33
Preparing for Saw Operations
Workpiece can be held against table and fence
by hand only outside of the “No Hands Zone” –
in figure 30.
Always ensure that there
is adequate fence and
base support in the area where material is
held by hand.
If the workpiece must be held
within the “No Hands Zone” then use clamp to
securely hold the workpiece against the table
and fence. Ensure that the clamp does not
interfere with cutting operation – perform a dry
run.
•
Hold workpiece firmly to the fence to prevent
movement.
•
Keep hands in position until trigger has been
released and blade has stopped completely.
•
Keep feet firmly on the floor and maintain
proper balance.
•
Follow the miter arm when mitering left or
right. Stand slightly to the side of the saw
blade.
•
Sight through the lower guard if following a
pencil line.
•
Before making any cut, with the power off,
lower the blade to preview the blade path -
dry run.
Be aware of the path of
the saw blade. Make a
dry run with the saw OFF by conducting a
simulated cutting cycle, and observe the
projected path of the saw blade. Keep hands
at least six (6) inches away from the
projected path of the saw blade.
DRY RUN —
It is important to know where the
blade will intersect with the workpiece during
cutting
operations.
Always
perform
the
simulated cutting sequence with the power
tool switched OFF to gain an understanding of
the projected path of the saw blade. Mentally
note where the path of saw blade will fall and
set up your work to keep your hands and arms
at least six (6) inches away from the projected
path of the spinning blade. Adjust your clamps
and fences so that the smooth lower guard and
cutting action is not interfered with during
cutting operation.
•
Hold workpiece firmly against table and
fence to prevent movement.
•
Keep hands in position until trigger has
been released and blade has completely
stopped.
•
Never
place
hands
on
mechanism
components.
•
Keep feet firmly on the floor and maintain
proper balance.
•
Follow the miter arm when mitering left or
right. Stand slightly to the side of the saw
blade.
The lower guard may not
automatically open under
certain cutting conditions; for example, when
trying to cut workpieces that are near the
maximum cutting height capacity. Under
these conditions or during the blade travel
motion of cut, the workpiece can stop the
lower guard movement before the downward
motion of the arm could pre-open the lower
guard.
If this occurs:
Workpiece must be securely clamped. This
frees a hand to raise the guard by the lip just
enough to clear the workpiece (see Figure 31).
Start the saw and begin your cut.
Once you have cleared the position where the
lower guard may bind, release the guard and it
will continue to operate automatically as you
cut.
Figure 31. Raising Lower Guard
Workpiece
Lower
Guard
Lip
Clamp
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