Craftsman 315.114850 Operator's Manual page 35

KICKBACK
See Figures 8 - 11.
Kickback occurs when the blade stalls rapidly and the saw
is driven back towards you. Blade stalling is caused by any
action which pinches the blade in the wood.
DANGER:
Release switch immediately if blade
binds or saw stalls. Kickback could cause you to
lose control of the saw. Loss of control can lead to
serious injury.
To guard against kickback, avoid dangerous practices
such as the following.
n Setting blade depth incorrectly.
n Sawing into knots or nails in workpiece.
n Twisting the blade while making a cut.
n Making a cut with a dull, gummed up, or improperly set
blade.
n Supporting the workpiece incorrectly.
n Forcing a cut.
n Cutting warped or wet lumber.
n Operating the tool incorrectly or misusing the tool.
To lessen the chance of kickback, follow these safety
practices.
n Keep the blade at the correct depth setting. The depth
setting should not exceed 1/4 in. (6.35 mm) below the
material being cut.
n Inspect the workpiece for knots or nails before cutting.
Never saw into a knot or nail.
n Make straight cuts. Always use a straight edge guide
when rip cutting. This helps prevent twisting the blade.
n Use clean, sharp, and properly set blades. Never make
cuts with dull blades.
n Support the workpiece properly before beginning a cut.
n Use steady, even pressure when making a cut. Never
force a cut.
n Do not cut warped or wet lumber.
n Hold the saw firmly with both hands and keep your body
in a balanced position so as to resist the forces if kickback
should occur.
WARNING:
When using the saw, always stay alert
and exercise control. Do not remove the saw from
the workpiece while the blade is moving.
KICKBACK
BLADE SET TOO DEEP
OPERATION
CORRECT BLADE DEPTH SETTING =
BLADE EXPOSED ONE BLADE TOOTH
BELOW THE MATERIAL TO BE CUT
Fig. 8
15
INCORRECT SUPPORT
CORRECT SUPPORT
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11