Kobalt KCS 6524B-03 Manual page 8

SAFETY INFORMATION
Cause 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 upper 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.
• 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 backward, but 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 kickback 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 the saw teeth are not engaged in the material. If the saw blade is binding, it may
walk up or kickback from the workpiece as the saw is restarted.
• Support larger panels to minimize the risk of blade pinching and kickback. Larger
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.
• Do not use dull or damaged blades. Dull or improperly set blades produce narrow kerf,
causing excessive friction, blade binding and kickback.
• Blade-depth and bevel-adjusting locking levers must be tight and secure before
making a cut. If the 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 contact hidden objects that can cause kickback.
Safety Instructions for Lower Blade Guard
• 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. A lower guard may operate
sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a build-up of debris.
• The lower guard should be retracted manually only for special cuts, such as "plunge
cuts" and "compound cuts." Raise the lower guard with the retracting handle and,
as soon as blade enters the material, the lower guard must be released. For all other
sawing, the lower guard should be allowed to operate automatically.
• Always observe that the lower guard is covering the blade before placing the saw down
on the 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.
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