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 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, cen-
tre the saw blade in the kerf and check that
saw teeth are not engaged into the material.
If saw blade is binding, it may walk up or kick-
back 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 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 lower guard for proper closing
before each use. Do not operate the saw if
lower guard does not move freely and close
instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard
into the open position. If saw is accidentally
dropped, 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 angle cuts". Raise the lower guard by
retracting the handle and as soon as the
blade enters the material, release the lower
guard. For all other sawing operations, the
lower guard should operate automatically.
• 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 SAFETY WARNINGS
• Do not reach into the chip ejector with your
hands. They could be injured by rotating parts.
• Do not work overhead with the saw. In this
manner you do not have sufficient control over
the power tool.
• Use appropriate detectors to determine if
utility lines are hidden in the work area or
call the local utility company for assistance.
Contact with electric lines can lead to fire and
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