Kobalt K18ND-06A Manual page 21

SAFETY INFORMATION
Further safety instructions for all saws
Cause 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
GLJ LQWR WKH XSSHU VXUIDFH RI WKH ZRRG FDXVLQJ WKH EODGH WR FOLPE RXW RI WKH NHUI DQG MXPS EDFN
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) 0DLQWDLQ D ¿UP JULS ZLWK ERWK KDQGV RQ WKH VDZ DQG SRVLWLRQ \RXU DUPV WR UHVLVW
kickback forces. Position your body to either side of the blade, but not in line with
the blade. .LFNEDFN FRXOG FDXVH WKH VDZ WR MXPS EDFNZDUGV EXW NLFNEDFN IRUFHV FDQ EH
controlled by the operator if proper precautions are taken.
b) 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.
c) When restarting a saw in the workpiece, center the saw blade in the kerf and check
that the saw teeth are not engaged in the material. If the saw blade is binding, it may
walk up or kickback from the workpiece as the saw is restarted.
d) Support larger panels to minimize the risk of blade pinching and kickback. Larger
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. Dull 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 a cut. ,I WKH EODGH DGMXVWPHQW VKLIWV ZKLOH FXWWLQJ LW PD\ FDXVH ELQGLQJ DQG
kickback.
g) Use extra caution when making a "plunge cut" into existing walls or other blind
areas. 7KH SURWUXGLQJ EODGH PD\ FRQWDFW KLGGHQ REMHFWV WKDW FDQ FDXVH NLFNEDFN
Safety instructions for lower blade guard
a) 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 bent. Raise the lower guard with the retracting handle and make sure that it moves
freely and does not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and all depths of cut.
b) Check the operation of the lower guard spring. If the guard and the spring are not
operating properly, they must be serviced before use. A lower guard may operate
sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a build-up of debris.
21