MK MK-1280 User manual

www.mkdiamond.com
Caution: Read all safety and operating instructions
before using this equipment. This owners manual
MUST accompany the equipment at all times.
MK-1280 GAS SERIES
BRICK/PAVER SAW
OWNERS MANUAL &
PART LIST
03.2012
Revision 105
Manual Part No. 168579

2
We at MK Diamond want to congratulate you on selecting the MK-1280 Gas Saw. We are certain that
you will be pleased with your purchase. MK Diamond takes pride in producing the nest products in
the industry.
Operated correctly, your MK-1280 Gas Saw should provide you with years of quality service. In order
to help you, we have included this manual. This owners manual contains information necessary to
operate and maintain your MK-1280 Gas Saw safely and correctly. Please take a few minutes to
familiarize yourself with the MK-1280 Saw by reading and reviewing this manual.
If you should have questions concerning your MK-1280 Gas Saw, please feel free to call our friendly
customer service department at: 800 421-5830
Regards,
MK Diamond
MK-1280 GAS SAW INTRODUCTION
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
SAFETY Page
Safety Message/Alert Symbols, Warnings 4
Hazard Symbols 5
General, Maintenance, Saw Safety 6-7
California Proposition 65 Message 8
Product Specications 9
Safety Labels 10
Safety Labels & Location 11
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Unpacking 12
Contents 12
Transport 13
SETUP, ADJUSTMENT AND OPERATION
Assembly 14
Diamond Blade Installation 15
Oil Reservoir 16
Filling Fuel Tank 17
Pre-start Inspection 18
Startup 19-20
Operation 21
MAINTENANCE
Cleanup 22
Maintenance 23-28
Troubleshooting 29-30
OPTIONAL CART
Assy, Cart and Handle 31
Assy. Lock and Setting Brake 32
EXPLODED VIEW AND PARTS LIST
Figure 1 - Paver Saw - P/N 166561 36-37
Figure 2 - Paver Saw - P/N 166561 38-39
Figure 3 - Assy, Table P/N 166577 40
Figure 4 - Assy, Engine, Hnda P/N 166578 41
Figure 5 - Assy, Arbor P/N 166579 42
Figure 6 - Assy, 16” Blade Guard 166581 43
Figure 7 - Assy, Cart P/N 167437 44
ORDERING AND RETURNING INSTRUCTIONS
Ordering, Return, Material Policy & Packaging Instructions 46
Contact & Warranty 47
MK-1280 GAS SAW TABLE OF CONTENT

4
MK-1280 GAS SAW SAFETY
Safety precautions should be followed at all times when operating this equipment. Failure to read and
understand the Safety Precaution and Operating Instructions could result in injury to yourself and
others. This Operation and Parts Manual has been developed to provide complete instructions for the
safe and efcient operation of the MK-1280 Saw.
Before using this machine, ensure that the person operating the machine has read and understands all
instructions in this manual.
SAFETY MESSAGE / ALERT SYMBOLS
A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Each safety message is
preceded 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 prac-
tices.
NOTICE
You can cause PROPERTY DAMAGE to your machine if you don’t follow directions.
Each message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and what you can do to avoid or re-
duce injury. Other important messages are preceded by the word NOTICE.
The safety labels should be periodically inspected and cleaned by the user to maintain good legibility
at a safe viewing distance. If the label is worn, damaged or illegible, it should be replaced.

5
Potential hazards associated with the MK-1280 Saw operation will be referenced with Hazard Sym-
bols which appear throughout this manual, and will be referenced in conjunction with Safety Mes-
sage/Alert Symbols.
NEVER operate equipment with covers, or guards removed. Keep ngers, hands, hair
and clothing away from all moving parts to prevent injury.
ALWAYS place the power ON/OFF switch in the OFF position when the machine is not in
use.
ALWAYS wear approved eye protection.
HAZARD SYMBOLS
ON / OFF
ALWAYS wear approved respiratory protection.
ALWAYS read this Owner’s Manual before operating the machine.
ALWAYS avoid inhalation of and skin contact with silica dust and/or mist.
ALWAYS use caution around gears. Keep ngers, hands, hair and clothing away from
all moving parts to prevent injury.
NEVER touch the power cord with wet hands or while standing in water when it is con-
nected to a power source.
NEVER operate the machine in an explosive atmosphere or near combustible materials.
MK-1280 GAS SAW SAFETY

6
ALWAYS USE SAFETY GLASSES
Safety glasses should always be worn when working around power tools. Everyday eye-
glasses only have impact resistant lenses and may not prevent eye injury; they are NOT
safety glasses.
ALWAYS USE RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Exhaust gases may be harmful if inhaled. Do not operate gas-powered equipment in
enclosed spaces. Respiratory protection should be worn when operating gas powered
equipment.
ALWAYS USE HEARING PROTECTION
To reduce the possibility of hearing loss, always use hearing protection when operating
equipment.
ROTATING OR MOVING PARTS
Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from all moving parts to prevent injury. Never
operate a power tool with shrouds or guards removed.
HOT PARTS
Engine components can become extremely hot from operation. To prevent severe burns, do
not touch these areas while the engine is running, or immediately after it is turned off. Never
operate the engine with heat shields removed.
on
ACCIDENTAL STARTS
Before starting the engine, be sure the ON/OFF switch is in the “OFF” position to prevent
accidental starting. Place the ON/OFF switch in the OFF position before performing any
service operation.
MK-1280 GAS SAW SAFETY
Failure to follow instructions in this manual may lead to serious injury or even death! This equipment is
to be operated by trained and qualied personnel only! This equipment is for industrial use only.
The following safety guidelines should always be used when operating the MK-1280 Saw.
DANGER
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
•This equipment should not be operated by persons under 18 years of age.
• NEVER operate this equipment without proper protective clothing, shatterproof glasses, steeltoed
boots and other protective devices required by the job.
• NEVER operate this equipment when not feeling well due to fatigue, illness or taking medicine.
• NEVER operate this equipment under the inuence of drugs or alcohol.

7
KEEP CHILDREN AWAY
All visitors and children should be kept a safe distance from work area.
MAKE WORKSHOP KID PROOF
Make the workshops kid proof by using padlocks, master switches or by removing starter keys.
DO NOT USE IN DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS
Do not operate equipment in dangerous environments. Always keep the work area well lighted.
DO NOT OVERREACH
Keep proper footing and balance at all times by not overreaching.
MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE
Keep tools sharp and clean for the best and safest performance. Always follow maintenance instruc-
tions for lubricating and when changing accessories.
SHUTDOWN TOOL
The saw should always be shutdown before servicing or when changing accessories such as blades,
bits, cutters, etc...
USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
Consult the owner’s manual for recommended accessories. Using improper accessories may in-
crease the risk of personal or by-stander injury.
DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL
A power tool will do a job better and safer operating at the rate for which it was designed.
USE THE RIGHT TOOL
Do not force a tool or an attachment, to do a job that it was not designed to do.
WEAR PROPER APPAREL
Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets, or other jewelry that may be caught in
moving parts. Nonslip footwear is recommended. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
SECURE WORK
Clamps or a vise should be used to hold work whenever practical. Keeping your hands free to oper-
ate a power tool is safer.
MK-1280 GAS SAW SAFETY
REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES
Form a habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from the power tool
before it is turned on.
KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN
Cluttered work areas and benches invite accidents.

8
Grinding/cutting/drilling of masonry, concrete, metal and other materials with silica in their compo-
sition may give off dust or mists containing crystalline silica. Silica is a basic component of sand,
quartz, brick clay, granite and numerous other minerals and rocks. Repeated and/or substantial inha-
lation of airborne crystalline silica can cause serious or fatal respiratory diseases, including silicosis.
In addition, California and some other authorities have listed respirable crystalline silica as a sub-
stance known to cause cancer. When cutting such materials, always follow respiratory precautions.
SILICA DUST WARNING
MK-1280 GAS SAW SAFETY
CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS
Before using a power tool, check for damaged parts. A guard or any other part that is damaged
should be carefully checked to determine it would operate properly and perform its intended func-
tion. Always check moving parts for proper alignment or binding. Check for broken parts, 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.
DIRECTION OF FEED
Always feed work into a blade or cutter against the direction of rotation. A blade or cutter should
always be installed such that rotation is in the direction of the arrow imprinted on the side of the blade
or cutter.
NEVER STAND ON THE TOOL
Serious injury could occur if a power tool is tipped, or if a cutting tool is unintentionally contacted.
NEVER LEAVE TOOL RUNNING UNATTENDED – 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 nished.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 MESSAGE
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/dsg/topics/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.

9
The MK-1280 Gas Saw is designed for use with a 16-inch diameter segmented wet or dry MK Dia-
mond blade with a .110 to .375 inch cutting width.
The MK-1280 Gas Saw can cut a variety of masonry types including, cinder block, slump stone block,
wall brick, paver brick, concrete block and cylinders, roong tile, marble, granite, decorative rock or
almost any other non-ferrous material.
NOTE: The MK-1280 Gas Saw is not designed to cut plastic or metals.
Engine power ratings are calculated by the individual engine manufacturer and the rating method may
vary among engine manufacturers. Users are advised to consult the engine manufacturer’s owners
manual and website for specic information regarding engine power rating and maintenance.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Operated and used according to this manual, the MK-1280 Gas Saws will provide years of depend-
able service.
The MK-1280 Gas Saw is engineered as portable brick saw powered by a Honda engine. The saw is
capable of cutting masonry up to ve and three-fourths (5-3/4) inches (127mm) in height, and thirteen
and half (13.5) inches (343mm) in length in a single pass.
Motor specications for the MK-1280 Series Saw are listed below.
Motor/Engine Honda
Power GX240
Blade Capacity 16” (406mm)
Depth of Cut 5.75” (146mm)
Length of Cut 13.5” (2” Thick Brick)
L x W x H (inches)
L x W x H (mm)
48.5” x 20.5” x 28”
1,232 x 521 x 711
Weight 200 lbs (91 kg)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
SPECIFICATIONS
BLADE CAPACITY
MASONRY TYPES
MK-1280 GAS SAW PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
MOTOR SPECIFICATIONS

10
MK-1280 GAS SAW SAFETY
The MK-1280 Saw is equipped with a number of safety decals provided for operator safety and main-
tenance information. Should any of these decals become unreadable, replacements can be obtained
by calling [phone].
Fig. 3 Masonry Safety Decal Sheet, Part No. 166011
OPERATION & SAFETY DECALS
Decal D Decal E
Decal C
Decal F
Decal A
Decal B
SERVICE OR
WARRANTY
FOR INFORMATION ON
PLEASE CALL
1-800-474-5594
CAUTION
Accidental start hazard.
Disconnect spark plug
prior to servicing.
!
DANGER
The exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
!
DANGER
Lethal exhaust
gases. Use only
in well ventilated
areas. DO NOT
use indoors.
WARNING
When refueling
stop engine and
allow to cool.
DO NOT overll
tank.
!
Decal G Decal H Decal I
Decal J
CAUTION
DO NOT
touch hot
surface.
!
Decal K
WARNING
Grinding/cutting/drilling of masonry, concrete, metal and other materials with silica
in their composition may give off dust or mists containing crystalline silica. Silica is
a basic component of sand, quartz, brick clay, granite and numerous other minerals
and rocks. Repeated and/or substantial inhalation of airborne crystalline silica
can cause serious or fatal respiratory diseases, including silicosis. In addition,
California and some other authorities have listed respirable crystalline silica as a
substance known to cause cancer.
!
WARNING
In the event of blade
failure, replace blade
guard immediately.
!
DO NOT operate
this equipment
before reading the
owners’ manual!
WARNING
!
CAUTION
DO NOT
operate with-
out guards in
place.
!
CAUTION
DO NOT
operate with-
out guards in
place.
!

11
MK-1280 GAS SAW SAFETY
SAFETY DECAL LOCATIONS
Decal Location Description
A Belt Guard Warning - Silica
B Frame Service or Warranty Information
C Belt Guard Caution - General Safety Information
D Belt Guard Warning - Read Manual
E Blade Guard Warning - Replace Blade Guard
F Blade Guard Caution - General Safety Information
G Frame Caution - Accidental Start Hazard
H Gas Tank - Side Danger - State of California
I Gas Tank - Front Danger - Lethal Exhaust/Cancer
J Gas Tank - Top Warning - Refueling
K Gas Tank - Side Caution - Do Not Touch Hot Surface
Fig. 4 MK-1280 Safety Decal Locations
DEF
B
K
GH
J
A C I

12
MK-1280 GAS SAW UNPACKING
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
q or CoNtraCtor q IF so, what type? tile q masoNry q other
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
www.mkdiamond.com
Caution: Read all safety and operating instructions
before using this equipment.This owners manual
MUST accompany the equipment at all times.
MK-1280 GAS SERIES
BRICK/PAVERSAW
OWNERS MANUAL &
PART LIST
08.2010
Revision 102
Manual Part No.168579
Your MK-1280 Gas Saw has been shipped from the factory thoroughly inspected. Only minimal
assembly is required.
CAUTION
UNPACKING
Movable
Cutting Table
MK-1280 Gas Saw Adjustable Cutting
Guide Blade Wrench
Honda Engine
Manual
Owner’s Manual
Warranty Card
In your container, you will nd one (1) MK-1280 Gas Saw, one (1) MK-1280 Gas Saw movable cutting
table, one (1) adjustable cutting guide, one (1) blade wrench, one (1) owners manual, one (1) engine
manual and one (1) warranty card.
CONTENTS
Use proper lifting techniques when lifting the MK-1280 Gas Saw.

13
MK-1280 GAS SAW TRANSPORT
The MK-1280 Gas Saw weighs approximately 200 pounds; two people should be used when transport-
ing the saw.
1. Never transport the MK-1280 Gas Saw with water in the Water Basin.
2. The MK-1280 Gas Saw weighs approximately 200 pounds; two people are
required when lifting or moving.
The MK-1280 Gas Saw is designed with handles on the front & rear of the saw for ease of transport.
CAUTION
TRANSPORT
NOTE: Remove the Movable Cutting Table when transporting the MK-1280 Gas Saw.
Handle
Remove Movable
Cutting Table
• Verify the Movable Cutting Table is removed
• Grasp the saw by the handles in the front & rear of the saw
• Lift and transport the saw to the desired work location
To transport –
Handle

14
MK-1280 GAS SAW ASSEMBLY
MOVABLE CUTTING TABLE INSTALLATION
Fig. A
While holding the front, position
movable Cutting Table roller
wheels above Guide Rails
Fig. B
Seat movable Cutting Table
roller wheels on saw Guide Rails
Fig. C
Verify movable Cutting Table
is seated correctly by moving
table back and forth
ADJUSTABLE CUTTING GUIDE INSTALLATION
Fig. A
Loosen adjustable Cutting
Guide retaining thumbscrews
by turning counter-clockwise
Fig. B
Seat and tighten the adjustable
Cutting Guide retaining
thumbscrew
The adjustable Cutting Guide can be used on either side of the Diamond Blade.NOTE:

15
MK-1280 GAS SAW ASSEMBLY
DIAMOND BLADE INSTALLATION
Fig. A
Loosen Blade Guard Bolts
Fig. D
Install retaining screw and
outerange
Fig. F
Install Blade Guard and
tighten bolts
Fig. B
Remove the Blade Guard.
Remove retaining screw, (left-
hand thread) and Outer Flange
Fig. E
Tighten retaining screw and
Outer Flange. Reverse process
to install
Fig. C
Install Diamond Blade onto
Blade Shaft
When installing the diamond blade retaining-bolt, ensure the threads of the bolt are aligned
with the threads of the blade shaft so as not to “cross-thread” the bolt.
NOTE:

16
MK-1280 GAS SAW FILLING OIL RESERVOIR
RefertotheEngineManualforyourspecicengine.
When installing the Oil Dipstick, ensure the threads are aligned with the threads of the Oil
Reservoir so as not to “cross-thread” the dipstick.
Fig. B
Fill Oil Reservoir
Fig. A
Remove Dipstick
Fig. E
Clean Up
Fig. D
Install Dipstick
Fig. C
Add Oil until level reaches the
bottomedgeofllhole
FILLING OIL RESERVOIR
NOTE:
NOTE:
Bottom Edge

17
MK-1280 GAS SAW FILLING FUEL TANK
Fill Throat
Upper Limit
Fig. D
Install Fuel Cap
1. Gasoline is highly ammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously
injured when handling fuel.
2. To fuel, stop engine if running, and allow it to cool.
3. Refuel in a well-ventilated area.
4. Keep gasoline away from appliance pilot lights, barbecues, electric appliances,
power tools, etc.
5. Wipe up spills immediately.
1. Fuel can damage paint and plastic. Be careful not to spill fuel when lling the fuel tank.
Damage caused by spilled fuel IS NOT covered under the warranty.
2. DO NOT use stale or contaminated gasoline, or an oil/gasoline mixture.
3. Use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher.
Fig. C
Verify fuel level is below the
throat of the Fuel Tank
Fig. B
Fill Fuel Tank
Fig. A
Remove Fuel Cap
FILLING FUEL TANK
NOTE:
WARNING
RefertotheEngineManualforyourspecicsaw.
NOTE:

18
MK-1280 GAS SAW INSPECTION
Proper Oil Level
Low Level
Upper Limit
The pre-start inspection should be performed before beginning any job.
If the Diamond Blade shows signs of fatigue cracking, replace the blade before
starting work.
Fig. C
Verify Movable Cutting Table
moves freely
Fig. B
Inspect Wooden Strip for
excessive grooves
Fig. A
Inspect Blade for damage –
Verify Blade correct for mate-
rial being cut
Fig F
Check for proper oil level
(See Engine Manual if low)
Fig. E
Inspect MK-1280 Gas Saw for
general damage, loose connec-
tions and hardware
Fig. D
Inspect Engine for leaks
Fig. H
Check Air Filter for cleanliness
(See Engine Manual)
Fig. G
Check for proper fuel level
(See Engine Manual if low)
PRE-START INSPECTION
CAUTION
Fill Throat

19
MK-1280 GAS SAW STARTUP
Fig. B
OpenCoolingowcontrol
valvetoadjustow
Fig. A
Attach Hose
Fig. A
Attach Vacuum Hose to
Vacuum Port
WET CUTTING
DRY CUTTING

20
MK-1280 GAS SAW STARTUP
1. Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness
and/or death.
2. Avoid any areas or actions that expose you to carbon monoxide.
If restarting a warm engine leave the Choke Lever in the OPEN position.
Fig. C
Move the Throttle Lever
to 1/3 Open
Fig. B
Place Choke Lever in the
CLOSED position
Fig. A
Place Fuel Valve in the
ON position
Fig. F
Pull Starter Cord straight back
in a smooth fast motion
Fig. E
Pull Starter Cord slowly, until
slack is removed and
resistance is felt
Fig. D
Place Engine Switch
in the ON position
ENGINE START
WARNING
Fig. G
Place Choke Lever in the OPEN
position when engine is warm
RefertoEngineManualforyourspecicsaw
NOTES: