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.
When restarting a saw in the workpiece, center the saw blade in the kerf and check
that saw teeth are not engaged into the material. If the saw blades are binding, it
may walk up or kickback from the workpiece as the saw is restarted.
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.
Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce
narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade binding and kickback. 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 making a “plunge cut" into existing walls or other blind
areas. The protruding blade may cut objects that can cause kickback.
ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
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 damaged. 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 depths of
cuts.
Check the operation of the lower guard spring. If the guard and the spring are not
operating properly, they must be serviced before use. The lower guard may operate
sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a build-up of debris.
The lower guard should be retracted manually only for special cuts such as “plunge
cuts" and "compound cuts". Raise lower guard by retracting handle and as soon as
the 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 the switch is released.
Never operate the saw while it is being carried to another location. The blade guard
may be open and potentially cause serious injury.
If the switch fails to turn the saw ON or OFF properly, stop using it immediately and
have the saw switch repaired.
