Basic Operation; Causes Of Kickback; Avoiding Kickback - Craftsman 315.28462 Operator's Manual

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WARNING: Do not allow familiarity with tools
to make you careless. Remember that a careless
fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict severe
injury.
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WARNING: Always wear eye protection with side
shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Failure to
do so could result in objects being thrown into your
eyes, resulting in possible serious injury.
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WARNING: Do not use any attachments or
accessories not recommended by the manufacturer
of this tool. The use of attachments or accessories
not recommended can result in serious personal
injury.
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WARNING: Although many of the illustrations in
this manual are shown with the blade guard removed
for clarity, do not operate the saw without the blade
guard unless specifically instructed to do so.
APPLICATIONS
You may use this tool for the purposes listed below:
[] Straight line cutting operations such as cross cutting,
ripping, mitering, beveling, and compound cutting
[] Dado with optional accessories
[] Cabinet making and woodworking
NOTE: This table saw is designed to cut wood and wood
composition products only.
BASIC OPERATION OF THE TABLE SAW
The 3-prong plug must be plugged into a matching outlet
that is properly installed and grounded according to all
local codes and ordinances. Improper connection of the
equipment can result in electric shock. Do not modify
the plug if it will not fit the outlet. Have the correct outlet
installed by a qualified electrician. Refer to the E(ectrica(
section in this manual.
CAUSES OF KICKBACK
Kickback can occur when the blade stalls or binds, kick-
ing the workpiece back toward you with great force and
speed. If your hands are near the saw blade, they may
be jerked loose from the workpiece and may contact the
blade. Kickback can cause serious injury. Use precautions
to avoid the risks.
Kickback can be caused by any action that pinches the
blade in the wood such as:
[] Making a cut with incorrect blade depth
[] Sawing into knots or nails in the workpiece
[] Twisting the wood while making a cut
[] Failing to support work
[] Forcing a cut
[] Cutting warped or wet lumber
[] Using the wrong blade for the type of cut
[] Not following correct operating procedures
[] Misusing the saw
[] Failing to use the anti-kickback pawls
[] Cutting with a dull, gummed-up, or improperly set
blade
AVOIDING KICKBACK
[] Always use the correct blade depth setting. The top of
the blade teeth should clear the workpiece by 1/8 in. to
1/4 in.
[] Inspect the work for knots or nails before beginning a
cut. Knock out any loose knots with a hammer. Never
saw into a loose knot or nail.
[] Always use the rip fence when rip cutting. Use the
miter gauge when cross cutting. This helps prevent
twisting the wood in the cut.
[] Always use clean, sharp, and properly-set blades.
Never make cuts with dull blades.
[] To avoid pinching the blade, support the work properly
before beginning a cut.
[] When making a cut, use steady, even pressure. Never
force cuts.
[] Do not cut wet or warped lumber.
[] Use extra caution when cutting some prefinished or
composition wood products as the anti-kickback pawls
may not always be effective.
[] Always guide your workpiece with both hands or with
push sticks and/or push blocks. Keep your body in a
balanced position to be ready to resist kickback should
it occur. Never stand directly in line with the blade.
[] Use of a featherboard will help hold the workpiece
securely against the saw table or fence.
[] Clean the saw, blade guard, under the throat plate, and
any areas where saw dust or scrap workpieces may
gather.
[] Use the right type of blade for the cut being made.
[] Always use the spreader / riving knife for every
operation where it is allowed. The use of this device
will greatly reduce the risk of kickback.
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