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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.
Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers must be tight and secure before making
cut . If blade adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and kickback.
Use extra caution when sawing into existing walls or other blind areas . The protruding
blade may cut objects that can cause kickback.
The blade washers and the bolt on your saw have been designed to work as a clutch to
reduce the intensity of a kickback . Understand the operation and settings of the VARI-
TORQUE CLUTCH . The proper setting of the clutch, combined with firm handling of the saw
will allow you to control kickback.
Never place your hand behind the saw blade . Kickback could cause the saw to jump
backwards over your hand.
Do not use the saw with an excessive depth of cut setting . Too much blade exposure
increases the likelihood of the blade twisting in the kerf and increases the surface area of the
blade available for pinching that leads to kickback.
Lower guard function
Check lower guard for proper closing before each use . Do not operate the saw if lower
guard does not move freely and close instantly . Never clamp or tie the lower guard into
the open position . If saw is accidentally dropped, lower guard may be bent. Raise the lower
guard with the lower guard lift lever and make sure it moves freely and does not touch the
blade or any other part, in all angles and depths of cut.
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.
Lower guard should be retracted manually only for special cuts such as “Plunge Cuts”
and “Compound Cuts” . Raise lower guard by Lower Guard Lift lever and as soon as blade
enters the material, the lower guard must be released. For all other sawing, the lower guard
should operate automatically.
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.
Do not run the tool while carrying it at your side . Lower guard may be opened by a
contact with your clothing . Accidental contact with the spinning saw blade could result in
serious personal injury.
Periodically remove the blade, clean the upper, lower guards and the hub area with
kerosene and wipe it dry, or blow it clean with compressed air . Preventive maintenance
and properly operating guard will reduce the probability of an accident.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY WARNINGS
GFCI and personal protection devices like electrician’s rubber gloves and footwear will further
enhance your personal safety.
Do not use AC only rated tools with a DC power supply . While the tool may appear to
work, the electrical components of the AC rated tool are likely to fail and create a hazard to the
operator.
Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease . Slippery hands cannot safely control
the power tool.
