Evolution RAGE 4 Original Instructions Manual page 10

the guard operates freely without jamming.
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.
(3.2)
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.
(3.3)
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.
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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 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.
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