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2. IMPROPER DEPTH OF CUT SETTING ON SAW
Using the saw with an excessive depth of cut setting increases
loading on the unit and susceptibility to twisting of the blade in the
kerf. It also increases the surface area of the blade available for
pinching under conditions of kerf close down.
3. BLADE TWISTING (MISALIGNMENT IN CUT)
A. Pushing harder to cut through a knot, a nail, or a hard grain
area can cause the blade to twist.
B. Trying to turn the saw in the cut (trying to get back on the
marked line) can cause blade twist
C. Extended reach or operating saw with poor body control (out
of balance), can result in twisting the blade.
D. Changing hand grip or body position while cutting can result
in blade twist.
E. Backing unit up to clear blade can lead to twist if not done
carefully.
4. MATERIALS THAT REQUIRE EXTRA ATTENTION
A. Wet lumber
B. Green lumber (material freshly cut or not kiln dried)
C. 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 BEVEL CUTS
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 start-
ing 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, twist-
ing, or misalignment of the blade could cause kickback. Refer to
the sections on “Adjustments And Set-Up” and “Operation” for pro-
cedures and techniques that will minimize the occurrence of kick-
back.
Blades
A dull blade will cause slow, inefficient cutting, overload on the saw
motor, excessive splintering and increase the possibility of kick-
back. It is a good practice to keep extra blades on hand so that
sharp blades are available while the dull ones are being sharpened
(See SAWS-SHARPENING in the yellow pages). In fact, many
lower priced blades can be replaced with new ones at very little
cost over the sharpening price.
Hardened gum on the blade will slow down the cutting. This gum
can best be removed with trichlorethylene, kerosene, turpentine or
oven cleaner.
DeWalt manufactures a complete line of 7-1/4" diameter saw
blades and the following types of blades are available from your
service center.
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