17
Power Indicator Light (Models 5180 & 5185 onl
y)
When you plug your tool into the power source, the power indicator light will go “ON” indicating
the tool is receiving power (Fig. 1).
Safety Switch
The safety switch is designed to prevent accidental starts. To operate safety switch, press
the release button with your thumb on either side of handle to disengage the lock, then pull
the trigger (Fig. 1). When the trigger is released the button will engage the safety switch
automatically, and the trigger will no longer operate. (See SWITCH and GENERAL CUTS.)
Switch
WARNING
When starting the tool, hold it with both hands . The torque from the
motor can cause the tool to twist.
To turn tool on, press the safety switch release button with your thumb on either side of handle
to disengage the lock, then pull the trigger (Fig. 1). To turn the tool off, release the trigger
switch, which is spring loaded and will return to the off position automatically.
Your saw should be running at full speed BEFORE starting the cut, and turned off only AFTER
completing the cut. To increase switch life, do not turn switch on and off while cutting.
General Cuts
Always hold the saw handle with one hand and the auxiliary handle or housing with the other.
WARNING
Always be sure either hand does not interfere with the free movement
of the lower guard .
Maintain a firm grip and operate the switch with a decisive action. Never force the saw. Use
light and continuous pressure.
WARNING
After completing a cut and the trigger has been released, be aware of
the necessary time it takes for the blade to come to a complete stop
during coast down . Do not allow the saw to brush against your leg or side, since the
lower guard is retractable, it could catch on your clothing and expose the blade . Be
aware of the necessary blade exposures that exist in both the upper and lower guard
areas .
When cutting is interrupted, to resume cutting: squeeze the trigger and allow the blade to
reach full speed, re-enter the cut slowly and resume cutting.
When cutting across the grain, the fibers of the wood have a tendency to tear and
lift.
Ad-
vancing the saw slowly minimizes this effect. For a finished cut, a cross cut blade or miter
blade is recommended.
Cutting Masonry/Metal
This tool is not designed for use with metal or masonry cut-off wheels.
WARNING
Do not use abrasive wheels with circular saws . Abrasive dust may
cause lower guard to fail .
