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Kickback causes and related warnings
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kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched,
jammed or misaligned saw blade, causing
anuncontrolled saw to lift up and out of the
workpiece toward the operator;
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When the blade is pinched or jammed tightly by
the kerf closing down, the blade stalls and the
motor reaction drives the unit rapidly back toward
the operator;
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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.
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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.
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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.
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When restarting a saw in the workpiece, centre
the saw blade in the kerf so that the saw teeth
are not engaged into the material. If a saw blade
binds, it may walk up or kickback from the
workpiece as the saw is restarted.
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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.
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Do not use dull or damaged blades.
Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce
narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade
binding and kickback.
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Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers
must be tight and secure before making the
cut. If blade adjustment shifts while cutting, it may
cause binding and kickback..
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Use extra caution when sawing into existing
walls or other blind areas. The protruding blade
may cut objects that can cause kickback.
Guard function
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Check the guard for proper closing before each
use. Do not operate the saw if the guard does
not move freely and enclose the blade
instantly. Never clamp or tie the guard so that
the blade is exposed. If the saw is accidentally
dropped, the guard may be bent. Check to make
sure that the guard moves freely and does not
touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and
depths of cut.
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Check the operation and condition of the guard
return spring. If the guard and the spring are
not operating properly, they must be serviced
before use. The guard may operate sluggishly due
to damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a build-up
of debris.
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Assure that the base plate of the saw will not
shift while performing a “plunge cut”. Blade
shifting sideways will cause binding and likely kick
back.
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Always observe that the lower guard is
covering the blade before placing the 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.
Instructions on service and maintenance:
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Regularly cleaning the machine, especially the
adjusting devices and guides, constitutes an
important safety factor.
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Only original MAFELL spare parts and accessories
may be used. Otherwise the manufacturer will not
