6
g) Always use blades with correct size and shape
(diamond vs. round) arbour holes. Blades that do not
match the mounting hardware of the saw will run eccentrically,
causing loss of control.
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) 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
with the blade 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.
j) Check the operation and condition of the guard return
spring. If the guard and the spring are not operation
properly, they must be serviced before use. Guard may
operate sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy deposits, or
a build-up of debris.
k) Assure that the guide 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.
l) Always observe that the guard is covering the blade
before placing saw down on bench or fl oor . 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.
Causes and Operator Prevention of Kickback:
- 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 operator.
Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect operating
procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper
precautions as given below:
a) Maintain a fi rm grip with both hands on the saw
and position your body and arm to allow you to resist
kickback forces. Position your body to either side of the
saw blade, but not in line with the saw 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 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, center
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 kickback from the workpiece as the saw is
restarted.