i) Do not use High Speed
Steel (HSS) saw blades.
j) Inspect the machine and the blade
before each use. Do not use deformed,
cracked, worn or otherwise damaged blades.
k) Never use the saw without the original
guard protection system. Do not lock
the moving guard in the open position.
Ensure that the guard operates freely
without jamming.
l) Only use blades that comply with the
characteristics specified in this manual.
Before using accessories, always compare
the maximum allowed RPM of the
accessory with the RPM of the machine.
(3.2) 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:
1. 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;
2. 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 workpiece causing the blade
to climb out of the kerf and jump back
towards the operator.
(3.3) 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.
a) 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.
b) If the blades are binding, or when
interrupting a cut for any reason, release
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the trigger and hold the saw motionless
in the material until the blades come to a
complete stop. Never attempt to remove the
saw from the work or pull the saw backward
while the blades are 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 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) Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking
levers must be tight and secure before
making a cut. If the blade adjustment
shifts while cutting it may cause binding
and kickback.
f) Do not use dull or damaged blades.
Unsharpened or improperly set blades
produce a narrow kerf causing excessive
friction, blade binding and kickback.
g) Use extra caution when making a "plunge
cut" into existing walls or other blind areas.
The protruding blade may cut objects that
can cause kickback.
h) 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.
i) 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.
j) Lower guard may be retracted manually
only for special cuts such as "plunge cuts"
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