Craftsman 11585 - C3 19.2 Volt 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw Operator's Manual page 5

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.
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 the result of saw misuse and/or incorrect
operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided
by taking proper precautions, as given below:
[] 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.
[] 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 actions to eliminate the
cause of blade binding.
[] When restarting a saw in the workpiece, center
the saw blade in the kerr 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.
[] Support large panels to minimize 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.
[] Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened
or improperly set blades produce narrow kerf causing
excessive friction, blade binding and kickback.
[] Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers
must be tight and secure before making cut. If blade
adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause binding
and kickback.
[] 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.
[] Check lower guard for proper closing before each
use. Do not operate 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. Make sure it
moves freely and does not touch the blade or any other
part, in all angles and depths of cut.
[] 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 buildup of debris.
[] Lower guard should be retracted manually only for
special cuts, such as "plunge cuts" and "compound
cuts." Raise lower guard by retracting handle. As
soon as blade enters the material, the lower guard
must be released. For all other sawing, the lower
guard should operate automatically.
[] Always observe that the lower guard is covering the
blade before placing 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
switch is released.
[] Know your power tool. Read operator's manual
carefully. Learn its applications and limitations, as
well as the specific potential hazards related to this
power tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
electric shock, fire, or serious injury.
[] Always wear safety glasses with side shields.
Everyday glasses have only impact resistant lenses.
They are NOT safety glasses. Following this rule will
reduce the risk of eye injury.
[] Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the
operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the
risk of serious personal injury.
[] Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection
during extended periods of operation. Following this
rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
[] Battery tools do not have to be plugged into an
electrical outlet; therefore, they are always in
operating condition. Be aware of possible hazards
when not using your battery tool or when changing
accessories. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.