First, I can't seem to get the miter bar to "lock" in place using the tapered screw that's in the slit in the bar. I can tighten that screw until it won't turn anymore, but the miter bar will still move. It's tight and doesn't move real easy, but it is by no means locked in place either. It's not tight enough to rely on it holding.
Second, I'm also missing a couple of parts. Parts 283 and 284 in this diagram:

Part 284 is obvious, but what is part 283? The parts list just says "washer" but doesn't give any details. What material and thickness and diameter is it? What purpose does it serve? How necessary is it? Are those missing parts related to my first problem?