Operation - Makita LH1201FL Instruction Manual

Securing workpiece
Whenever possible, secure the workpiece with the optional
vise. If you must use your hand to hold the workpiece, then
it must be done firmly and securely so as not to lose con-
trol of the workpiece. Your hand and arm must be kept well
away from the blade area (100mm minimum). Squeeze the
workpiece firmly against the guide fence with your fingers
held over the top of the guide fence. The workpiece must
also rest steadily on the turn base.
WARNING:
• Never use your hand to hold the workpiece that
requires your hand to be any closer than 100mm from
the blade area. In this case, always use the optional
vise to secure the workpiece. After any cutting opera-
tion, raise the blade gently. Never raise the blade until it
has come to a complete stop. Serious injury may result.
CAUTION:
• When cutting long workpieces, use supports
that are as high as the top surface level of the
turn base. Do not rely solely on the vertical vise
and/or horizontal vise (optional) to secure the
workpiece.
Thin material tends to sag. Support workpiece
over its entire length to avoid blade pinch and
possible KICKBACK.
► Fig.34: 1. Support 2. Turn base
Sub-fence (for European countries only)
► Fig.35: 1. Sub-fence
This tool is equipped with the sub-fence. Usually posi-
tion the sub-fence inside. However, when performing
left bevel cuts, flip it outward.
CAUTION:
• When performing left bevel cuts, flip the sub-
fence outward. Otherwise, it will contact the
blade or a part of the tool, causing possible
serious injury to the operator.
Vertical vise
► Fig.36: 1. Vise arm 2. Vise rod 3. Guide fence
4. Holder 5. Vise knob 6. Screw
The vertical vise can be installed in two positions on
either the left or right side of the guide fence. Insert the
vise rod into the hole in the guide fence or the holder
assembly and tighten the screw to secure the vise rod.
Position the vise arm according to the thickness and
shape of the workpiece and secure the vise arm by
tightening the screw. If the screw to secure the vise arm
contacts the guide fence, install the screw on the oppo-
site side of vise arm. Make sure that no part of the tool
contacts the vise when lowering the handle all the way.
If some part contacts the vise, re-position the vise.
Press the workpiece flat against the guide fence and the
turn base. Position the workpiece at the desired cutting
position and secure it firmly by tightening the vise knob.
CAUTION:
• The workpiece must be secured firmly against
the turn base and guide fence.
Horizontal vise (optional accessory)
► Fig.37: 1. Vise knob 2. Projection 3. Vise shaft
4. Base
The horizontal vise can be installed on either the left or
right side of the base. When performing 30° or greater
miter cuts, install the horizontal vise on the side oppo-
site the direction in which the turn base is to be turned.
By turning the vise knob counterclockwise, the screw
is released and the vise shaft can be moved rapidly in
and out. By turning the vise knob clockwise, the screw
remains secured. To grip the workpiece, turn the vise
knob gently clockwise until the projection reaches its
topmost position, then fasten securely. If the vise knob
is forced in or pulled out while being turned clockwise,
the projection may stop at an angle. In this case, turn
the vise knob back counterclockwise until the screw is
released, before turning again gently clockwise.
The maximum width of the workpiece which can be
secured by the horizontal vise is 200 mm.

OPERATION

WARNING:
• When using the tool in the miter saw mode,
secure the top table at the topmost position so
that the saw blade never protrudes from the top
surface of the top table.
CAUTION:
• Before use, be sure to release the handle from
the lowered position by pulling the stopper pin.
• Make sure the blade is not contacting the work-
piece, etc. before the switch is turned on.
CUTTING AS MITER SAW
CAUTION:
• Do not apply excessive pressure on the handle
when cutting. Too much force may result in
overload of the motor and/or decreased cutting
efficiency. Push down handle with only as much
force as is necessary for smooth cutting and
without significant decrease in blade speed.
• Gently press down the handle to perform the
cut. If the handle is pressed down with force or if
lateral force is applied, the blade will vibrate and
leave a mark (saw mark) in the workpiece and
the precision of the cut will be impaired.
1. Press cutting
► Fig.38: 1. Vise
Secure the workpiece against guide fence and
turn table. Switch on the tool without the blade
making any contact and wait until the blade attains
full speed before lowering. Then gently lower the
handle to the fully lowered position to cut the work-
piece. When the cut is completed, switch off the
tool and WAIT UNTIL THE BLADE HAS COME TO
A COMPLETE STOP before returning the blade to
its fully elevated position.
16 ENGLISH