Kickback causes and related warnings

−Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound or misaligned blade, causing an uncontrolled tool to lift up and out of the workpiece toward the operator.

−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 workpiece causing the blade to climb out of the kerf and jump back toward

the operator.

Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below.

9.Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the tool 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 tool to jump backwards, but kickback forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions are taken.

10.When blade is binding, or when interrupting a cut for any reason, release the trigger and hold the tool motionless in the material until the blade comes to a complete stop. Never attempt to remove the tool from the work or pull the tool backward while the blade is in motion or KICKBACK may occur. Investigate and take corrective actions to eliminate the cause of blade binding.

11.When restarting a tool in the workpiece, center the blade in the kerf and check that blade teeth are not engaged into the material. If blade is binding, it may walk up or kickback from the workpiece as the tool is restarted.

12.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.

13.Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade binding and kickback.

14.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.

15.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. For plunge cuts, retract lower guard using retracting handle.

Lower guard function

16.Intended use

This tool is intended to cut mild steel only.

17.Check lower guard for proper closing before each use. Do not operate the tool if lower guard does not move freely and close instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard into the open position. If tool is accidentally dropped, lower guard may be bent. Raise the lower guard with the retracting lever and make sure it moves freely and does not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and depths of cut.

18.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.

19.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 blade enters the material, the lower guard must be released. For all other sawing, the lower guard should operate automatically.

20.Always observe that the lower guard is covering the blade before placing tool down on bench or floor. An unprotected, coasting blade will cause the tool 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.

21.To check lower guard, open lower guard by hand, then release and watch guard closure. Also check to see that retracting handle does

not touch tool housing. Leaving blade exposed is VERY DANGEROUS and can lead to serious personal injury.

Additional safety warnings

22.Do not stop the blades by lateral pressure on the blade.

23.DANGER:

Do not attempt to remove cut material when blade is moving.

CAUTION: Blades coast after turn off.

24.Place the wider portion of the tool base on that part of the workpiece which is solidly supported, not on the section that will fall off when the cut is made.

25.Never attempt to make a cut with the tool held upside down in a vise. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious accidents.

26.Wear safety goggles and hearing protection during operation.

27.Do not use any abrasive wheels.