Makita 5704R, Instruction Manual

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Lower guard may operate sluggishly due to
damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a build-up of
debris.
12. Lower guard should 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.
13. 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. Before setting the tool down after
completing a cut, be sure that the lower guard has
closed and the blade has come to a complete
stop.
14. Use the appropriate riving knife for the blade
being used.
For the riving knife to work, it must
be thicker than the body of the blade but thinner
than the tooth set of the blade.
15. Adjust the riving knife as described in this
instruction manual.
Incorrect spacing,
positioning and alignment can make the riving
knife ineffective in preventing kickback.
16. Always use the riving knife except when
plunge cutting.
Riving knife must be replaced
after plunge cutting. Riving knife causes
interference during plunge cutting and can create
kickback.
17. For the riving knife to work, it must be
engaged in the workpiece.
The riving knife is
ineffective in preventing kickback during short
cuts.
18. Do not operate the saw if riving knife is bent.
Even a light interference can slow the closing rate
of a guard.
19. Use extra caution when cutting damp wood,
pressure treated lumber, or wood containing
knots.
Adjust speed of cut to maintain smooth
advancement of tool without decrease in blade
speed.
20. Avoid Cutting Nails. Inspect for and remove all
nails from lumber before cutting.
21. Place the wider portion of the saw base on that
part of the workpiece which is solidly
supported, not on the section that will fall off
when the cut is made. As examples, Fig. 1
illustrates the RIGHT way to cut off the end of
a board, and Fig. 2 the WRONG way. If the
workpiece is short or small, clamp it down. DO
NOT TRY TO HOLD SHORT PIECES BY HAND!
Fig. 1
000147
Fig. 2
000150
22. Never attempt to saw with the circular saw
held upside down in a vise. This is extremely
dangerous and can lead to serious accidents.
000029
23. Some material contains chemicals which may
be toxic. Take caution to prevent dust
inhalation and skin contact. Follow material
supplier safety data.
24. Do not stop the blades by lateral pressure on
the saw blade.
25. Always use blades recommended in this
manual. Do not use any abrasive wheels.
26. Wear a dust mask and hearing protection
when use the tool.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.