Porter-Cable 323 Instruction Manual page 7

k) 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.
l) 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.
m)Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened or improperly set
blades produce narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade binding and
kickback.
n) 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.
o) 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.
Lower Guard Safety Instructions
p) 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.
q) 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.
r) 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.
s) 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.
Other Safety Instructions
t) Wear eye and hearing protection. Always use safety glasses.
Everyday eyeglasses are NOT safety glasses. USE CERTIFIED SAFETY
EQUIPMENT. Eye protection equipment should comply with ANSI Z87.1
standards. Hearing equipment should comply with ANSI S3.19
standards.
u) Use of this tool can generate and disburse dust or
other airborne particles, including wood dust, crystalline silica dust
and asbestos dust. Direct particles away from face and body. Always
operate tool in well ventilated area and provide for proper dust removal.
Use dust collection system wherever possible. Exposure to the dust
may cause serious and permanent respiratory or other injury, including
silicosis (a serious lung disease), cancer, and death. Avoid breathing
the dust, and avoid prolonged contact with dust. Allowing dust to get
into your mouth or eyes, or lay on your skin may promote absorption of
harmful material. Always use properly fitting NIOSH/OSHA approved
respiratory protection appropriate for the dust exposure, and wash
exposed areas with soap and water.
7