7
• If the charging light flashes alternately in green and red color, a problem exists and charging is not possible. The ter-
minals on the charger or battery cartridge are clogged with dust or the battery cartridge is worn out or damaged.
• If you wish to charge two battery cartridges, allow 15 minutes between chargings on the fast charger.
Trickle charge (Maintenance charge)
If you leave the battery cartridge in the charger to prevent spontaneous discharging after full charge, the charger will
switch into its “trickle charge (maintenance charge)” mode and keep the battery cartridge fresh and fully charged.
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°C – 40°C (50°F – 104°F).
Let a hot battery cartridge cool down before charging it.
4. Charge the Nickel Metal Hydride battery cartridge when you do not use it for more than six months.
Adjusting depth of cut (Fig. 3 &4)
The depth of cut can be adjusted in 0.1 mm increments
within a range of 0 – 0.5 mm. Turn the knob on the front of
the tool until the pointer is aligned with the desired cutting
depth on the scale.
CAUTION:
The knob can be turned beyond the 0.5 mm graduation.
However, do not operate the tool with a depth of cut more
than 0.5 mm. The motor may be burned out or the battery
cartridge may be damaged.
Switch action (Fig. 5)
CAUTION:
Before inserting the battery cartridge into the tool, always
check to see that the switch trigger actuates properly and
returns to the “OFF” position when released.
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.
Planing operation (Fig. 6)
First, rest the tool front base flat upon the workpiece sur-
face without the blades making any contact. Switch on
and wait until the blades attain full speed. Then move the
tool gently forward. Apply pressure on the front of tool at
the start of planing, and at the back at the end of planing.
Planing will be easier if you incline the workpiece in sta-
tionary fashion, so that you can plane somewhat down-
hill.
The speed and depth of cut determine the kind of finish.
The power planer keeps cutting at a speed that will not
result in jamming by chips. For rough cutting, the depth of
cut can be increased, while for a good finish you should
reduce the depth of cut and advance the tool more
slowly.
Edge fence (Guide rule) (Fig.7)
Use the edge fence when shiplapping (rabbeting) or cut-
ting workpieces nearly 50 mm wide. Install the edge
fence on the tool and secure it with the washer and
thumb screw (A). Loosen the thumb screw (B) and adjust
the edge fence until it comes in contact with the side of
the workpiece. Then tighten the thumb screw (B)
securely.
You may wish to add to the length of the fence by attach-
ing an extra piece of wood. Convenient holes are pro-
vided in the fence for this purpose. (Fig. 8)
Shiplapping (Rabbeting)
To make a stepped cut as shown in Fig.9, use the edge
fence (guide rule). (Fig. 9)
Draw a cutting line on the workpiece. Align the blade
edge with the cutting line. (Fig. 10)
Then adjust the edge fence as explained in the “Edge
fence” section. When planing, move the tool with the
edge fence flush with the side of the workpiece. Other-
wise uneven planing may result. Max. shiplapping (rab-
beting) depth is 15 mm.
CAUTION:
Before shiplapping, make sure that the blade end pro-
trudes slightly from the side of the drum.
Chamfering (Fig.11, 12 &13)
To make a cut as shown in Fig. 11, align the “V” groove in
the front base with the edge of the workpiece and plane it
as shown in Fig. 13. It chamfers up to 5.6 mm in a single
pass.
Dust bag (Fig. 14& 15)
Install the dust bag on the nozzle of the tool. When
installing it, push the bag’s entry port toward the nozzle
as far as it will go to prevent it from comming off during
operation.
For the best results, empty the dust bag when it becomes
about half full. Remove the dust bag from the tool and
pull out the fastener.
NOTE:
If you connect a Makita vacuum cleaner Model 406 to
this tool, more efficient and cleaner operations can be
performed.
Removing or installing planer blades
CAUTION:
• Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the bat-
tery cartridge is removed before removing or installing
the blades.
• Handle the blades very carefully. Use gloves or rags to
protect your fingers or hands when removing or install-
ing the blades.
To remove the blades, first loosen the two installation
bolts one turn counterclockwise with the hex wrench pro-
vided. (Fig. 16)
Push the blade from the belt side with the hex wrench.
(Fig. 17)
