2
– 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 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 with both hands 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, centre the saw blade in the kerf 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.
d. Support large panels to minimise 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 cut.
If blade
adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and kickback.
g. Use extra caution when making a “plunge cut” into existing walls or other blind areas.
The protruding
blade may cut objects that can cause kickback.
•
Check lower guard for proper closing before each use. Do not operate 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, 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, at all angles and depth of cut.
•
Check the operation and condition 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 buildup of debris.
•
Lower guard should be retracted manually only for special cuts such as “pocket cuts” and “compound
cuts.” Raise lower guard by retracting handle. As soon as blade enters the material, lower guard must be
released.
For all other sawing, the lower guard should be allowed to 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.
•
Avoid cutting nails.
Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber before cutting.
•
Do not operate this tool for long periods of time.
Vibration caused by the operating action of this tool may
cause permanent injury to fingers, hands, and arms. Use gloves to provide extra cushion, take frequent rest
periods, and limit daily time of use.
WARNING:
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities
contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these
chemicals are:
• lead from lead-based paints,
• crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
• arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber (CCA).
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure
to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust
masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
•
Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction
activities. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas with soap and water.
Allowing dust to get into
your mouth, eyes, or lay on the skin may promote absorption of harmful chemicals.
WARNING:
Use of this tool can generate and/or disburse dust, which may cause serious and permanent
respiratory or other injury. Always use NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory protection appropriate for the dust
exposure. Direct particles away from face and body.
WARNING: ALWAYS USE SAFETY GLASSES.
Everyday eyeglasses are NOT safety glasses. Also use face or
dust mask if cutting operation is dusty. ALWAYS WEAR CERTIFIED SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
• ANSI Z87.1 eye protection (CAN/CSA Z94.3),
• ANSI S12.6 (S3.19) hearing protection,
• NIOSH/OSHA/MSHA respiratory protection.
CAUTION:
When cutting into walls, floors or wherever live electrical wires may be encountered, DO NOT TOUCH
ANY METAL PARTS OF THE TOOL! Hold the tool only by insulated grasping surfaces to prevent electric shock if you
cut into a live wire.
• The label on your tool may include the following symbols. The symbols and their definitions are as follows:
V .................... volts
A ..........................amperes
Hz .................. hertz
W .........................watts
min ................ minutes
......................alternating current
............. direct current
no .........................no load speed
................. Class I Construction
........................earthing terminal
......................
(grounded)
.......................safety alert symbol
.................. Class II Construction
…/min ..................revolutions per minute
......................
(double insulated)
BPM .....................beats per minute
• When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor extension cord marked “W-A” or “W.” These cords are
rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock. When using an extension cord, be sure to use one
heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage
resulting in loss of power and overheating. The following table shows the correct size to use depending on
cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gage. The smaller the gage number,
the heavier the cord.
MINIMUM GAGE FOR CORD SETS
For Cable length (m):
7.5
15
25
30
45
60
Use Cable with minimum rating (Amperes)
Tool Amperes
0 - 3.4
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
3.5 - 5.0
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
10
15
5.1 - 7.0
10
10
10
10
15
15
7.1 - 12.0
15
15
15
15
20
20
12.1 - 20.0
20
20
20
20
25
–
FEATURES
B
C
A
D
E
F
A. End cap
D. Shoe
B. Trigger switch
E. Blade clamping screw
C. Bevel angle adjustment
F. Lower blade guard
Motor
Your D
E
WALT tool is powered by a D
E
WALT motor. Be sure your
power supply agrees with name plate marking. As little as 10% lower
voltage can cause loss of power and can result in overheating. All
D
E
WALT tools are factory-tested; if this tool does not operate, check
the power supply.
Changing Blades
CAUTION:
ALWAYS TURN OFF AND DISCONNECT TOOL BEFORE
CHANGING ACCESSORIES OR MAKING ANY ADJUSTMENTS.
