Lower guard function
Check the lower guard for proper closing
before each use. Do not operate the saw
if the lower guard does not move freely
and close instantly. Never clamp or tie the
lower guard into the open position. If the
saw is accidentally dropped, the 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.
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
Use clamps or other practical way to
secure and support the workpiece to a
stable platform. Holding the work by hand or
against your body is unstable and may lead to
loss of control.
Inspect the condition and quality of the
wood and remove all nails from lumber
before cutting. Wet lumber, green lumber
or pressure treated lumber require special
attention during cutting operation to prevent
kickback.
Hold the saw firmly to prevent loss of
control. Figures in this manual illustrate
typical hand support of the saw.
This circular saw should not be mounted
to a table and converted to a table saw.
Circular saws are not designed or intended to
be used as table saws.
The blade washers and the bolt on
your saw have been designed to work
as a clutch to reduce the intensity of a
kickback. Understand the operation and
settings of the VARI-TORQUE CLUTCH.
The proper setting of the clutch, combined
with firm handling of the saw will allow you to
control kickback.
Never place your hand behind the saw
blade. Kickback could cause the saw to jump
backwards over your hand.
6
Additional Safety Warnings
deposits, or a build-up of debris.
The lower guard may be retracted manually
only for special cuts such as "plunge
cuts" and "compound cuts". Raise the
lower guard by the retracting handle and
as soon as the blade enters the material,
the lower guard must be released. For all
other sawing, the lower guard should operate
automatically.
Always observe that the lower 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.
Do not use the saw with an excessive
depth of cut setting. Too much blade
exposure increases the likelihood of the blade
twisting in the kerf and increases the surface
area of the blade available for pinching that
leads to kickback.
Do not run the tool while carrying it at
your side. Lower guard may be opened
by a contact with your clothing. Accidental
contact with the spinning saw blade could
result in serious personal injury.
Periodically remove the blade, clean the
upper, lower guards and the hub area
with kerosene and wipe it dry, or blow it
clean with compressed air. Preventive
maintenance and properly operating guard
will reduce the probability of an accident.
Kickback
Vari-torque
Clutch