Operation; Switch; Cutting With Your Saw; Kerf Plate Adjustment - DeWalt DW718 Instruction Manual

The front section of the guard is louvered for visibility while cutting.
Although the louvers dramatically reduce flying debris, they are
openings in the guard and safety glasses should be worn at all times
when viewing through the louvers.

KERF PLATE ADJUSTMENT

To adjust the kerf plates, loosen the screws holding the kerf plates in
place. Adjust so that the kerf plates are as close as possible without
interfering with the blade's movement.

RAIL GUIDE ADJUSTMENT

Periodically check the rails for any play or clearance. The right rail can be
adjusted with the set screw shown in Figure 4. To reduce clearance, use
a 4mm hex wrench and rotate the set screw clockwise gradually while
sliding the saw head back and forth. Reduce play while maintaining
minimum slide force.

MITER LOCK ADJUSTMENT

The miter lock rod should be adjusted if the table of the saw can be
moved when the miter lock is locked down. To adjust the miter lock
handle, put the miter lock handle in the up, unlocked position. Using
a 13mm open end wrench, loosen the lock nut on the miter lock rod
(Fig. 10). Using a slotted screwdriver, tighten the miter lock rod by
turning it clockwise as shown in Figure 10. Turn the lock rod until it is
snug, then turn counterclockwise one turn. To ensure the miter lock
handle is functioning properly, re-lock the miter lock to a non-detented
measurement on the miter scale – for example, 34 degrees – and
ensure the table will not rotate. Tighten lock nut.

Brushes

DISCONNECT PLUG FROM POWER SUPPLY.
Inspect carbon brushes regularly by unplugging tool, removing the motor
end cap (Fig. 4), lift the brush spring and withdraw the brush assembly.
Keep brushes clean and sliding freely in their guides. Always replace a
used brush in the same orientation in the holder as it was prior to its
removal. Carbon brushes have varying symbols stamped into their sides,
and if the brush is worn down to approximately 12.7mm (1/2"), the
spring will no longer exert pressure and they must be replaced. Use only
identical D WALT brushes. Use of the correct grade of brush is essential
E
for proper operation of electric brake. New brush assemblies are available
at D WALT service centers. The tool should be allowed to "run in" (run at
E
no load) for 10 minutes before use to seat new brushes. The electric
brake may be erratic in operation until the brushes are properly seated
(worn in). Always replace the brush inspection cap after inspection or
servicing the brushes.
While "running in" DO NOT TIE, TAPE, OR OTHERWISE LOCK THE
TRIGGER SWITCH ON. HOLD BY HAND ONLY.

Controls

Your compound miter saw has several main controls, which will be
discussed briefly here. For more information on these controls, see the
respective sections earlier in the manual.
MITER CONTROL (FIG. 7)
The miter adjustment/lock handle and detent trigger allows you to miter
your saw to 60 left and 50 right. To miter the saw, lift the miter adjust-
ment/lock handle, push the miter latch button and set the set the miter
angle desired on the miter scale. Push down on the lock handle to lock
the saw table in place.
TRIGGER SWITCH
The trigger switch (Fig. 4) turns your saw on and off. A hole is provided
in the trigger for insertion of a padlock to secure the saw.
FIG. 5
FIG. 6
FIG. 7
MITER LATCH
OVERRIDE MITER LOCK HANDLE
FIG. 8
RIGHT 45˚ BEVEL
0˚ BEVEL LATCH
LATCH PLATE
PLATE
LEFT 45˚ BEVEL LATCH
PLATE
LEFT 45˚ BEVEL
ADJUSTMENT SCREW
LEFT 45˚ BEVEL PLATE
LOCK NUT
LEFT BEVEL
POINTER
RIGHT 45˚ BEVEL PLATE
0˚ BEVEL LOCK
NUT
7
MITER LATCH OVERRIDE (FIG. 7)
MITER
POINTER The miter latch override allows your saw to override the common stop
angles. To override the common stop angles, push the miter latch button
and flip the miter latch override lever to the vertical position.
BEVEL CONTROL (FIG. 8)
The bevel latch levers and bevel lock handle allow you to bevel the saw to
48 degrees left and right. Your saw has two bevel latch levers, one on
either side of the rear support housing. Only one needs to be used to
move the bevel to either direction. The bevel lock handle is on top of the
rear support housing. To bevel the saw, loosen the bevel lock handle. Lift
one of the levers to approximately 45 degrees and set the bevel angle
desired on the bevel scale. Two bevel scales are provided for conven-
ience. Lock the bevel lock handle to lock the bevel in place. The bevel
MITER
latch levers can be lifted vertically to override the common stop angles.
SCALE
The bevel lock handle is designed to have a limited rotation amount. The
handle can be reoriented to compensate for normal wear. The bevel lock
handle should be reoriented if the bevel of the saw can be moved when
the bevel lock handle is tightened. To adjust the bevel lock handle,
remove the screw in the center of the handle. Carefully pry off the handle
using a flat bladed screwdriver. Reorient and install the handle such that it
will hold the bevel when tightened. Install and tighten screw.
MITER LATCH
BUTTON
RAIL LOCK KNOB (FIG. 4)
The rail lock knob allows you to lock the saw head firmly to keep it from
sliding on the rails. This is necessary when making certain cuts or when
transporting the saw.
GROOVING STOP (FIG. 4)
The grooving stop allows for groove cutting. Flipping the lever toward the
front of the saw and adjusting the thumbscrew changes the depth of the
groove cut. Flipping the lever toward the rear of the saw bypasses the
grooving stop.
HEAD DOWNLOCK PIN (FIG. 4)
To lock the saw head in the down position, push the head down, push the
pin in and release the saw head. This will hold the saw head safely down
for moving the saw from place to place. To release, press the saw head
down and pull the pin out.

Operation

Plug the saw into any household 50 Hz power source. Refer to the name-
plate for voltage. Be sure the cord will not interfere with your work.

SWITCH

To turn the saw on, depress the trigger switch. To turn the tool off,
release the switch. Allow the blade to spin up to full operating rpm before
making the cut. Release the trigger switch and allow the brake to stop the
blade before raising the saw head. There is no provision for locking the
switch on, but a hole is provided in the trigger for insertion of a padlock
RIGHT 45˚ BEVEL
to lock the saw off.
ADJUSTMENT

CUTTING WITH YOUR SAW

SCREW
If the slide feature is not used, ensure the saw head is pushed back as
RIGHT BEVEL
far as possible and the rail lock knob is tightened as the workpiece is
POINTER
engaged. This will prevent the saw from sliding along its rails as the
workpiece is engaged.
NOTE: Although this saw will cut wood and many non-ferrous materials,
we will limit our discussion to the cutting of wood only. The same guide-
lines apply to the other materials. DO NOT CUT FERROUS (IRON AND
STEEL) MATERIALS OR MASONRY WITH THIS SAW. Do not use any
abrasive blades.
CROSSCUTS
LOCK NUT
Cutting of multiple pieces is not recommended but can be done safely by
ensuring that each piece is held firmly against the table and fence. When