SM 1619X03982
Kickback and related warnings
Causes and operator prevention of
kickback:
Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound or misaligned saw blade, causing an uncontrolled saw 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 wood 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:
Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw and position your body and arm to allow you 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.
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 action to eliminate the cause of blade binding.
When restarting a saw in a workpiece, center 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.
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.
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.
The blade washers and the bolt on your saw have been designed to work as a clutch to reduce the intensity of a kickback. Understand the operation and settings of the
Never place your hand behind the saw blade. Kickback could cause the saw to jump backwards over your hand.
Do not use the saw with an excessive depth of cut setting. Too much blade exposure increases the likelihood of the blade twisting in the kerf and increases the surface area of the blade available for pinching that leads to kickback.
Lower guard function
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, lower guard may be bent. Raise the lower guard only with the Lower Guard Lift Lever and make sure it moves freely and does not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and depths of cut.
Check the operation of the lower guard spring. If the guard and the spring are not operating properly, they must be serviced