Lower Guard Function - Bosch GKS18V-22L Operating/Safety Instructions Manual

the blade to climb out of the kerf and jump back
toward the operator.
Kickback is the result of saw misuse and/or in-
correct 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 kick-
back 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 con-
trolled by the operator, if proper precautions
are taken.
b. When blade is binding, or when interrupting
a cut for any reason, release the trigger and
hold the saw motionless in the material until
the blade comes to a complete stop. Never
attempt to remove the saw from the work
or pull the saw backward while the blade is
in motion or kickback may occur. Investigate
and take corrective action to eliminate the
cause of blade binding.
c. When restarting a saw in the workpiece, cen-
ter the saw blade in the kerf so that the saw
teeth are not engaged into the material. If a
saw blade binds, it may walk up or kickback
from the workpiece as the saw is restarted.
d. Support large panels to minimize the risk
of blade pinching and kickback. Large pan-
els tend to sag under their own weight. Sup-
ports must be placed under the panel on both
sides, near the line of cut and near the edge
of the panel.
e. Do not use dull or damaged blades.
sharpened or improperly set blades produce
narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade
binding and kickback.
f. Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking le-
vers must be tight and secure before making
cut. If blade adjustment shifts while cutting,
it may cause binding and kickback.
g. Use extra caution when sawing into existing
walls or other blind areas. The protruding
blade may cut objects that can cause kick-
back.
160992A86R GKS18V-22L 202207 A5.indd 5
Safety Instructions for Circular Saws
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

3. Lower Guard Function

a. Check the lower guard for proper closing be-
fore each use. Do not operate the saw if the
lower guard does not move freely and close
instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard
into the open position. If the saw is acciden-
tally dropped, the lower guard may be bent.
Raise the lower guard with the lower guard
lift lever and make sure it moves freely and
does not touch the blade or any other part, in
all angles and depths of cut.
b. 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 slug-
gishly due to damaged parts, gummy depos-
its, or a build-up of debris.
c. The lower guard may be retracted manually
only for special cuts such as "plunge cuts"
Un-
and "compound cuts". Raise the lower guard
by the lower guard lift lever and as soon
as the blade enters the material, the lower
guard must be released. For all other sawing,
the lower guard should operate automatically.
d. Always observe that the lower guard is cov-
ering the blade before placing the saw down
on bench or 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 the
switch is released.
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