SM 1619X03173
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
VARI-TORQUE
CLUTCH
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 before use. Lower guard may operate sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a buildup of debris.
Lower guard should be retracted manually only for special cuts such as “Plunge Cuts” and “Compound Cuts”. Raise lower guard by lower guard Lift lever and as soon as blade enters the material, 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 switch is released.
Do not run the tool while carrying it at your side. Lower guard may be opened by a contact with your clothing. Accidental contact with the spinning saw blade could result in serious personal injury.
Periodically remove the blade, clean the upper, lower guards and the hub area with kerosene and wipe it dry, or blow it clean with compressed air. Preventive maintenance and properly operating guard will reduce the probability of an accident.
