Black & Decker SM1850BD Instruction Manual page 21

• Noise levels vary widely. To avoid
possible hearing damage, wear ear
plugs when using any miter saw.
• For dusty operations, wear a dust mask
along with safety goggles.
INSPECT YOUR WORKPIECE
Make sure there are no nails or foreign
objects in the part of the workpiece being
cut.
Plan your work to avoid small pieces that
may bind, or that are too small to clamp
and get a solid grasp on. Plan the way
you will grasp the workpiece from start
to finish. Avoid awkward operations and
hand positions. Keep your hands at least
6 inches from the blade path.
A sudden slip could cause your fingers
or hand to move into the blade.
WARNING
!
To ensure the blade path
is clear of obstructions, always make a
dry run of the cut without power before
making any cuts on the workpiece.
DO NOT OVER-REACH
Keep good footing and balance. Keep
your face and body to one side, out of the
line of a possible kickback. NEVER stand
in the line of the blade.
Never cut freehand:
• Brace your workpiece firmly against the
fence and table stop so it will not rock
or twist during the cut.
• Make sure there is no debris between
the workpiece and the table or fence.
• Make sure there are no gaps between
the workpiece, fence and table that will
let the workpiece shift after it is cut.
• Keep the cut off piece free to move
sideways after it is cut off. Otherwise,
it could get wedged against the blade
and thrown violently.
• Only the workpiece should be on the
saws table.
• Secure work. Use clamps or a vise to
help hold the work when it is practical.
USE EXTRA CAUTION WITH LARGE
OR ODD SHAPED WORKPIECES
• Use extra supports (tables, sawhorses,
blocks, etc.) for workpieces large
enough to tip.
• Never use another person as a
substitute for a table extension, or as an
additional support for a workpiece that
is longer or wider than the basic miter
saw table, or to help feed, support, or
pull the workpiece.
• Do not use this saw to cut small pieces.
If the workpiece being cut would cause
your hand or fingers to be within 6
inches of the saw blade the workpiece
is too small. Keep hands and fingers
out of the "no hands zone" area marked
on the saws table.
• When cutting odd shaped workpieces,
plan your work so it will not bind in
the blade and cause possible injury.
Molding, for example, must lie flat or be
held by a fixture or jig that will not let it
move when cut.
• Properly support round material such
as dowel rods, or tubing, which have
a tendency to roll when cut, causing
the blade to "bite". This is especially
important when making angle cuts.
• NEVER tie, tape or hold the guard open
when operating the saw.
WARNING
!
A workpiece that is clamped,
•
balanced and secure before a cut
may become unbalanced after a
cut is completed. An unbalanced
load may tip the saw or anything
the saw is attached to, such
as a table or workbench. When
making a cut that may become
unbalanced, properly support the
workpiece and ensure the saw is
firmly bolted to a stable surface.
Personal injury may occur.
The clamp foot must remain
•
clamped above the base of the
saw whenever the clamp is used.
Always clamp the workpiece
to the base of the saw – not to
any other part of the work area.
Ensure the clamp foot is not
clamped on the edge of the base
of the saw.
CAUTION
!
clamp to maintain control and
reduce the risk of workpiece
damage and personal injury.
21
Always use a work