Operation - Makita DCS550 Instruction Manual

Sighting (Fig. 4)
When cutting, align the A position on the front of the base
with your cutting line on the workpiece.
Switch action (Fig. 5)
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.
• Do not pull the switch trigger hard without pressing the
lock-off lever. This can cause switch breakage.
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.
WARNING:
• For your safety, this tool is equipped with lock-off lever
which prevents the tool from unintended starting.
NEVER use the tool if it runs when you simply pull the
switch trigger without pressing the lock-off lever.
Return tool a MAKITA service center for proper repairs
BEFORE further usage.
• NEVER tape down or defeat purpose and function of
lock-off lever.
Lighting the lamp (Fig. 6)
CAUTION:
• Do not look in the light or see the source of light
directly.
Only to turn on the light, pull the switch trigger without
pressing the lock-off lever. To turn on the light and run the
tool, press the lock-off lever and pull the switch trigger
with the lock-off lever being pressed.
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 (Fig. 7)
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.
To remove the blade, press the shaft lock so that the
blade cannot revolve and use the wrench to loosen the
hex bolt counterclockwise. Then remove the hex bolt,
outer flange and blade.
To install the blade, follow the removal procedure in
reverse. BE SURE TO TIGHTEN THE HEX BOLT
CLOCKWISE SECURELY. (Fig. 8)
8
When changing blade, make sure to also clean upper and
lower blade guards of accumulated chips and particles.
Such efforts do not, however, replace the need to check
lower guard operation before each use.
Hex wrench storage (Fig. 9)
When not in use, store the hex wrench as shown in the
figure to keep it from being lost.

OPERATION

CAUTION:
• Always insert the battery cartridge all the way until it
locks in place. If you can see the red part on the upper
side of the button, it is not locked completely. Insert it
fully until the red part 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 continuously 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.
(Fig. 10)
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.
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. (Fig. 11)
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, stainless steel, wood,
plastics, concrete, tile, etc. Cut only mild steel and
aluminum.
• 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