Causes Of Kickback; Cutting Aids; Avoiding Kickback - Craftsman 21829 - Professional 10 in. Portable Table Saw Operator's Manual

CAUSES OF KICKBACK
Kickback can occur when the blade stalls or binds, kick-
ing the workpieca back toward you with great force and
speed. If your handsare near the saw blade, they may
be jerked loosefrom the workpiece and may contact the
blade. Kickback can cause seriousinjury.Use precautions
to avoidthe risks.
Kickback can be caused by any action that pinches the
blade in the wood such as:
• Making a cut with incorrect blade depth
• Sawlng into knots or nailsin the workpiece
• Twistingthe wood while makinga out
• Failing to supportwork
• Forcing a cut
• Cutting warped orwet lumber
• Us{ng the wrong blade for the type of cut
• Not following oorrect operating procedures
• Misusing the saw
• Failing to use the an_-kick.baokpawls
• Cutting with a dull, gummed-up, or h'npmperiy set
b_ad_
AVOIDING KICKBACK
• Always use the correct blade depth setting. The top of
the blade teeth shouldclear the workpiece by 1/8 in. to
114in.
• Inspect the work for knots or nailsbefore beginninga
cut KnocY, o ut any loose knots w_tha hamme_'. N ever
saw into a loose knot or na|(.
• Always use the rip fence when rip cutting and the miter
gauge when cross cutting.This helps preventtwisting
the wood in the cut.
• Always use cLsan, s harp, and properly-set blades,
Never make outs with dull blades.
• TOavoid pinchingthe blade, supportthe work properly
before beginning a cut,
• When making a cut. usesteady, even pressure. Never
force outs.
• Do not cut wet or warped lumber.
• Always herdyour workplece fLrmtywith both hands or
with push sticks. Keep your body in a balanoed posi-
tion to be ready to resist kickbackshould it occur.
Never stand direc_y in line with the blade.
• Use the right type of blade for the cut being made.
CUTTING AIDS
See Figure 24.
Push sticksare devices used for safelypushing a
workpLsce throughthe blade. They can be made _'orn
scrap wood in various sizes and shapes to be used in
a specific project.The stick must be narrowerthan the
workpieoe,with s g0° notchin one end and shapingfor a
grip on the other end.
A push block has a handle fastened by recessed screws
from the underside. Use it on non-throughcuts.
CAUTION: Be sure the screws in a push blockare
recessedto avoid damagingthe saw or workpiece.
PUStlSTICKS
Rg. 24
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