guard adjustment Can someone tell me how to adjust the blade guard so that the saw will go down to the stock without forcing? I thought the arm was to worn so I replaced it but the problem persists. Help! guard adjustment Can someone tell me how to adjust the blade guard so that the saw will go down to the stock without forcing? I thought the arm was to worn so I replaced it but the problem... » Read More guard adjustment Can someone tell me how to adjust the blade guard so that the saw will go down to the stock without forcing? I thought the arm was to worn so I replaced it but the problem persists. Help! « Show Less
1937431
Adding a piece of metal to make the stepped section of the arm a straight piece worked for me. I used a piece of metal that already had a small flange (0.10"), and cut it to the length needed to cover the steps on the guard arm. I attached it with a small screw. Saw works like it is supposed to now.
1579497
I've owned this saw for years and for the past 2 I've used my thumb to manually raise the guard while pressing down on the handle until the bump in the guard slide passes the bearing. No one on my jobs has had a problem adapting, beside if you don't lift the guard slightly my saw will Not work.
1681019
Have you adjusted the depth of the blade? It may be that the piece you are cutting is missing the guard entirely.
1711802
I had the same issue when I operated the saw with a short blade: the toll less mechanism blocked. I used WD40, jiggled the blade, and used pliers to push the lever of the tool less mechanism into the open position--then I was able to remove the blade. The tool less mechanism worked fine after that.
1522894
That rubber gasket slips down the entire blade after the hand gaurd, and keeps the hand guard from slipping off. It requires some force to fit the rubber over and down the blade. One could use dish soap and water to help slip the rubber down completely, then just wash off the soap and water and let dry out.
2237240
You just have to loosen the clamp thumbscrew and it will come off the extension and slide onto the main rail. that is the easiest way to set the height even with the bed of your saw. Just slide then up next to the saw. Too bad I can't attach a picture or I could show you.
466280
Hi. The previous responses about the blade lock and/or seating the blade may be the problem. Another thought was that the blades are not the "t" type blades required for the saw. I have had no problems with my saw and really like it.
1337274
You need to grab the big end of the saw and lightly tap the end of the handle on the workbench and the blade should disengage. It was scary for me too but by tapping it lightly a few times, you get the hang of it. Put it on is the same. Engage the hook end of the blade into the handle and lightly tap the handle until the blade engages. Good luck. The important tip is NOT you use both hands to remove the saw blade. Only use one hand to hold the blade and tap the handle on a hard surface to disengage or engage the blade. Good luck
2055530
Did you take the screen guard off???,, This is an excellent razor, don't know why you are having trouble!!
1709249
Mine locks in place, bayonet style, with a half turn twist. Since it doesn't have standard threads you have to line it up properly and push it into place before turning. Wonder if that might be the problem??? Good luck. Rob
39531
The saw has a drive belt and I bet yours is a bit stretched. Easy to replace. Check your owners manual for belt replacement - might be on page 37. That should do the trick for you.
2149248
There are two pairs of adjusment screws at each end of the stationary blade that alter the distance between it and the moving blades. Loosen both (on each side) in order to make the adjustment. Mimic or repeat the number of screw turns on each side carefully to keep the whole thing in balance or symmetrical. It doesnt take much. I find the best cut results when there is a slight scraping sound as the moving blades move across the stationary blade. My neighbor thinks there should be no sound. We both think its important to spray the blades with WD 40 after each use. Regardless of how you set the blade, my wont easily cut anything tall, you have to circle or make a few passes to cut some types of weeds. I use it on zoysia grass and like the results. It is also difficult to cut real thick or spongy grasses. Hopefully you are aware of its limitations. I was surprised at the quality, fearing it would be Chinese drek, it may well come from China, but seems well built. The height adjustment mechanism is disappointing (takes too long) but considering the price is OK. I find it good upper arm exercise, takes about the same amount of time as a power mower without dealing with gas, noise, or flying objects. Remember there are some types of grasses it wont cut well, have a neighbor with a power mower mow them low for you, then you can keep them low with this mower.
918297
sorry I can't help you with this. I don't use the saw much and this problem has not happened to me.
1547187
There should be a wrench that came with it, usually slide into the back of the saw, there is a holder for it there, make sure the saw is unplugged and unscrew the bolt in the center, using something like a piece of wood to keep the blade from rotating while unscrewing the bolt
1764357
Charlie - I am having the exact same problem with my brand new Makita UC3530A. Unfortunately, I found that many others were encountering similar problems with the saw not channeling the oil to the chain only after I had already purchased mine. I called Makita corporate customer service about the problem, and they suggested that I take it to a Makita service center. I am planning to take it to the Makita service center in Houston next week. The Makita rep at corporate HQ said that I evidently have a defective unit. I don't think so. I think this is a basic design defect with this saw because so many others are having a similar problem. I will see what the Makita service center folks have to say, and if I am not satisfied that this is a fixable problem I am going to return it to Amazon and buy something else. I regret that I might have to do so because the saw cut beautifully until I unknowingly dulled the chain to such an extent that it no longer cuts at all. The reason the blade dulled so quickly, of course, was that it was getting no oil to the chain, but I didn't realize that until the damage was already done. I hope this is of some help even though it certainly isn't a solution.
515374
try having the fuel mixture & air screws adjusted at a shop.... mine were screwed up from the day I got my saw...takes a special tool so I made my own...works great from then on!
1193341
I think Mr. Hernandez meant the black clamp lever in the back of the saw. I found the answer we needed before he posted by reading all of the comments from other users. The trick was that you to turn the clamp lever in the reverse direction (counter-clockwise) than normal. I kept telling my husband to try counter-clockwise but he insisted that one ALWAYS tightens clamps or screws clockwise. Not this time. By the way, he loves the saw. Good luck.
973211
When you mount your saw, locate one of the brackets in the center of that "little cleat looking thing" to keep your saw from moving left or right. Important when you're using the extension arms to make stop cuts.