MK Diamond Products MK-170 SERIES User manual

04.2011
MK-170 TILE SAW
OWNER'S MANUAL
PARTS LIST &
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
www.mkdiamond.com
Caution: Read all safety and operating instructions
before using this equipment. This parts list MUST
accompany the equipment at all times.
Revision 101
Manual 157243

2
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of a MK-170 Tile Saw. We are certain that you will be
pleased with your purchase. MK-170 Tile Saw takes pride in producing the nest construction
power tools and diamond blades in the industry.
Operated correctly, your MK-170 Tile Saw should provide you with years of service. In order to
help you, we have included this manual. This owners manual contains information necessary to
operate and maintain your MK-170 Tile Saw safely and correctly. Please take the time to famil-
iarize yourself with the MK-170 Tile Saw by reading and reviewing this manual.
Read and follow all safety, operating and maintenance instructions.
If you should have questions concerning your MK-170 Tile Saw, please feel free to call our
friendly customer service department at: 800 421-5830
Regards,
MK Diamond
NOTE THIS INFORMATION FOR FUTURE USE:
MODEL NUMBER:
SERIAL NUMBER:
PURCHASE PLACE:
PURCHASE DATE:
NOTE: For your (1) one year warranty to be effective, complete the warranty card
(including the Serial Number) and mail it in as soon as possible.

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY
Safety Messages 4
Damage Prevention Message 4
General Safety Precautions and Hazard Symbols 4
California Proposition 65 Message 6
Hazard Symbols 7
Electrical Requirements 8-10
Safety Label Locations 11
Product Specications 12
Lockout 12
CONTENTS and TRANSPORT
Unpacking 13
Contents 13
Transport 13
ASSEMBLY
Diamond Blade Installation 14
Adjustable Cutting Guide Installation 15
Splash Guard Installation 16
Pre-start Inspection 16
Water Pump Preparation 17
OPERATION
Setup 18
Cutting Tile 18
Adjustable Cutting Guide Alignment 19
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING
Cleanup 20
Blade Dressing 22
Motor Brush Change-Out 23
Blade Will Not Cut Properly 24
Cooling Flow 24
Blade Stops Turning 25
EXPLODED VIEW AND PARTS LIST
Exploded View 28
Parts List 29-30
ACCESSORIES ORDERING and RETURN INSTRUCTIONS
Accessories 31
Ordering Information 32
Return Material Policy 32
Packaging Instructions 32
Authorized Service Centers 32

4
Read and follow all safety, operating and maintenance instructions. Failure to read and follow
these instructions could result in injury or death to you or others. Failure to read and follow these
instructions could also result in damage and/or reduced equipment life.
SAFETY MESSAGES
A Damage Prevention Message is to inform the user of important information and/or instructions that
could lead to equipment or other property damage if not followed. Information Messages convey
information that pertains to the equipment being used. Each message will be preceded by the word
NOTE, as in the example below.
DAMAGE PREVENTION AND INFORMATION MESSAGES
NOTE: Equipment and/or property damage may result if these instructions are not followed.
In order to prevent injury, the following safety precautions and symbols should be followed at all times!
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND HAZARD SYMBOLS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Form a habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from
the power tool before it is turned on.
Cluttered work areas and benches invite accidents.
DO NOT use power tools in damp or wet locations nor expose them to rain. Always
keep the work area well lighted.
All visitors and children should be kept a safe distance from work area.
A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Each safety message is preced-
ed by a safety alert symbol ( ) and one of three words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
DANGER You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY INJURED if you do not follow directions.
WARNING You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY INJURED if you do not follow directions.
CAUTION You CAN be INJURED if you do not follow directions. It may also be used to alert
against unsafe practices.
ALWAYS read this Owner’s Manual before operating the machine.
ALWAYS keep the Blade Guards in place.
REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES
KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN
KEEP CHILDREN AWAY
DO NOT USE IN DANGEROUS PLACES
MK-170 TILE SAW SAFETY

5
If using an extension cord make sure it is in good condition first. When using an extension
cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An
undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage that will result in a loss of power and
overheating. TABLE 1, Page 10 shows the correct AWG 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.
DO NOT wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets, or other jewelry that may
be caught in moving parts. Non-slip footwear is recommended. Wear protective hair
covering to contain long hair.
Keep proper footing and balance at all times by not overreaching.
Clamps or a vise should be used to hold work whenever practical. Keeping your
hands free to operate a power tool is safer.
Keep tools clean for the best and safest performance. Always follow maintenance
instructions for lubricating, and when changing accessories.
Power tools should always be disconnected before servicing or when changing
accessories, such as blades, bits, cutters, and the like.
Make the workshops kid proof by using padlocks, master switches or by removing starter
keys.
A power tool will do a job better and safer operating at the rate for which it was designed.
DO NOT force a tool or an attachment, to do a job that it was not designed to do.
MAKE THE WORKSHOP KID PROOF
DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL
USE THE RIGHT TOOL
USE THE PROPER EXTENSION CORD
USE PROPER APPAREL
ALWAYS wear approved eye protection.
ALWAYS wear approved respiratory protection.
ALWAYS place the power ON/OFF switch in the OFF position when the saw is not in use.
ON / OFF
SECURE WORK
DO NOT OVERREACH
MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE
DISCONNECT TOOLS
MK-170 TILE SAW SAFETY

6
Consult the owner’s manual for recommended accessories. Using improper accessories
may increase the risk of personal or by-stander injury.
Serious injury could occur if a power tool is tipped, or if a cutting tool is unintentionally
contacted.
Before using a power tool, check for damaged part. A guard or any other part that is
damaged should be carefully checked to determine ifwould operate properly and perform
its intended function. Always check moving parts for proper alignment or binding. Check
for broken parts and mountings and all other conditions that may affect the operation of
the power tool. A guard, or any damaged part, should be properly repaired or replaced.
TURN POWER OFF - Do not leave a tool until it comes to a complete stop. Always
turn a power tool OFF when leaving the work area, or, when a cut is finished.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 MESSAGE
USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
NEVER LEAVE A TOOL UNATTENDED
NEVER STAND ON THE TOOL
CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS
WARNING
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities con-
tain chemicals known (to the State of California) to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:
•Lead, from lead-based paints
•Crystalline silica, from bricks and cement and other masonry products
•Arsenic and chromium, from chemically treated lumber
For further information, consult the following sources:
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/silicacrystalline/index.html
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/consilic.html
http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/law/P65law72003.html
http://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/sub4.html
Your risk from these exposures varies depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce
your exposure to these chemicals, work in a well-ventilated area, and work with approved safety
equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to lter out microscopic particles.
MK-170 TILE SAW SAFETY

7
Sawing, grinding and drilling generates dust. Excessive airborne particles may cause irritation
to eyes, skin and respiratory tract. To avoid breathing impairment, always employ dust controls
and protection suitable to the material being sawed, grinded, or drilled; See OSHA (29 CFR Part
1910.1200). Diamond Blades improperly used are dangerous. Comply with American National
Standards Institute Safety Code, B7.1 and, Occupational Safety and Health Act covering Speed,
Safety Guards, Flanges, Mounting Procedures, General Operating Rules, Handling, Storage and
General Machine Conditions
HAZARD SYMBOLS
NEVER touch electrical wires or components while the engine is running. They can be
sources of electrical shock which could cause severe injury or burns.
Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from all moving parts to prevent injury.
Never operate the motor with covers, shrouds, or guards removed.
NEVER tamper with the governor components or settings to increase the maximum
speed. Severe personal injury and damage to the engine or equipment can result if
operated at speeds above maximum.
((
)
)
on
DO NOT expose to rain or use in damp locations.
WARNING
ROTATING PARTS
ELECTRICAL SHOCK
OVER SPEED
DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN
MK-170 TILE SAW SAFETY

8
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS AND GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
In order to prevent potential electrical shock and injury, the following electrical safety precautions and
symbols should be followed at all times!
In case of a malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric cur-
rent to reduce the risk of electric shock. This tool is equipped with an electric cord having an equip-
ment-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.
WARNING
• Do not modify the plug provided – if it will not t the outlet; have the proper outlet installed by a
qualied electrician
• Improper connections of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric
shock. The equipment-grounding conductor is the insulated conductor that has an outer
surface that is green, with or without yellow stripes. If repair or replacement of the electric cord
or plug is necessary, do not connect the equipment-grounding conductor to a live terminal
• Check with a qualied electrician or service personnel if the grounding instructions are not
completely understood, or if in doubt as to whether the tool is properly grounded
• Use only 3-wire extension cords that have 3-prong grounding plugs and 3-pole receptacles that
accept the tool’s plug
• Repair or replace a damaged or worn cord immediately
WARNING
This tool is intended for use on a circuit that has an outlet that looks like the one shown in Sketch A.
The tool has a grounding plug that looks like the plug illustrated in Sketch A. A temporary adapter,
which looks like the adapter illustrated in sketches B and C, may be used to connect this plug to a
2-pole receptacle as shown in Sketch B, if a properly grounded outlet is not available. The temporary
adapter should be used only until a properly grounded outlet can be installed by a qualied electri-
cian. The green-colored rigid ear, lug, and the like, extending from the adapter, must be connected to
a permanent ground such as a properly grounded outlet box.
NOTE: Use of a temporary adapter is not permitted in Canada.
Grounding
Means
(A)
Metal Screw
Cover of
Grounded
Outlet Box
(D)
ADAPTER
(C) Grounding
Pin
Grounding
Pin (B)
Circuit and Adapter Information
MK-170 TILE SAW SAFETY

9
Supporting
Surface
Power
Tool
Drip Loop
Power
Cord
Drip Loop Information
To avoid the possibility of the appliance plug or receptacle getting wet, position the machine to one
side of a wall mounted receptacle. This will prevent water from dripping onto the receptacle or plug. A
“drip loop,” shown in the picture below, should be arranged by the user to properly position the power cord
relative to the power source.
The “drip loop” is that part of the cord below the level of the receptacle, or the connector, if an exten-
sion cord is used. This method of positioning the cord prevents the travel of water along the power
cord and coming in contact with the receptacle.
If the plug or receptacle gets wet, DO NOT unplug the cord. Disconnect the fuse or circuit breaker
that supplies power to the tool. Then unplug and examine for presence of water in the receptacle.
WARNING
Use only extension cords that are intended for outdoor use. These extension cords are
identified by a marking “Acceptable for use with outdoor appliances; store indoors while
not in use." Use only extension cords having an electrical rating not less than the rating
of the product. Do not use damaged extension cords. Examine extension cords before
using and replace if damaged. Do not abuse extension cords and do not yank on any
cord to disconnect. Keep cords away from heat and sharp edges. Always disconnect the
extension cord from the receptacle before disconnectingthe product from the extension
cord.
WARNING
MK-170 TILE SAW SAFETY

10
Use of under sizedextension cords result in low voltage to the motor that can
result in motor burnout and premature failure. MK Diamond warns that equipment
returned to us showing signs of being run in a low voltage condition, through the use
of undersized extension cords will be repaired or replaced totally at the customer's
expense. There will be no warranty claim.
To choose the proper extension cord,
• Locate the length of extension cord needed in the table below.
• Once the proper length is found, move down the column to obtain the correct
AWG size required for that length of extension cord.
To reduce the risk of electrocution, keep all connections dry and off the ground. Do
not touch the plug with wet hands.
WARNING
WARNING
EXTENSION CORD MINIMUM GAGE FOR LENGTH
VOLTS TOTAL LENGTH OF CORD IN FEET
25 ft. AWG 50 ft. AWG 100 ft. AWG 150 ft. AWG
115v 14 12 Not Recommended Not Recommended
230v N/A 14 12 N/A
MK-170 TILE SAW SAFETY

11
OPERATION & SAFETY DECALS
The MK-170 Tile Saw is equipped with a number of safety decals. These decals are provided for
operator safety and maintenance information. Should any of these operation or safety decals become
unreadable, replacements can be obtained by calling [phone].
•For Your Own Safety Read Instruction Manual
Before Operating Saw.
•Wear Eye Protection.
•Disconnect Saw Before Servicing, when Changing
Cutting Wheels and Cleaning.
•Use Tool Only with Smooth Edge Cutting Wheels
Free of Openings and Grooves.
•Replace Damaged Cutting Wheel Before Operating.
•Do Not Fill Water Bath Above Water Fill Line.
•See Manual for Pump Replacement.
!
WARNING
Receptacle is for
water pump only.
125V .6 amps max.
!CAUTION
This saw is to be used
with a Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupter.
!CAUTION
SERVICE OR
WARRANTY
FORINFORMATIONON
PLEASE CALL
1-800-474-5594
C
B
D
A
Label Sheet Part# 166012
MK-170 TILE SAW SAFETY
(A) (D)
(B)
(C)

12
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL DSCRIPTION
MOTOR SPECIFIFCATIONS
BLADE CAPACITY
TILE TYPES
The MK-170 is a versatile Tile Saw. Operated and used according to the manual, the MK-170 will
provide years of dependable services.
The MK-170 Tile Saw is engineered as a tabletop or stand mounted wet tile saw. The saw
includes a powerful 120V direct drive AC motor. The saw is capable of cutting tile up to twelve
(12) inches in length and one and three quarter (1-3/4) inches thick in one pass.
Motor specifications for the MK-170 are listed in the table below.
The MK-170 uses a seven (7) inch (178 mm) diameter, wet cutting continuous rim, MK Diamond
blade with a five-eighths (5/8) inch (15.875 mm) arbor.
The MK-170 can cut a variety of tile types including Porcelain, Terracotta, Marble, Quarry and
Slate, or almost any other non-ferrus material.
The MK-170 is not designed to cut plastic or ferrous (metals) material.NOTE:
Voltage 120V
Motor Amperage 5
Frequency 50/60 Hz
RPM 5500 rpm
Watts 560
Weight 15 lbs
MK-170 TILE SAW PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
LOCKOUT
The MK-170 is provided with a Lockout device designed to prevent the operation of the saw when
the owner is not around. This Lockout device is a removable Toggle found on the "Rocker" of the
ON/OFF Switch. The Removable Toggle has the words "Remove to Lock" imprinted on the top.
(A)
Remove the Toggle from the
ON/OFF Switch before using.

13
MK-170 TILE SAW CONTENTS
CONTENTS
03.2011
MK-170 TILE SAW
OWNERS MANUAL
PARTS LIST &
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
www.mkdiamond.com
Caution: Read all safety and operating instructions
before using this equipment. This parts list MUST
accompany the equipment at all times.
Revision 100
Manual 157243
Use proper lifting techniques when lifting the MK-170.
If not done, remove the MK-170, accessory box from the carton.
Your MK-170 has been shipped from the factory thoroughly inspected. Only minimal assembly is
required.
In your container, you will find one (1) MK-170 cutting surface, one (1) MK-170 water pan, (1)
adjustable cutting guide, (1) 7-inch wet cutting continuous rim diamond blade, one (1) splash guard,
one (1) splash guard washer, one (1) splash guard wing nut, one (1) electric water pump, one (1)
pump discharge fitting, one (1) blade wrench one (1) shaft wrench, one (1) owner's manual, one (1)
pump manual and one (1) warranty card.
Adjustable Cutting
Guide
Splash Guard Wing
Nut
Owner's Manual
Diamond Blade Splash Guard
Electric Water
Pump
Pump Manual
Pump Discharge
Fitting
Blade Nut Wrench
Warranty Card
MK-170 Cutting
Surface
MK-170
Water Pan
Splash Guard
Washer
Shaft Wrench
CAUTION
TRANSPORT
1. The MK-170 weighs approximately fifteen (15) pounds for ease of transport.
2. Never transport the MK-170 with water in the Water Pan.
To lift the saw, grasp the Water Pan
Name
address
City
state zip Code
phoNe Fax
e-mail
produCt model
part NumBer
maChiNe serial#
MK DiaMonD Warranty CarD
q tile distriButor q home CeNter q equipmeNt supply house
q tool supply q Bldg material supply q reNtal equipmeNt house
are you a do-it-yourselFer qor CoNtraCtor qIF so, what type? tile qmasoNry qother
what Criteria was importaNt iN ChoosiNg this saw? (rate From 1 to 5, 5 BeiNg the most importaNt)
power preCisioN portaBility availaBility other
If within one (1) Year from the date of purchase, this MK Diamond saw fails due to defect in material or workmanship, MK will repair it, free of charge when the unit is re-
turned to the dealer where it was purchased. This warranty DOES NOT cover normal wear or damage resulting from operator abuse. In no event shall MK Diamond Products,
Inc. be liable for consequential damages arising out of the failure of any product if operated improperly. MK Diamond Products may act as a warranty station for motor/en-
gine repairs based on an individual agreement with the manufacturer. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties express or implied.
©2010 All Rights reserved. MK Diamond Products, Inc. • P/N 155037 MK Warranty Card (02/10)
mK diamoNd warraNty 1315 Storm Parkway, Torrance, CA 90509 USA | www.mkdiamond.com | 1.800.421.5830 | 1.310. 539.5158
where did you purChase this saw Fro m ? N a me
CommeNts or suggestioNs:
priCe
date purChased
Lift Point
Lift Point

14
MK-170 TILE SAW ASSEMBLY
Follow the assembly instructions to prepare your MK-170 for operation.
NOTE:
Diamond Blade Installation
When installing the Retaining Screw, do not "cross-thread" and
DO NOT over tighten the screw.
(A)
Loosen the Blade Guard Pivot
Point Retaining Wingnut
(D)
Remove the Blade Retaining
Nut and the Outer Flange
(G)
Install the Retaining Nut and Outer
Flange, place the Shaft Wrench and
Blade Wrench as shown in Step C
and Tighten the Retaining Nut
(B)
Loosen the Blade Guard
Retaining Thumbscrew
(E)
Install Diamond Blade onto
Blade Shaft
(H)
Close the Blade Guard and
tighten the Blade Guard
Retaining Thumbscrew
(C)
Open the Blade Guard and place
the Shaft Wrench on the Motor
Shaft and the Blade Wrench on
the Blade Retaining Nut
(F)
Verify the Directional Arrow of
the Blade faces outward and
matches the Directional Arrow of
the Blade Guard
(I)
Tighten the Blade Guard Pivot
Point Retaining Wingnut

15
MK-170 TILE SAW ASSEMBLY
When installing the Adjustable Cutting Guide, verify the guide is parallel to the
Diamond Blade. If alignment of the Adjustable Cutting Guide is required, see
Step 2 in the Adjustment and Operation Section of this manual.
NOTE:
Adjustable Cutting Guide Installation
(A)
Loosen the Adjustable Cutting
Guide retaining thumbscrews
(D)
Verify the Rear Guide is prop-
erly seated under the rear
guide Slot
(B)
Place the adjustable Cutting
Guide onto the Cutting Table with
the Front Guide into the front
Guide Slot and the Rear Guide in
the rear Guide Slot
(E)
Tighten the Adjustable Cutting
guide retaining thumbscrews
(C)
Verify the Front guide is properly
seated in the front Guide Slot

16
Splash Guard Installation
Pre-start Inspection
(A)
Install the Thumbscrew through
the Washer and Splash guard
then align to the hole found on the
hole found on back of the Blade
Guard and tighten.
(A)
Ensure the ON/OFF Switch is
in the OFF position.
(D)
Inspect the MK-170 for dam-
age - ensure the cord is free of
cracks or cuts.
(B)
Inspect the Pump Assembly of
damage - ensure the cord is
free of cracks or cuts.
(C)
Inspect the Diamond Blade for
damage - verify the blade is cor-
rect for the material being cut.
MK-170 TILE SAW SETUP
Prior to beginning work, a pre-start inspection of the saw should be preformed.

17
Water Pump Preparation
(A)
Install Water Pump Discharge
Fitting
(D)
Fill the Water Pan with clean
water (this should be done peri-
odically during cutting).
(G)
Connect the Water Pump pow-
er cord to the connection found
on the back of the motor.
(B)
Remove the Cutting Table from
the Water Pan
(E)
Place the Water Pump in the
Water Pan-ensure the pump
suction is covered.
(C)
Press the end of the Cooling
Transfer Tube onto the water
Pump Discharge Fitting
(F)
Install the Cutting Table; ensure
the pump power cord is sealed
in the slot behind the Post.
MK-170 TILE SAW SETUP
1. To prevent the possibility of electrical shock, the MK-170 MUST be
de-energized when preparing the Water Pump for operation.
2. To prevent the possibility of electrical shock, use only MK Diamond qualified
replacement parts.
WARNING

18
MK-170 TILE SAW OPERATION
MK-170 Setup for Operation
Cutting Tile
1. Before connecting the MK-170 to a power supply, be sure the voltage, cycle
and phase meet the requirements of the table below.
2. If using an extension cord, make sure the length and wire gauge correspond
to the requirements listed in table on page 8. An extension cord that is
too small in wire gauge (diameter), or too long in length, will cause the motor
to overheat and could cause premature failure.
3. Use an approved Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
4. Do not cover the motor vents as this could lead to motor overheating.
DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL. It will do the job better and safer at the rate
for which it was.
In order to avoid breaker tripping, a 20-amp circuit breaker should be used.
CAUTION
CAUTION
NOTE:
Voltage - 120V Cycle - 60 Hz Phase - 1 Phase
(A)
Plug MK-170 into the GFCI (A
GFCI should always be used
when operating the MK-170).
(A)
Position the Adjustable Cutting
Guide to desired cut length as
measured from the Blade
(B)
Place the tile against the ad-
justable Cutting Guide
(C)
Place the ON/OFF Switch in
the ON position
(B)
Plug the GFCI into the Power
source.

19
MK-170 TILE SAW OPERATION
Adjustable Cutting Guide Alignment
If during the cutting operation it is found that Adjustable Cutting is not aligned to the Blade, perform
the following operation.
(D)
Verify cooling ow on both
sides of the blade (adjust ow if
necessary - See Maintenance
Section)
(A)
Loosen the Adjustable Cutting
Guide Alignment Screws
(E)
Push the Tile into the Blade in a
smooth even motion to perform
a cut
(B)
Gently align the Adjustable Cut-
ting Guide to the Blade
(F)
Turn the motor OFF when work
is complete
(C)
Tighten the Adjustable Cutting
Guide Alignment Screws

20
Cleanup
Dispose of wastewater in accordance with applicable Federal, State and Local laws.
Ensure the saw is disconnected before completing the remainder of the
cleanup process.
NOTE:
MK-170 TILE SAW MAINTENANCE
(A)
Ensure the ON/OFF Switch is
in the OFF position
(G)
Turn the motor OFF when work
is complete
(D)
Remove the pump Suction
Screen and clean the Water
Pump of all debris
(B)
Remove the Cutting Table from
the Water Pan
(H)
Unplug the GFCI from the
Power source
(E)
Fill the Water Pan with clean
water. Place Cutting Table on
Water Pan.
(C)
Dispose the contents of the
Water Pan
(I)
Remove the Cutting Table for
the Water Pan
(F)
Run the MK-170 until clear wa-
ter is seen at the blade cooling
ports (Approx. 1 minute)
CAUTION