6
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
CAUTION:
•Always be sure that the tool is switched off and
unplugged before adjusting or checking function on
the tool.

Blade guard

When lowering the handle, the blade guard rises auto-
matically. The blade guard returns to its original position
when the cut is completed and the handle is raised.
NEVER DEFEAT OR REMOVE THE BLADE GUARD
OR THE SPRING WHICH ATTACHES TO THE GUARD.
In the interest of your personal safety, always maintain
the blade guard in good condition. Any irregular opera-
tion of the blade guard should be corrected immediately.
Check to assure spring loaded return action of guard.
NEVER USE THE TOOL IF THE BLADE GUARD OR
SPRING ARE DAMAGED, FAULTY OR REMOVED.
DOING SO IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE
SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY.
If the see-through blade guard becomes dirty, or sawdust
adheres to it in such a way that the blade and/or work-
piece is no longer easily visible, unplug the saw and
clean the guard carefully with a damp cloth. Do not use
solvents or any petroleum-based cleaners on the plastic
guard.
If the blade guard is especially dirty and vision through
the guard is impaired, use the supplied socket wrench to
loosen the hex bolt holding the center cover. Loosen the
hex bolt by turning it counterclockwise and raise the
blade guard and center cover. With the blade guard so
positioned, cleaning can be more completely and effi-
ciently accomplished. When cleaning is complete,
reverse procedure above and secure bolt. Do not remove
spring holding blade guard. If guard becomes discolored
through age or UV light exposure, contact a Makita ser-
vice center for a new guard. DO NOT DEFEAT OR
REMOVE GUARD.

Positioning kerf board

This tool is provided with the kerf boards in the turn base
to minimize tearing on the exit side of a cut. The kerf
boards are factory adjusted so that the saw blade does
not contact the kerf boards. Before use, adjust the kerf
boards as follows:
First, unplug the tool. Loosen all the screws (2 each on
left and right) securing the kerf boards. Re-tighten them
only to the extent that the kerf boards can still be easily
moved by hand. Lower the handle fully and push in the
stopper pin to lock the handle in the lowered position.
Loosen the knob which secures the slide poles. Pull the
carriage toward you fully. Adjust the kerf boards so that
the kerf boards just contact the sides of the blade teeth.
Tighten the front screws (do not tighten firmly). Push the
carriage toward the guide fence fully and adjust the kerf
boards so that the kerf boards just contact the sides of
blade teeth. Tighten the rear screws (do not tighten
firmly).
After adjusting the kerf boards, release the stopper pin
and raise the handle. Then tighten all the screws
securely.
CAUTION:
•Before and after changing the bevel angle, always
adjust the kerf boards as described above.
1. Blade guard
1. Blade guard
1
002016
1
001782
1. Knob
2. Kerf board
1. Saw blade
2. Blade teeth
3. Kerf board
4. Left bevel cut
5. Straight cut
6. Right bevel cut
1
2
001537
1
2
3
4
5
6
001538