To cross-cut, support the workpiece against the fence and pull the saw blade through the material at right angles to it. (Fig. 57)
When cross-cutting, set the track arm at “0” and tighten the track arm clamp handle. Clamp the fence between the table boards. Make sure that the saw blade is on the left and behind the fence. Place the workpiece on the table and butt it against the fence. Make sure that the saw blade is clear of the fence and the table when the machine is turned "ON". Lower the saw blade until it lightly cuts into the table surface. Position your body a little to the left of the machine for better visibility. Pull the saw blade across the work, just far enough to complete the cut, then return the saw blade to its starting position. Turn the machine off, and wait for the blade to stop before touching the cut-off piece.
Always be conscious of your hand position. Make sure that your hands are clear of the blade and that you are holding the workpiece firmly.
Additionally, you can turn the anti-kickback rod upside down and lock it in place so that the rod just clears the workpiece. The rod can act as a guard from the exposed teeth of the blade.
Always return the cutterhead carriage to the full rear position after each cross-cut operation.
NOTE: When cross-cutting material more than 1" thick, position the fence immediately behind the fixed front table board.
CROSS-CUT STOP
A block of wood (B) Fig. 58 clamped to the track arm will prevent unnecessary travel of the cutting-head on the track arm, especially useful when performing repetitive operations. Clamp the block of wood to the right side of the track arm at a position which will stop the cuttinghead travel as soon as the saw blade cuts through the workpiece.
MITER CUTTING
To reduce the risk of injury, turn unit off and disconnect the machine from the power source before installing and removing accessories, before adjusting or changing set-ups, or when making repairs. An accidental start-up can cause injury.
Use caution when starting the cut to prevent binding of the guard against the workpiece resulting in damage to the saw and possible personal injury.
Before connecting the radial arm saw to the power source or operating the saw, always inspect the guard and splitter for proper operation alignment and clearance with the saw blade. Check the alignment after each change of bevel angle.
Miter cutting is similar to cross-cutting except the workpiece is cut at an angle (up to 45° right or left). Perform the settings and operation in the same manner as cross-cutting except first position the track arm to the desired angle on the miter scale before you clamp it in place. Position your hand that holds the workpiece on the opposite side of the direction of the miter so that the blade is pulled through the workpiece and away from your hand. Fig. 59 shows a typical miter cutting operation on the radial saw.
Fig. 59
