MAKITA GSH06 (01) PDF MANUAL

Note: Due to a continuing program of research and development, these specifications are subject to change without notice. Specifications may differ from country to country. The weight may differ depending on the attachment(s), including the battery cartridge. The lightest and heaviest combinations, according to EPTA-Procedure 01/2014, are shown in the table.

WARNING: Only use the battery cartridges and chargers listed above. Use of any other battery cartridges and chargers may cause injury and/or fire.

Some of the battery cartridges and chargers listed above may not be available depending on your region of residence.

Work area safety

1. Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.

2. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

3. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Personal safety

1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.

2. Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.

3. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.

4. Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.

5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.

6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

7. If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.

8. Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.

9. Always wear protective goggles to protect your eyes from injury when using power tools. The goggles must comply with ANSI Z87.1 in the USA. It is an employer’s responsibility to enforce the use of appropriate safety protective equipment by the tool operators and by other persons in the immediate working area.

Power tool use and care

1. Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.

2. Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

3. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.

4. Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

5. Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.

6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

7. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

8. Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

9. When using the tool, do not wear cloth work gloves which may be entangled. The entanglement of cloth work gloves in the moving parts may result in personal injury.

Cutting procedures:

1. DANGER: Keep hands away from cutting area and the blade. Keep your second hand on the auxiliary handle, or motor housing. If both hands are holding the saw, they cannot be cut by the blade.

2. Do not reach underneath the workpiece. The guard cannot protect you from the blade below the workpiece.

3. Adjust the cutting depth to the thickness of the workpiece. Less than a full tooth of the blade teeth should be visible below the workpiece.

4. Never hold the workpiece in your hands or across your leg while cutting. Secure the workpiece to a stable platform. It is important to support the work properly to minimize body exposure, blade binding, or loss of control.

5. Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, when performing an operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring. Contact with a “live” wire will also make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.

6. When ripping, always use a rip fence or straight edge guide. This improves the accuracy of cut and reduces the chance of blade binding.

7. Always use blades with correct size and shape (diamond versus round) of arbour holes. Blades that do not match the mounting hardware of the saw will run off-centre, causing loss of control.

8. Never use damaged or incorrect blade washers or bolt. The blade washers and bolt were specially designed for your saw, for optimum performance and safety of operation.

Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, jammed or misaligned saw blade, causing an uncontrolled saw to lift up and out of the workpiece toward the operator. Kickback is the result of saw misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below.

1. Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw and position your arms to resist kickback forces. Position your body to either side of the blade, but not in line with the blade. Kickback could cause the saw to jump backwards, but kickback forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions are taken.

2. When blade is binding, or when interrupting a cut for any reason, release the trigger and hold the saw motionless in the material until the blade comes to a complete stop. Never attempt to remove the saw from the work or pull the saw backward while the blade is in motion or kickback may occur. Investigate and take corrective actions to eliminate the cause of blade binding.

3. When restarting a saw in the workpiece, centre the saw blade in the kerf so that the saw teeth are not engaged into the material. If a saw blade binds, it may walk up or kickback from the workpiece as the saw is restarted.

4. Support large panels to minimise the risk of blade pinching and kickback. Large panels tend to sag under their own weight. Supports must be placed under the panel on both sides, near the line of cut and near the edge of the panel.

5. Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade binding and kickback.

6. Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers must be tight and secure before making the cut. If blade adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and kickback.

7. Use extra caution when sawing into existing walls or other blind areas. The protruding blade may cut objects that can cause kickback.

8. ALWAYS hold the tool firmly with both hands. NEVER place your hand, leg or any part of your body under the tool base or behind the saw, especially when making cross-cuts. If kickback occurs, the saw could easily jump backwards over your hand, leading to serious personal injury.

9. Never force the saw. Push the saw forward at a speed so that the blade cuts without slowing. Forcing the saw can cause uneven cuts, loss of accuracy, and possible kickback.

1. Check the lower guard for proper closing before each use. Do not operate the saw if the lower guard does not move freely and close instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard into the open position. If the saw is accidentally dropped, the lower guard may be bent. Raise the lower guard with the retracting handle and make sure it moves freely and does not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and depths of cut.

2. Check the operation of the lower guard spring. If the guard and the spring are not operating properly, they must be serviced before use. Lower guard may operate sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a build-up of debris.

3. The lower guard may be retracted manually only for special cuts such as “plunge cuts” and “compound cuts”. Raise the lower guard by the retracting handle and as soon as the blade enters the material, the lower guard must be released. For all other sawing, the lower guard should operate automatically.

4. Always observe that the lower guard is covering the blade before placing the saw down on bench or floor. An unprotected, coasting blade will cause the saw to walk backwards, cutting whatever is in its path. Be aware of the time it takes for the blade to stop after switch is released.

5. To check lower guard, open lower guard by hand, then release and watch guard closure. Also check to see that retracting handle does not touch tool housing. Leaving blade exposed is VERY DANGEROUS and can lead to serious personal injury.

1. The tool is intended for performing lengthways and crossways straight cuts and miter cuts with angles in wood while in firm contact with the workpiece.

2. Use extra caution when cutting damp wood, pressure treated lumber, or wood containing knots. Maintain smooth advancement of tool without decrease in blade speed to avoid overheating the blade tips.

3. Do not attempt to remove cut material when blade is moving. Wait until blade stops before grasping cut material. Blades coast after turn off.

4. Avoid cutting nails. Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber before cutting.

5. Place the wider portion of the saw base on that part of the workpiece which is solidly supported, not on the section that will fall off when the cut is made. If the workpiece is short or small, clamp it down. DO NOT TRY TO HOLD SHORT PIECES BY HAND!

6. Before setting the tool down after completing a cut, be sure that the guard has closed and the blade has come to a complete stop.

7. Never attempt to saw with the circular saw held upside down in a vise. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious accidents.

8. Some material contains chemicals which may be toxic. Take caution to prevent dust inhalation and skin contact. Follow material supplier safety data.

9. Do not stop the blades by lateral pressure on the saw blade.

10. Do not use any abrasive wheels.

11. Only use the saw blade with the diameter that is marked on the tool or specified in the manual. Use of an incorrectly sized blade may affect the proper guarding of the blade or guard operation which could result in serious personal injury.

12. Keep blade sharp and clean. Gum and wood pitch hardened on blades slows saw and increases potential for kickback. Keep blade clean by first removing it from tool, then cleaning it with gum and pitch remover, hot water or kerosene. Never use gasoline.

13. Wear a dust mask and hearing protection when use the tool.

14. Always use the saw blade intended for cutting the material that you are going to cut.

15. Only use the saw blades that are marked with a speed equal or higher than the speed marked on the tool.

16. Place the tool and the parts on a flat and stable surface. Otherwise the tool or the parts may fall and cause an injury.

1. Before using battery cartridge, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) battery charger, (2) battery, and (3) product using battery.

2. Do not disassemble or tamper with the battery cartridge. It may result in a fire, excessive heat, or explosion.

3. If operating time has become excessively shorter, stop operating immediately. It may result in a risk of overheating, possible burns and even an explosion.

4. If electrolyte gets into your eyes, rinse them out with clear water and seek medical attention right away. It may result in loss of your eyesight.

5. Do not short the battery cartridge. (1) Do not touch the terminals with any conductive material. (2) Avoid storing battery cartridge in a container with other metal objects such as nails, coins, etc. (3) Do not expose battery cartridge to water or rain. A battery short can cause a large current flow, overheating, possible burns and even a breakdown.

6. Do not store and use the tool and battery cartridge in locations where the temperature may reach or exceed 50 °C (122 °F).

7. Do not incinerate the battery cartridge even if it is severely damaged or is completely worn out. The battery cartridge can explode in a fire.

8. Do not nail, cut, crush, throw, drop the battery cartridge, or hit against a hard object to the battery cartridge. Such conduct may result in a fire, excessive heat, or explosion.

9. Do not use a damaged battery.

11. When disposing the battery cartridge, remove it from the tool and dispose of it in a safe place. Follow your local regulations relating to disposal of battery.

12. Use the batteries only with the products specified by Makita. Installing the batteries to non-compliant products may result in a fire, excessive heat, explosion, or leak of electrolyte.

13. If the tool is not used for a long period of time, the battery must be removed from the tool.

14. During and after use, the battery cartridge may take on heat which can cause burns or low temperature burns. Pay attention to the handling of hot battery cartridges.

15. Do not touch the terminal of the tool immediately after use as it may get hot enough to cause burns.

16. Do not allow chips, dust, or soil stuck into the terminals, holes, and grooves of the battery cartridge. It may cause heating, catching fire, burst and malfunction of the tool or battery cartridge, resulting in burns or personal injury.

17. Unless the tool supports the use near high-voltage electrical power lines, do not use the battery cartridge near high-voltage electrical power lines. It may result in a malfunction or breakdown of the tool or battery cartridge.

18. Keep the battery away from children.

1. Charge the battery cartridge before completely discharged. Always stop tool operation and charge the battery cartridge when you notice less tool power.

2. Never recharge a fully charged battery cartridge. Overcharging shortens the battery service life.

3. Charge the battery cartridge with room temperature at 10 °C – 40 °C (50 °F – 104 °F). Let a hot battery cartridge cool down before charging it.

4. When not using the battery cartridge, remove it from the tool or the charger.

5. Charge the battery cartridge if you do not use it for a long period (more than six months).

CAUTION: Always switch off the tool before installing or removing of the battery cartridge.

CAUTION: Hold the tool and the battery cartridge firmly when installing or removing battery cartridge. Failure to hold the tool and the battery cartridge firmly may cause them to slip off your hands and result in damage to the tool and battery cartridge and a personal injury.

To install the battery cartridge, align the tongue on the battery cartridge with the groove in the housing and slip it into place. Insert it all the way until it locks in place with a little click. If you can see the red indicator as shown in the figure, it is not locked completely.

To remove the battery cartridge, slide it from the tool while sliding the button on the front of the cartridge.

CAUTION: Always install the battery cartridge fully until the red indicator cannot be seen. If not, it may accidentally fall out of the tool, causing injury to you or someone around you.

CAUTION: Do not install the battery cartridge forcibly. If the cartridge does not slide in easily, it is not being inserted correctly.

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

NOTE: Depending on the conditions of use and the ambient temperature, the indication may differ slightly from the actual capacity.

NOTE: The first (far left) indicator lamp will blink when the battery protection system works.

The MAKITA GSH06 is equipped with a tool/battery protection system. This system automatically cuts off power to the motor to extend tool and battery life. The tool will automatically stop during operation if the tool or battery is placed under one of the following conditions:

Overload protection: When the tool/battery is operated in a manner that causes it to draw an abnormally high current, the tool automatically stops. In this situation, turn the tool off and stop the application that caused the tool to become overloaded. Then turn the tool on to restart.

Overheat protection: When the tool/battery is overheated, the tool stops automatically. In this situation, let the tool cool down before turning the tool on again.

Overdischarge protection: When the battery capacity becomes low, the tool stops automatically. If the product does not operate even when the switches are operated, remove the battery(ies) from the tool and charge the battery(ies).

Protections against other causes: The protection system is also designed for other causes that could damage the tool and allows the tool to stop automatically. Take all the following steps to clear the causes, when the tool has been brought to a temporary halt or stop in operation:
1. Make sure that all switch(es) is/are in the off position, and then turn the tool on again to restart.
2. Charge the battery(ies) or replace it/them with recharged battery(ies).
3. Let the tool and battery(ies) cool down.

WARNING: Before installing the battery cartridge into the tool, always check to see that the switch trigger actuates properly and returns to the “OFF” position when released.

WARNING: NEVER defeat the lock-off button by taping down or some other means. A switch with a negated lock-off button may result in unintentional operation and serious personal injury.

WARNING: NEVER use the tool if it runs when you simply pull the switch trigger without pressing the lock-off button. A switch in need of repair may result in unintentional operation and serious personal injury. Return tool to a Makita service center for proper repairs BEFORE further usage.

To prevent the switch trigger from being accidentally pulled, a lock-off button is provided. To start the tool, depress the lock-off button and pull the switch trigger. Release the switch trigger to stop.

NOTICE: Do not pull the switch trigger hard without pressing in the lock-off button. This can cause switch breakage.

CAUTION: After adjusting the depth of cut, always lock the base.

1. Unlock the base by loosening the lever.

2. Set the circular saw blade to your desired cutting depth.

3. Lock the base by tightening the lever.

CAUTION: For cleaner, safer cuts, set cut depth so that no more than one blade tooth projects below workpiece. Using proper cut depth helps to reduce potential for dangerous KICKBACKS which can cause personal injury.

CAUTION: After adjusting the bevel angle, always lock the base.

1. Loosen the lever and clamping screw.

2. Align the pointer with your desired cutting angle by tilting the base.

3. Tighten the lever and clamping screw securely.

For straight cuts, align the 0° position on the front of the base with your cutting line. For 45° bevel cuts, align the 45° position with it.

Blade steady device: In general way, use the blade steady device by setting the lock lever in locked position. To lock the lock lever, push it down and turn it 90° counterclockwise. To release the lock lever, turn it 90° clockwise. When you replace a circular saw blade, release the lock lever.

Electric brake: This tool is equipped with an electric blade brake. If the tool consistently fails to quickly stop the circular saw blade after releasing the switch trigger, have the tool serviced at a Makita service center. CAUTION: The blade brake system is not a substitute for blade guard. NEVER USE TOOL WITHOUT A FUNCTIONING BLADE GUARD. SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.

Soft start feature: The tool is equipped with a soft start feature because of suppressed starting shock.

CAUTION: Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the battery cartridge is removed before carrying out any work on the tool.

CAUTION: Be sure the circular saw blade is installed with teeth pointing up at the front of the tool.

CAUTION: Use only the Makita wrench to install or remove the circular saw blade.

Installing circular saw blade:

1. Release the lock lever of the blade steady device.

2. Press the shaft lock fully so that the mounting shaft cannot revolve and use the hex wrench to loosen the hex bolt. Then remove the hex bolt and outer flange.

3. Install the inner flange with its convex side facing outwards onto the mounting shaft, then install circular saw blade, outer flange and hex bolt. At this time, align the direction of the arrow on the circular saw blade with the arrow on the tool.

4. Press the shaft lock and tighten the hex bolt.

5. Lock the lock lever of the blade steady device.

WARNING: BE SURE TO TIGHTEN THE HEX BOLT SECURELY. Also be careful not to tighten the bolt forcibly. Slipping your hand from the hex wrench can cause a personal injury.

Removing circular saw blade:

To remove the circular saw blade, follow the installation procedure in reverse.

NOTICE: Reinstall the outer flange and hex bolt to keep it from being lost.

The inner flange has a certain diameter protrusion on one side of it and a different diameter protrusion on the other side. Choose a correct side on which protrusion fits into the saw blade hole perfectly. Mount the inner flange onto the mounting shaft so that the correct side of protrusion on the inner flange faces outward and then place the circular saw blade and outer flange.

WARNING: Make sure that the protrusion “a” on the inner flange that is positioned outside fits into the circular saw blade hole “a” perfectly. Mounting the blade on the wrong side can result in the dangerous vibration.

When you wish to perform clean cutting operation, connect a Makita vacuum cleaner to your tool. Install the dust nozzle on the tool using the screw. Connect a hose of the vacuum cleaner to the dust nozzle using the front cuff 24 as shown in the figure.

CAUTION: Wear dust mask when performing cutting operation.

CAUTION: 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.

NOTICE: When the battery cartridge temperature is low, the tool may not work to its full capacity. At this time, for example, use the tool for a light-duty cut for a while until the battery cartridge warms up as high as room temperature. Then, the tool can work to its full capacity.

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, the hands cannot be cut by the circular saw blade. Set the base on the workpiece to be cut without the circular saw blade making any contact. Then turn the tool on and wait until the circular saw blade attains full speed. Now simply move the tool forward over the workpiece surface, keeping it flat and advancing smoothly until the sawing is completed.

To get clean cuts, keep your sawing 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 circular saw blade and lead to dangerous kickback and possible serious injury. Release switch, wait for circular saw 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 wood dust being ejected from saw. Use eye protection to help avoid injury.

CAUTION: Make sure that the rip fence is securely installed in the correct position before use. Improper attachment may cause dangerous kickback.

The handy rip fence allows you to do extra-accurate straight cuts. Simply slide the rip fence up snugly against the side of the workpiece and secure it in position with the clamping screw on the front of the base. It also makes repeated cuts of uniform width possible.

The wireless activation function enables clean and comfortable operation. By connecting a supported vacuum cleaner to the tool, you can run the vacuum cleaner automatically along with the switch operation of the tool. To use this function, you will need a wireless unit (optional accessory) and a compatible Makita vacuum cleaner.

1. Installing the wireless unit:

Open the lid on the tool. Clean any dust or dirt from the slot. Insert the wireless unit into the slot, aligning the projections, and then close the lid completely.

2. Tool registration for the vacuum cleaner:

Install batteries in both the tool and vacuum cleaner. Set the stand-by switch on the vacuum cleaner to “AUTO”. Press and hold the wireless activation button on the vacuum cleaner for 3 seconds until its lamp blinks green. Then, press the wireless activation button on the tool in the same way. If successful, both lamps will light up green for 2 seconds and then start blinking blue.

3. Starting the wireless activation function:

After registration, connect the vacuum hose to the tool. Set the vacuum’s stand-by switch to “AUTO”. Briefly push the wireless activation button on the tool; its lamp will blink blue. Now, when you turn on the tool, the vacuum cleaner will run automatically with it.

1. Install the batteries to the vacuum cleaner and the tool.

2. Set the stand-by switch on the vacuum cleaner to “AUTO”.

3. Press the wireless activation button on the vacuum cleaner for 6 seconds. The wireless activation lamp blinks in green and then become red. After that, press the wireless activation button on the tool in the same way.

If the cancellation is performed successfully, the wireless activation lamps will light up in red for 2 seconds and start blinking in blue.

CAUTION: Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the battery cartridge is removed before attempting to perform inspection or maintenance.

CAUTION: Clean out the upper and lower blade guards to ensure there is no accumulated sawdust which may impede the operation of the lower blade guarding system. A dirty guarding system may limit the proper operation which could result in serious personal injury. The most effective way to accomplish this cleaning is with compressed air. If the dust is being blown out of the blade guards, be sure the proper eye and breathing protection is used.

CAUTION: After each use, wipe off the saw dust on the tool. Fine saw dust may come inside the tool and cause malfunction or a fire.

NOTICE: Never use gasoline, benzine, thinner, alcohol or the like. Discoloration, deformation or cracks may result.

To maintain product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, any other maintenance or adjustment should be performed by Makita Authorized or Factory Service Centers, always using Makita replacement parts.

NOTICE: Before starting the setting, make sure the lock of the cutting depth is firmly secured.

This adjustment has been made at the factory. But if it is off, you can adjust it as the following procedure.

1. Loosen the bevel angle lock so that the bevel angle can be changed.

2. Put a triangular rule or square rule onto the side of circular saw blade and the base. While keeping the side of circular saw blade and the base perpendicular, turn the adjusting screw to make 0° position.

3. Lock the bevel angle and make a test cut to check the verticalness.

CAUTION: These accessories or attachments are recommended for use with your Makita tool specified in this manual. The use of any other accessories or attachments might present a risk of injury to persons. Only use accessory or attachment for its stated purpose.

The following accessories are available:

Circular saw blade

Rip fence (Guide rule)

Dust nozzle

Hex wrench

Wireless unit

Makita genuine battery and charger

NOTE: Some items in the list may be included in the tool package as standard accessories. They may differ from country to country.