Makita DCS550 Instruction Manual page 4

Kickback causes and related warnings
− Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound or
misaligned blade, causing an uncontrolled tool 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 top surface of the workpiece causing the
blade to climb out of the kerf and jump back toward
the 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.
9. Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the
tool 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 tool to jump backwards, but
kickback forces can be controlled by the operator,
if proper precautions are taken.
10. When blade is binding, or when interrupting a
cut for any reason, release the trigger and
hold the tool motionless in the material until
the blade comes to a complete stop. Never
attempt to remove the tool from the work or
pull the tool backward while the blade is in
motion or KICKBACK may occur. Investigate
and take corrective actions to eliminate the cause
of blade binding.
11. When restarting a tool in the workpiece, center
the blade in the kerf and check that blade teeth
are not engaged into the material. If blade is
binding, it may walk up or kickback from the
workpiece as the tool is restarted.
12. 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.
13. Do not use
Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce
narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade
binding and kickback.
14. 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.
15. Use extra caution when making a "plunge cut"
into existing walls or other blind areas. The
protruding blade may cut objects that can cause
kickback. For plunge cuts, retract lower guard
using retracting handle.
dull or damaged
Lower guard function
16. Intended use
This tool is intended to cut mild steel only.
17. Check lower guard for proper closing before
each use. Do not operate the tool if lower
guard does not move freely and close instantly.
Never clamp or tie the lower guard into the
open position. If tool is accidentally dropped,
lower guard may be bent. Raise the lower guard
with the retracting lever and make sure it moves
freely and does not touch the blade or any other
part, in all angles and depths of cut.
18. Check the operation and condition of the
lower guard spring. If the guard and the spring
are not operating properly, they must be
serviced before use. Lower guard may operate
sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy deposits,
or a buildup of debris.
19. Lower guard should be retracted manually
only for special cuts such as "plunge cuts"
and "compound cuts". Raise lower guard by
retracting 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.
20. Always observe that the lower guard is
covering the blade before placing tool down
on bench or floor. An unprotected, coasting
blade will cause the tool 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.
21. To check lower guard, open lower guard by
hand, then release and watch guard closure.
Also check to see that retracting handle does
not touch tool housing. Leaving blade exposed
is VERY DANGEROUS and can lead to serious
personal injury.
Additional safety warnings
22. Do not stop the blades by lateral pressure on
the blade.
23. DANGER:
blades. Do not attempt to remove cut material when
blade is moving.
CAUTION: Blades coast after turn off.
24. Place the wider portion of the tool base on that
part of the workpiece which is solidly
supported, not on the section that will fall off
when the cut is made.
25. Never attempt to make a cut with the tool held
upside down in a vise. This is extremely
dangerous and can lead to serious accidents.
26. Wear safety goggles and hearing protection
during operation.
27. Do not use any abrasive wheels.
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