SteelMax S9 User manual

M
o
d
Model
S
9
Portable Metal Cutting Circular Saw
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
WARNING!
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY, USER MUST READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
EYE PROTECTION
REQUIRED
HEARINGPROTECTION
REQUIRED
NEVER PLACE
FINGERS NEAR
CUTTING AREA.
BEWARE OF
ROTATING
MACHINE PARTS
LINE VOLTAGE
PRESENT
MODEL
S
9 (120V)

2
Portable Metal Cutting Circular Saw
Congratulations on your purchase of a Steelmax®brand portable Metal Cutter Saw. Please complete and mail
your product registration card. Doing so will validate your machine’s warranty period and ensure prompt service if
needed. We Sincerely thank you for selecting a product from Steelmax.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Limited Warranty
2
General Safety Rules
3
Specific Safety Rules and Symbols
5
Functional Drawing
11
Exploded View
12
Parts List
13
Assembly View
14
Operation
15
Operation (Laser
17
Emptying the Chip Chamber
18
Maintenance / Changing Saw Blades
19
Troubleshooting Checklist
20
Specifications / Accessories
21
LIMITED WARRANTY
Steelmax Tools LLC (STEELMAX) will, within twelve (12) months from the original date of purchase,
repair or replace any goods found to be defective in materials or workmanship, provided the product
warranty registration card has been returned to STEELMAX within thirty (30) days of purchase
date (proof of purchase required). This warranty is void if tool is used on materials thicker than
1/2" (13 mm) solid for aluminum, 1/2" (13mm) for mild steel, or 5/16" (8 mm) for solid stainless steel,
has been damaged by accident, neglect, improper service, or other causes not arising out of
defects in materials or workmanship. This warranty does not apply to machines and/or components
which have been altered, changed, or modified in any way, or subjected to use beyond recommended
capacities and specifications. Electrical components are subject to respective
manufacturers’ warranties. All goods returned defective shall be returned prepaid freight
to STEELMAX, which shall be the buyer’s sole and exclusive remedy for defective goods. In no
event shall STEELMAX be liable for loss or damage resulting directly or indirectly from the use of
merchandise or from any other cause. STEELMAX is not liable for any costs incurred on
such goods or consequential damages. No officer, employee or agent of STEELMAX is authorized to
make oral representations of fitness or to waive any of the foregoing terms of sale and none
shall be binding on STEELMAX.
STEELMAX RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS TO DESIGN
WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
STEELMAX TOOLS LLC
6200 S. TROY CIRCLE, SUITE 110., CENTENNIAL, CO 80111

3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING! Read and Understand all Instructions.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below, may result in electric shock, fire
and/or serious personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Work Area
•Keep Your Work Area Clean and Well Lit.
•Cluttered benches and dark areas invite accidents.
•Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust
or fumes.
•Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating a power tool. Distractions
can cause you to lose control.
Electrical Safety
•Grounded tools must be plugged into an outlet properly installed and grounded in
accordance with all codes and ordinances. Never remove the grounding prong or modify
the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs. Check with a qualified electrician if
you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. If the tools should
electrically malfunction or break down, grounding provides a low resistance path to carry
electricity away from the user.
•Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and
refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
•Don’t expose power tools to wet or rainy conditions. Water entering a power
tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
•Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry the tools or pull the plug by the cord
from an outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Replace
damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords increase the risk of electric shock.
•When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor extension cord marked "W-A" or
"W." These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock.
•(Note) 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
resulting in loss of power and overheating. The recommended minimum is a 12 gauge
extension cord not exceeding 50 feet.

4
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
(continued)
Personal Safety
•Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power
tool. Do not use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A
moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal
injury.
•Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your hair,
clothing, and gloves away from moving parts.. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can
be caught in moving parts.
•Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is off before plugging in. Carrying tools with
your finger on the switch or plugging in tools that have the switch on invites
accidents.
•Remove adjusting keys or switches before turning the tool on. A wrench or a key that is
left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.
•Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing and
balance enables better control of the tool in unexpected situations.
•Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes,
hard hat, and hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
Tool Use and Care
•Use clamps or other practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable
platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body is unstable and may lead to loss
of control.
•Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your application. The correct tool will do the
job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.
•Any tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired. Do
not use the tool if switch does not turn it on or off.
•Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the tool accidentally.
•Store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained persons. Tools are dangerous
in the hands of untrained users.
•Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained tools,
with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
•Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other
condition that may affect the tools operation. If damaged, have the tool serviced before
using. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools.
•Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your model.
Accessories that may be suitable for one tool, may become hazardous when used on
another tool.

5
SERVICE
•Tool service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel.
Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in
a risk of injury.
•Follow instructions in the Maintenance section of this manual. When servicing a
tool, use only identical replacement parts. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to
follow Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of electric shock or injury.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES AND SYMBOLS
WARNING!
DO NOT OPERATE MACHINE IF WARNING AND/OR INSTRUCTION LABELS ARE MISSING OR
DAMAGED. CONTACT STEELMAX FOR REPLACEMENT LABELS. THE STANDARD LABELS
ARE SHOWN BELOW.

6
Symbols for Safety Labels
Symbol
Description
V
Volts
A
Amperes
Hz
Hertz or cycles per second
Min
Minutes
~
Alternating Current
n
o
No load speed
Double Insulated
•Only use Steelmax brand approved saw blades. Unauthorized blades
may be dangerous!
•Keep saw blades securely fastened. Check blade flanges for debris
before installing any new blade.
•Do not use dull or broken blades. Check blades often for condition
and wear.
•Check chip collector cover for proper fit to minimize the risk of flying
debris.
•Beware of ejecting chips. They become HOT both during and after
cutting.
•Always make provisions for safe handling of excess material.
•Keep bottom of base plate free from dirt and other debris.
To obtain an additional copy of this manual (PN LIT301STEELMAX), please contact
STEELMAX at 303-690-9146 or by fax at 303-690-9172 or online at www.steelmax.com

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
(continued)
7
- DANGER! — Keep hands and body away from and to the side of the blade. Contact
with blade will result in serious injury.
- WARNING! — To reduce the risk of injury, check lower guard. It must close
instantly! Hold saw with both hands. Support and clamp work. Wear eye
protection.
•Additional Specific Safety Rules:
•
DANGER! Keep hands away from cutting area and blade. Keep your second hand on
auxiliary handle, or motor housing. If both hands are holding the saw, they cannot be
cut by the blade.
•
Keep your body positioned to either side of the saw blade, but not in line with the saw
blade. KICKBACK could cause the saw to jump backwards. (See "Causes and
Operator Prevention of Kickback.")
•
Do not reach underneath the work. The guard can not protect you from the blade below
the work.
•
Check lower guard for proper closing before each use. Do not operate saw if lower
guard does not move freely and close instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard
into the open position. If saw is accidentally dropped, lower guard may be bent. Raise
the lower guard and make sure it moves freely and does not touch the blade or any
other part, in all angles and depths of cut.
•
Check the operation and condition of the lower guard spring. If the guard and the
spring are not operating properly, they must be serviced before use. Lower guard may
operate sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a buildup of debris.
•
Always observe that the lower guard is covering the blade before placing saw down on
bench or floor. An unprotected, coasting blade will cause the saw to walk backwards,
cutting whatever is in its path. Be aware of the time it takes for the blade to stop after
switch is released.
•
NEVER hold piece being cut in your hands or across your leg. It is important to
support the work properly to minimize body exposure, blade binding, or loss of
control.

8
•
Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the
cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a "live" wire will
also make exposed metal parts of the tool "live" and shock the operator.
•
When ripping always use a rip fence or straight edge guide. This improves the
accuracy of cut and reduces the chance for blade binding.
•
Always use blades with correct size and shape (diamond vs. round) arbor holes.
Blades that do not match the mounting hardware of the saw will run eccentrically,
causing loss of control.
•
Never use damaged or incorrect blade washer or bolts. The blade washer and bolt
were specially designed for your saw for optimal performance and safety of
operation
.

9
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
(continued)
LASER ALIGNMENT GUIDE PRECAUTIONS NOTE: (not all models are equipped with a
laser
)
DANGER!
LASER RADIATION
.
AVOID DIRECT EYE EXPOSURE
.
DO NOT STARE
INTO THE LASER LIGHT SOURCE
.
Never aim light at another person or object other than the workpiece. Laser
light can damage your eyes!
WARNING!
DO NOT USE TINTED GLASSES TO ENHANCE THE LASER LIGHT
.
Tinted glasses will reduce overall
vision for the application and interfere with the normal operation of the tool.
WARNING!
NEVER
AIM THE BEAM AT A WORKPIECE WITH A REFLECTIVE SURFACE
.
Highly polished or similar reflective
surfaces are not recommended for laser use where eye exposure is possible due to reflection.
These surfaces could reflect the beam back toward the operator or bystanders
.
ALWAYS CONSIDER THE PATH OF POSSIBLE BEAM DEFLECTION.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
(continued)
10
CAUSES AND OPERATOR PREVENTION OF KICKBACK
•
Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound or misaligned saw blade causing
an uncontrolled saw to lift up and out of the workpiece toward the operator. When the
blade is pinched or bound tightly by the kerf (saw cut) closing down, the blade stalls
and the motor reaction drives the unit rapidly back toward the operator. If the blade
becomes twisted or misaligned in the cut, the teeth at the back edge of the blade can
dig into the top surface of the material causing the blade to climb out of the kerf and
jump back toward operator. Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect
operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions
as given below:
•
Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw and position your body and arm to
allow you to resist KICKBACK forces. KICKBACK forces can be controlled by the
operator, if proper precautions are taken.
•
When blade is binding, or when interrupting a cut for any reason, release the trigger
and hold the saw motionless in the material until the blade comes to a complete stop.
•
Never attempt to remove the saw from the work or pull the saw backward while the
blade is in motion or KICKBACK may occur. Investigate and take corrective actions to
eliminate the cause of blade binding.
•
When restarting a saw in the workpiece, center the saw blade in the kerf and check
that saw teeth are not engaged into the material. If saw blade is binding, it may walk
up or KICKBACK from the workpiece as the saw is restarted.
•
Support large panels to minimize the risk of blade pinching and KICKBACK. Large
panels tend to sag under their own weight. Supports must be placed under the panel
on both sides, near the line of cut and near the edge of the panel.
•
Do not use dull or damaged blade. Dull or improperly set blades produce narrow kerf
causing excessive friction, blade binding and KICKBACK.
•
Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers must be tight and secure before
making a cut. If blade adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and
KICKBACK.

FUNCTIONAL DRAWINGS
Caution! Always unplug saw before changing blades, servicing or adjusting saw.
Blade Guide
Index
Chip Collector Cover
Trigger Switch
and Lock
Blade Drive
Mounting Bolt
Laser/Light
On/Off Switch
Metal Cutting Saw Blade
Sight
Window
Chip
Cover
Retaining
Screws
Laser Alignment Screw
(Not all Models)
L
EFT
S
IDE
V
IEW
R
IGHT
S
IDE
V
IEW
Auxiliary
Handle
Laser Guide
(or optional Light Illuminator)
Bevel Adjustment
Lever and Index
Carbon
Brushes
Blade Lock
Depth Adjustment
Lever
Rear Bevel
Lock Screw

12

13
PARTS LIST
ITEM DESCRIPTION PART
#
QTY
ITEM DESCRIPTION PART
#
QTY
1 PLASTIC TRIM COVER SMS9-1 1 55 BEARING SMS9-55 1
2 SIGHT WINDOW SMS9-2 1 56 HANDLE, LEFT SIDE TRIGGER SMS9-56 1
3 CHIP COLLECTOR COVER SMS9-3 1 57 NUT, HANDLE RETAINING SMS9-57 3
4 TRIM COVER SCREWS SMS9-4 2 58 HANDLE, SOFT GRIP SMS9-58 1
5 INNER CHIP COVER PLATE SMS9-5 1 59 POWER CORD SMS9-59 1
6 WASHER SMS9-6 4 60 STRAIN RELIEF, CORD SMS9-60 1
7 SCREW SMS9-7 4 61 CLIP, STRAIN RELIEF SMS9-61 1
8 BOLT, BLADE DRIVE MOUNTING SMS9-8 1 62 SCREW SMS9-62 2
9 WASHER, OUTER BLADE DRIVE SMS9-9 1 63 TRIGGER SWITCH SMS9-63 1
10 FLANGE, OUTER BLADE DRIVE SMS9-10 1 64 LASER SWITCH SMS9-64 1
11 SAW BLADE STEELMAX
BL09
1 65 BEZEL, LASER SWITCH SMS9-65 1
12 FLANGE, INNER BLADE DRIVE SMS9-12 1 66 OVERLOAD (SOME MODELS) SMS9-66 1
13 RETAINER, MOVEABLE GUARD SMS9-13 1 67 HOLDER, LASER DIODE SMS9-67 1
14 BLADE GUARD SMS9-14 1 68 LASER DIODE SMS9-68 1
15 SCREW SMS9-15 2 69 SPRING, LASER ADJUSTING SMS9-69 1
16 SPRING, BLADE GUARD RETURN SMS9-16 1 70 HANDLE, RIGHT SIDE TRIGGER SMS9-70 1
17 FIXED GUARD SMS9-17 1 71 WASHER SMS9-71 3
18 CHIP DEFLECTOR BRACKET SMS9-18 1 72 SCREW SMS9-72 3
19 BLADE GUARD BUMPER SMS9-19 1 73 THUMBSCREW, EDGE GUIDE/BEVEL LOCK SMS9-73 3
20 CLIP, THUMBSCREW RETAINING SMS9-20 2 74 WASHER SMS9-74 2
21 MAIN FRAME SMS9-21 1 75 SPRING SMS9-75 1
22 THUMBSCREW, CHIP COVER RETAINING SMS9-22 2 76 CLIP SMS9-76 1
23 PLASTIC BATTERY COVER, OUTER SMS9-23 1 77 SHOE PLATE (REPLACEDAS ASSEMBLY) SMS9-77 1
24 BATTERY HOLDER SMS9-24 1 78 BUSHING (PART OF ASSEMBLY #77) SMS9-78 1
25 BATTERY HOLDER SUPPORT SMS9-25 1 79 EDGE GUIDE SMS9-79 1
26
WIRE HOLDER SMS9-26 1
80 RIVET (PART OF ASSEMBLY #77) SMS9-80 1
27
PLASTIC COVER SMS9-27 1
81 RETAINER, EDGE GUIDE SMS9-81 1
28 BATTERY, AAA TYPE SMS9-28 2 82 SCREW SMS9-82 3
29 BATTERY COVER SMS9-29 1 83 PIN, SHOE PLATE FRONT SMS9-83 1
30 PLATE, GEARBOX COVER SMS9-30 1 84 THUMBSCREW SMS9-84 1
31 BEARING, BALL SMS9-31 1 85 WRENCH, BLADE SMS9-85 1
32 BEARING, BALL SMS9-32 1 86
WAVE WASHER SMS9-86 1
33 COUNTER-SHAFT SMS9-33 1 87
RETAINING CLIP SMS9-87 1
34 KEY SMS9-34 1 88 BOLT SMS988 1
35 GEAR SMS9-35 1 89 BRACKET, MOVABLE BEVEL SMS9-89 1
36 RETAINER CLIP SMS9-36 1 90 BRACKET, STATIONARY BEVEL SMS9-90 1
37 BUSHING SMS9-37 1 91 WASHER SMS9-91 1
38 GEAR HOUSING SMS9-38 1 92 SPRING SMS9-92 1
39 SPRING, BLADE LOCK SMS9-39 1 93 LEVER, BEVEL LOCK SMS9-93 1
40 BLADE LOCK SMS9-40 1 94 CLIP, RETAINING SMS9-94 1
41 SCREW, AUXILIARY HANDLE SMS9-41 1 95 NUT, BEVEL LOCK SMS9-95 1
42 AUXILIARY HANDLE SMS9-42 1 96 SCREW, BLADE GUARD SPRING SMS9-96 1
43 SCREW SMS9-43 4 97 BOLT, DEPTH ADJUSTING SMS9-97 1
44 WASHER SMS9-44 4 98 SCREW, GEARBOX COVER SMS9-98 3
45 CARBON BRUSH HOLDER SMS9-45 2 99 SCREW, LASER ADJUSTING SMS9-99 1
46 CARBON BRUSH SMS9-46 2 100 BRACKET, REAR DEPTH ADJUST SMS9-100 1
47 CARBON BRUSH COVER SMS9-47 2 101 CONNECTING ROD SMS9-101 1
48 MOTOR HOUSING SMS9-48 1 102 BOLT, DEPTH ADJUST SMS9-102 1
49 BUSHING, BEARING HOLDER SMS9-49 1 103 WASHER SMS9-103 1
50 FIELD WINDING SMS9-50 1 104 GEAR, OUTPUT SHAFT SMS9-104 1
51 SCREWS, FIELD WINDING SMS9-51 2 105 KEY SMS9-105 1
52 FAN SHROUD SMS9-52 1 106 OUTPUT SHAFT SMS9-106 1
53 BEARING SMS9-53 1 107 RETAINING CLIP SMS9-107 1
54 ARMATURE SMS9-54 1 108 LIGHT BULB (NOT SHOWN) SMS9-108 1
109 TRANSFORMER (NOT SHOWN) SMS9-109 1

14
ASSEMBLY
Your Steelmax® brand saw is shipped complete and protected inside a reusable carrying case. Remove all contents
from the case and inspect to ensure no damage was incurred during shipping. Your
S
9 Metal Cutter package should
also include the following:
GETTING STARTED
CAUTION!
ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE SAW FROM POWER SOURCE BEFORE MAKING ADJUSTMENTS.
Refer to the "Functional Description" on page 8 and "Exploded View” drawing on page 10. If required,
assemble edge guide (item# 79) to base plate (item# 77), and adjust edge guide to desired position.
Secure with thumb screw (item# 73). If a blade has not been installed, install an authorized saw blade
as detailed in the "Changing Saw Blades" section (page 16).
Description
Part #
Quantity
Operator’s Manual
LIT301RGM
1
Earplugs (2)
RGM80289
1
Safety Goggles
RGM80290
1
13 MM Wrench
SMS9-108
1
Edge Guide
SMS9-109
1
9” Steel Blade
RGMBL09
1
Carrying Case
SMS9-109
1
Blade Wrench
Edge Guide
Depth Lock
Lever
Rear Bevel
Lock
Adjust Bevel Lock
to desired angle before
cutting.
Front Bevel
Lock

15
OPERATION
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE SAWING
WARNING!
NEVER START THE SAW WITH CUTTING EDGE OF SAW BLADE CONTACTING WORK SURFACE
.
DO NOT RETRACT BLADE GUARD
(
ITEM
# 14)
MANUALLY
.
GUARD RETRACTS AUTOMATICALLY
.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW WHILE SAWING
1. Select the correct saw blade appropriate to the material being cut. (mild steel, stainless
steel, thin steel or aluminum)
2. The material surface should be clean and level, free from rust, dirt, scale, and other
debris.
3. Material may become heat treated if flame cut. Always avoid cutting near these areas
whenever possible.
4. Adjust the base plate to the desired bevel angle by loosening and then re-tightening the
Bevel Lever Lock (item# 93) at front of saw and the Rear Bevel Lock at rear of saw.
5. When making long, straight cuts in sheet stock, insert the edge guide to the desired width
and secure with thumb screws (item# 73), or use the electronic Laser Guide.
6. Adjust to the proper depth of cut by loosening and re-tightening the rear Lever Lock
(item# 93) at rear of saw. In most cases, depth should be set at maximum unless there
are obstructions below the work surface. Depth can be set by observing index marks
printed on housing along depth bracket.
7. Connect machine to power source.
8. Firmly grasp guide handle and trigger handle switch (item# 82 and 83).
9. Position saw base plate on work surface near the cutting area.
10.While observing Cautions and Warnings above, turn on the Laser On/Off switch. (Note:
Laser is not required for saw operation.)
11.When ready, start saw motor by activating trigger switch (item# 83).
12.Slowly approach material edge and gently apply pressure until saw blade has established
a cutting groove in the material.
13.Apply smooth, constant pressure without over-loading saw motor.
WARNING!
IF SAW MOTOR SHOULD STALL OR STOP BEFORE A COMPLETE CUT IS MADE ALWAYS REMOVE
BLADE FROM MATERIAL AND CENTER IN KERF BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO RESTART MOTOR.
FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

16
FOUR STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL CUT
1. While observing Cautions and Warnings above, turn on the Laser/Light On/Off switch.
(Note: Laser is not required for saw operation.
2. Turn on saw with Trigger Switch and move saw into material while applying smooth,
constant pressure during cutting.
3. When cut is complete, release trigger switch to stop saw motor.
4. Turn Laser/Light On/Off switch to Off position.
AFTER COMPLETING THE CUT
1.
After the cut, release trigger switch to the “OFF” position.
2.
When saw motor completely stops, place saw on secure and level surface.
3.
Turn Laser On/Off switch to Off position.

17
OPERATION
(continued)
U
SING THE
L
ASER
A
LIGNMENT
G
UIDE
Note: some models have a light bulb instead of laser!
DANGER!
LASER RADIATION. AVOID DIRECT EYE EXPOSURE. DO NOT STARE INTO THE LASER LIGHT SOURCE.
Never aim light at another person or object other than the workpiece. Laser light can damage
your eyes.
Bevel Cut Guide (45°)
WARNING!
DO NOT USE TINTED GLASSES
TO ENHANCE THE LASER LIGHT
.
Tinted
glasses will reduce overall vision for the
application and interfere with the normal
operation of the tool.
NEVER AIM THE BEAM AT A WORKPIECE
WITH A REFLECTIVE SURFACE.
Highly polished or similar reflective surfaces are not
recommended for laser use where eye exposure is possible due to reflection. These surfaces could
reflect the beam back toward the operator or bystanders
.
ALWAYS CONSIDER THE PATH OF POSSIBLE BEAM DEFLECTION.
WARNING!
Avoid Exposure - Laser Radiation is emitted from this aperture.
Laser Line (90°)
Normal Cut Guide (90°)
Laser Adjustment Screw
(Laser version only)

18
OPERATION
(continued)
For best performance and to prevent overheating, empty the chip collector often.
EMPTYING THE CHIP COLLECTOR
WARNING!
ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE SAW FROM POWER SOURCE BEFORE CHANGING
BLADES
,
CLEARING CHIPS OR MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
.
1. Loosen the two Chip Collector Cover Retaining screws (item# 22).
2. Remove chip collector from the right side of saw. (item# 3)
3. Empty chip collector by tipping the cover sideways and letting the chips and debris fall
out. Clean all debris from saw body.
4. Install chip collector on saw and fasten securely by tightening thumbscrews.
WARNING!
FAILURE TO SECURE THE CHIP COLLECTOR COVER MAY RESULT IN UNCONTROLLED
DISCHARGE OF CHIPS AND OPERATOR INJURY. ALWAYS VERIFY
PROPER INSTALLATION
OF COVER AND CHECK FREQUENTLY

19
MAINTENANCE
WARNING!
ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE SAW FROM POWER SOURCE BEFORE CHANGING BLADES, CLEARING CHIPS OR MAKING ADJUSTMENTS.
CHANGING SAW BLADES
Refer to the diagram below. Chip Collector Cover
1. Place saw on a level, secure surface.
2. Remove chip collector cover (item #3) by loosening the
chip cover retaining screws. (Item 22)
3. Engage spindle lock (item# 40).
4. Using supplied wrench,loosen and remove
blade drive mounting bolt, washer and outer
blade drive flange (item# 8, 9 and 10).
5. Remove saw blade. (item 11)
6. Thoroughly clean inner and outer blade drive
flanges and blademounting surface before
installing new blade.
7. Reverse process to install new blade.
Chip Cover Retaining Thumb-Screws
REPLACING MOTOR BRUSHES
Refer to the diagram to the right.
1. Place saw on level, secure surface.
2. Remove two (2) motor brush retainer screws
(item# 1) and slide the brushes out.
3. If the carbon rod is less than 6mm or if there are signs
of burning or other wear, replace the brushes.
4. Reverse the process to re-assemble saw.
Brush Retainer
Screws
Blade Wrench
Blade Drive Mounting Bolt
Outer Blade Drive Flange
Saw Blade

20
TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST
S
9 9" METAL CUTTER
CAUTION!
ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE SAW FROM POWER SOURCE BEFORE TROUBLESHOOTING.
1) Machine will not turn on
a) Inspect power cord for damage. Check continuity. Replace if needed. (PN SMS9-59)
b) Inspect brushes for excessive wear. Replace if needed. (PN SMS9-46) (2)
c) Do not exceed 30 minutes run time without cool down of saw.
d) Check trigger switch for continuity. Replace if needed. (PN SMS9-63)
2) Losing Power
a) Inspect brushes and replace if needed. (PN SMS9-46) (2)
b) Extension cord too long. Limit cord length to 50’ or less.
c) Extension cord too thin. Use 12 AWG or larger.
3) Blade Guard Sticks
a) Remove guard and remove any foreign material. Wipe any excess material from guard & face plate.
Guard must move freely. Use light grease on mating contact surfaces to aid in movement.
b) Check guard return spring for sufficient tension. Replace if spring is weak. (PN SMS9-16)
c) Check guard for distortion. Replace if distorted or damaged. (PN SMS9-14)
4) Blade Spins on Spindle
a) Check for proper tightness and installation. Inspect inner blade flange (PN SMS9-12) and outer blade
flange (PN SMS9-10) for wear or damage. Replace if wear is excessive.
b) Check flange mating surfaces for flatness. Replace if excessive distortion exists.
c) Check to ensure flat washer is present between bolt head and outer blade drive flange.
5) Low Blade Life/Teeth Chipping
a) Wrong blade for the type of material.
i) RGMBL09 for mild steel up to 1/2” solid.
ii) RGMBL09-ALM for aluminum up to 1/2” solid.
iii) RGMBL09-SS for stainless steel up to 5/16” solid.
iv) RGMBL09-TS for thin steel up to 1/4” solid.
b) Aggressive contact with blade into material. The blade must be allowed to do the work.
c) Too much vibration due to insufficient clamping, worn or bent blade, or worn parts (see "Saw Vibrates"
below).
6) Saw Vibrates
a) Check blade for tightness.
b) Inspect inner blade flange (PN SMS9-12) and outer blade drive flange (PN SMS9-10) for
wear or damage. Replace if needed.
c) Check to ensure work is properly clamped. Both primary and cut-off piece can cause vibration.
d) Check bevel lock and depth lock for tightness. (PN SMS9-93)
e) Check blade teeth for missing carbide, bends or cracks.
7) Laser Won’t Track
a) Adjust Laser alignment screw (PN SMS9-99) with laser turned on.
Table of contents
Other SteelMax Saw manuals
Popular Saw manuals by other brands

MK Diamond Products
MK Diamond Products PX-3 Operations & parts manual

Norton
Norton TR 230 GL Operating instructions and spare parts list

Jet
Jet JWBS-140S Operating instructions and parts manual

Craftsman
Craftsman 137.216021 Operator's manual

Makita
Makita 5103N instruction manual

Husqvarna
Husqvarna TS 60 Operator's manual