HOTECHE Sliding Miter Saw

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING:

When using electric tools, machines or equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS TOOL

1. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas can cause injuries.
2. CONSIDER WORK AREA ENVIRONMENT. Don't use power tools in damp, wet, or poorly lit locations. Don't expose tools to the rain. Keep the work area well lit. Don't use tools in the presence of flammable gases or liquids.
3. KEEP CHILDREN AND BYSTANDERS AWAY. All children should be kept away from the work area. Don't let them handle machines, tools or extension cords. Bystanders can be a distraction and can be injured.
4. GROUNDED TOOLS MUST BE PLUGGED INTO AN OUTLET THAT IS PROPERLY INSTALLED AND GROUNDED. This provides a low-resistance path to carry electricity to the ground away from the operator, should the tool malfunction electrically. Do not remove the grounding prong from the plug or alter the plug in any way. If in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded according to code, check with a qualified electrician.
5. OBSERVE PROPER PRECAUTIONS REGARDING DOUBLE INSULATION. This tool is double insulated. It is equipped with a polarized plug. One blade is wider than the other, so it will fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If you have difficulty inserting the plug, try reversing it. If it still doesn't fit, do not alter the plug; have a qualified electrician install a polarized outlet.
6. GUARD AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK. Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces: pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerator enclosures. When your body is grounded the risk of electric shock increases. When working wherever "live" electrical wires may be encountered, try to ascertain whether there is a danger of shock. DO NOT TOUCH ANY METAL PARTS OF THE TOOL while using it. Hold the tool only by the plastic grip to prevent electric shock if you contact a live wire.
7. DO NOT MISUSE THE CORD. Never carry your tools by the cord or pull on the cord to unplug it. Protect the cord from potential sources of damage: heat, oil & solvents, sharp edges, or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately.
8. WHEN WORKING OUTDOORS, USE AN OUTDOOR-RATED EXTENSION CORD. An extension cord rated for outdoor use must be marked "W-A" or "W".
9. DO NOT EXPOSE ELECTRICAL POWER TOOLS TO MOISTURE. Rain or wet conditions can cause water to enter the tool and lead to electric shock.
10. ENSURE THE EXTENSION CORD YOU USE IS OF SUFFICIENT GAUGE FOR ITS LENGTH.

Recommended Minimum Wire Gauge for Extension Cords

11. STORE IDLE EQUIPMENT. Store equipment in a dry area to inhibit rust. Equipment also should be in a high location or locked up to keep out of reach of children.
12. DON'T FORCE THE TOOL. It will do the job better and more safely at the rate for which it was intended.
13. USE THE RIGHT TOOL. Don't force a small tool or attachment to do the work of a larger industrial tool. Don't use a tool for a purpose for which it was not intended.
14. DRESS PROPERLY. Don't wear loose clothing or jewelry; they can be caught in moving parts. Protective, non-electrically conductive gloves, protective eyewear and non-skid footwear are recommended. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair and keep yourself from harm.
15. USE EYE PROTECTION. Use a full-face mask if the work you're doing produces metal filings, dust or wood chips. Goggles are acceptable in other situations. Wear a clean dust mask if the work involves creating a lot of fine or coarse dust.
16. SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold the work, this frees both hands to operate the tool.
17. DON'T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Do not reach over or across machines that are running.
18. MAINTAIN TOOLS. Keep tools sharp and clean for better and safer performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. For safe performance. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
19. AVOID UNINTENTIONAL STARTING. Be sure the switch is in the OFF position before plugging in.
20. ALWAYS CHECK AND MAKE SURE TO REMOVE ANY ADJUSTING KEYS OR WRENCHES BEFORE TURNING THE TOOL ON. Left attached, these parts can fly off a moving part and result in injury.
21. DO NOT USE THE TOOL IF IT CANNOT BE SWITCHED ON OR OFF. Have your tool repaired before using it.
22. DISCONNECT THE PLUG FROM THE POWER SOURCE BEFORE MAKING ANY ADJUSTMENTS. Changing attachments or accessories can be dangerous if the tool would accidentally start.
23. STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing & use common sense. Don't operate any tool when you are tired.
24. CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS. Before using this tool, any part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mountings, and other conditions that may affect its operation. Inspect screws and tighten any ones that are loose. Any part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service center unless otherwise indicated elsewhere in the instruction manual. Have defective switches replaced by an authorized service center. Don't use the tool if switch does not turn it on and off properly.
25. REPLACEMENT PARTS. When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
26. SERVICE AND REPAIRS should be made by qualified repair technicians at an authorized repair center. Improperly repaired tools could cause serious shock or injury.

Safety Precautions for Compound Miter Saw

1. WOOD ONLY. The saw is designed for woodcutting only.
2. DAMAGED OR WARPED SAW BLADES SHOULD NOT BE USED. They are out of balance and could cause further damage to the saw and possible personal injury.
3. USE ONLY WITH GUARD IN PLACE. The guard protects the operator from cutting debris as well as from broken pieces of the blade, should it break in use.
4. REPLACE THE TABLE INSERT WHEN WORN. Excessive damage increases the likelihood of injury from flying debris. When setting the saw at a new angle, check that the blade does not cut into the table insert, rear fence, or another part of your saw.
5. ALWAYS USE THE BLADE WRENCH TO TIGHTEN THE SAW BLADE ONTO THE ARBOR.
6. CONNECT YOUR MITER SAW TO A DUST COLLECTING DEVICE IF POSSIBLE. If not, use the dust bag that comes with the tool and empty it regularly.
7. USE A SAWBLADE SUITED TO THE CUTTING JOB AND MATERIAL TO BE CUT.
8. ALWAYS USE TABLE EXTENSIONS AND CLAMPS TO SUPPORT THE MATERIAL WHEN SAWING LONG WORK PIECES.
9. THE MATERIAL SHOULD BE PLACED FIRMLY AGAINST THE FENCE AND TABLE. The turning of the saw blade should force it down against the table and rearward against the fence during the cut. Movement of the workpiece during the cut may cause the blade to jam and create a kickback. When this happens, the cutting head may jump out of your hand or the workpiece may fly loose and cause serious injury.
10. DO NOT START THE SAW WITH THE BLADE IN CONTACT WITH ANY SURFACE. This may cause the saw to bounce or kick back violently and could cause injury.
11. IF MAKING A CUT USING ONE HAND TO HOLD THE SAW, ENSURE THE FREE HAND IS CLEAR OF CUTTING AREA.

Specifications

• Voltage: 110-120V~50/60Hz
• Current rating: 15A(1800W)
• Blade Speed: 5000 min-1 (No-Load Speed)
• Blade Diameter: 255mm (10") 40 tooth carbide tipped
• Arbor Size: 5/8" (16mm)
• Positive Miter Stops: 0, 15, 22.5, 30 & 45 degree
• Miter Angle: 45 degree Left / 45 degree Right
• Bevel cuts: up to 45 degree Left
• Power Cord: 2m (6-1/2 ft)
• Weight: 27.5 lbs
• Cutting Capacity:
  • 90 degree Cross cut: 300×72mm (2-7/8" x 11-7/8")
  • 45 degree Miter Cut: 200×72mm (2-7/8" x 7-7/8")
  • 45 degree Bevel Cut: 300×40mm (1-5/8" x 11-7/8")
  • 45 degree Miter/Bevel Cut: 200×40mm (1-5/8" x 7-7/8")
• Contents: Miter Saw, (1) 10"x40 Tooth Carbide Blade, Blade Wrench, (1) Hold-Down Clamp, Dust Collection Bag & Product Manual, (2) Table Extensions.

Functional Description

The sliding miter saw is comprised of several key components that enable its operation. The functional description below, along with the accompanying diagram (not displayed here, but referenced by numbers), details these parts:

• 1. Trigger: Activates the saw's motor.
• 2. Brush cover: Houses the motor brushes.
• 3. Lower blade guard: Protects the blade and operator.
• 4. Upper blade guard: Further protection for the blade.
• 5. Saw blade: The cutting component.
• 6. Dust bag: Collects sawdust.
• 7. Bevel lock lever: Secures the blade angle for bevel cuts.
• 8. Hold-down clamp assembly: Secures the workpiece to the table.
• 9. Miter locking handle: Secures the table angle for miter cuts.
• 10. Miter scale: Indicates the miter angle setting.
• 11. Bevel scale: Indicates the bevel angle setting.
• 12. Safety switch: Prevents accidental startup.
• 13. Table extension: Provides support for longer workpieces.

Operating Procedures

CAUTION!

Be sure the saw is disconnected from its power source before making any repairs or performing maintenance!

Clamping Workpiece

WARNING:

For safe and accurate cuts, fix workpiece firmly into cutting position with hold-down clamp, otherwise the tool and workpiece may be damaged.

1. Mount the hold-down clamp on one side of the fence. Insert the shaft of the hold-down clamp into the mounting hole and tighten the hold-down clamp retainer screw to affix the shaft of the hold-down clamp.
2. Adjust the position of the hold-down clamp bracket according to the workpiece thickness and shape. Tighten the screw to fix the bracket in place.
3. Make sure that when the handle is lowered, beveled or angled in any position, no part of the tool contacts the hold-down clamp.

Start Up - Using Your Saw

After unpacking, reading the instructions, attaching the machine to the workbench, and checking that all attachments are correctly installed, you can use your saw. Be sure to wear the appropriate protective equipment.

1. Check to ensure everything is correctly attached, screws are fastened, and all adjusting keys and wrenches are removed.
2. Put on the dust bag (item #6) and install the table extension (item #13) with the provided screw.
3. Connect the saw to power.
4. Unlock the saw from its various storage and shipping positions.
5. Push forward the safety switch (item #12). Pressing the trigger (item #1) switch will start the saw.

WARNING:

Before plugging in, confirm that the trigger is normal. If the locking button is not depressed, do not pull the trigger with force as this may cause severe damage to the switch.

REMEMBER:

• Before use, release the head lock button and raise the handle.
• Before turning on, confirm that the saw blade does not touch the work piece or the vise at any position.
• When cutting, press the handle down slowly. DO NOT force the handle, as this may cause damage to your saw.
• Before starting to cut, confirm that the saw blade has attained full speed. After cutting is complete, wait until the rotation of the blade STOPS completely before lifting the handle to its top position.
• For your safety, remove chips, small pieces, etc. from the table top before operation.
• For best performance, ALWAYS keep saw blade clean and sharp.

Modes of Use

Chop cut:

The head is locked in the upright position. The table rotation is locked at 0°. This is a good setting for simple 90° crosscuts.

Miter cut:

The head is locked in the upright position. To unlock the table rotation, unscrew the locking handle and press on the miter detent spring lever with your thumb. Move the table rotation to the left or right up to 45° left & 45° right. The miter detent spring lever, if released, will stop the table at detents at 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 30°, & 45° left and right. Use the locking handle to lock the table at the desired angle, especially those between the detents.

Bevel cut:

To unlock the head angle (bevel) adjustment, loosen the bevel lock handle at the rear of the saw. Lock it when the blade is tilted at the desired angle. The table rotation is locked at 0°.

Compound cut:

Unlock and move the table rotation to the left or right as in miter cuts above. Using the lever at the back of the saw, unlock the head and bevel it to any position from 0° - 45° left, then lock it in place.

NOTE: At extreme positions, the hold-down clamp should be moved to the right side of the table to prevent interfering with the movement of the cutting head. Always check before making the cut if there is any potential interference from the clamp or any other part of the machine.

Maintenance

NOTE: Even though the angles are marked on the machine, it is always a good idea to check them by making a trial cut. See Aligning Miter and Bevel on next page.

• Inspect the cord regularly and have it replaced by an authorized repair facility if it is damaged.
• Check the brushes occasionally (after about 50 hours of use) and replace if worn. The brushes can be replaced by removing the motor back cap. The brushes and their springs could jump out of the holders - be careful not to lose them. Inspect the brushes. If the contact surface is not smooth, or it is worn or heavily used, replace both brushes. Insert the new brushes and springs in their holders and re-fasten the cap.
• The plastic kerf plate table insert should be replaced if damaged to reduce the risk of chips lodging in the slot and catching in the blade.
• Keep the vents clear of dust and debris. This will help prevent possible electrical shorts and ensure proper cooling.
• Keep the tool housing and handle clean and free of oil and grease by using mild soap and a damp (not wet) cloth.

Aligning Miter and Bevel

Miter Angle

1. Set the bevel angle at 0 degree.
2. Loosen the locking handle.
3. Depress the miter detent spring lever.
4. Turn the saw table so that the arrow in the kerf plate points to 0 degree, then move the table slightly clockwise and counter-clockwise and let the miter detent spring lever fit into the groove (it doesn't matter if needle doesn't indicate 0 degree).
5. Loosen the four hex bolts behind the fence with the blade socket wrench.
6. Lower the saw head and lock it in place with the head lock button.
7. Make sure the Fence is perpendicular (at a 90° angle) to the Saw Blade, using a carpenter square (can be purchased at any hardware store, and comes in various sizes.).
8. Tighten the hex bolts in the fence firmly.
9. Confirm that the arrow in the kerf plate points to 0 degree. If not, loosen the two screws in the bottom of the miter detent spring lever and adjust accordingly.

Bevel Angle

A. Vertical stop: 0 degree adjustment

1. Lower the saw head to its lowest position and lock it with the head lock button.
2. Loosen the bevel lock handle on the back of the saw.
3. Check that the blade is perpendicular to the table as measured, using a small carpenter square; If not:
   • Use an open-end wrench to loosen the hex lock nut and then turn the hex stop bolt at the back right side of the table.
   • Turn the bolt counter-clockwise and the 0 point moves left, closing the angle. Turning it clockwise moves the 0 point to the right, opening the angle.
   • When you have established the vertical stop correctly, tighten the lock nut down to hold the setting.
   • Make sure that the needle points to 0 degree on the scale. If not, loosen the screws and adjust the needle.

B. Bevel stop: 45 degrees adjustment

1. Lower the saw head to its lowest position and lock it with the head lock button.
2. Loosen the bevel lock handle on the back of the saw.
3. Check that the blade is at 45 degrees to the table as measured, using a small carpenter square; If not:
   • Use an open-end wrench to loosen the hex lock nut and then turn the hex stop bolt at the back left side of the table.
   • Turn the bolt clockwise and the 45 degrees point moves left, opening the angle. Turning it counter-clockwise moves the 45 degrees stop to the right, closing the angle.
   • When you have established the 45 degrees stop correctly, tighten the lock nut down to hold the setting.
   • Make sure that the needle points to 45 degrees on the scale. If not, loosen the screws and adjust the needle.

(Diagrams of carpenter square and bevel scale are referenced here but not displayed.)

Replacing Saw Blade

WARNING!

Prior to performing any assembly and/or adjustment procedures, make sure the Power Cord of the Miter Saw is unplugged from its electrical outlet. Make sure the unit has completely cooled, and wear heavy-duty work gloves.

1. When replacing the saw blade, make sure the new saw blade has a diameter of 10", an RPM rating of at least 6,000, an arbor hole of 5/8" diameter.
2. When mounting the new saw blade, the direction arrows on the blade correspond with the arrow on the upper guard. A. Upper blade guard, B. Lower blade guard, C. Saw teeth pointing down (See Figure 1).
3. Put the saw in the upper position (See Figure 2).
4. Loosen screws that hold the lower guard in place so that guard can be rotated (note screws do not need to be removed). Use #3 Phillips head screwdriver for screw D and 1/4" hex key for screw E (See Figure 3).
5. Rotate the lower blade guard (B) out of the way (See Figure 4).
6. Depress the spindle lock (F) to keep the saw blade from turning (See Figure 5).
7. Use the wrench to unscrew and remove the spindle bolt. NOTE: The Spindle Bolt unscrews in a clockwise direction. Then, remove the Outer Flange (See Figure 6).
8. INSTALL A NEW BLADE Make sure to match the direction arrows marked on the new blade with the direction arrows marked on the upper blade guard (saw teeth should always be pointing downward). Replace outer flange. Tighten spindle bolt securely, using the blade wrench and tightening counterclockwise. Rotate lower blade guard back into place, replace any screws that were removed, tighten the screws that hold the upper and lower guard in place, by tightening in clockwise rotation. Remove cross pin so the saw can be lowered into cutting position. Disengage spindle lock.

Schematic Drawing and Parts List

The schematic drawing provides an exploded view of the miter saw, detailing the arrangement and interconnections of all components, with each part numerically identified. The parts list below cross-references these numbers with descriptions and quantities.

Parts List