Makita DCS550, Instruction Manual

5 

Lower guard function 

16. 

Check lower guard for proper closing before 
each use. Do not operate the tool if lower 
guard does not move freely and close 
instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard 
into the open position.

 If tool is accidentally 

dropped, lower guard may be bent. Raise the 
lower guard with the retracting lever and make 
sure it moves freely and does not touch the blade 
or any other part, in all angles and depths of cut. 

17. 

Check the operation and condition 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 buildup of debris. 

18. 

Lower guard may be retracted manually only for 
special cuts such as "plunge cuts" and "compound 
cuts". Raise lower guard by retracting handle and 
as soon as blade enters the material, the lower 
guard must be released.

 For all other sawing, the 

lower guard should operate automatically. 

19. 

Always observe that the lower guard is 
covering the blade before placing tool down on 
bench or floor.

 An unprotected, coasting blade will 

cause the tool 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. 

20. 

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. 

Additional safety warnings 

21. 

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

22. 

DANGER: 
Do not attempt to remove cut material when 
blade is moving. 
CAUTION: Blades coast after turn off. 

23. 

Place the wider portion of the tool base on that part 
of the workpiece which is solidly supported, not on 
the section that will fall off when the cut is made. 

24. 

Never attempt to make a cut with the tool held 
upside down in a vise. This is extremely 
dangerous and can lead to serious accidents. 

25. 

Wear safety goggles and hearing protection 
during operation. 

26. 

Always use blades recommended in this 
manual. Do not use any abrasive wheels. 

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. 

WARNING: 

DO NOT let comfort or familiarity with product (gained 
from repeated use) replace strict adherence to safety 
rules for the subject product. MISUSE or failure to 
follow the safety rules stated in this instruction manual 
may cause serious personal injury. 

ENC007-8 

IMPORTANT SAFETY 
INSTRUCTIONS 
FOR BATTERY CARTRIDGE 

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 battery cartridge. 

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 the tool and battery cartridge in 
locations where the temperature may reach or 
exceed 50

ﾟ

C (122

ﾟ

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. 

Be careful not to drop or strike battery.   

9. 

Do not use a damaged battery.   

10. 

Follow your local regulations relating to 
disposal of battery.   

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. 

Tips for maintaining maximum battery life 

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

ﾟ

C - 40

ﾟ

C (50

ﾟ

F - 104

ﾟ

F). 

Let a hot battery cartridge cool down before 
charging it. 

4. 

Charge the battery cartridge once in every six 
months if you do not use it for a long period 
of time.