Rotabroach ELEMENT 14 Original Instructions Manual page 7

May 2020
Element 14 Manual Original instructions
l) Only use blades that comply with the characteristics specified in this manual. Before using accessories,
always compare the maximum allowed RPM of the accessory with the RPM of the machine.
Causes 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:
1. 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.
2. 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 towards 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.
a) 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.
b) If the blades are binding, or when interrupting a cut for any reason, release the trigger and hold the saw
motionless in the material until the blades come to a complete stop. Never attempt to remove the saw from
the work or pull the saw backward while the blades are in motion or kickback may occur. Investigate and take
corrective actions to eliminate the cause of blade binding.
c) 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.
d) 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.
e) 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.
f) Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce a narrow kerf causing
excessive friction, blade binding and kickback.
g) 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.
h) 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 position. If saw is accidentally
dropped, lower guard may be bent. Raise the lower guard with the retracting handle (if equipped) and make
sure, it moves freely and does not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and depths of cut.
i) Check the operation 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
build-up of debris.
j) Lower guard may 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.
k) Always observe that the lower guard is covering the blade before placing saw down on a bench or the 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.
WARNING: If any parts are missing, do not operate your machine until the missing parts are replaced. Failure
to follow this rule could result in serious personal injury.
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