7
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 off-centre, 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.
Kickback causes and related warnings
- kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, jammed 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 jammed 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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. When restarting a saw in the workpiece, centre the
saw blade in the kerf so that the saw teeth are not
engaged into the material. If a saw blade binds, it
may walk up or kickback from the workpiece as the
saw is restarted.
4. 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. (Fig. 2 & 3)
5. Do not use dull or damaged blades.
Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce
narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade binding
and kickback.
6. Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers
must be tight and secure before making the cut. If
blade adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause
binding and kickback.
7. Use extra caution when sawing into existing walls
or other blind areas. The protruding blade may cut
objects that can cause kickback.
8. 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)
9. Never force the saw. Push the saw forward at a
speed so that the blade cuts without slowing.
Forcing the saw can cause uneven cuts, loss of
accuracy, and possible kickback.
Guard function
1. Check the guard for proper closing before each
use. Do not operate the saw if the guard does not
move freely and enclose the blade instantly. Never
clamp or tie the guard so that the blade is
exposed. If the saw is accidentally dropped, the 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.
2. Chec
k
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. The guard may operate sluggishly due to
damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a build-up of
debris.
3. Assure that the base plate of the saw will not shift
while performing a “plunge cut” when the blade
bevel setting is not at 90°. Blade shifting sideways
will cause binding and likely kick back.
4. Always observe that the guard is covering the
blade before placing the 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.
Additional safety warnings
1. Use extra caution when cutting damp wood,
pressure treated lumber, or wood containing
knots. Maintain smooth advancement of tool without
decrease in blade speed to avoid overheating the
blade tips and if cutting plastics, to avoid melting the
plastic.
2. Do not attempt to remove cut material when blade
is moving. Wait until blade stops before grasping
cut material. Blades coast after turn off.
3. Avoid cutting nails. Inspect for and remove all
nails from lumber before cutting.
4. Place the wider portion of the saw base on that
part of the workpiece which is solidly supported,
not on the section that will fall off when the cut is
made. If the workpiece is short or small, clamp it
down. DO NOT TRY TO HOLD SHORT PIECES BY
HAND! (Fig. 5)
5. Before setting the tool down after completing a
cut, be sure that the guard has closed and the
blade has come to a complete stop.
6. Never attempt to saw with the circular saw held
upside down in a vise. This is extremely
dangerous and can lead to serious accidents.
(Fig. 6)
7. Some material contains chemicals which may be
toxic. Take caution to prevent dust inhalation and
skin contact. Follow material supplier safety data.
8. Do not stop the blades by lateral pressure on the
saw blade.
9. Do not use any abrasive wheels.
10. Only use the saw blade with the diameter that is
marked on the tool or specified in the manual. Use
of an incorrectly sized blade may affect the proper
