Maintaining Maximum Cutting Capacity; Adjusting Miter Angle; Blade Guard; Kerf Board - Makita MLS100 Instruction Manual

Blade guard (Fig. 6)
When lowering the handle, the blade guard rises
automatically. The guard is spring loaded so it 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 operation 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 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 see-
through blade guard becomes dirty, or sawdust adheres
to it in such a way that the blade and/or workpiece 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 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 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. (Fig. 7)
Kerf board (Fig. 8)
This tool is provided with the kerf board in the turn base to
minimize tearing on the exit side of a cut. If the kerf
groove has not yet been cut in the kerf board by the
factory, you should cut the groove before actually using
the tool to cut a workpiece. Switch on the tool and lower
the blade gently to cut a groove in the kerf board.

Maintaining maximum cutting capacity

This tool is factory adjusted to provide the maximum
cutting capacity for a 255 mm saw blade.
When installing a new blade, always check the lower limit
position of the blade and if necessary, adjust it as follows:
First, unplug the tool. Lower the handle completely. Use
the wrench to turn the adjusting bolt until the periphery of
the blade extends slightly below the top surface of the turn
base at the point where the front face of the guide fence
meets the top surface of the turn base. (Fig. 9)
With the tool unplugged, rotate the blade by hand while
holding the handle all the way down to be sure that the
blade does not contact any part of the lower base. Re-
adjust slightly, if necessary. (Fig. 10)
CAUTION:
• After installing a new blade, always be sure that the
blade does not contact any part of the lower base when
the handle is lowered completely. Always do this with
the tool unplugged.
Adjusting the miter angle (Fig. 11)
Loosen the grip by turning counterclockwise. Turn the turn
base while pressing down the lock lever. When you have
moved the grip to the position where the pointer points to
the desired angle on the miter scale, securely tighten the
grip clockwise.
CAUTION:
• When turning the turn base, be sure to raise the handle
fully.
• After changing the miter angle, always secure the turn
base by tightening the grip firmly.
Adjusting the bevel angle (Fig. 12 & 13)
To adjust the bevel angle, loosen the knob at the rear of
the tool counterclockwise.
Push the handle to the left to tilt the saw blade until the
pointer points to the desired angle on the bevel scale.
Then tighten the knob clockwise firmly to secure the arm.
CAUTION:
• When tilting the saw blade, be sure to raise the handle
fully.
• After changing the bevel angle, always secure the arm
by tightening the knob clockwise.

Switch action

CAUTION:
• Before plugging in the tool, always check to see that
the switch trigger actuates properly and returns to the
"OFF" position when released.
For European countries (Fig. 14)
To start the tool, push the lever to the right and then pull
the switch trigger. Release the switch trigger to stop.
For all countries other than European countries
(Fig. 15)
To start the tool, simply pull the switch trigger. Release
the switch trigger to stop.
WARNING:
• NEVER use tool without a fully operative switch trigger.
Any tool with an inoperative switch is HIGHLY
DANGEROUS and must be repaired before further
usage.
ASSEMBLY
CAUTION:
• Always be sure that the tool is switched off and
unplugged before carrying out any work on the tool.
Installing or removing saw blade
CAUTION:
• Always be sure that the tool is switched off and
unplugged before installing or removing the blade.
• Use only the Makita wrench provided to install or
remove the blade. Failure to do so may result in
overtightening or insufficient tightening of the hex bolt.
This could cause an injury.
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