DeWalt DW717-XE Instruction Manual

DW717-XE

254 mm (10") DOUBLE BEVEL SLIDING COMPOUND MITER SAW

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Questions? See us on the World Wide Web at www.dewalt.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DOUBLE INSULATION INSTRUCTIONS............................................................................................................1

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL TOOLS ......................................…………………………………………1

ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES ....................................……………………………………………………….1

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION ....................................…………………………………………………………3

ACCESSORIES ...............................................................................................................................................3

BLADE DESCRIPTIONS ..................................................................................................................................3

UNPACKING YOUR SAW ....................................……………………………………………………………4

SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................................4

FAMILIARIZATION ...............................………………………………………………………………………4

BENCH MOUNTING ................................……………………………………………………………………4

CHANGING OR INSTALLING A NEW SAW BLADE ...........................................................................................4

REMOVING THE BLADE .................................................................................................................................4

INSTALLING THE BLADE ....................................……………………………………………………………5

TRANSPORTING THE SAW .....................................…………………………………………………………5

ADJUSTMENTS ..............................…………………………………………………………………………6

MITER SCALE ADJUSTMENT.................................………………………………………………………6

MITER POINTER ADJUSTMENT .................................……………………………………………………6

BEVEL SQUARE TO TABLE ........................................................................................................................6

BEVEL POINTER ........................................................................................................................................6

BEVEL STOP .............................................................................................................................................6

FENCE ADJUSTMENT ............................…………………………………………………………………6

AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC BRAKE ..................................................................................................................6

GUARD ACTUATION AND VISIBILITY ..................................………………………………………………6

KERF PLATE ADJUSTMENT .......................................................................................................................6

RAIL GUIDE ADJUSTMENT ........................................................................................................................6

MITER LOCK ADJUSTMENT.......................................................................................................................6

BRUSHES ..............................………………………………………………………………………………7

CONTROLS ....................................................................................................................................................7

OPERATION ...............................……………………………………………………………………………7

SWITCH ..................................................................................................................................................7

CUTTING WITH YOUR SAW .....................................................................................................................7

CROSSCUTS .................................................................................................................................................... 7

BEVEL CUTS ....................................................................................................................................................8

QUALITY OF CUT .............................................................................................................................................. 8

BODY AND HAND POSITION ............................................................................................................................8

CLAMPING THE WORKPIECE ..................................................................................................................8

SUPPORT FOR LONG PIECES ..................................................................................................................9

CUTTING PICTURE FRAMES, SHADOW BOXES

AND OTHER FOUR-SIDED PROJECTS ......................................................................................................9

CUTTING TRIM MOLDING AND OTHER FRAMES .....................................................................................9

CUTTING COMPOUND MITERS ................................................................................................................9

CUTTING BASE MOLDING .......................................................................................................................9

CUTTING CROWN MOLDING ...................................................................................................................9

SPECIAL CUTS ............................................................................................................................................10

REMOVING AND REPLACING THE BELT .......................................................................................................11

MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................................................................12

SERVICE INFORMATION ...............................................................................................................................12

WARRANTY .................................................................................................................................................12

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE .........................................................................................................................12

TABLE 1: COMPOUND MITER CUT ...............................................................................................................13

1

Definitions: Safety Guidelines

The definitions below describe the level of severity for each signal word. Please read the manual and pay
attention to these symbols.

DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious

injury.

WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or

serious injury.

CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or

moderate injury.
CAUTION: Used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, may result in property damage.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS OR ANY DEWALT TOOL, CALL US AT: 1800 654 155
(Aust) or 09 259 1111 (NZ).

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: Read all instructions before operating product. Failure to follow all instructions listed below
may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

Double Insulation

Double insulated tools are constructed throughout with two separate layers of electrical insulation or one double
thickness of insulation between you and the tool’s electrical system. Tools built with this insulation system are not
intended to be grounded.

NOTE: Double insulation does not take the place of normal safety precautions when operating this tool. The
insulation system is for added protection against injury resulting from a possible electrical insulation failure within
the tool.

CAUTION: WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS. Repair or replace damaged cords.

Safety Instructions For All Tools

This miter saw accepts the DEWALT worklight and laser attachments.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of eye injury, ALWAYS use eye protection when operating the miter saw.

• KEEP GUARD IN PLACE and in working order.

• REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES. Form habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting
wrenches are removed from spindle before turning tool on. Tools, scrap pieces, and other debris can be
thrown at high speed, causing injury.

• KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents.

• DO NOT USE THE MACHINE IN A DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT. The use of power tools in damp or wet
locations or in rain can cause shock or electrocution. Keep your work area well-lit to avoid tripping or placing
arms, hands, and fingers in danger.

• KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. All visitors should be kept at a safe distance from work area. Your shop is a
potentially dangerous environment.

• MAKE WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF with padlocks, master switches, or by removing starter keys. The
unauthorized start-up of a machine by a child or visitor may result in injury.

• DON’T FORCE TOOL. It will do the job better and be safer at the rate for which it was designed.

• USE RIGHT TOOL. Don’t force tool or attachment to do a job for which it was not designed. Using the
incorrect tool or attachment may result in personal injury.

• WEAR PROPER APPAREL. No loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets, or other jewelry to get
caught in moving parts. Non-slip footwear is recommended. Wear protective hair covering to contain long
hair. Air vents may cover moving parts and should also be avoided.

• ALWAYS USE SAFETY GLASSES. Everyday eyeglasses are NOT safety glasses. Also use face or dust mask
if cutting operation is dusty. ALWAYS WEAR CERTIFIED SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

• ANSI Z87.1 eye protection (CAN/CSA Z94.3)

• ANSI S12.6 (S3.19) hearing protection

• NIOSH/OSHA/MSHA respiratory protection

• SECURE THE WORKPIECE. Use clamps or a vise to hold the workpiece on the table and against the fence
or when your hand will be dangerously close to the blade (within 6"). It is safer than using your hand and it
frees both hands to operate tool.

• DON’T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Loss of balance may cause personal
injury.

• MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp and clean for best and safest performance. Follow
instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Poorly maintained tools and machines can further
damage the tool or machine and/or cause injury.

• TURN THE MACHINE “OFF”, AND DISCONNECT THE MACHINE FROM THE POWER SOURCE before
installing or removing accessories, before adjusting or changing set-ups, when making repairs or changing
locations. An accidental start-up can cause injury. Do not touch the plug’s metal prongs when unplugging or
plugging in the cord.

• REDUCE THE RISK OF UNINTENTIONAL STARTING. Make sure that the switch is in the “OFF” position
before plugging in the power cord.

• USE PROPER EXTENSION CORD. Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. If your product is
equipped with a cordset, use only 3-wire extension cords that have 3-prong grounding-type plugs and 3-pole
receptacles that accept the tool’s plug. When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to
carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss
of power and overheating. The following table shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and
nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gage. The smaller the gage number, the heavier the
cord.

MINIMUM GAUGE FOR CORD SETS
For Cable length (m): 7.5 15 25 30 45 60
Use Cable with minimum rating (Amperes)
Tool Amperes

0 - 3.4 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5

3.5 - 5.0 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 10 15

5.1 - 7.0 10 10 10 10 15 15

7.1 - 12.0 15 15 15 15 20 20

12.1 - 20.0 20 20 20 20 25 –

• CHECK for DAMAGED PARTS. Before further use of the tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should
be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function—check for
alignment of moving parts, binding of moving par ts, breakage of parts, mounting and any other conditions
that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced.
Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on and off.

• USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for
your model. Accessories that may be suitable for one tool may be hazardous when used on another tool.
Consult the instruction manual for recommended accessories. The use of improper accessories may cause
risk of injury to persons.

• NEVER STAND ON TOOL. Serious injury could occur if the tool is tipped or if the cutting tool is unintentionally
contacted.

• NEVER LEAVE TOOL RUNNING UNATTENDED. TURN POWER OFF. Don’t leave tool until it comes to a
complete stop. Serious injury can result.

• DO NOT OPERATE ELECTRIC TOOLS NEAR FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OR IN GASEOUS OR EXPLOSIVE
ATMOSPHERES. Motors in these tools may spark and ignite fumes.

• STAY ALERT, WATCH WHAT YOU ARE DOING, AND USE COMMON SENSE. DO NOT USE THE MACHINE
WHEN YOU ARE TIRED OR UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS or ALCOHOL. A moment of inattention while
operating power tools may result in injury.

Additional Safety Rules For Miter Saws

WARNING: Do not allow familiarity (gained from frequent use of your saw) to replace safety rules. Always

remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict severe injury.

• DO NOT OPERATE THIS MACHINE until it is completely assembled and installed according to the
instructions. A machine incorrectly assembled can cause serious injury.

• OBTAIN ADVICE from your supervisor, instructor, or another qualified person if you are not thoroughly familiar
with the operation of this machine. Knowledge is safety.

22

• STABILITY. Make sure the miter saw is placed on a secure supporting sur face and does not slip or move
during use. If the mobility kit is installed, raise the moveable caster(s) so saw is in its stationary position.

• FOLLOW ALL WIRING CODES and recommended electrical connections to prevent shock or electrocution.
Protect electric supply line with at least a 15 ampere time-delay fuse or a circuit breaker.”

• MAKE CERTAIN the blade rotates in the correct direction. The teeth on the blade should point in the direction
of rotation as marked on the saw.

• TIGHTEN ALL CLAMP HANDLES, knobs and levers prior to operation. Loose clamps can cause parts or the
workpiece to be thrown at high speeds.

• BE SURE all blade and blade clamps are clean, recessed sides of blade clamps are against blade and arbor
screw is tightened securely. Loose or improper blade clamping may result in damage to the saw and possible
personal injury.

• ALWAYS USE A SHARP BLADE. Check the blade to see if it runs tr ue and is free from vibration. A dull or a
vibrating blade can cause damage to the machine and/or serious injury.

• DO NOT OPERATE ON ANYTHING OTHER THAN THE DESIGNATED VOLTAGE for the saw. Overheating,
damage to the tool and personal injury may occur.

• DO NOT WEDGE ANYTHING AGAINST THE FAN to hold the motor shaft. Damage to tool and possible
personal injury may occur.

• DO NOT force cutting action. Stalling or partial stalling of motor can cause damage. To the machine or blade
and/or serious injury.

• ALLOW THE MOTOR TO COME TO FULL SPEED prior to star ting cut. Starting the cut too soon may cause
damage to the machine or blade and/or serious injury.

• NEVER CUT FERROUS METALS (Those with any iron or steel content) or masonry. Either of these can cause
the carbide tips to fly off the blade at high speeds causing serious injury.

• DO NOT USE ABRASIVE WHEELS. The excessive heat and abrasive particles generated by them may
damage the saw and cause personal injury.

• NEVER have any part of your body in line with the path of the saw blade. Personal injury will occur.

• NEVER apply blade lubricant to a running blade. Applying lubricant could cause your hand to move into the
blade resulting in serious injury.

• DO NOT place either hand in the blade area when the saw is connected to the power source. Inadvertent
blade activation may result in serious injury.

• DO NOT PERFORM FREE-HAND OPERATIONS (workpiece not supported by table and fence). Hold the work
firmly against the fence and table. Free-hand operations on a miter saw could cause the workpiece to be
thrown at high speeds, causing serious injury.

• NEVER REACH AROUND or behind the saw blade. A blade can cause serious injury.

• DO NOT reach underneath the saw unless it is unplugged and turned off. Contact with saw blade may cause
personal injury.

• SECURE THE MACHINE TO A STABLE SUPPORTING SURFACE. Vibration can possibly cause the machine to
slide, walk, or tip over, causing serious injury.

• USE ONLY CROSSCUT SAW BLADES recommended for miter saws. For best results, use only zero-degree
or negative hook angles when using carbide-tipped blades. Do not use blades with deep gullets. These can
deflect and contact the guard, and can cause damage to the machine and/or serious injury.

• USE ONLY BLADES OF THE CORRECT SIZE AND TYPE specified for this tool to prevent damage to the
machine and/or serious injury.

• INSPECT BLADE FOR CRACKS or other damage prior to operation. A cracked or damaged blade can come
apart and pieces can be thrown at high speeds, causing serious injury. Replace cracked or damaged blades
immediately.

• CLEAN THE BLADE AND BLADE CLAMPS prior to operation. Cleaning the blade and blade clamps allows
you to check for any damage to the blade or blade clamps. A cracked or damaged blade or blade clamp can
come apart and pieces can be thrown at high speeds, causing serious injury.

• DO NOT use lubricants or cleaners (particularly spray or aerosol) in the vicinity of the plastic guard. The
polycarbonate material used in the guard is subject to attack by certain chemicals.

• ALWAYS USE THE KERF PLATE AND REPLACE THIS PLATE WHEN DAMAGED. Small chip accumulation
under the saw may interfere with the saw blade or may cause instability of workpiece when cutting.

• USE ONLY BLADE CLAMPS specified for this tool to prevent damage to the machine and/or serious injury.

•

CLEAN THE MOTOR AIR SLOTS of chips and sawdust. Clogged motor air slots can cause the machine to
overheat, damaging the machine and possibly causing a short which could cause serious injur y.

• KEEP ARMS, HANDS, AND FINGERS away from the blade to prevent severe cuts. Clamp all workpieces that
would cause your hand to be within 6" of the saw blade.

• NEVER LOCK THE SWITCH IN THE “ON” position. Severe personal injury may result.

• TURN OFF THE MACHINE and allow the blade to come to a complete stop before raising the arm and prior to
cleaning the blade area, removing debris in the path of the blade, before servicing or adjusting tool. A moving
blade can cause serious injury.

• PROPERLY SUPPORT LONG OR WIDE WORKPIECES. Loss of control of the workpiece can cause injury.

• NEVER cross arms in front of blade while using tool. Always make a dry run (unpowered) before making a
finish cut so that you can check the path of the blade or severe personal injury may result.

• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION regarding the safe and proper operation of power tools (i.e. a safety video)
is available from the Power Tool Institute, 1300 Sumner Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-2851 (www.
powertoolinstitute.com). Information is also available from the National Safety Council, 1121 Spring Lake
Drive, Itasca, IL 60143-3201. Please refer to the American National Standards Institute ANSI 01.1 Safety
Requirements for Woodworking Machines and the U.S. Department of Labor OSHA 1910.213 Regulations.

CAUTION: Do not connect unit to electrical power source until complete instructions are read and understood.
WARNING: Always wear proper personal hearing protection that conforms to ANSI S12.6 (S3.19) during

use. Under some conditions and duration of use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.

WARNING: NEVER MAKE ANY CUT UNLESS THE MATERIAL IS SECURED ON THE TABLE AND AGAINST THE

FENCE.

WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities
contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these
chemicals are:

• lead from lead-based paints,

• crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and

• arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated timber (CCA).

Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure
to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust
masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

• Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction

activities. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas with soap and water. Allowing dust to get
into your mouth, eyes, or lay on the skin may promote absorption of harmful chemicals.

WARNING: Use of this tool can generate and/or disburse dust, which may cause serious and permanent

respiratory or other injury. Always use NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory protection appropriate for the dust
exposure. Direct particles away from face and body.

For your convenience and safety, the following warning labels are on your miter saw.

ON MOTOR HOUSING:

WARNING: FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, READ
INSTRUCTION

MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING SAW.
WHEN SERVICING, USE ONLY IDENTICAL

REPLACEMENT PARTS.
DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN OR USE IN DAMP

LOCATIONS.
ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION.
ON MOVING FENCES:
ALWAYS ADJUST FENCE PROPERLY BEFORE USE. Clamp small pieces before cutting.

See manual.

ON GUARD: DANGER – KEEP AWAY FROM BLADE.
ON UPPER GUARD: PROPERLY SECURE BRACKET WITH BOTH SCREWS BEFORE USE.
ON TABLE: (2 PLACES)
ALWAYS TIGHTEN ADJUSTMENT KNOBS BEFORE USE.
KEEP HANDS 6" FROM PATH OF SAW BLADE.
NEVER PERFORM ANY OPERATION FREEHAND.
NEVER CROSS ARMS IN FRONT OF BLADE.
THINK! YOU CAN PREVENT ACCIDENTS.
DO NOT OPERATE SAW WITHOUT GUARDS IN PLACE.
TURN OFF TOOL, KEEP SAW HEAD DOWN AND WAIT FOR SAW TO STOP BEFORE MOVING

HANDS, WORKPIECE OR CHANGING SETTINGS.
UNPLUG TOOL BEFORE CHANGING BLADE, MOVING OR SERVICING UNIT.

33

Electrical Connection

The electric motor has been designed for one voltage only. Always check that the power supply
corresponds to the voltage on the rating plate. 230 V AC means your tool will operate on alternating
current. As little as 10% lower voltage can cause loss of power and can result in overheating.
All DEWALT tools are factory tested; if this tool does not operate, check the power supply. Your
DEWALT tool is double insulated, therefore no ear th wire is required.

• Young children and the infirm. This appliance is not intended for use by young children or
infirm persons without supervision. Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do
not play with this appliance.

• Replacement of the supply cord. If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the
manufacturer or an authorised D

EWALT Service Centre in order to avoid a hazard.

Accessories

WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered by DEWALT, have not been tested with
this product, use of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous. To reduce the risk of
injury, only DEWALT, recommended accessories should be used with this product.
If you need any assistance in locating any accessory, please contact: DeWALT Industrial Tool Co.,
20 Fletcher Road, Mooroolbark, VIC 3138 Australia, call 1800 654 155 or 5 Te Apunga Place, Mt
Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand, call 09 259 1111.

Optional Accessories

The following accessories, designed for your saw, may be helpful. In some cases, other locally
obtained work supports, length stops, clamps, etc., may be more appropriate. Use care in selecting
and using accessories.

Laser Guide System: DW7187
Powered by the saw, the bright laser line delivers enhanced visibility in low and high light

locations. Easy to install.

Miter Saw LED Worklight System: DWS7085

Lighting used for greater visibility and cutting alignment during operation. Easy to install.

Extension, Work Support: DW7080

Used to suppor t long overhanging workpieces, the work support is user assembled. Your saw

table is designed to accept two work supports; one on each side.

Clamp: DW7082 (similar model included)

Used for firmly clamping workpiece to the saw table for precision cutting.

Dust Bag: DW7053 (Included with some models)

Equipped with a zipper for easy emptying, the dust bag will capture the majority of the sawdust

produced (not shown).

Crown Molding Fence: DW7084

Used for precision cutting of crown molding.

SAW BLADES: ALWAYS USE 254 mm (10") SAW BLADES WITH 15.88 mm (5/8") ARBOR HOLES.
SPEED RATING MUST BE AT LEAST 5500 RPM. Never use a smaller diameter blade. It will not be
guarded properly. Use crosscut blades only! Do not use blades designed for ripping, combination
blades or blades with hook angles in excess of 5˚.

BLADE DESCRIPTIONS

APPLICATION DIAMETER TEETH

Construction Saw Blades (thin kerf with anti-stick rim)

General Purpose 10" 40
Fine Crosscuts 10" 60
NOTE: Thin kerf 60T blades without noise damping may ring under no load

conditions.

Woodworking Saw Blades (provide smooth, clean cuts)

Fine crosscuts 10" 80
Non-ferrous metals 10" 80
NOTE: For cutting non-ferrous metals, use only saw blades designed for this

purpose.

DW7082

DW7084

LOCKNUTS

END PLATE

DW7080

DW7187

DWS7085