DeWalt DCS373M2 Instruction Manual page 18

2. IMPROPER DEPTH OF CUT SETTING ON SAW
To make the most efficient cut, the blade should protrude only far
enough to expose a tooth as shown in Figure 8. This allows the
shoe to support the blade and minimizes twisting and pinching in
the material. See the section titled Cutting Depth Adjustment.
3. BLADE TWISTING (MISALIGNMENT IN CUT)
A. Pushing harder to cut can cause the blade to twist.
B. Trying to turn the saw in the cut (trying to get back on the
marked line) can cause blade twist.
C. Overreaching or operating the saw with poor body control (out
of balance), can result in twisting the blade.
D. Changing hand grip or body position while cutting can result in
blade twist.
E. Backing up the saw to clear blade can lead to twist.
4. USE OF DULL OR DIRTY BLADES
Dull blades cause increased loading of the saw. To compensate,
an operator will usually push harder which further loads the unit
and promotes twisting of the blade in the kerf. Worn blades may
also have insufficient body clearance which increases the chance
of binding and increased loading.
5. RESTARTING A CUT WITH THE BLADE TEETH JAMMED
AGAINST THE MATERIAL
The saw should be brought up to full operating speed before
starting a cut or restarting a cut after the unit has been stopped
with the blade in the kerf. Failure to do so can cause stalling and
kickback.
Any other conditions which could result in pinching, binding, twisting,
or misalignment of the blade could cause kickback. Refer to the
sections Further Safety Instructions for All Saws and Blades
for procedures and techniques that will minimize the occurrence of
kickback.
Depth Adjustment (Fig. 7, 8)
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, turn unit off and
disconnect it from power source before installing and removing
accessories, before adjusting or when making repairs. An
accidental start-up can cause injury.
The metal-cutting saw is equipped with a pivoting shoe that allows the
operator to set the depth of cut. For the most efficient cutting action,
set the depth adjustment so that one tooth of the blade projects below
the material to be cut. This distance is from the tip of the tooth to the
bottom of the gullet in front of the tooth. This keeps blade friction at a
minimum, removes metal chips from the cut, results in cooler, faster
sawing and reduces the chance of kickback.
FIG. 7
C
TO SET THE DEPTH OF CUT
1. Lay the piece of material you plan to cut along the blade as shown.
2. Note how much tooth projects beyond the material.
3. Loosen the depth adjustment lever (C) and move the shoe to
change the depth of cut.
4. Retighten the depth adjustment lever securely.
16
FIG. 8