Festool TSC 55 REB Original Operating Manual page 19

Kickbacks causes and related warnings
– kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound
or misaligned saw blade, causing an uncon-
trolled saw to lift up and out of the workpiece to-
ward 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 to-
ward the operator.
Kickback is the result of saw misuse and/or incor-
rect operating procedures or conditions and can be
avoided by taking proper precautions as given be-
low.
a. Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw
and position your arms to resist kickback forc-
es. 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 kick-
back 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. Unsharp-
ened 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 sawing into existing
walls or other blind areas. The protruding blade
may cut objects that can cause kickback.
Guard function
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 so that the blade is ex-
posed. 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 base plate of the saw will not
shift while performing the "plunge cut" when
the blade bevel setting is not at 90°. Blade shift-
ing sideways will cause binding and likely kick
back.
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.
Function of the guide wedge [7-5]
a. Use the correct saw blade for the guide wedge.
To ensure that the guide wedge functions proper-
ly, make sure the blade core of the saw blade is
thinner than the guide wedge and that the tooth
width is greater than the thickness of the guide
wedge.
b. Do not operate the saw if the guide wedge is
bent. Even the slightest problem can cause the
protective cover to close more slowly.
2.4 Aluminium processing
When sawing aluminium, the following mea-
sures must be taken for safety reasons:
– Connect the machine to a suitable dust extractor.
– Regularly remove dust deposits from the motor
housing.
– Use an aluminium saw blade.
– Close the viewing window/chipguard.
Wear protective goggles.
TSC 55 REB
GB
19