Kickback - Craftsman 320.10861 Owner's Manual

SAFETY RULES FOR CIRCULAR SAWS cont.
7. NEVER hold the piece being cut in your hands or across your legs. It is important
to support the work properly in order to minimize body exposure, blade binding, or loss
of control.
8. ALWAYS hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation
where the cuttingtool may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a
"live" wire will make the exposed metal parts of the tool "live" and shock the operator
9.When ripping, ALWAYS use a rip fence or straight edge guide. This improves the
accuracy of the cut and reduces the chance of the blade binding.
10. ALWAYS use blades that have the correct size and shape (diamond vs. round)
arbor holes. Blades that do not match the mounting hardware of the saw will run
erratically and will cause loss of control°
11. ALWAYS BE SURE that all adjusting screws and the blade holder are fastened tightly
BEFORE making a cut. Loose adjusting screws and holders can cause the tool or
blade to slip and loss of control may result.
12. When removing the blade from the tool, ALWAYS avoid contact with skin and ALWAYS
wear protective gloves when grasping the blade or accessory. Accessories may be hot
after prolonged user
KICKBACKo..WHAT CAUSES IT AND WAYS TO PREVENT IT
The Causes of Kickback
1. Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound or misaligned saw blade, which causes
the uncontrolled saw to lift up and out of the workpiece and towards the operator
2. 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 towards the operator.
3. If the blade becomes twisted or misaligned in the cut, the teeth at the back edge of the
blade can dig into the to_ surface of the wood_ This causes the blade to climb out of
the kerr and jump back towards the operator.
4. Kickback is a result of tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions.
It can be avoided by taking the proper precautions, as listed on next page°