Craftsman 10872 - Mini Circular Saw Operator's Manual page 19

KICKBACK..WHAT CAUSES IT AND WAYS TO HELP PREVENT IT
(Figs. 5, 5a and 5b) cont.
The Causes of Kickback cont.
1+Kickback Is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound or mtsaligned saw blade, which
causes an uncontrolled saw to lift up and out of the workplace and toward the operator_
2. When the blade is pinched or bound tightlyby the kerr cioslng down, the blade stalls
and the motor reaction ddves the unit rapidly back towards the operator_
3. If the blade becomes twisted or misaltgned in the cut, the teeth at the back edge of the
btade can dig intothe top surface of the wood+This causes the blade to climb out of
the kerf and Jumpback towards the operator,
4. Sawingintoknots or nails in the workplace can cause Kickback,
5, Sawing intowet or warped lumber can cause Kickback.
6, Forcing a cut, or not supporting the workplace correctlycan cause Kickback
(see Fig°5a).
7. Kickback Isa result of tool misuse and/or incorrectoperatingprocedures or conditions.
It can be avoided by taking the proper precautions, as listed below.
Ways to Help Prevent Kickback
1.ALWAYS maintain a firm gdp with both hands on the saw (see Figs.5, 5b) and position
yourbody and armsto allowyou to resistKickback forces. Kickback forces can be
controlled by the operator, i f the properprecautions are taken.
2+Ifthe bladeis binding, o r whenyou are interrupting a cut for anyreason,ALWAYS
release the triggerand hold the saw motionless In the material until the blade comesto
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.CHECK and take
corrective action to eliminate the cause of blade binding.
3. Inspectthe workplece for knots or nails before cuttlng°Never saw into a knot or nail.
4+DO NOT cut warped or wet lumber+
5+ALWAYSsupport large panels to mlnlmize the risk of blade pinching and Kickback,
Large panels tend to sag under theirown weight (see Fig. 5a)°SupportsMUST be
placed under the panel, one near the line of cut and one near the edge of the
panel (see Fig.5a)°
Rg. 5a Support Large Panels
I ,
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lJ "o,+U u ,o°J u
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