MasterCraft 054-1237-4 Owner's Manual page 7

CAUSES AND OPERATOR
PREVENTION OF KICKBACK – cont'd
If the blade becomes twisted or misaligned
in the cut, the teeth at the back edge of the
blade can dig into the top surface of the
wood causing the blade to climb out of the
kerf and jump back toward the operator.
Kickback is the result of saw misuse and/or
incorrect operating procedures or
conditions and can be avoided by taking
proper precautions as given below:
Maintain a firm grip with both hands on
the saw and position your arms to resist
kickback forces. Position your body to
the left or right 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 the 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 the saw blades are
binding, it may walk up or kickback from
the workpiece as the saw is restarted.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
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.
Do not use dull or damaged blades.
Unsharpened or improperly set blades
produce narrow kerf causing excessive
friction, blade binding and kickback.
ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
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 the lower guard for proper
closing before each use. Do not operate
the saw if the lower guard does not
move freely and close instantly. Never
clamp or tie the lower guard into the
open position. If the saw is accidentally
dropped, the lower guard may be
damaged. 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 depths of cuts.
Check the operation of the lower guard
spring. If the guard and the spring are
not operating properly, they must be
serviced before use. The lower guard
may operate sluggishly due to damaged
parts, gummy deposits, or a build-up of
debris.
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