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 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.
- 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.
- Do not use dull or damaged blades.
Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce
narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade
binding and kickback.
- 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..
- Use extra caution when sawing into existing
walls or other blind areas. The protruding blade
may cut objects that can cause kickback.
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 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.
Riving knife function
- Use the appropriate saw blade for the riving
knife. For the riving knife to function, the body of
the blade must be thinner than the riving knife and
the cutting width of the blade must be wider than
the thickness of the riving knife.
- Adjust the riving knife as described in this
instruction manual. Incorrect spacing, positioning
and alignment can make the riving knife ineffective
in preventing kickback.
- Always use the riving knife except when
plunge cutting. The riving knife must be replaced
after plunge cutting. The riving knife causes
interference during plunge cutting and can create
kickback.
- For the riving knife to work, it must be engaged
in the workpiece. The riving knife is ineffective in
preventing kickback during short cuts.
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