Makita 4331D Instruction Manual page 7

Selecting the cutting action (Fig. 6)
This tool can be operated with an orbital or a straight line (up and down) cutting action. The orbital cutting action
thrusts the blade forward on the cutting stroke and greatly increases cutting speed.
To change the cutting action, just turn the lever to the desired cutting action position. Refer to the table below to select
the cutting action.
Position
Straight line cutting action
O
I Small orbit cutting action
Medium orbit cutting action
II
Large orbit cutting action
III
Switch action (Fig. 7)
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. 7)
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.
Cutting action
Number
on adjusting dial
3 – 5
3 – 5
3 – 4
2 – 3
1 – 4
Applications
For cutting mild steel, stainless steel and plastics.
For clean cuts in wood and plywood.
For cutting mild steel, aluminum and hard wood.
For cutting wood and plywood.
For fast cutting in aluminum and mild steel.
For fast cutting in wood and plywood.
Operation (Fig. 8)
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.
Bevel cutting (Fig. 9 & 10)
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. 11)
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.
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