Makita BSS500 Instruction Manual page 6

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
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
precautions are taken.
When blade
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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 saw blade is binding, it may walk
up or kickback from the workpiece as the saw
is restarted.
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.
To avoid kickback, do support
board or panel near the cut.
000154
by the operator,
is binding, or
if proper
when
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10. Check lower guard for proper closing before
each use. Do not operate the saw if lower
guard does not move freely and close instantly.
Never clamp or tie the lower guard into the
open position. If saw is accidentally dropped,
lower guard may be bent. 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 angles and depths of cut.
11. Check the operation of the lower guard spring.
If the guard and the spring are not operating
properly, they must be serviced before use.
Lower guard may operate sluggishly due to
damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a build-up of
debris.
12. Lower guard should be retracted manually
only for special cuts such as "plunge cuts"
and "compound cuts." Raise lower guard by
retracting handle and as soon as blade enters
the material, the lower guard must be released.
For all other sawing, the lower guard should
operate automatically.
13. Always observe that the lower 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.
14. ALWAYS hold the tool firmly with both hands.
NEVER place your hand or fingers behind the
saw. If kickback occurs, the saw could easily jump
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Do not support board or
panel away from the cut.
Do not use dull or damaged blades.
Unsharpened or improperly
produce narrow kerf causing excessive friction,
blade binding and kickback.
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.
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.
set blades