The Makita Cutout Tool, Model 3706, is a versatile power tool designed for various cutting applications, particularly in drywall and other materials. It features a compact design and is equipped with double insulation for enhanced safety.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Makita Cutout Tool is to make precise cuts in workpieces. It is particularly well-suited for cutting drywall, including around outlet boxes, and can also be adapted for circular cutting with the appropriate accessories. The tool operates by rotating a cutting bit at high speed, allowing it to plunge into and move through the material.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Collet chuck capacity: The tool can accommodate bits with shank diameters of 1/4" and 1/8". When using a 6.35 mm (1/4") shank diameter bit, the adapter must first be removed from the collet cone.
- No load speed: The cutout tool operates at a high no-load speed of 32,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). This high speed is crucial for efficient and clean cutting.
- Overall length: The tool has an overall length of 250 mm (9-7/8"), making it relatively compact and easy to handle.
- Net weight: Weighing 1.1 kg (2.4 lbs), the tool is lightweight, contributing to user comfort and reduced fatigue during extended use.
- Electrical Safety: The tool is double insulated, eliminating the need for a three-wire grounded power cord and grounded power supply system. It is equipped with a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other) for proper insertion into a polarized outlet.
- Power Supply Cord: The manual provides a detailed table for selecting the proper extension cord based on ampere rating and total cord length, ensuring adequate power delivery and preventing overheating.
Usage Features:
- Adjusting Depth of Cut: The shoe of the tool can be adjusted to control the cutting depth. This is done by loosening a thumb screw, sliding the shoe to the desired position, and then securely tightening the thumb screw. It's important to check for proper clearance beneath the workpiece to prevent the bit from striking hard surfaces.
- Switch Action: The tool is started by moving a switch lever to the "ON" position and stopped by moving it to the "OFF" position. The switch can be actuated from the forward area of the lever or by bumping off the rear area. Users are cautioned to ensure the switch lever actuates properly and returns to the "OFF" position before plugging in the tool.
- Installing/Removing Bit: To install a bit, it is inserted all the way into the collet cone. The shaft lock is pressed to keep the shaft stationary, and a wrench is used to securely tighten the collet nut. To remove the bit, the process is reversed. A critical caution is not to tighten the collet nut without a bit inserted, as this can break the collet cone.
- Operation: When operating, the tool should be held securely with the bit pointing in a safe direction, not contacting any surface, before sliding the switch to "ON." The tool should be allowed to attain full speed before starting a cut. For multipurpose bits, the tool should be held at approximately a 45-degree angle with the shoe base contacting the material initially, then brought to a straight position for full contact.
- Drywall Cutting: When inserting the drywall guide bit into drywall, it should be inserted straight until the shoe base is in full contact with the material. Cuts are made by moving the tool slowly with constant pressure in a clockwise direction. For cutting around outlet boxes, a counterclockwise direction is recommended for ease of cut. The standard bit included is specifically for drywall; other materials require different bits.
- Straight Line Cutting: For straight cuts, a straight board can be clamped to the material and used as a guide. The tool is moved in the direction of an arrow (indicated on the tool) with the shoe base flush against the guide board.
- Circular Guide (Optional Accessory): The circular guide allows for cutting circles with diameters ranging from 10 cm (4") to 34 cm (13-3/8”). Installation involves releasing the thumb screw, aligning projections in the circular guide with grooves in the shoe, and securing them with the thumb screw. The cutting depth is adjusted by loosening the thumb screw, sliding the shoe and circular guide, and then tightening. The knob on the circular guide is adjusted to the desired circle size, tightened, and then inserted into the center of the circle to be cut in a clockwise direction.
- Vacuum Cover (Optional Accessory): For cleaner operations, a vacuum cover can be installed to connect the cutout tool to a Makita vacuum cleaner or dust collector. Installation involves loosening the thumb screw, removing the shoe, attaching the vacuum cover, and fastening it securely. When using the circular guide with the vacuum cover, projections in the circular guide are aligned with grooves in the vacuum cover and secured with the thumb screw. Cutting depth adjustment with the vacuum cover and circular guide is similar to the shoe adjustment. Connecting to a Makita vacuum cleaner requires an optional 28 mm (1-1/8”) inner diameter hose, while a Makita dust collector connects directly to the dust nozzle.
- Safety Precautions: Users are warned against forcing the bit, which can cause it to bend, twist, or snap. It's crucial to ensure the bit and collet nut are securely tightened before turning on the tool. Hands should be kept away from moving parts, and the tool should not be used for drilling. The tool should only be operated when hand-held and switched off, allowing the bit to stop completely before removal from the workpiece. The bit and workpiece can be extremely hot after operation, posing a burn risk. The power supply cord should always be led away from the tool towards the rear.
- Chemical Exposure: The manual includes a warning about dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities, which may contain chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Users are advised to work in well-ventilated areas and use approved safety equipment, such as dust masks, to reduce exposure.
Maintenance Features:
- General Maintenance: The manual emphasizes the importance of maintaining tools with care, keeping cutting tools sharp and clean for easier control and to prevent binding.
- Inspection: Before use, users should check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage, or any other condition that may affect the tool's operation. Damaged tools should be serviced before use to prevent accidents.
- Service: Tool service, maintenance, and adjustments should only be performed by qualified repair personnel, preferably Makita Authorized or Factory Service Centers, using identical Makita replacement parts. This ensures product safety and reliability and prevents risks of electric shock or injury from unauthorized parts or improper procedures.
- Pre-Maintenance Safety: A critical caution for maintenance is to always ensure the tool is switched off and unplugged before attempting any inspection or maintenance.
Accessories:
The manual lists several recommended accessories and attachments for the Model 3706, emphasizing that only accessories specified for this tool should be used to avoid injury. These include:
- Collet cone 1/4"
- Adapter 1/8" - 1/4"
- Drywall guide bit 1/4” and 1/8”
- Wrench 17
- Circular guide
- Vacuum cover
For assistance or more details regarding accessories, users are directed to their local Makita service center.
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