MAKITA DGA517 (01) PDF Document

The specifications for the MAKITA DGA517 Cordless Angle Grinder are as follows:

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:

1. Align the tongue on the battery cartridge with the groove in the housing.
2. Slip it into place.
3. Insert it all the way until it locks in place with a little click.
4. If you can see the red indicator on the upper side of the button, it is not locked completely.

Caution: Always switch off the tool before installing or removing the battery cartridge. Hold the tool and the battery cartridge firmly when installing or removing the battery cartridge. Always install the battery cartridge fully until the red indicator cannot be seen.

For battery cartridges with the indicator: Press the check button on the battery cartridge to indicate the remaining battery capacity. The indicator lamps light up for a few seconds.

Tool Battery Indicator (Country specific): When you turn the tool on, the battery indicator on the tool shows the remaining battery capacity.

• On / Off / Blinking: 50% to 100% capacity.
• Off / Off / Blinking: 20% to 50% capacity.
• Off / Off / Solid: 0% to 20% capacity.
• Solid / Off / Off: Charge the battery.

The tool is equipped with a tool/battery protection system that automatically cuts off power to the motor to extend tool and battery life. The tool will automatically stop under the following conditions:

• 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 indication. Turn the tool off and stop the application that caused the overload. Then turn the tool on to restart.
• Overheat protection: When the tool is overheated, the tool stops automatically and the battery indicator shows a specific state. Let the tool cool before turning it on again. If the tool does not start, the battery may be overheated.
• Overdischarge protection: When the battery capacity is not enough, the tool stops automatically. Remove the battery from the tool and charge it.
• Releasing protection lock: When the protection system works repeatedly, the tool is locked. Remove the battery, set it to the battery charger, and wait until charging finishes to release the lock.

Press the shaft lock to prevent spindle rotation when installing or removing accessories.

Notice: Never actuate the shaft lock when the spindle is moving. The tool may be damaged.

To prevent the switch lever from being accidentally pulled, a lock-off lever is provided.

1. To start the tool, pull the lock-off lever toward the operator.
2. Pull the switch lever.
3. To stop the tool, release the switch lever.

Caution: Do not pull the switch lever hard without pulling the lock-off lever. This can cause switch breakage. Never tape down or defeat the purpose and function of the lock-off lever.

The rotation speed of the tool can be changed by turning the speed adjusting dial. The table below shows the number on the dial and the corresponding rotation speed.

Notice: If the tool is operated continuously at low speed for a long time, the motor will get overloaded, resulting in tool malfunction. When changing the speed dial from “5” to “1”, turn the dial counterclockwise. Do not turn the dial clockwise forcibly.

The MAKITA DGA517 features several electronic control functions:

• Automatic speed change function: The tool has “high speed mode” and “high torque mode”. It automatically changes operation mode depending on the work load. When the mode indicator lights up during operation, the tool is in high torque mode.
• Accidental re-start preventive function: Even if installing the battery cartridge while pulling the switch lever, the tool does not start. To start the tool, first release the switch lever. Then pull the lock-off lever, and pull the switch lever.
• Electronic torque control function: The tool electronically detects situations where the wheel or accessory may be at risk to be bound. In this situation, the tool is automatically shut off to prevent further rotation of the spindle (it does not prevent kickback). To restart, switch off the tool, remove the cause of the drop in rotation speed, and turn the tool on.
• Soft start feature: Reduces starting reaction.
• Electric brake: The electric brake is activated after the tool is switched off. The brake does not work when the power supply is shut down, such as when the battery is removed accidentally, with the switch still on.

Screw the side grip securely on the position of the tool as shown in the figure in the manual. Always be sure that the side grip is installed securely before operation.

For tool with locking screw type wheel guard:

1. Mount the wheel guard with the protrusions on the wheel guard band aligned with the notches on the bearing box.
2. Rotate the wheel guard to such an angle that it can protect the operator according to work.
3. Be sure to tighten the screw securely.
4. To remove the wheel guard, follow the installation procedure in reverse.

For tool with clamp lever type wheel guard:

1. Loosen the screw, and then pull the lever in the direction of the arrow.
2. Mount the wheel guard with the protrusions on the wheel guard band aligned with the notches on the bearing box.
3. Rotate the wheel guard to such an angle that it can protect the operator according to work.
4. Pull the lever in direction of the arrow.
5. Tighten the wheel guard with fastening the screw. Be sure to tighten the screw securely. The setting angle of the wheel guard can be adjusted with the lever.
6. To remove the wheel guard, follow the installation procedure in reverse.

Warning: When using a depressed center wheel, flap disc, flex wheel or wire wheel brush, the wheel guard must be fitted on the tool so that the closed side of the guard always points toward the operator.

1. Mount the inner flange onto the spindle. Make sure to fit the dented part of the inner flange onto the straight part at the bottom of the spindle.
2. Fit the depressed center wheel / flap disc on the inner flange and screw the lock nut onto the spindle.
3. To tighten the lock nut, press the shaft lock firmly so that the spindle cannot revolve, then use the lock nut wrench and securely tighten clockwise.
4. To remove the wheel, follow the installation procedure in reverse.

Caution: Make sure that the mounting part of the inner flange fits into the inner diameter of the depressed center wheel / flap disc perfectly. Mounting the inner flange on the wrong side may result in dangerous vibration.

Follow instructions for depressed center wheel but also use back up pad over wheel. See order of assembly on accessories page in the manual. Always use supplied guard when flex wheel is on tool.

1. Mount the rubber pad onto the spindle.
2. Fit the disc on the rubber pad and screw the sanding lock nut onto the spindle.
3. Hold the spindle with the shaft lock, and securely tighten the sanding lock nut clockwise with the lock nut wrench.
4. To remove the disc, follow the installation procedure in reverse.

To avoid dusty environment caused by masonry cutting, use a dust collecting wheel guard and a vacuum cleaner. Refer to the instruction manual attached to the dust collecting wheel guard for assembling and using it.

Turn the tool on and then apply the wheel or disc to the workpiece. In general, keep the edge of the wheel or disc at an angle of about 15° to the workpiece surface. During the break-in period with a new wheel, do not work the grinder in forward direction or it may cut into the workpiece. Once the edge of the wheel has been rounded off by use, the wheel may be worked in both forward and backward direction.

Warning: It should never be necessary to force the tool. The weight of the tool applies adequate pressure. Forcing and excessive pressure could cause dangerous wheel breakage.

Warning: When using an abrasive cut-off / diamond wheel, be sure to use only the special wheel guard designed for use with cut-off wheels. Never use cut-off wheel for side grinding. Do not “jam” the wheel or apply excessive pressure.

Installation:

• Mount the inner flange, the wheel, and the lock nut.
• The direction for mounting the lock nut and the inner flange varies by wheel type and thickness.
• Refer to the figures in the manual for correct orientation based on wheel thickness.

Operation: Do not start the cutting operation in the workpiece. Let the wheel reach full speed and carefully enter into the cut moving the tool forward over the workpiece surface. The wheel may bind, walk up or kickback if the power tool is started in the workpiece.

Wire Cup Brush: Remove the battery cartridge and place the tool upside down. Remove any accessories on the spindle. Thread the wire cup brush onto the spindle and tighten with the supplied wrench.

Wire Wheel Brush: Remove the battery cartridge and place the tool upside down. Remove any accessories on the spindle. Thread the wire wheel brush onto the spindle and tighten with the wrenches.

Caution: Check operation of brush by running tool with no load, insuring that no one is in front of or in line with brush. Do not use a brush that is damaged. Avoid applying too much pressure which causes over bending of wires.

Air Vent Cleaning: The tool and its air vents have to be kept clean. Regularly clean the tool’s air vents or whenever the vents start to become obstructed. Remove the dust cover from the inhalation vent and clean it for smooth air circulation.

Notice: Clean out the dust cover when it is clogged with dust or foreign matters. Continuing operation with a clogged dust cover may damage the tool. Never use gasoline, benzine, thinner, alcohol or the like for cleaning; discoloration, deformation or cracks may result.