Harbor Freight Tools 98199 - Manual (Page 12)

Page 12 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. ITEM 98199
SAFETY
O
PERA
TION
M
AINTENANCE
SETUP
General Operating Instructions
1. When the Handle is lowered, the Blade Guard
raises automatically. When the Handle is
raised the Blade Guard returns to its safety
position. Keep hands clear of the Blade when
the Handle is lowered. Never interfere with
the proper movement of the Blade Guard.
2. There are locking mechanisms for the miter
angle and the Slides. Unlock the Table to
set the miter angle, then re-lock it before
making the cut. Unlock the Slide using the
Slide Lock Wing Screw before making a cut
if the work material is too wide to “chop”.
3. To rotate the Table, press down the Miter Thumb
Lever, rotate the Table to the desired angle,
then release the Miter Lock Lever. Notches
are machined into the Base of the tool which
will lock the Table into several often used miter
angles. These angles are 0º (centered), 15º,
22.5º, 30º and 45º both left and right cut.
4. On wider pieces, you will have to slide the blade
while making the cut. To unlock the Slide, loosen
the Slide Lock Wing Screw at the back of the saw.
5. To make a bevel cut, release the Bevel Lock
Lever, rotate the blade assembly to the desired
bevel angle, then lock the blade assembly in place
using the Bevel Lock Lever. Making bevel cuts
is discussed in more detail later in this manual.
6. This saw is provided with a Kerf Board. The Kerf
Board helps to prevent tear-out on the bottom
side of the work material. The Kerf Board is
factory adjusted prior to shipment of this tool so
the blade does not contact the Kerf Board during
normal operation, including bevel cuts. Adjustment
of the Kerf Board and techniques to prevent
tear-out are discussed later in this booklet.
7. Before starting work, check the accuracy of
the Guide Fence, miter angle and bevel angle.
Instructions for checking and adjusting these
angles are discussed later in this booklet.
8. It is very important that the work material
be properly supported before making a cut.
The material must be level on the Table.
The material must be supported on both
ends. Using the Work Piece Extension
Supports is discussed in the next section.
9. Use this saw only for its intended purpose of cutting
flat rectangular or round wood stock, or finished
molding. Do not use it for cutting firewood, brush,
or anything that does not lie flat on the table.
Doing so may cause binding or violent kick-back
that may result in damage or personal injury.
Making a Cut
1. Observe all safety and planning items
discussed in this booklet. Detailed instructions
on each of the following steps are discussed
in this booklet. Do not make any cuts until
you have read this entire booklet and are
familiar with the operation of this tool.
2. Release the Locking Pin to allow the blade
assembly to come up. Check to be sure the
Table is fixed in place at the desired miter angle.
Check to be sure the slide lock is released to
allow the blade assembly to slide freely.
3. Blow any sawdust or debris away from the Fence.
Place the work material against the Fence.
4. Make any necessary miter or bevel adjustments.
5. Align the marked location of the cut on the work
material with the saw blade. Be aware that the Saw
Blade will remove material from the cut equal to
the width of the blade. This is the “kerf”. To prevent
your work piece from being cut too short, align
the edge of the blade with your measured mark,
keeping the kerf on the waste side of the cut.
6. Hold the work material in place using the
Hold Down Vise. Ensure that the work
material is level and supported securely,
using saw horses or supports if necessary.
7. Grip the Saw Handle and squeeze the
Trigger to start the Blade turning.
8. Pressing down lightly, move the Blade smoothly
across the work material to cut it. With narrow
material, you can press straight down “chopping”
the material. With wider material you must move
the Blade across the material to cut it. Do not
bear down on the material, use light downward
pressure. If the material binds the blade, release
the trigger. Keep your hands away from the Blade.
9. When the cut is completed, raise the
blade assembly, wait for the Blade to stop
turning, release the Hold Down Vise and
remove the work material from the saw.