Bosch CSM180, Operating/Safety Instructions Manual

Page: 4 / 48

4
timum performance and safety of operation.
This product is intended to cut metal prod-
ucts only. Dust build up around the lower
guard and hub from other materials (plas-
tic, masonry or wood) may disable the lower
guard operation.
Hold the saw firmly to prevent loss of con-
trol. Figures in this manual illustrate typical
hand support of the saw.
Depending upon use, the switch may not
last the life of the saw. If the switch should
fail in the “OFF” position, the saw may not
start. If it should fail while the saw is run-
ning, the saw may not shut off. If either oc-
curs, unplug the saw immediately and do not
use until repaired.
This circular saw should not be mounted
to a table and converted to a table saw. Cir-
cular saws are not designed or intended to be
used as table saws.
Kickback and related warnings
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 work-
piece 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 to-
ward 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 workpiece
causing the blade to climb out of the kerf and
jump back toward the operator.
Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or
incorrect operating procedures or conditions
and can be avoided by taking proper precau-
tions as given below:
Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the
saw and position your arms to resist kick-
back 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 con-
trolled by the operator, if proper precautions
are taken.
When blade is binding, or when interrupt-
ing a cut for any reason, release the trigger
and hold the saw motionless in the materi-
al 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 action to elimi-
nate the cause of blade binding.
When restarting a saw in the workpiece,
center the saw blade in the kerf and check
that saw teeth are not engaged into the ma-
terial. If saw blade is binding, it may walk up
or kickback from the workpiece as the saw is
restarted.
Support large panels to minimize the risk
of blade pinching and kickback. Large pan-
els tend to sag under their own weight. Sup-
ports 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. Un-
sharpened 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 making a “Plunge
Cut” into existing walls or other blind ar-
eas. The protruding blade may cut objects
that can cause kickback.
The blade washers and the bolt on your
saw have been designed to work as a
clutch to reduce the intensity of a kickback.
Understand the operation and settings of
the VARI-TORQUE CLUTCH. The proper set-
ting of the clutch, combined with firm handling
of the saw will allow you to control kickback.
Never place your hand behind the saw
blade. Kickback could cause the saw to jump
backwards over your hand.
Do not use the saw with an excessive
depth of cut setting. Too much blade ex-
posure increases the likelihood of the blade
twisting in the kerf and increases the surface
KICKBACK