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6
Causes & 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 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.
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)
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, 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)
Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened or
improperly set blades produce narrow kerf causing excessive
friction, blade binding and kickback.
f)
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.
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.
a)
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.
b)
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.
c)
Lower guard may be retracted manually only for special
cuts such as “plunge cuts” and “compound cuts.” Raise
lower guard by retracting handle and as soon as blade enters
the material, the lower guard must be released. For all other
sawing, the lower guard should operate automatically.
d)
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.
Caution!
Always unplug saw before changing blades, servicing,
cleaning or adjusting the saw.
FURTHER SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL SAWS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAWS