Makita 4331D Instruction Manual page 8

Switch action (Fig. 8)
CAUTION:
Before inserting the battery cartridge into the tool, always
check to see that the switch trigger actuates properly and
returns to the "OFF" position when released. Pulling the
trigger hard when the lock-off button is not pressed
causes switch damage.
To prevent the switch trigger from being accidentally
pulled, a lock-off button is provided. To start the tool,
depress the lock-off button and pull the switch trigger.
Release the switch trigger to stop.
Speed adjusting dial (Fig. 8)
The tool speed can be infinitely adjusted between 500
and 2,800 (Model 4331D), 500 and 2,600 (Model 4333D)
strokes per minute by turning the adjusting dial. Higher
speed is obtained when the dial is turned in the direction
of number 5; lower speed is obtained when it is turned in
the direction of number 1. Refer to the table below to
select the proper speed for the workpiece to be cut. How-
ever, the appropriate speed may differ with the type or
thickness of the workpiece. In general, higher speeds will
allow you to cut workpieces faster but the service life of
the blade will be reduced.
Workpiece to be cut
Wood
Mild steel
Stainless steel
Aluminum
Plastics
CAUTION:
The speed adjusting dial can be turned only as far as 5
and back to 1. Do not force it past 5 or 1, or the speed
adjusting function may no longer work.
Operation (Fig. 9)
CAUTION:
• Check carefully that the blade is adequately secured in
position before inserting the battery into the tool.
• Always hold the base flush with the workpiece. Failure
to do so may cause blade breakage, resulting in a seri-
ous injury.
Turn the tool on and wait until the blade attains full speed.
Then rest the base flat on the workpiece and gently move
the tool forward along the previously marked cutting line.
When cutting curves, advance the tool slowly.
8
Number
on adjusting dial
3 – 5
3 – 5
3 – 4
2 – 3
1 – 4
Bevel cutting (Fig. 10 & 11)
CAUTION:
Always remove the battery from the tool before making
any adjustments.
With the base tilted, you can make bevel cuts at any
angle between 0° and 45° (left or right).
Loosen the bolt on the back of the base with the hex
wrench. Move the base so that the bolt is positioned in
the center of the cross-shaped slot in the base. Tilt the
base until the desired bevel angle is obtained. The edge
of the motor housing indicates the bevel angle by gradua-
tions. Check the contact between the back edge of the
blade and the roller, then tighten the bolt to secure the
base.
Front flush cuts (Fig. 12)
Loosen the bolt on the back of the base with the hex
wrench, then move the base all the way back. Then
tighten the bolt to secure the base.
Cutouts (Fig. 13 & 14)
Cutouts can be made with either of two methods A or B.
A) Boring a starting hole: For internal cutouts without a
lead-in cut from an edge, pre-drill a starting hole
more than 12 mm in diameter. Insert the blade into
this hole to start your cut.
B) Plunge cutting: You need not bore a starting hole or
make a lead-in cut if you carefully do as follows.
1. Tilt the tool up on the front edge of the base, with
the blade point positioned just above the work-
piece surface.
2. Apply pressure to the tool so that the front edge of
the base will not move when you switch on the
tool and gently lower the back end of the tool
slowly.
3. As the blade pierces the workpiece, slowly lower
the base of the tool down onto the workpiece sur-
face.
4. Complete the cut in the normal manner.
Finishing edges (Fig. 15)
To trim edges or make dimensional adjustments, run the
blade lightly along the cut edges.
Metal cutting
Always use a suitable coolant (cutting oil) when cutting
metal. Failure to do so will cause significant blade wear.
The underside of the workpiece can be greased instead
of using a coolant.
Anti-splintering device (Fig. 16)
To reduce the potential for workpiece surface splintering,
the anti-splintering device can be used. Fit it into the
base from below so that it surrounds the sides of the
blade.