DeWalt D23551 Original Instructions Manual page 36

EN GLI SH
k) Avoid cutting nails. Inspect for and
remove all nails from lumber before
cutting.
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
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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.
Lower Guard Safety Instructions
a) 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.
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. Lower guard may operate
sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy
deposits, or a build-up of debris.
c) 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.
d) 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.
Additional Safety Instructions for All
Saws with Riving Knife
a) Use the appropriate riving knife for the
blade being used. For the riving knife to
work, it must be thicker than the body of the
blade but thinner than the tooth set of the
blade.
b) Adjust the riving knife as described in
this instruction manual. Incorrect spacing,
positioning and alignment can make the riving
knife ineffective in preventing kickback.
c) For the riving knife to work, it must be
engaged in the workpiece. The riving knife