8
5. Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces
when performing an operation where the cutting
tool may contact hidden wiring or its own cord.
Contact with a “live” wire will also make exposed metal
parts of the power tool “live” and shock the operator.
6. When ripping always use a rip fence or straight
edge guide. This improves the accuracy cut and
reduces the chance of blade binding.
7. Always use blades with correct size and shape
(diamond versus round) of arbour holes. Blades
that do not match the mounting hardware of the saw
will run eccentrically, causing loss of control.
8. Never use damaged or incorrect blade washers or
bolt. The blade washers and bolt were specially
designed for your saw, for optimum performance and
safety of operation.
9. Causes and Operator Prevention of Kickback:
- kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound
or misaligned saw blade, causing an uncontrolled
saw to lift up and out of the workpiece toward the
operator;
- when the blade is pinched or bound tightly by the
kerf closing down, the blade stalls and the motor
reaction drives the unit rapidly back toward 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 causing 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.
• Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw
and position your arms to resist kickback
forces. Position your body to either side of the
blade, but not in line with the blade. Kickback
could cause the saw to jump backwards, but
kickback forces can be controlled by the operator, if
proper precautions are taken.
• When blade is binding, or when interrupting a
cut for any reason, release the trigger and hold
the saw motionless in the material until the
blade comes to a complete stop. Never attempt
to remove the saw from the work or pull the saw
backward while the blade is in motion or
kickback may occur. Investigate and take
corrective actions to eliminate the cause of blade
binding.
• When restarting a saw in the workpiece, centre
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 kickback from
the workpiece as the saw is restarted.
• Support large panels to minimise 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.
To minimize the risk of blade pinching and kickback.
When cutting operation requires the resting of the saw
on the workpiece, the saw should be rested on the
larger portion and the smaller piece cut off.
To avoid kickback, do support board or panel near
the cut. (Fig. 2)
Do not support board or panel away from the cut.
(Fig. 3)
• Do not use dull or damaged blades.
Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce
narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade
binding and kickback. Keep blade sharp and clean.
Gum and wood pitch hardened on blades slows
saw and increases potential for kickback. Keep
blade clean by first removing it from tool, then
cleaning it with gum and pitch remover, hot water or
kerosene. Never use gasoline.
• 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.
• 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.
• ALWAYS hold the tool firmly with both hands.
NEVER place your hand, leg or any part of your
body under the tool base or behind the saw,
especially when making cross-cuts. If kickback
occurs, the saw could easily jump backwards over
your hand, leading to serious personal injury.
(Fig. 4)
• Never force the saw. Forcing the saw can cause
uneven cuts, loss of accuracy, and possible
kickback. Push the saw forward at a speed so that
the blade cuts without slowing.
10. Check guard for proper closing before each use.
Do not operate the saw if guard does not move
freely and enclose the blade instantly. Never
clamp or tie the guard with the blade exposed. If
saw is accidentally dropped, guard may be bent.
Check to make sure that guard moves freely and does
not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and
depths of cut.
11. Check the operation and condition of the guard
return spring. If the guard and the spring are not
operating properly, they must be serviced before
use. Guard may operate sluggishly due to damaged
parts, gummy deposits, or a build-up of debris.
12. Assure that the guide plate of the saw will not shift
while performing the “plunge cut” when the blade
bevel setting is not at 90°. Blade shifting sideways
will cause binding and likely kick back.
13. Always observe that the 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.
14. Use extra caution when cutting damp wood,
pressure treated lumber, or wood containing
knots. Adjust speed of cut to maintain smooth
advancement of tool without decrease in blade speed.
