DeWalt DC390 Instruction Manual page 17

E. Snagging the lower guard on a surface below the material being
cut momentarily reduces operator control. The saw can lift
partially out of the cut increasing the chance of blade twist.
2. IMPROPER DEPTH OF CUT SETTING ON SAW
To make the most efficient cut, the blade should protrude only far
enough to expose 1/2 of a tooth as shown in Figure 7. This allows
the shoe to support the blade and minimizes twisting and pinching
in the material. See the section titled "Cutting Depth Adjustment."
3. BLADE TWISTING (MISALIGNMENT IN CUT)
A. Pushing harder to cut through a knot, a nail, or a hard grain area
can cause the blade to twist.
B. Trying to turn the saw in the cut (trying to get back on the
marked line) can cause blade twist
C. Over-reaching or operating the saw with poor body control (out
of balance), can result in twisting the blade.
D. Changing hand grip or body position while cutting can result in
blade twist.
E. Backing up the saw to clear blade can lead to twist.
4. MATERIALS THAT REQUIRE EXTRA ATTENTION
A. Wet lumber
B. Green lumber (material freshly cut or not kiln dried)
C. Pressure treated lumber (material treated with preservatives or
anti-rot chemicals)
5. USE OF DULL OR DIRTY BLADES
Dull blades cause increased loading of the saw. To compensate,
an operator will usually push harder which further loads the unit
and promotes twisting of the blade in the kerf. Worn blades may
also have insufficient body clearance which increases the chance
of binding and increased loading.
6. LIFTING THE SAW WHEN MAKING BEVEL CUT
Bevel cuts require special operator attention to proper cutting
techniques - especially guidance of the saw. Both blade angle to
the shoe and greater blade surface in the material increase the
chance for binding and misalignment (twist) to occur.
7. RESTARTING A CUT WITH THE BLADE TEETH JAMMED
AGAINST THE MATERIAL
The saw should be brought up to full operating speed before
starting a cut or restarting a cut after the unit has been stopped
with the blade in the kerf. Failure to do so can cause stalling and
kickback.
Any other conditions which could result in pinching, binding, twisting,
or misalignment of the blade could cause kickback. Refer to the
sections on adjustments and operation for procedures and techniques
that will minimize the occurrence of kickback.
FIG. 6
D
Cutting Depth Adjustment (Fig. 6, 7)
1. Hold the saw firmly and loosen (clockwise) the depth adjustment
knob (D) and move shoe to obtain the desired depth of cut.
2. Make sure the depth adjustment knob has been retightened
(counterclockwise) before operating saw.
15
FIG. 7
J