Craftsman 320.46123 Operator's Manual page 10

Safety instructions for lower guard of saws
• Check the lower guard for proper closing before each use. Do not
operate the saw if the lower guard does not move freely and close
instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard into the open position.
If the saw is accidentally dropped, the lower guard may be bent. Raise the
lower guard with the retracting handle and make sure that it moves freely
and does not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and all depths
of cut.
• Check the operation of the lower guard spring. If the guard and the
spring are not operating properly, they must be serviced before use.
The lower guard may operate sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy
deposits, or a build-up of debris.
• The lower guard may be retracted manually only for special cuts,
such as "plunge cuts" and "compound cuts". Raise the lower guard by
retracting the 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.
• 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.
• To avoid personal injury, do not use the circular saw to make pocket cuts.
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