DeWalt DW368 Instruction Manual page 9

FIG. 9
FIG. 10
FIG. 11 FIG. 12
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 more likely to occur when any of the following conditions
exist.
1. IMPROPER WORKPIECE SUPPORT
A. Sagging or improper lifting of the cut off piece causing pinching
of the blade. (Figure 11)
B. Cutting through material supported at the outer ends only.
As the material weakens it sags, closing down the kerf and
pinching the blade.
C. Cutting off a cantilevered or overhanging piece of material from
the bottom up in a vertical direction. The falling cut off piece can
pinch the blade.
D. Cutting off long narrow strips (as in ripping). The cut off strip can
sag or twist closing the kerf and pinching the blade.
E. Snagging the lower guard on a surface below the material being
cut momentarily reducing operator control. The saw can lift
partially out of the cut increasing the chance of blade twist.
2. IMPROPER DEPTH OF CUT SETTING ON SAW
Using the saw with an excessive depth of cut setting increases
loading on the unit and susceptibility to twisting of the blade in
the kerf. It also increases the surface area of the blade available
for pinching under conditions of kerf close down. See page 4
CUTTING DEPTH ADJUSTMENT.
3. BLADE TWISTING (MISALIGNMENT IN CUT)
A. Pushing harder to cut through a knot, a nail, or a hard grain
area 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. Extended reach or operating 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.
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