed by a spinning
object in one minute.
•Saw Blade Path: The area over, under, behind, or in front of the blade, as it
applies to the work piece: that area which will be or has been cut by the blade.
•Set: The distance that the saw blade tooth is bent (or set) outward from the face
of the blade.
•Throat Plate: A plate inserted in the Mitre Saw's table that allows for blade
clearance.
•Through Sawing: Any cutting operation where the blade extends completely
through the thickness of the work piece.
•Work Piece or Material: The item on which the cutting operation is being done.
The surfaces of a work piece are commonly referred to as faces, ends, and
edges.

9
DESCRIPTION
KNOW THE COMPOUND MITRE SAW
(See Fig. 1) Before attempting to use this Compound Mitre Saw, become familiar with
all its operating features and safety requirements.
Fig.1
Blade Wrench
1 ON/OFF trigger switch
2 Horizontal, rubberized
D-handle
3 Safety lock-off button
4 Upper blade guard
5 Blade-screw guard
6 Dust-extraction port
7 Saw blade
8 Laser guide
9 Mounting holes
10 Mitre table
11 Mitre-angle scale
12 Throat plate
13 Mitre-angle indicator
14 Mitre lock
15 Clamp mounting holes
16 Fence
17 Lower blade guard
18 Spindle-lock button
19 Laser ON/OFF switch
20 Stop latch
21 Bevel-angle scale
22 Bevel lock
23 Bevel-angle indicator
24 Extension wings
25 Hold clamp
Saw Blade
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
10 11 12
13
9
16
21
23
8
18
19
20
14
22
15
17
24
25
Dust Bag Adapter
Sho
p
Vacuum Ada
p
te
r
Dust Ba
g

10

11
ASSEMBLY
Installation of dust bag (see Fig. 2)
Squeeze the metal collar wings on the dust bag, and
place the bag’s neck opening around the dust-
extraction port. Release the metal collar wings.
Installation of adapter for shop vacuum
Remove the dust extraction port for the dust bag by removing the two screws that
hold it in place. Attach the shop-vacuum adapter with the same two screws.
Release and lock the saw head
1. Press and lightly hold down the saw head.
Pull out the stop latch to release the saw
head. The saw head should freely move up
and down (see Fig. 3).
2. Place the saw head at the lowest position.
Insert the stop latch to lock the saw head
for transporting and storage.
Removing the blade (see Fig. 4)
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, always unplug the tool before removing
and installing a blade.
1. Raise the saw head.
2. Remove the upper screw on the blade-
screw guard (Fig. 1, point 5) by turning it
counter-clockwise with a screwdriver.
3. Lift and hold up the lower blade guard and
rotate the blade-screw guard to expose the
threaded blade screw.
4. Press and hold the spindle-lock button
(Fig. 1, point 18) and rotate the blade at
the same time, until it is locked in position.
5. Use the wrench to turn the threaded blade
screw clockwise and remove the threaded
blade screw.
6. Remove the outer flange and the blade. Wipe the flanges and spindle to remove
any dust and debris.
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Dust bag
Dust
extraction
port
Stop latch
Inne
r
flan
g
e
Outer flange
Threaded scre
w
Blade

12
Installing the blade
IMPORTANT: Do not use thin-kerf blades. Thin-kerf blades can deflect and contact
the guard, which can cause injury to the operator.
1. Unplug the saw
2. Ensure that the inner flange is properly installed
3. Match the arrow on the blade with the arrow on the upper blade guard. Make
sure that the blade teeth are pointing downward. Install the selected blade by
sliding the blade into the upper blade guard and then placing the blade into
position.
4. Install the outer flange.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the flat side of the flange is placed against the blade.
5. Press and hold the spindle-lock button, and use the wrench supplied to turn the
blade screw counter-clockwise until the lock engages. Securely tighten the blade
screw.
6. Rotate the blade-screw guard into position, and use the wrench to securely
tighten the screw by turning it clockwise. Remove and store the wrench in a safe
place.
7. Make sure that the spindle-lock button is released sot that the blade will rotate
freely.
8. Lower the saw head, and check the clearance between the blade and the mitre
table. The blade should rotate freely.
Installing extension wings
The extension wings support long work pieces
during cutting. (Fig. 5)
1. Insert both rails of an extension wing through the
holes on the outside of the Mitre Saw base.
2. Tighten the wing screw that locks the extension
wing in place. Make sure that the extension wings
do not move.
Fig. 5

13
ADJUSTMENT
WARNING: To avoid possible injury, disconnect the tool’s plug from the power
source before performing any assembly, adjustment, or repair.
IMPORTANT: Do not use thin-kerf blades. Thin-kerf blades can deflect and contact
the guard, which can cause injury to the operator.
Mitre adjustment
1. Lock the saw head in the down position, and loosen the mitre-lock knob.
2. Hold the cutting handle firmly to rotate the mitre table to any desired angle. The
most common angle settings have positive stops: 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°and 45°.
3. Tighten the mitre-lock knob and release the saw head.
Mitre-angle indicator adjustment
(if necessary)
1. Place the mitre table at the zero
position, making sure the mitre lock is
secured in position.
2. Loosen the mitre-angle indicator screw
and adjust the indicator to the “0” mark
on the mitre scale. (See Fig. 6.)
3. Tighten the mitre-angle indicator screw.
Bevel adjustment
1. When a bevel cut is required, loosen the
bevel lock (Fig.1 point 22) by turning it
counter-clockwise.
2. Tilt the saw head to the desired angle, as
shown on the bevel scale. The blade can be
positioned at any angle, from a 90° straight
cut (0° on the scale) to a 45° left bevel. (See
Fig. 7).
3. Tighten the bevel lock to secure the saw
head.
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Bevel
angle
indicator
Indicator screw
Mitre scale

14
OPERATION
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, wear safety goggles or glasses with
side shields.
WARNING: Before each use, check that the blade is free from cracks, loose
teeth, missing teeth, or any other damage. Do not use if damage is noticed or
suspected.
WARNING: Always wait for the blade to stop completely, and unplug the tool
before changing accessories or making adjustment.
Moving the Mitre Saw
Lift the Mitre Saw only when the saw is OFF, the plug is removed from the power-
supply outlet, and the saw head is locked in the “down” position.
To avoid damage, never carry the Mitre Saw by the cutting handle. Always carry the
saw by the base.
Mounting the Mitre Saw
To prevent the tool from sliding, falling, or tipping during operation, the Mitre Saw can
be mounted to a supporting surface, such as a level, sturdy worktable or bench.
Position the Mitre Saw and workbench to allow adequate room for crosscutting long
work pieces. To mount the Mitre Saw, insert fasteners through the four holes in the
base of the Mitre Saw and use the fasteners to secure the saw to the table or bench.
Selection of Desired Angle
Follow the steps in “MITRE ADJUSTMENT” and “BEVEL ADJUSTMENT”
WARNING: The throat plate (see Fig.1, point 12) is factory-cut only for a 0º
bevel cut; the first cut made with the tool in the 45° bevel position will create a slot on
throat plate.
WARNING: Always make sure that the spindle-lock button is released, so that
the blade will rotate freely.
WARNING: Make sure that the stop latch is loose and that the saw head
moves freely up and down. Ensure that all clamps and locks are tight, in place, and
that there is no excessive movement of Mitre-Saw parts.
Selection of work piece
Be cautious with pitchy, knotty, wet, or warped work pieces. These materials are
likely to create pinching conditions. Work pieces that bow and pinch may result in the
saw blade kicking back.
Before cutting, inspect for and remove any nails from the work piece.
This tool is not recommended for cutting ferrous metals, such as iron and steel. Cut
non-ferrous metals only if under the supervision of an experienced person.

15
Support the work piece
WARNING: Never use the help of another person as a substitute for a table
extension, as support for a work piece that is longer or wider than the basic mitre
table. Never have another person help feed, support, or pull the work piece instead of
using table extensions.
•Use the fence.
Align the work piece flush against the fence. This
will help to eliminate the tendency of the blade
teeth to bind. The fence can be used to support
mitre, bevel, and compound cuts.
•Use the work-piece clamp (included).
The work-piece clamp fits into the clamp
mounting holes in the front of the mitre table.
Securely clamp the work piece to the mitre table.
(See Fig. 8.)
Aligning the blade
WARNING: Do not look into the laser line.
•Do not aim the laser line at people or animals.
•Do not use the laser line on highly reflective materials. Danger from reflected
light.
•Only have the laser repaired by qualified service technicians.
•Do not insert hard objects into the laser lens.
•Clean the laser lens with a soft, dry brush.
Before starting a cut, draw the
desired cut line on the work
piece.
1. Press the laser ON/OFF
switch (Fig. 1, point 19)
forward to start.
2. Align the left side of laser
line with the right side of
cut line. The blade will cut
the line marked out on
wood piece.
NOTE: The laser adjustment
has already been made at the
factory. Align the left side of
the laser line with the right
side of the blade. Align the
user-marked line with the left
side of the laser line. (See Fig. 9) Fig. 9
Fig. 8
Work-piece
clamp
(included)

16
Pay attention to body and hand positions.
Proper positioning of the body and hands when operating the Mitre Saw will make
cutting easier and safer. Never place hands near the cutting area.
Hold the work piece firmly against the fence. Keep hands in position until the
ON/OFF trigger switch has been released and the blade has completely stopped.
Start the Compound Mitre Saw
WARNING: Always hold the cutting handle firmly, because the starting and
stopping action of the motor may cause the handle to move up or down slightly.
1. Plug the Compound Mitre Saw into a
power-supply outlet.
2. Push the safety lock-off button while
squeezing the ON/OFF trigger switch
to turn the tool ON. (See Fig. 10.)
Wait until the blade reaches full
speed.
WARNING: Always keep hands
and fingers away from the cutting area.
Any part of the body coming into contact
with a moving blade will result in serious
injury.
Stop the Mitre Saw and remove the work piece
1. After completing a cut, release the ON/OFF trigger switch and push the laser
ON/OFF switch backward to turn it off.
2. Allow the saw blade to come to a complete stop. Do not remove the work piece
from the sawing plate until the blade has stopped rotating.
3. Gently raise the saw head and remove the work piece. Ensure that the lower
blade guard can easily close.
4. Unplug the tool.
5. Remove loose or scrap pieces.
CROSSCUTTING (Fig. 11 and Fig. 12)
A crosscut is a cut made across the grain of the work
piece. A straight crosscut is a cut made with the
mitre table set in the 0° position (Fig. 12).
Mitre crosscuts are made with the mitre table set at
an angle, left or right, other than 0°.
To Crosscut With the Mitre Saw
1. Unplug the saw.
WARNING: Failure to unplug the saw could
result in accidental starting, causing serious
injury.
2. Push in the locking pin to lock the saw arm in the
down position.
3. Loosen the mitre lock.
4. Firmly hold the base of the saw arm and use it to
rotate the mitre table while holding the saw base
steady.
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Trigger
Cutting handle
Safety
lock-off
button

17
5. Quickly locate 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6° and 45°, left or right, by the stops or clicks at
these angle settings.
6. Once the mitre angle is set, tighten the mitre-lock lever by tightening the mitre-
lock knob.
7. Pull out the locking pin to release the saw arm.
8. Place the work piece flat on the mitre table with one edge securely against the
fence. If the board is warped, place the convex side against the fence. If the
concave edge of the board is against the fence, the board could collapse on the
blade at the end of the cut and jam the blade (Figs. 15 and 16).
9. Align the “red laser line” to touch the right edge of the pencil line on the work
piece.
10. Use the hold-down clamp to secure the work piece against the saw table and
fence.
11. When cutting long work pieces, support the opposite end of the work piece with a
roller stand or with another work surface that is level with the saw table.
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always securely tighten the
mitre-lock lever before making a cut. Failure to do so could result in movement of the
control arm or mitre table while making a cut.
CAUTION: Never use another person as an additional support for a work piece
that is longer or wider than the basic saw table, or to help feed, support, or pull the
work piece.
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always keep hands outside the
“no hands zone”, as marked on the saw table, which is at least 3 inches (7.6 cm)
from the blade. Also, never perform any cutting operation “freehand” (i.e. without
holding the work piece against the fence); the blade could grab the work piece,
causing it to slip and twist.
12. Before turning on the saw, perform a test of the cutting operation by lowering the
saw arm to make sure that no problems will occur when the cut is made.
13. Hold the saw handle, and use the index finger to push the laser switch forward to
turn on the laser light.
14. To turn on the saw, push the safety lock button in with the thumb while squeezing
the On/Off trigger switch located under the handle (Fig. 1-1 and 1-3). Allow
several seconds for the blade to reach maximum speed.
15. Slowly lower the blade into and through the work piece.
16. Release the safety lock and the trigger switch, and turn off the laser switch. Allow
the saw blade to stop rotating before raising the blade out of the work piece.

18
BEVEL CUTTING (Fig. 13)
A bevel cut is a cut made across the grain
of the work piece with the blade at an
angle to the work piece.
A straight bevel cut is made with the mitre
table set in the 0° position and the saw
arm set at a bevel angle between 0° and
45°.
To Bevel Cut With the Mitre Saw
1. Unplug the saw.
WARNING: Failure to unplug the saw could result in accidental starting,
causing serious injury.
2. Make sure that the mitre table is at 0°and locked, and check that the mitre-table
lock is locked and secured in position.
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always securely tighten the
mitre-lock lever before making a cut. Failure to do so could result in movement of the
control arm or mitre table while making a cut.
3. Pull out the locking pin to release the saw arm.
4. To make a bevel cut, loosen the bevel-lock knob (Fig.1-22) by turning the knob
counter clockwise.
5. Tilt the saw arm to the desired bevel angle, as indicated on the bevel scale. The
blade can be positioned at any angle, from a 90° straight cut (0 on the scale) to a
45°left bevel (Fig. 13).
WARNING: Tighten the bevel-lock knob to secure the saw arm in its position.
6. Place the work piece flat on the mitre table with one edge securely against the
fence. If the board is warped, place the convex side against the fence. If the
concave edge of the board is against the fence, the board could collapse on the
blade at the end of the cut and jam the blade (Fig. 15 and 16).
7. Align the red laser line to touch the right edge of the pencil line on the work piece.
8. Use the hold-down clamp to secure the work piece against the Mitre Saw table
and fence.
9. When cutting long work pieces, support the opposite end of the work piece with a
roller stand or with another work surface that is level with the saw table.
CAUTION: Never use another person as an additional support for a work piece
that is longer or wider than the basic saw table or to help feed, support, or pull the
work piece.
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always keep hands outside the
“no hands zone”, as marked on the saw table, which is at least 3 inches (7.6 cm)
from the blade. Also, never perform any cutting operation “freehand” (i.e. without
holding the work piece against the fence); the blade could grab the work piece,
causing it to slip and twist.
10. Before turning on the saw, perform a trial of the cutting operation by lowering the
Fig. 13

19
saw arm to make sure that no problems will occur when the cut is made.
11. Hold the saw handle and use the index finger to turn on the laser switch by
pushing it forward.
12. To turn on the saw, push the safety-lock button in with the thumb while squeezing
the On/Off trigger switch located under the handle (Fig.1-1 and Fig.1-3). Allow
several seconds for the blade to reach maximum speed.
13. Slowly lower the blade into and through the work piece.
14. Release the safety lock and the trigger switch, and turn off the laser switch. Allow
the saw blade to stop rotating before raising the blade out of the work piece
CAUTION: Always perform a “dry run” cut to determine if the operation being
attempted is possible before power is applied to Mitre Saw.
COMPOUND MITRE CUTTING
(Fig. 14)
A compound mitre cut is a cut made using a mitre angle and a bevel angle at the
same time. This type of cut is used for decorative mouldings, picture frames, and
other fine joinery.
To make this type of cut, the mitre table
must be rotated to the correct mitre
angle and the saw arm must be tilted to
the correct bevel angle.
Always take special care when making
compound mitre cuts, due to the
interaction of the two angle settings.
Adjustments of mitre and bevel settings
are dependent on one another. Each
time the mitre setting is adjusted, the
effect of the bevel setting also changes. Each time the bevel setting is adjusted, the
effect of the mitre setting is changed.
It may take several settings to obtain the desired cut. The first angle setting should
be checked after setting the second angle, since adjusting the second angle affects
the first.
Once the two correct settings for a particular cut have been obtained, always make a
test cut in scrap material before making a finish cut in good material.
To Make a Compound Mitre Cut with the Mitre Saw
1. Unplug the saw.
WARNING: Failure to unplug the saw could result in accidental starting,
causing serious injury.
2. Pull out the locking pin to release the saw arm.
3. Loosen the mitre-lock knob to loosen the mitre table.
4. Hold the base of the saw arm firmly and use it to rotate the mitre table while
holding the saw base steady.
5. The 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, and 45°,left and right settings are quickly identifiable
with the stops at the angle settings.
6. When the desired mitre-table setting is achieved, tighten the mitre-lock.
Fig. 14

20
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always securely tighten the
mitre-lock lever before making a cut. Failure to do so could result in movement
of the control arm or mitre table while making a cut.
7. To set the bevel angle, loosen the bevel-lock knob (Fig. 1-22) by turning the knob
counter clockwise.
8. Tilt the saw arm to the desired bevel angle, as shown on the bevel scale. Bevel
angles can be set from 0°to 45°left bevel.
9. Once the saw arm has been set at the desired angle, securely tighten the bevel-
lock knob.
10. Place the work piece flat on the mitre table with one edge securely against the
fence. If the board is warped, place the convex side against the fence. If the
concave edge of the board is against the fence, the board could collapse on the
blade at the end of the cut and jam the blade (Figs. 15 and 16).
11. Align the red laser line to touch the right edge of the pencil line on the work piece.
12. Use the hold-down clamp to secure the work piece against the saw table and
fence.
13. When cutting long work pieces, support the opposite end of the work piece with a
roller stand or with another work surface that is level with the saw table.
CAUTION: NEVER use another person as an additional support for a work
piece that is longer or wider than the basic saw table, or to help feed, support, or pull
the work piece.
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always keep hands outside the
“no hands zone”, as marked on the saw table, which is at least 3 inches (7.6 cm)
from the blade. Also, never perform any cutting operation “freehand” (i.e. without
holding the work piece against the fence); the blade could grab the work piece,
causing it to slip and twist.
14. Make sure that there will be no obstructions to interfere with making the cut.
15. Hold the saw handle and use the index finger to turn on the laser switch by
pushing it forward.
16. To turn on the saw, push the safety-lock button in with the thumb while squeezing
the On/Off trigger switch located under the handle (Fig.1-1 and 1-3). Allow
several seconds for the blade to reach maximum speed.
17. Slowly lower the blade into and through the work piece.
18. Release the safety lock and trigger switch, and turn off the laser switch. Allow the
saw blade to stop rotating before raising the blade out of the work piece