EN
h) Never use damaged or incorrect blade washers or bolts. The blade washers and bolt were
specially designed for your saw, for optimum performance and safety of operation.
i) Even when this tool is used as prescribed it is not possible to eliminate all residual risk factors. If
you are in any doubt as to the safe use of this tool, do not use it.
Further safety instructions for all
saws
Kickback Causes and Related Warnings:
- 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 precautions as follows:
a) Maintain a firm grip 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.
b) When the 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.
c) When restarting a saw in the workpiece, centre the saw blade in the kerf and check that
the 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.
d) 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
e) Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce narrow
kerf causing excessive friction, blade binding and kickback.
f) Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers must be tight and secure before making a
cut. If blade adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and kickback.
g) 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
a) Check the lower guard before each use and do not use if it does not close freely, ensuring that
the blade does not touch any part of the guard or tool in all angles and depths of cut. Never
clamp or tie the lower guard in the open position.
b) Check the operation of the lower guard spring. If the guard and the spring are not operating
correctly, they must be serviced before use. The lower guard may operate sluggishly due to
damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a build-up of debris.
c) The lower guard should 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.
d) Ensure that the lower guard is covering the blade before placing the saw down. An unprotected,
coasting blade will cause the saw to 'propel backwards' , cutting whatever is in its path. Be aware
of the time it takes for the blade to stop after the switch is released. Do not use abrasive wheels,
doing so will void the warranty.
Guard function
a) 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 so that the blade is 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.
b) 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.
c) Assure that the base 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.
d) 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.
10
Additional Circular Saw Safety
• Do not allow anyone under the age of 18 years to operate this saw
• When operating the saw, use safety equipment including safety goggles or shield, ear protection,
dust mask and protective clothing including safety gloves
• Hand-held power tools may produce vibration. Vibration can cause disease. Gloves may help
to maintain good blood circulation in the fingers. Hand-held tools should not be used for long
periods without a break
• Whenever possible, use a vacuum dust extraction system to control dust/waste
• Do not attempt to cut material thicker than detailed in the Specifications section of this manual
• Adjust the cutting depth to the thickness of the workpiece i.e. less than a full tooth of the blade
should be visible below the workpiece
• Ensure that work is correctly supported. Large panels may sag under their own weight and bind
the saw blade. Supports must be placed under the panel on both sides, close to the line of cut
and near the edge of the panel
• Ensure all supports and power cables are completely clear of the cutting path
• Always secure the workpiece to a stable platform, ensuring body exposure is minimised,
avoiding blade binding, or loss of control
• Always stand at an angle to the tool when operating
• Be aware that the blade will project from the underside of the workpiece
• Do not reach beneath the workpiece where the guard cannot protect you from the blade
• Note the direction of rotation of the motor and the blade
• Inspect the workpiece and remove all nails and other embedded objects prior to starting work
• Do not attempt to cut material that contains embedded objects unless you know that the cutting
tool fitted to your machine is suitable for the job
• Do not apply any sideways or twisting force to the blade whilst cutting
• If a cut does not extend to the edge of the workpiece, or if the blade binds in the cut, allow the
blade to come to a complete stop and lift the saw out of the workpiece
• Do not attempt to free a jammed blade before first disconnecting the machine from power
• Do not move the saw backwards at any time whilst cutting
• Beware of projected waste. In some situations, waste material may be projected at speed from
the cutting tool. It is the user's responsibility to ensure that other people in the work area are
protected from the possibility of projected waste
• If you are interrupted when operating the saw, complete the process and switch off before
diverting your attention
• Periodically check that all nuts, bolts and other fixings have not loosened, tighten where
necessary
Avoid blade overheating
• Always check the condition of the blade prior to any cutting operations. Ensure the blade is
sharp and is the correct type of blade for the material. If the blade is blunt, replace or have
professionally sharpened (if applicable)
• During cutting operations, run the tool without load for 15-20 second intervals to ensure the
air cools the blade
• Take extra care when cutting hardwood. Harder materials generate more resistance and more
heat on the blade and motor, so ensure more frequent air cooling intervals are applied
Fitting cutting tools
• Ensure cutting tools are correctly and securely fitted and check that wrenches / adjusters are
removed prior to use
• Only use cutting tools recommended for your machine
• Do not attempt to modify cutting tools
• Ensure blades are sharp, in good condition and correctly fitted
• Do not attempt to sharpen blades that are not suitable for sharpening, these may include
specially hardened blades or blades made from hardened alloys typically containing tungsten
• Blades that can be sharpened should be sharpened only according to the blade manufacturer's
instructions. These may include a limited number of times the blade can be sharpened
• Sharpened blades should be more thoroughly inspected before use and replaced immediately if
there is any doubt about their condition and suitability for use
• In the event blades encounter an embedded object in use that the blades are not suitable for,
blades should be replaced immediately
• Cutting tools and workpieces may become hot in use. Do not attempt to change tools until they
have been allowed to cool completely
Control of dust and swarf
• Do not allow dust or swarf to build up. Sawdust is a fire hazard, and some metal swarf is
explosive
• Be especially careful when cutting wood and metal. Sparks from metal cutting are a common
cause of wood dust fires
• Where possible, use a dust extraction system to ensure a safer working environment