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7
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Further safety instructions
for all saws
Causes and operator prevention of kick-
back:
- kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched,
bound or misaligned saw blade, causing
an uncontrolled saw to lift up and out of the
work-piece toward the operator;
- when the blade is pinched or bound tight
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ly by the kerf closing down, the blade stalls
and the motor reaction drives the unit rapidly
back to-ward the operator;
- if the blade becomes twisted or misaligned
in the cut, the teeth at the back edge of the
blade can dig into the top surface of the
wood caus-ing the blade to climb out of the
kerf and jump back toward the operator.
Kickback is the result of saw misuse and/or
incorrect operating procedures or conditions and
can be avoided by taking proper precautions as
given below.
1) Maintain a firm grip with both hands on
the saw and position your arms to resist
kick-back forces. Position your body to
either side of the blade, but not in line
with the blade.
Kickback could cause the saw to jump back-
wards, but kickback forces can be controlled
by the operator, if proper precautions are
taken.
2) When blade is binding, or when interrupt
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ing a cut for any reason, release the trig-
ger and hold the saw motionless in the
material until the blade comes to a com-
plete stop. Never attempt to remove the
saw from the work or pull the saw back-
ward while the blade is in motion or kick-
back may occur.
Investigate and take corrective actions to
eliminate the cause of blade binding.
3) When restarting a saw in the workpiece,
center the saw blade in the kerf and check
that saw teeth are not engaged into the
material.
If saw blade is binding, it may walk up or kick-
back from the workpiece as the saw is restarted.
4) Support large panels to minimize the risk
of blade pinching and kickback.
Large panels tend to sag under their own
weight. Supports must be placed under the
panel on both sides, near the line of cut and
near the edge of the panel.
5) Do not use dull or damaged blades.
Unsharpened or improperly set blades pro-
duce narrow kerf causing excessive friction,
blade binding and kickback.
6) Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking
levers must be tight and secure before
making cut.
If blade adjustment shifts while cutting, it may
cause binding and kickback.
7) Use extra caution when making a “plunge
cut” into existing walls or other blind
areas.
The protruding blade may cut objects that
can cause kickback.
Safety instructions for this
saw
1) Check lower guard for proper closing
before each use. Do not operate the saw
if lower guard does not move freely and
close instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower
guard into the open position.
If saw is accidentally dropped, lower guard
may be bent. Raise the lower guard with the
retracting handle and make sure it moves
freely and does not touch the blade or any
other part, in all angles and depths of cut.
2) Check the operation of the lower guard
spring. If the guard and the spring are not
operating properly, they must be serviced
before use.
Lower guard may operate sluggishly due to
damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a build-
up of debris.
3) Lower guard should be retracted manual
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ly only for special cuts such as “plunge
cuts” and “compound cuts.” Raise lower
guard by retracting handle and as soon
as blade enters the material, the lower
guard must be released.
For all other sawing, the lower guard should
operate automatically.
4) Always observe that the lower guard is
covering the blade before placing saw
down on bench or floor.
An unprotected, coasting blade will cause
the saw to walk backwards, cutting whatever
is in its path. Be aware of the time it takes for
the blade to stop after switch is released.
5) Do not use any abrasive wheels.
6) Wear a dust mask, if the work causes
dust.
7) Use saw blades recommended by Manu
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facture.
8) Wear ear protectors when using the tool for
extended periods.
