Makita 578 Cordless Metal Cutting Circular Saw with Brushless Motor User Manual

							
1 
 
  
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
 
MANUEL DINSTRUCTION  
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES  
IMPORTANT: Read Before Using. 
IMPORTANT:  Lire avant usage. 
IMPORTANTE:  Leer antes de usar. 
Cordless Metal Cutter 
Scie à Métaux Sans Fil 
Sierra para Metal Inalámbrica 
DCS551 
015627  
						

							
2 
ENGLISH (Original instructions) 
SPECIFICATIONS 
Model DCS551 
Blade diameter  136 mm - 150 mm (5-3/8 - 5-7/8) 
Max. Cutting depth  57.5 mm (2-1/4) (with 150 mm (5-7/8) diameter) 
No load speed (RPM)  3,900 /min 
Overall length (with BL1830)  332 mm (13-1/8) 
Rated voltage  D.C. 18 V 
Standard battery cartridges  BL1815N / BL1820 / BL1820BBL1830 / BL1830B / BL1840 / BL1840B / 
BL1850 / BL1850B / BL1860B 
Net weight  2.7 kg (5.9 lbs)  2.9 kg (6.4 lbs) 
• Due to our continuing program of research and development, the specifications herein are subject to change without notice. 
• Specifications and battery cartridge may differ from country to country. 
• Weight, with battery cartridge, according to EPTA-Procedure 01/2003 
 GEA006-2 
General Power Tool Safety 
Warnings 
 WARNING Read all safety warnings and all 
instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions 
may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. 
Save all warnings and 
instructions for future reference. 
The term power tool in the warnings refers to your 
mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated 
(cordless) power tool. 
Work area safety  1.  Keep work area clean and well lit.  Cluttered or 
dark areas invite accidents. 
2.  Do not operate power tools in explosive 
atmospheres, such as in the presence of 
flammable liquids , gases or dust. Power tools 
create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes. 
3.  Keep children and bystanders away while 
operating a power tool.  Distractions can cause 
you to lose control. 
Electrical safety  4.  Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never 
modify the plug in any way. Do not use any 
adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power 
tools.  Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will 
reduce risk of electric shock. 
5.  Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded 
surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and 
refrigerators.  There is an increased risk of 
electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded. 
6.  Do not expose power tools to rain or wet 
conditions.  Water entering a power tool will 
increase the risk of electric shock.  7. 
Do not abuse the cord.  Never use the cord for 
carrying, pulling or unpl ugging the power tool. 
Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or 
moving parts.  Damaged or entangled cords 
increase the risk of electric shock. 
8.  When operating a power tool outdoors, use an 
extension cord suitable for outdoor use.  Use 
of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk 
of electric shock. 
9.  If operating a power tool in a damp location is 
unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit 
interrupter (GFCI) protected supply.  Use of an 
GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock. 
Personal safety  10.  Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use 
common sense when operating a power tool. 
Do not use a power tool while you are tired or 
under the influence of drugs, alcohol or 
medication.  A moment of inattention while 
operating power tools may result in serious 
personal injury. 
11 .   Use personal protective equipment. Always 
wear eye protection.  Protective equipment such 
as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or 
hearing protection used for appropriate conditions 
will reduce personal injuries. 
12.  Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the 
switch is in the off-position before connecting 
to power source and/or battery pack, picking 
up or carrying the tool.  Carrying power tools 
with your finger on the switch or energising power 
tools that have the switch on invites accidents. 
13.  Remove any adjusting key or wrench before 
turning the power tool on.  A wrench or a key 
left attached to a rotating part of the power tool 
may result in personal injury. 
  
						

							
3 
14. 
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and 
balance at all times.  This enables better control 
of the power tool in unexpected situations. 
15.  Dress properly. Do not we ar loose clothing or 
jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves 
away from moving parts.  Loose clothes, 
jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving 
parts. 
16.  If devices are provided for the connection of 
dust extraction and collection facilities, 
ensure these are connected and properly 
used.  Use of dust collection can reduce dust-
related hazards. 
Power tool use and care  17.  Do not force the power tool. Use the correct 
power tool for your application.  The correct 
power tool will do the job better and safer at the 
rate for which it was designed. 
18.  Do not use the power tool if the switch does 
not turn it on and off.  Any power tool that 
cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous 
and must be repaired. 
19.  Disconnect the plug from the power source 
and/or the battery pack  from the power tool 
before making any adjustments, changing 
accessories, or stor ing power tools. Such 
preventive safety measures reduce the risk of 
starting the power tool accidentally. 
20.  Store idle power tools out of the reach of 
children and do not allow persons unfamiliar 
with the power tool or these instructions to 
operate the power tool.  Power tools are 
dangerous in the hands of untrained users. 
21.  Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment 
or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts 
and any other condition that may affect the 
power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the 
power tool repaired before use.  Many 
accidents are caused by poorly maintained power 
tools. 
22.  Keep cutting tools  sharp and clean. Properly 
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges 
are less likely to bind and are easier to control. 
23.  Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits 
etc. in accordance with  these instructions, 
taking into account the working conditions 
and the work to be performed.  Use of the 
power tool for operations different from those 
intended could result in a hazardous situation. 
Battery tool use and care  24.  Recharge only with the charger specified by 
the manufacturer.  A charger that is suitable for 
one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire 
when used with another battery pack. 
  25. 
Use power tools only with specifically 
designated battery packs.  Use of any other 
battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire. 
26.  When battery pack is not in use, keep it away 
from other metal objects, like paper clips, 
coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal 
objects, that can make a connection from one 
terminal to another.  Shorting the battery 
terminals together may cause burns or a fire. 
27.  Under abusive conditions, liquid may be 
ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If 
contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. 
If liquid contacts ey es, additionally seek 
medical help.  Liquid ejected from the battery 
may cause irritation or burns. 
Service  28.  Have your power tool serviced by a qualified 
repair person using only identical 
replacement parts.  This will ensure that the 
safety of the power tool is maintained. 
29.  Follow instruction for lubricating and 
changing accessories. 
30.  Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and 
grease. 
GEB121-4 
CORDLESS METAL CUTTER 
SAFETY WARNINGS 
Cutting procedures 
1.   DANGER: Keep hands away from cutting 
area and the blade. Keep your second hand 
on auxiliary handle, or motor housing.  If both 
hands are holding the saw, they cannot be cut by 
the blade. 
2.  Do not reach underneath the workpiece.  The 
guard cannot protect you from the blade below 
the workpiece. 
3.  Adjust the cutting depth to the thickness of 
the workpiece.  Less than a full tooth of the blade 
teeth should be visible below the workpiece. 
4.  Never hold piece being cut in your hands or 
across your leg. Secure the workpiece to a 
stable platform.  It is important to support the 
work properly to minimize body exposure, blade 
binding, or loss of control. 
5.  Hold the power tool by insulated gripping 
surfaces only, when performing an operation 
where the cutting tool may contact hidden 
wiring.  Contact with a live wire will also make 
exposed metal parts of the power tool live and 
could give the operator an electric shock. 
6.  When ripping, always use a rip fence or 
straight edge guide.  This improves the accuracy 
of cut and reduces the chance of blade binding.  
						

							
4 
7. 
Always use blades with correct size and 
shape (diamond versus round) of arbour 
holes.  Blades that do not match the mounting 
hardware of the saw will run eccentrically, 
causing loss of control. 
8.  Never use damaged or incorrect blade 
washers or bolt.  The blade washers and bolt 
were specially designed for your saw, for 
optimum performance and  safety of operation. 
Kickback causes and related warnings  −   Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound 
or misaligned saw blade, causing an uncontrolled 
saw to lift up and out of the workpiece toward the 
operator. 
−   When the blade is pinched or bound tightly by the 
kerf closing down, the blade stalls and the motor 
reaction drives the unit rapidly back toward the 
operator. 
−   If the blade becomes twisted or misaligned in the 
cut, the teeth at the back edge of the blade can dig 
into the top surface of the workpiece causing the 
blade to climb out of the kerf and jump back 
toward the operator. 
Kickback is the result of saw misuse and/or incorrect 
operating procedures or cond itions and can be avoided 
by taking proper precautions as given below.  9.  Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the 
saw and position your arms to resist kickback 
forces. Position your bod y to either side of 
the blade, but not in line with the blade.  
Kickback could cause the saw to jump backwards, 
but kickback forces can be controlled by the 
operator, if proper precautions are taken. 
10.  When blade is binding, or when interrupting a 
cut for any reason, release the trigger and 
hold the saw motionless in the material until 
the blade comes to a complete stop. Never 
attempt to remove the saw from the work or 
pull the saw backward while the blade is in 
motion or kickback may occur.  Investigate and 
take corrective actions to  eliminate the cause of 
blade binding. 
11 .   When restarting a saw in the workpiece, 
centre the saw blade in the kerf and check 
that saw teeth are not engaged into the 
material.  If saw blade is binding, it may walk up 
or kickback from the wo rkpiece as the saw is 
restarted. 
12.  Support large panels to minimise the risk of 
blade pinching and kickback.  Large panels 
tend to sag under their own weight. Supports 
must be placed under the panel on both sides, 
near the line of cut and near the edge of the 
panel. 
  13. 
Do not use dull or damaged blades.  
Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce 
narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade 
binding and kickback. 
14.  Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking 
levers must be tight and secure before 
making cut.  If blade adjustment shifts while 
cutting, it may cause binding and kickback. 
15.  Use extra caution when sawing into existing 
walls or other blind areas.  The protruding blade 
may cut objects that can cause kickback. 
Lower guard function  16.  Check lower guard for proper closing before 
each use. Do not operate the saw if lower 
guard does not move freely and close 
instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard 
into the open position.  If saw is accidentally 
dropped, lower guard may be bent. Raise the 
lower guard with the retracting handle and make 
sure it moves freely and does not touch the blade 
or any other part, in all angles and depths of cut. 
17.  Check the operation of the lower guard spring. 
If the guard and the spring are not operating 
properly, they must be serviced before use.  
Lower guard may operate sluggishly due to 
damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a build-up of 
debris. 
18.  Lower guard should be retracted manually 
only for special cuts such as plunge cuts 
and compound cuts.  Raise lower guard by 
retracting handle and as soon as blade enters the 
material, the lower guard must be released. For 
all other sawing, the lower guard should operate 
automatically. 
19. 
Always observe that the lower guard is 
covering the blade before placing saw down on 
bench or floor.
 An unprotected, coasting blade will 
cause the saw to walk backwards, cutting whatever 
is in its path. Be aware of the time it takes for the 
blade to stop after switch is released. 
20.  To check lower guard, open lower guard by 
hand, then release and watch guard closure. 
Also check to see that retracting handle does 
not touch tool housing.  Leaving blade exposed 
is VERY DANGEROUS and can lead to serious 
personal injury. 
Additional safety warnings  21.  Intended use  
This tool is intended to cut mild steel only. 
22.  Do not stop the blades by lateral pressure on 
the blade. 
23.  DANGER: 
Do not attempt to remove cut material when 
blade is moving. 
CAUTION: Blades coast after turn off.  
						

							
5 
24. 
Place the wider portion of the saw base on 
that part of the workpiece which is solidly 
supported, not on the section that will fall off 
when the cut is made. 
25.  Never attempt to make a cut with the tool held 
upside down in a vise. This is extremely 
dangerous and can lead  to serious accidents. 
26.  Wear safety goggles and hearing protection 
during operation. 
27.  Do not use any abrasive wheels. 
28.  Only use the blade with the diameter that is 
marked on the saw or specified in the manual.  
Use of an incorrectly sized blade may affect the 
proper guarding of the blade or guard operation 
which could result in serious personal injury. 
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.  
WARNING: DO NOT let comfort or familiarity with product 
(gained from repeated use) replace strict adherence 
to safety rules for the subject product. MISUSE or 
failure to follow the safet y rules stated in this 
instruction manual may cause serious personal 
injury. 
USD301-1 
Symbols 
The followings show the symbols used for tool.  ･ volts 
 
･  direct current 
 
･  no load speed 
 
･   revolutions or reciprocation per minute 
 
ENC007-10 
IMPORTANT SAFETY 
INSTRUCTIONS 
FOR BATTERY CARTRIDGE 
1.  Before using battery cartridge, read all 
instructions and cautionary markings on (1) 
battery charger, (2) battery, and (3) product 
using battery. 
2.  Do not disassemble battery cartridge. 
3.  If operating time has become excessively 
shorter, stop operating immediately. It may 
result in a risk of overheating, possible burns 
and even an explosion. 
4.  If electrolyte gets into your eyes, rinse them 
out with clear water and seek medical  attention right away. It may result in loss of 
your eyesight. 
5.  Do not short the battery cartridge: 
(1)  Do not touch the terminals with any 
conductive material. 
(2)  Avoid storing battery cartridge in a 
container with other metal objects such 
as nails, coins, etc. 
(3)  Do not expose battery cartridge to water 
or rain. 
A battery short can cause a large current flow, 
overheating, possible burns and even a 
breakdown. 
6.  Do not store the tool and battery cartridge in 
locations where the temperature may reach or 
exceed 50 ﾟC (122 ﾟF). 
7.  Do not incinerate the battery cartridge even if 
it is severely damaged or is completely worn 
out. The battery cartridge can explode in a fire. 
8.  Be careful not to drop or strike battery.   
9.  Do not use a damaged battery.   
10.  Follow your local regulations relating to 
disposal of battery.   
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. 
CAUTION: Only use genuine Makita batteries.  
Use of non-genuine Makita batt eries, or batteries that 
have been altered, may result in the battery bursting 
causing fires, personal injury and damage. It will also 
void the Makita warranty for the Makita tool and charger. 
Tips for maintaining maximum battery life 
1.  Charge the battery cartridge before 
completely discharged. 
Always stop tool operation and charge the 
battery cartridge when you notice less tool 
power. 
2.  Never recharge a fully charged battery 
cartridge. 
Overcharging shortens th e battery service life. 
3.  Charge the battery cartridge with room 
temperature at 10 ﾟC - 40 ﾟC (50 ﾟF - 104 ﾟF). 
Let a hot battery cartridge cool down before 
charging it. 
4.  Charge the battery cartridge if you do not use 
it for a long period (more than six months). 
 
 
 
  
						

							
6 
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION  
CAUTION: • Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the 
battery cartridge is removed before adjusting or 
checking function on the tool. 
Installing or removing battery cartridge 
2
1
3  015628 
CAUTION: • Always switch off the tool before installing or 
removing of the battery cartridge. 
• Hold the tool and the battery cartridge firmly 
when installing or removing battery cartridge.
 
Failure to hold the tool and the battery cartridge 
firmly may cause them to slip off your hands and 
result in damage to the tool and battery cartridge 
and a personal injury. 
To remove the battery cartridge, slide it from the tool 
while sliding the button on the front of the cartridge. 
To install the battery cartridge, align the tongue on the 
battery cartridge with the groove in the housing and slip 
it into place. Insert it all the way until it locks in place 
with a little click. If you c an see the red indicator on the 
upper side of the button, it is not locked completely. 
 
CAUTION: • Always install the battery cartridge fully until the 
red indicator cannot be seen. If not, it may 
accidentally fall out of the tool, causing injury to 
you or someone around you. 
• Do not install the battery  cartridge forcibly. If the 
cartridge does not slide in easily, it is not being 
inserted correctly. 
Indicating the remaining battery capacity 
(Only for battery cartridges with B at the end of the 
model number.) 
1
2
  015676 Press the check button on the battery cartridge to 
indicate the remaining battery capacity. The indicator 
lamps light up for few seconds. 
Off Blinking
Lighted Indicator lamps
Charge the  battery.
0% to 25%
25% to 50% 50% to 75%
75% to 100% Remaining  
capacity
The battery   may have  
malfunctioned.
  015658 
NOTE: • Depending on the conditions of use and the 
ambient temperature, the indication may differ 
slightly from the actual capacity. 
Switch action  
WARNING: • For your safety, this tool is equipped with lock-off 
lever which prevents the tool from unintended 
starting. NEVER use the t ool if it runs when you 
simply pull the switch trigger without pressing the 
lock-off lever. Return tool to a MAKITA service 
center for proper repairs BEFORE further usage. 
• NEVER tape down or defeat purpose and function 
of lock-off lever. 
CAUTION: • Before installing the battery cartridge into the tool, 
always check to see that the switch trigger 
actuates properly and returns to the OFF 
position when released. 
• Do not pull the switch trigger hard without pressing 
the lock-off lever. This can cause switch breakage.  1. Indicator lamps 
2. CHECK button 
1. Button 
2. Red indicator 
3. Battery  cartridge  
						

							
7 
1
2
  015631 To prevent the switch trigger from being accidentally 
pulled, a lock-off lever is provided. To start the tool, 
press the lock-off lever and pull the switch trigger. 
Release the switch trigger to stop. 
Indicating remaining battery capacity 
(Country specific) 
1
  015642 When you turn the tool on, the battery indicator shows 
the remaining battery capacity. 
The remaining battery capacity is shown as the 
following table. 
Battery indicator statusRemaining battery capacity
50% - 100%20% - 50%
0% - 20%
Charge the battery
On Off Blinking
 015624 
 
 
 
 
 
  Automatic speed change function 
1
  015638 
Mode indicator status Operation mode
High speed mode
High torque mode
  015137 This tool has high speed mode and high torque 
mode. It automatically 
changes operation mode 
depending on the work load. When mode indicator lights 
up during operation, the tool is in high torque mode. 
Tool / battery protection system 
The tool is equipped with a tool/battery protection 
system. This system automatically cuts off power to the 
motor to extend tool and battery life. 
The tool will automatically  stop during operation if the 
tool or battery are placed under one of the following 
conditions. In some conditions, the indicator lights up. 
Overload protection 
When the tool is operated in a manner that causes it to 
draw an abnormally high current, the tool automatically 
stops without any indications. In this situation, turn the 
tool off and stop the applicat ion that caused the tool to 
become overloaded. Then turn the tool on to restart. 
Overheat protection for tool 
When the tool is over heated, the tool stops 
automatically and the battery  indicator shows following 
state. In this situation, let the tool cool before turning the 
tool on again. 
Battery indicator
Tool is overheatedOn Off Blinking
  015625 Releasing protection lock 
When the protection system works repeatedly, the tool 
is locked and the battery indicator shows the following 
state.  1. Mode indicator 
1. Battery indicator 1. Switch trigger 
2. Lock-off lever  
						

							
8 
Battery indicatorOn Off Blinking
Protection lock works  015626 In this situation, the tool does not start even if turning 
the tool off and on. To release the protection lock, 
remove the battery, set it to the battery charger and wait 
until the charging finishes. 
Adjusting depth of cut 
1  015629 
CAUTION: • After adjusting the depth of cut, always tighten the 
lever securely. 
Loosen the lever on the side of the rear handle and 
move the base up or down. At the desired depth of cut, 
secure the base by tightening the lever. 
For cleaner, safer cuts, set cut depth so that no more 
than one blade tooth projects below workpiece. Using 
proper cut depth helps to reduce potential for dangerous 
KICKBACKS which can cause personal injury. 
Sighting 
12
3
  015630 Place the alignment line of the base on your intended 
cutting line on the workpiece. 
Electric brake 
This tool is equipped with an electric blade brake. If the tool 
consistently fails to quickly stop blade after switch trigger 
release, have tool serviced at a Makita service center. 
The blade brake system is not a substitute for lower 
guard. NEVER USE TOOL WITHOUT A FUNCTIONING 
LOWER GUARD. SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY CAN 
RESULT. 
Lighting the lamp  
CAUTION: • Do not look in the lamp or see the source of light 
directly. 
1
  015632 Only to turn on the lamp, pull the switch trigger without 
pressing the lock-off lever. To turn on the lamp and run 
the tool, press the lock-off lever and pull the switch 
trigger with the lock-off lever being pressed. The lamp 
keeps on lighting while the switch trigger is being pulled. 
The lamp goes out 10 -15 seconds after releasing the 
trigger. 
 
NOTE: • Use a cotton stick to wipe the dirt off the lens of 
lamp. Be careful not to scratch the lens of lamp, or 
it may lower the illumination. 
• Do not use gasoline, thinner or the like to clean 
the lens of lamp. Using such substances will 
damage the lens. 
ASSEMBLY  
CAUTION: • Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the 
battery cartridge is removed before carrying out 
any work on the tool. 
Removing or installing blade  
CAUTION: • Be sure the blade is installed with teeth pointing 
up at the front of the tool. 
• Use only the Makita wrench to install or remove 
the blade. 
1
2  015633 
1. Shaft lock 
2. Hex wrench  1. Lamp 
1. Alignment  line
2. Cutting line 
3. Base  1. Lever  
						

							
9 
To remove the blade, press 
the shaft lock so that the 
blade cannot revolve and use the hex wrench to loosen 
the hex bolt counterclockwise. Then remove the hex 
bolt, outer flange and blade. 
1
2
3
5
4
  015634 To install the blade, follow the removal procedure in 
reverse. BE SURE TO TIGHTEN THE HEX BOLT 
CLOCKWISE SECURELY. 
When changing blade, make sure to also clean the upper and 
lower blade guards of accumulated metal chips as discussed 
in the Maintenance section. Such efforts do not replace the 
need to check lower guard operation before each use. 
Hex wrench storage 
1  015635 When not in use, store the hex wrench as shown in the 
figure to keep it from being lost. 
Installing or removing hook  
CAUTION: • Never hang the tool on a waist belt or like. 
Dangerous accidental cut may result. 
• Never hook the tool at high location or on 
potentially unstable surface. 
1
2
  015639 The hook can be installed on the motor side of the tool 
as illustrated. To install the hook, insert it into a groove 
on the tool housing, and secure it with the screw. To 
remove the hook, loosen the screw and take it off. 
OPERATION  
CAUTION: • Always insert the battery cartridge all the way until 
it locks in place. If you can see the red indicator on 
the upper side of the button, it is not locked 
completely. Insert it fully until the red indicator 
cannot be seen. If not, it may accidentally fall out 
of the tool, causing injury to you or someone 
around you. 
• Be sure to move the tool forward in a straight line 
gently. Forcing or twisting the tool will result in 
overheating the motor and dangerous kickback, 
possibly causing severe injury. 
• If the tool is operated co ntinuously until the battery 
cartridge has discharged, allow the tool to rest for 
15 minutes before proceeding with a fresh battery. 
• Never twist or force the tool in the cut. This may 
cause motor overload and/or a dangerous 
kickback, resulting in serious injury to the operator. 
• Always wear eye protection or goggle before 
operation. 
12
3
  015636 Hold the tool firmly. The tool  is provided with both a front 
grip and rear handle. Use both to best grasp the tool. If 
both hands are holding the tool, they cannot be cut by 
the blade. Set the base on the workpiece to be cut 
without the blade making any  contact. Then turn the tool 
on and wait until the blade attains full speed. Now 
simply move the tool forward over the workpiece 
surface, keeping it flat and advancing smoothly until the 
cutting is completed. 
To get clean cuts, keep your cutting line straight and 
your speed of advance uniform. If the cut fails to 
properly follow your intended cut line, do not attempt to 
turn or force the tool back to the cut line. Doing so may 
bind the blade and lead to dangerous kickback and 
possible serious injury. Release switch, wait for blade to 
stop and then withdraw tool. Realign tool on new cut 
line, and start cut again. Attempt to avoid positioning 
which exposes operator to  chips and particles being 
ejected from the tool. Use eye protection to help avoid 
injury.  1. Front grip 
2. Rear handle 
3. Base 
1. Hook 
2. Screw  1. Hex wrench 
1. Hex bolt 
2. Outer flange 
3. Saw blade 
4. Inner flange 
5. Cup washer  
						

							
10 
12
3  015640 The sight grooves in the base makes it easy to check 
the distance between the front edge of the blade and 
the workpiece whenever the blade is set to the 
maximum depth of cut. 
 
CAUTION: • Do not use a deformed or cracked blade. Replace 
it with a new one. 
• Do not stack materials when cutting them. • Do not cut hardened steel, wood, plastics, 
concrete, tile, etc. Cut only mild steel, aluminum 
and stainless steel with a suitable saw blade.  
• Do not touch the blade, workpiece or cutting chips 
with your bare hand immediately after cutting, they 
may be extremely hot and could burn your skin. 
• Always use the blades appropriate for your job.  
The use of inappropriate blades may cause a poor 
cutting performance and/or present a risk of 
personal injury. 
Rip fence (Guide rule) (optional accessory) 
1
2  015637 The handy rip fence allows you to do extra-accurate 
straight cuts. Simply slide the rip fence up snugly 
against the side of the workpiece and secure it in 
position with the clamp screw  on the front of the base. It 
also makes repeated cuts of uniform width possible. 
 
 
 
 
  MAINTENANCE 
 
CAUTION: • Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the 
battery cartridge is removed before attempting to 
perform inspection or maintenance. 
• Clean out the upper and lower guards to 
ensure there is no accumulated metal chips 
which may    impede the operation of the lower 
guarding system.
 A dirty guarding system may 
limit the proper operation which could result in 
serious personal injury.  When using compressed 
air to blow metal chips out of the guards, wear 
a proper eye and breathing protection.  
• Never use gasoline, benzine, thinner, alcohol or the 
like. Discoloration, deformation or cracks may result. 
Inspecting blade 
• Check the blade carefully for cracks or damage 
before and after each use. Replace a cracked or 
damaged blade immediately. 
• Continuing to use a dull blade may cause a 
dangerous kickback and/or motor overload. 
Replace with a new blade as soon as it no longer 
cuts effectively. 
• Blades for metal cutter cannot be re-sharpened.  
To maintain product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, 
any other maintenance or adjustment should be 
performed by Makita Authorized or Factory Service 
Centers, always using Makita replacement parts. 
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES  
CAUTION: • These accessories or attachments are 
recommended for use with your Makita tool 
specified in this manual. The use of any other 
accessories or attachments might present a risk of 
injury to persons. Only use accessory or 
attachment for its stated purpose. 
If you need any assistance for more details regarding 
these accessories, ask your  local Makita Service Center. 
• Carbide-tipped blades • Rip fence (Guide rule) • Thumb screw M5 x 20 • Hook • Hex wrench 5 • Safety goggle • Makita genuine battery and charger  
NOTE: • Some items in the list may be included in the tool 
package as standard accessories. They may differ 
from country to country. 
1. Clamp screw 
2. Rip fence 
(Guide rule) 
1. Cutting line 
2. Base 
3. Sight grooves