7
positioned, cleaning can be more completely and
efficiently 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 service center for a new guard. DO NOT
DEFEAT OR REMOVE GUARD.
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009486

Positioning kerf board

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009488
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2
3
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5
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001538
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:
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009496
First, unplug the tool. Loosen all the screws (3 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 locking screw counterclockwise which
secures the upper slide poles and also push forward the
lock lever which secures the lower 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.

Maintaining maximum cutting capacity

Unplug the tool before any adjustment is attempted. This
tool is factory adjusted to provide the maximum cutting
capacity for a 305 mm (12") saw blade.
When installing a new blade, always check the lower
limit position of the blade and if necessary, adjust it as
follows:
1. Lock lever
2. Screw
1. Saw blade
2. Blade teeth
3. Kerf board
4. Left bevel cut
5. Straight cut
6. Right bevel cut
1. Kerf board
1. Blade guard