Makita 5402NA Instruction Manual page 5

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 oper-
ator.
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 operator.
Kickback is the result of tool 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 body and arm to allow you to
resist KICKBACK forces. KICKBACK forces can be
controlled by the operator, if proper precautions are
taken.
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.
When restarting a saw in the workpiece, center
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 minimize 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 as shown in
Fig. 1.
To minimize the risk of blade pinching and kickback.
When cutting operation requires the resting of the
saw on the workpiece, the saw should be rested on
the larger portion and the smaller piece cut off.
Fig. 1 To avoid kickback, do support board or panel near
the cut.
Fig. 2 Do not support board or panel away from the cut.
Do not use dull or damaged blade. Unsharpened
or improperly set blades produce narrow kerf caus-
ing excessive friction, blade binding and KICKBACK.
Keep blade sharp and clean. Gum and wood pitch
hardened on blades slows saw and increases poten-
tial for kickback. Keep blade clean by first removing it
from tool, then cleaning it with gum and pitch
remover, hot water or kerosene. Never use gasoline.
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 "Pocket Cut"
into existing walls or other blind areas. The pro-
truding blade may cut objects that can cause KICK-
BACK. For pocket cuts, retract lower guard using
Retracting Lever.
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
backwards over your hand, leading to serious per-
sonal injury.
Fig. 3
Never force the saw. Forcing the saw can cause
uneven cuts, loss of accuracy, and possible
kickback. Push the saw forward at a speed so that
the blade cuts without slowing.
12. Use extra caution when cutting damp wood,
pressure treated lumber, or wood containing
knots. Adjust speed of cut to maintain smooth
advancement of tool without decrease in blade
speed.
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