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OPER
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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 more likely to occur when any of the following conditions exists.
1. IMPROPER WORKPIECE SUPPORT
• Sagging or improper lifting of the cut off piece can cause
pinching of the blade and lead to kickback.
• Cutting through material supported at the outer ends
only can cause kickback. As the material weakens it sags,
closing down the kerf and pinching the blade.
• Cutting off a cantilevered or overhanging piece of material
from the bottom up in a vertical direction can cause
kickback. The falling cut off piece can pinch the blade.
• Cutting off long narrow strips (as in ripping) can cause kickback. The cut off strip
can sag or twist closing the kerf and pinching the blade.
• Snagging the lower guard on a surface below the material being cut momentarily
reduces operator control. The saw can lift partially out of the cut increasing the
chance of blade twist.
2. IMPROPER DEPTH OF CUT SETTING ON SAW
To make the most efficient cut, the blade should protrude only far enough to expose
one-half of a tooth. This allows the shoe to support the blade and minimizes twisting
and pinching in the material.
3. BLADE TWISTING (MISALIGNMENT IN CUT)
• Pushing harder to cut through a knot, a nail, or a hard grain area can cause the
blade to twist.
• Trying to turn the saw in the cut (trying to get back on the marked line) can cause
blade twist.
• Overreaching or operating the saw with poor body control (out of balance), can
result in twisting the blade.
• Changing hand grip or body position while cutting can result in blade twist.
• Backing up the saw to clear blade can lead to twist.
OPER
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TRUCTIONS
4. MATERIALS THAT REQUIRE EXTRA ATTENTION
• Wet lumber.
• Green lumber (material freshly cut or not kiln dried).
• Pressure-treated lumber (material treated with preservatives or anti-rot chemicals).
5. USE OF DULL OR DIRTY BLADES
Dull blades cause increased loading of the saw. To compensate, an operator will usually
push harder which further loads the unit and promotes twisting of the blade in the kerf.
Worn blades may also have insufficient body clearance which increases the chance of
binding and increased loading.
6. LIFTING THE SAW WHEN MAKING A BEVEL CUT
Bevel cuts require special operator attention to proper cutting techniques—especially
guidance of the saw. Both blade angle to the shoe and greater blade surface in the
material increase the chance for binding and misalignment (twist) to occur.
7. RESTARTING A CUT WITH THE BLADE TEETH JAMMED AGAINST THE
MATERIAL
The saw should be brought up to full operating speed before starting a cut or restarting
a cut after the unit has been stopped with the blade in the kerf. Failure to do so can
cause stalling and kickback.
Any other conditions which could result in pinching, binding, twisting, or misalignment
of the blade could cause kickback. Refer to the sections Further Safety Instructions for
All Saws and Blades for procedures and techniques that will minimize the occurrence of
kickback.
WARNING!
Never tie the lower blade guard in a raised position. Never
move the saw backwards when pocket cutting.
model no. 054-8355-0 | contact us 1-888-670-6682
Summary of Contents for 054-8355-0
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