Skil 3540, Original Instructions Manual

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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 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.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY WARNINGS
GENERAL
• This tool should not be used by people under the age of
16 years
• This tool is not suitable for wet cutting
• Do not work materials containing asbestos
(asbestos is considered carcinogenic)
• Dust from material such as paint containing lead, some
wood species, minerals and metal may be harmful
(contact with or inhalation of the dust may cause allergic
reactions and/or respiratory diseases to the operator or
bystanders); wear a dust mask and work with a dust
extraction device when connectable
• Certain kinds of dust are classified as carcinogenic
(such as oak and beech dust) especially in conjunction
with additives for wood conditioning; wear a dust
mask and work with a dust extraction device when
connectable
• Follow the dust-related national requirements for the
materials you want to work with
• Do not use this saw in combination with a saw table
• Remove battery from tool before making any adjustments
or changing accessories
ACCESSORIES
• SKIL can assure flawless functioning of the tool only
when original accessories are used
• Use only saw blades that correspond with the
characteristic data given in these operation instructions
and that are tested and marked in accordance with EN
847-1, if intended for wood and wood-like materials.
• Use only accessories with an allowable speed matching
at least the highest no-load speed of the tool
• Use only saw blades/cut-off wheels with a minimum
diameter of 115 mm, a maximum diameter of
120 mm and a spindle hole of 9.5 mm
• Never use grinding discs with this tool
• Handle and store accessories with care
• Identify the correct saw blade to be used for the material
to be cut.
BEFORE USE
• Avoid damage that can be caused by screws, nails and
other elements in your workpiece; remove them before
you start working
• Remove all obstacles on top of as well as underneath the
cutting path before you start cutting
• Secure the workpiece (a workpiece clamped with
clamping devices or in a vice is held more securely than
by hand)
• Use suitable detectors to find hidden utility lines
or call the local utility company for assistance or
call the local utility company for assistance(contact
with electric lines can lead to fire or electrical shock;
damaging a gas line can result in an explosion;
penetrating a water pipe will cause property damage or
an electrical shock)
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 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, center 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.
d) Support large panels to minimize 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 the cut. If blade
adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and
kickback.
g) Use extra caution when sawing into existing walls or
other blind areas. The protruding blade may cut objects
that can cause kickback.
Lower guard function
a) Check the lower guard for proper closing before
each use. Do not operate the saw if the lower guard
does not move freely and close instantly. Never
clamp or tie the lower guard into the open position.
If the saw is accidentally dropped, the 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) The lower guard may be retracted manually only for
special cuts such as “plunge cuts” and “compound
cuts”. Raise the lower guard by the retracting
handle and as soon as the blade enters the material,