13. 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. Before setting the tool
down after completing a cut, be sure that the lower
guard has closed and the blade has come to a com-
plete stop.
14. Use the appropriate riving knife for the blade
being used. For the riving knife to work, it must be
thicker than the body of the blade but thinner than
the tooth set of the blade.
15. Adjust the riving knife as described in this
instruction manual. Incorrect spacing, positioning
and alignment can make the riving knife ineffective
in preventing kickback.
16. Always use the riving knife except when plunge
cutting. Riving knife must be replaced after plunge
cutting. Riving knife causes interference during
plunge cutting and can create kickback.
17. For the riving knife to work, it must be engaged
in the workpiece. The riving knife is ineffective in
preventing kickback during short cuts.
18. Do not operate the saw if riving knife is bent.
Even a light interference can slow the closing rate of
a guard.
19. Use extra caution when cutting damp wood,
pressure treated lumber, or wood containing
knots. Adjust speed of cut to maintain smooth
advancement of tool without decrease in blade
speed.
20. Avoid Cutting Nails. Inspect for and remove all
nails from lumber before cutting.
21. Place the wider portion of the saw base on that
part of the workpiece which is solidly supported,
not on the section that will fall off when the cut is
made. As examples, Fig. 5 illustrates the RIGHT
way to cut off the end of a board, and Fig. 6 the
WRONG way. If the workpiece is short or small,
clamp it down. DO NOT TRY TO HOLD SHORT
PIECES BY HAND! (Fig. 5 & 6)
22. Never attempt to saw with the circular saw held
upside down in a vise. This is extremely danger-
ous and can lead to serious accidents. (Fig. 7)
23. Some material contains chemicals which may be
toxic. Take caution to prevent dust inhalation
and skin contact. Follow material supplier safety
data.
24. Do not stop the blades by lateral pressure on the
saw blade.
25. Always use blades recommended in this manual.
Do not use any abrasive wheels.
26. Wear a dust mask and hearing protection when
use the tool.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
WARNING:
MISUSE or failure to follow the safety rules stated in
this instruction manual may cause serious personal
injury.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Installing or removing battery cartridge (Fig. 8)
• Always switch off the tool before insertion or removal of
the battery cartridge.
• To remove the battery cartridge, withdraw it from the
tool while pressing the push buttons on both sides of
the cartridge.
• To insert the battery cartridge, align the tongue on the
battery cartridge with the groove in the housing and slip
it into place. Always insert it all the way until it locks in
place with a little click. If not, it may accidentally fall out
of the tool, causing injury to you or someone around
you.
• Do not use force when inserting the battery cartridge. If
the cartridge does not slide in easily, it is not being
inserted correctly.
Removing or installing saw blade
Important:
Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the bat-
tery cartridge is removed before removing or installing
the blade.
The following blade can be used with this tool.
Max. dia.
Min. dia.
165 mm
150 mm
The thickness of the riving knife is 1.2 mm.
CAUTION:
• Do not use saw blades which do not comply with the
characteristics specified in these instructions.
• Do not use saw blades the disc of which is thicker or
the set of which is smaller than the thickness of the riv-
ing knife.
To remove the blade, press the shaft lock so that the
blade cannot revolve and use the hex wrench to loosen
the bolt counterclockwise. Then remove the bolt, outer
flange and blade. (Fig. 9)
To install the blade, follow the removal procedure in
reverse. BE SURE TO TIGHTEN THE BOLT SECURELY.
(Fig. 10)
CAUTION:
• Be sure the blade is installed with teeth pointing up at
the front of the tool.
• Use only the Makita hex wrench to remove or install the
blade.
Riving knife adjustment (Fig. 11)
Use the hex wrench to loosen the hex socket head bolt
for the riving knife adjustment, then raise the safety cover
(safety guard). Move the riving knife up or down over the
protuberance for settings indicated in Fig. 11, so as to
obtain the proper clearance between the riving knife and
saw blade.
CAUTION:
Ensure that the riving knife is adjusted such that:
The distance between the riving knife and the toothed rim
of the saw blade is not more than 5 mm. The toothed rim
does not extend more than 5 mm beyond the lower edge
of the riving knife.
Blade
Kerf
thickness
1.0 mm
1.3 mm
or less
or more
7