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.
b) 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.
c) Lower guard should be retracted manually 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.
d) 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.
Additional Specifi c Safety Instructions for
Circular Saws
WARNING: Do not use abrasive wheels or blades.
WARNING: Do not use water feed attachments.
Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support
•
the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand
or against your body leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of
control.
• Keep your body positioned to either side of the blade, but
not in line with the saw blade. Kickback could cause the saw
to jump backwards (Refer to Causes and Operator Prevention
of Kickback and KICKBACK).
• Avoid cutting nails. Inspect for and remove all nails from
lumber before cutting.
• Accessories must be rated for at least the speed
recommended on the tool warning label. Wheels and other
accessories running over rated speed can fly apart and cause
injury. Accessory ratings must always be above tool speed as
shown on tool nameplate.
• Always make sure the saw is clean before using.
• Stop using this saw and have it properly serviced if any unusual
noise or abnormal operation occcurs.
• Always be sure all components are mounted properly and securely
before using tool.
• Always handle the saw blade with care when mounting or
removing it.
• Always wait until the motor has reached full speed before starting
a cut.
• Always keep handles dry, clean and free of oil and grease. Hold the
tool firmly with both hands when in use.
• Always be alert at all times, especially during repetitive, monotonous
operations. Always be sure of position of your hands relative to the
blade.
• Stay clear of end pieces that may fall after cutting off. They may be
hot, sharp and/or heavy. Serious personal injury may result.
• Replace or repair damaged cords. Make sure your extension cord
is in good condition. Use only 3-wire extension cords that have
3-prong grounding-type plugs and 3-pole receptacles that accept
the tool's plug.
• Air vents often cover moving parts and should be avoided.
Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• An extension cord must have adequate wire size for safety.
An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss
of power and overheating. When using more than one extension
to make up the total length, be sure each individual extension
38