Makita DKP180RFJ, Instruction Manual

8

Adjusting depth of cut (Fig. 3)

Depth of cut may be adjusted by simply turning the knob 
on the front of the tool so that the pointer points the 
desired depth of cut.

Switch action (Fig. 4)

CAUTION:

• 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.

• Do not pull the switch trigger hard without pressing the 

lock-off lever. This can cause switch breakage.

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

WARNING:

• For your safety, this tool is equipped with lock-off lever 

which prevents the tool from unintended starting. 
NEVER use the tool if it runs when you simply pull the 
switch trigger without pressing the lock-off lever. 
Return tool a MAKITA service center for proper repairs 
BEFORE further usage.

• NEVER tape down or defeat purpose and function of 

lock-off lever.

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.

Foot (Fig. 5)

After a cutting operation, raise the back side of the tool 
and a foot comes under the level of the rear base. This 
prevents the tool blades to be damaged.

ASSEMBLY

CAUTION:

• Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the 

battery cartridge is removed before carrying out any 
work on the tool.

Removing or installing planer blades

CAUTION:

• Tighten the blade installation bolts carefully when 

attaching the blades to the tool. A loose installation bolt 
can be dangerous. Always check to see they are 
tightened securely.

• Handle the blades very carefully. Use gloves or rags to 

protect your fingers or hands when removing or 
installing the blades.

• Use only the Makita wrench provided to remove or 

install the blades. Failure to do so may result in 
overtightening or insufficient tightening of the 
installation bolts. This could cause an injury.

For tool with conventional planer blades (Fig. 6 - 8)

To remove the blades on the drum, unscrew the 
installation bolts with the socket wrench. The drum cover 
comes off together with the blades.
To install the blades, first clean out all chips or foreign 
matter adhering to the drum or blades. Use blades of the 

same dimensions and weight, or drum oscillation/vibration 
will result, causing poor planing action and, eventually, 
tool breakdown.
Place the blade on the gauge base so that the blade edge 
is perfectly flush with the inside edge of the gauge plate. 
Place the adjusting plate on the blade, then simply press 
in the heel of the adjusting plate flush with the back side of 
the gauge base and tighten two screws on the adjusting 
plate. Now slip the heel of the adjusting plate into the 
drum groove, then fit the drum cover on it. Tighten all the 
installation bolts evenly and alternately with the socket 
wrench.
Repeat the above procedures for the other blade.

For tool with mini planer blades (Fig. 9)

1. Remove the existing blade, if the tool has been in use, 

carefully clean the drum surfaces and the drum cover. 
To remove the blades on the drum, unscrew the three 
installation bolts with the socket wrench. The drum 
cover comes off together with the blades. 

(Fig. 10)

2. To install the blades, loosely attach the adjusting plate 

to the set plate with the pan head screws and set the 
mini planer blade on the gauge base so that the 
cutting edge of the blade is perfectly flush with the 
inside flank of the gauge plate.

3. Set the adjusting plate/set plate on the gauge base so 

that the planer blade locating lugs on the set plate rest 
in the mini planer blade groove, then press in the heel 
of the adjusting plate flush with the back side of the 
gauge base and tighten the pan head screws.

4. It is important that the blade sits flush with the inside 

flank of the gauge plate, the planer blade locating lugs 
sit in the blade groove and the heel of the adjusting 
plate is flush with the back side of the gauge base. 
Check this alignment carefully to ensure uniform 
cutting.

5. Slip the heel of the adjusting plate into the groove of 

the drum. 

(Fig. 11)

6. Set the drum cover over the adjusting plate/set plate 

and screw in the three hex flange head bolts so that a 
gap exists between the drum and the set plate to slide 
the mini planer blade into position. The blade will be 
positioned by the planer blade locating lugs on the set 
plate.

7. The blade’s lengthwise adjustment will need to be 

manually positioned so that the blade ends are clear 
and equidistant from the housing on one side and the 
metal bracket on the other.

8. Tighten the three hex flange head bolts (with the 

socket wrench provided) and rotate the drum to check 
clearances between the blade ends and the tool body.

9. Check the three hex flange head bolts for final 

tightness.

10. Repeat procedures 1 - 9 for the other blade.

For the correct planer blade setting

Your planing surface will end up rough and uneven, 
unless the blade is set properly and securely. The blade 
must be mounted so that the cutting edge is absolutely 
level, that is, parallel to the surface of the rear base.
Refer to some examples below for proper and improper 
settings.