DeWalt DCS578 Instruction Manual page 37

Please refer to the table below to determine the correct size
replacement blade for your model saw.
RECoMMENDED BlaDE TYpEs
Combination Framing
Pressure Treated/Wet
Lumber
Extreme Durability
Finishing
Fast Cut Framing
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 top surface of the wood causing the blade to
climb out of the kerf and jump back toward the operator.
Kickback is more likely to occur when any of the following
conditions exists.
1. IMpRopER WoRKpIECE sUppoRT
a. Sagging or improper lifting of the cut off piece can
cause pinching of the blade and lead to kickback.
b. Cutting through material supported at the outer ends
only can cause kickback. As the material weakens it
sags, closing down the kerf and pinching the blade
(Fig. P).
c. Cutting off a cantilevered or overhanging piece of
material from the bottom up in a vertical direction
can cause kickback. The falling cut off piece can pinch
the blade.
d. Cutting off long narrow strips (as in ripping) can cause
kickback. The cut off strip can sag or twist closing the
kerf and pinching the blade.
e. Snagging the lower guard on a surface below the
material being cut momentarily reduces operator
control. The saw can lift partially out of the cut
increasing the chance of blade twist.
2. IMpRopER DEpTH oF CUT sETTINg oN saW
a. To make the most efficient cut, the blade should
protrude only far enough to expose one-half of
a tooth as shown in Figure J. This allows the shoe
to support the blade and minimizes twisting and
pinching in the material. See the section titled Cutting
Depth Adjustment.
5/8" Round arbor, 24 teeth
All purpose fast rip and cross
cuts.
5/8" Round arbor, 20 teeth
Coated, resistant to gum
build-up
5/8" Round arbor, 18 teeth
Coated, rock carbide
5/8" Round arbor, 36 teeth
More teeth for finer finish cuts.
5/8" round arbor, 18 teeth
Fastest blade for rips and cross
cuts
3. BlaDE TWIsTINg (MIsalIgNMENT IN CUT)
a. Pushing harder to cut through a knot, a nail or a hard
grain area can cause the blade to twist.
b. Trying to turn the saw in the cut (trying to get back on
the marked line) can cause blade twist.
c. Overreaching or operating the saw with poor body
control (out of balance), can result in twisting
the blade.
d. Changing hand grip or body position while cutting
can result in blade twist.
e. Backing up the saw to clear blade can lead to twist.
4. MaTERIals THaT REQUIRE EXTRa aTTENTIoN
a. Wet lumber
b. Green lumber (material freshly cut or not kiln dried)
c. Pressure treated lumber (material treated with
preservatives or anti-rot chemicals)
5. UsE oF DUll oR DIRTY BlaDEs
a. Dull blades cause increased loading of the saw. To
compensate, an operator will usually push harder
which further loads the unit and promotes twisting
of the blade in the kerf. Worn blades may also have
insufficient body clearance which increases the
chance of binding and increased loading.
6. lIFTINg THE saW WHEN MaKINg a BEVEl CUT
a. Bevel cuts require special operator attention to proper
cutting techniques – especially guidance of the
saw. Both blade angle to the shoe and greater blade
surface in the material increase the chance for binding
and misalignment (twist) to occur.
7. REsTaRTINg a CUT WITH THE BlaDE TEETH
JaMMED agaINsT THE MaTERIal
a. The saw should be brought up to full operating speed
before starting a cut or restarting a cut after the unit
has been stopped with the blade in the kerf. Failure to
do so can cause stalling and kickback.
Any other conditions which could result in pinching, binding,
twisting, or misalignment of the blade could cause kickback.
Refer to the sections Further Safety Instructions for All
Saws and Blades for procedures and techniques that will
minimize the occurrence of kickback.
Cutting Depth Adjustment (Fig. A, I, J)
1. Hold the saw firmly and loosen (clockwise) the depth
adjustment lever and move shoe (
4
the desired depth of cut.
2. Make sure the depth adjustment lever has been
retightened (counterclockwise) before operating saw.
For the most efficient cutting action, set the depth
adjustment so that one-half tooth of the blade will project
below the material to be cut. This distance is from the tip of
the tooth to the bottom of the gullet in front of it. This keeps
blade friction at a minimum, removes sawdust from the cut,
results in cooler, faster sawing and reduces the chance of
kickback. A method for checking for correct cutting depth
is shown in Figure J. Lay a piece of the material you plan to
cut along the side of the blade, as shown, and observe how
much tooth projects beyond the material.
ENglIsH
, Fig. A) to obtain
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