DeWalt dc352 Instruction Manual page 37

wiring. Contact with a "live" wire will also make
exposed metal parts of the power tool "live" and
shock the operator.
f) When ripping always use a rip fence or
straight edge guide. This improves the
accuracy of cut and reduces the chance of
blade binding.
g) Always use blades with correct size and
shape (diamond versus round) of arbour
holes. Blades that do not match the mounting
hardware of the saw will run eccentrically,
causing loss of control.
h) Never use damaged or incorrect blade
washers or bolt. The blade washers and
bolt were specially designed for your saw, for
optimum performance and safety of operation.
Causes and Operator Prevention
of Kickback
– Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched,
bound or misaligned saw blade, causing an
uncontrolled saw to lift up and out of the
workpiece toward the operator;
– When the blade is pinched or bound tightly
by the kerf closing down, the blade stalls and
the motor reaction drives the unit rapidly back
toward the operator;
– 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:
a) Maintain a firm grip with both hands on
the saw and position your arms to resist
kickback forces. Position your body to
either 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.
b) When 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.
c) 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.
d) Support large panels to minimise 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.
e) Do not use dull or damaged blades.
Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce
narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade
binding and kickback.
f) 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.
g) 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.
Safety instructions for
plunge-type saws
a) Check guard for proper closing before
each use. Do not operate the saw if guard
does not move freely and enclose the
blade instantly. Never clamp or tie the
guard with the blade exposed. If saw is
accidentally dropped, guard may be bent.
Check to make sure that guard moves freely
and does not touch the blade or any other
part, in all angles and depths of cut.
b) Check the operation and condition of the
guard return spring. If the guard and the
spring are not operating properly, they
must be serviced before use. Guard may
operate sluggishly due to damaged parts,
gummy deposits, or a build-up of debris.
c) Assure that the guide plate of the saw will
not shift while performing the "plunge cut"
when the blade bevel setting is not at 90°.
Blade shifting sideways will cause binding
and likely kickback.
d) Always observe that the 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.
EN GL IS H
33