Westfalia AHKS 18 Original Instructions Manual page 27

 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.
 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 at-
tempt to remove the saw from the work or pull the saw back-
ward while the blade is in motion or kickback may occur. In-
vestigate and take corrective actions to eliminate the cause of
blade binding.
 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.
 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.
 Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened or improper-
ly 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 cut. If blade adjustment shifts while
cutting, it may cause binding and kickback.
 Use extra caution when sawing into existing walls or other
blind areas. The protruding blade may cut objects that can
cause kickback.
Lower Guard Function
 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
Safety Notes
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