Craftsman 315.CT2040 Operator's Manual page 5

 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.
 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.
 When restarting a saw in the workpiece, centre
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 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.
 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.
 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.
 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 build-up of debris.
CIRCULAR SAW SAFETY WARNINGS
 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.
 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.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES
 Use clamps or other practical way to secure and
support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding
the work by hand or against your body is unstable and
may lead to loss of control.
 Know your power tool. Read operator's manual
carefully. Learn its applications and limitations, as
well as the specific potential hazards related to this
tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric
shock, fire, or serious injury.
 Always wear eye protection with side shields
marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Failure to do so
could result in objects being thrown into your eyes,
resulting in possible serious injury.
 Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the
operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the
risk of serious personal injury.
 Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection
during extended periods of operation. Following this
rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
 Check damaged parts. Before further use of the
tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should
be carefully checked to determine that it will
operate properly and perform its intended function.
Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of
moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and
any other conditions that may affect its operation.
A guard or other part that is damaged should be
properly repaired or replaced by an authorized
service center. Following this rule will reduce the risk
of shock, fire, or serious injury.
 Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber before
using this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk
of serious personal injury.
 Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently
and use them to instruct others who may use this
tool. If you loan someone this tool, loan them these
instructions also.
5 – English