Skil HD55 Operating/Safety Instructions Manual page 5

SM 2610929488 5-05 5/4/05
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
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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
VARI-TORQUE
CLUTCH
with compressed air. Preventive maintenance
and properly operating guard will reduce the
probability of an accident.
WARNING
!
grinding, drilling, and other construction
activities contains chemicals known to
cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Some examples of
these chemicals are:
• Lead from lead-based paints,
• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and
other masonry products, and
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically-
treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies,
depending on how often you do this type of
work. To reduce your exposure to these
chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and
work with approved safety equipment, such as
those dust masks that are specially designed
to filter out microscopic particles.
-5-
Some dust created by
power sanding, sawing,