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OPERATION
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 workpiece
toward the operator.
When the blade is pinched or bound tightly by the kerf, or cutting slot,
closing down, the blade stalls and the motor reaction drives the unit rap-
idly 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 operator.
KICKBACK is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect operating proce-
dures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as
given below:
1.
Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw and position
your body and arm to allow you to resist KICKBACK forces.
KICK-
BACK forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions
are taken.
2.
When blade is binding, or when interrupting a cut for any rea-
son, release the trigger and hold the saw motionless in the ma-
terial 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.
3.
When restarting a saw in the workpiece, center the saw blade in
the kerf, or cut, 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.
4.
Support large panels to minimize the risk of blade pinching and
KICKBACK.
Large panels 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.
5.
Do not use dull or damaged blades.
Unsharpened or improperly
set blades produce narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade bind-
ing and KICKBACK.
General Operation (Fig. 9 & 10)
Always clamp the workpiece securely on a saw horse or bench
(Fig. 9). See “APPLICATIONS” for the correct way to support your work in
different situations.
WARNING!
To reduce the risk of injury, wear safety goggles or
glasses with side shields.
Fig. 9
6.
Blade depth lever must be tight and secure before making cut.
If
blade adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and KICK-
BACK.
7.
Use extra caution when making a “Pocket Cut” into existing walls
or other blind areas.
The protruding blade may cut objects that can
cause KICKBACK.
8.
Set the depth of cut for no more than 1/8" to 1/4" greater than
the thickness of the stock.
The less blade exposed, the less chance
of binding and KICKBACK. Before cutting, be sure depth and bevel
adjustments are tight.
9.
Be cautious of pitchy, knotty, wet or warped stock.
These are
most likely to create pinching conditions and possible KICKBACK.
Do not rip warped lumber. Avoid cutting nails.
10.
Stay alert.
Any distraction can cause twisting or binding. Repetitive
cuts may lull the user into careless movements.
To reduce the risk of injury, use only
specifically recommended accessories. Others
may be hazardous.
WARNING!
