9.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 saw misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below:
a.Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw 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 saw to jump backwards, but kickback forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions are taken.
b.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 actions to eliminate the cause of blade binding.
c.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 saw blade is binding, it may walk up or kickback from the workpiece as the saw is restarted.
d.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.
e.Do not use dull or damaged blades.
Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade binding and kickback.
f.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.
g.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.
10.Check lower guard for proper closing before each use. Do not operate the 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 with the retracting handle and make sure it moves freely and does not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and depths of cut.
11.Check the operation 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
12.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.
13.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 switch is released.
14.DO NOT USE THIS SAW WITH THE SAW HELD UPSIDE DOWN IN A VISE. The saw is not designed for such use and cannot be used safely in that position.
15.Use for metal cutting only. Do not use to cut logs, tree limbs, or lumber.
16.Do not use blades made from
17.Place the larger portion of the saw base on the larger, supported part of the workpiece. This will help maintain balance and control while the cut is completed.
18.Blades must be rated to at least the maximum speed marked on the tool.
19.Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool. These carry important safety information. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
20.Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare to begin work before turning on the tool.
21.Do not lay the tool down until it has come to a complete stop. Moving parts can grab the surface and pull the tool out of your control.
22.When using a handheld power tool, maintain a firm grip on the tool with both hands to resist starting torque.
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