Hitachi C 18DBL Handling Instructions Manual page 4

Lower guard function
a) Check lower guard for proper closing before each
use. Do not operate the 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
and make sure it moves freely and does not touch
the blade or any other part, in all angles and depths
of cut.
b) 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 build-up of debris.
c) Lower guard may be retracted manually only for
special cuts such as "plunge cuts" and "compound
cuts". Raise lower guard by retracting handle and
as soon as blade enters the material, the lower
guard must be released.
For all other sawing, the lower guard should operate
automatically.
d) 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.
PRECAUTIONS ON USING CORDLESS
CIRCULAR SAW
1. Always charge the battery at a temperature of 10
– 40°C. A temperature of less than 10°C will result
in over charging which is dangerous. The battery
cannot be charged at a temperature higher than
40°C.
The most suitable temperature for charging is that
of 20 – 25°C.
2. When one charging is completed, leave the charger
for about 15 minutes before the next charging of
battery.
Do not charge more than two batteries
consecutively.
3. Do not allow foreign matter to enter the hole for
connecting the rechargeable battery.
4. Never disassemble the rechargeable battery and
charger.
5. Never short-circuit the rechargeable battery. Short-
circuiting the battery will cause a great electric
current and overheat. It results in burn or damage
to the battery.
6. Do not dispose of the battery in fire.
If the battery is burnt, it may explode.
7. When using this unit continuously, the unit may
overheat, leading to damage in the motor and
switch. Please leave it without using it for
approximately 15 minutes.
8. Do not insert object into the air ventilation slots
of the charger.
Inserting metal objects or inflammables into the
charger air ventilation slots will result in electrical
shock hazard or damaged charger.
9. Using an exhausted battery will damage the
charger.
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10. Bring the battery to the shop from which it was
purchased as soon as the post-charging battery
life becomes too short for practical use. Do not
dispose of the exhausted battery.
11. Wear earplugs to protect your ears during
operation.
12. Always hold the handle of the power tool firmly.
Otherwise the counterforce produced may result
in inaccurate and even dangerous operation.
13. Do not use saw blades which are deformed or
cracked.
14. Do not use saw blades made of high speed steel.
15. Do not use saw blades which do not comply with
the characteristics specified in these instructions.
16. Do not stop the saw blades by lateral pressure
on the disc.
17. Always keep the saw blades sharp.
18. Ensure that the lower guard moves smoothly and
freely.
19. Never use the circular saw with its lower guard
fixed in the open position.
20. Ensure that the retraction mechanism of the guard
system operates correctly.
21. The saw blades body must be thinner than the
riving knife and the width of cut, or kerf (with
teeth set) must be greater than the thickness of
the riving knife.
22. Never operate the circular saw with the saw blade
turned upward or the side.
23. Ensure that the material is free of foreign matters
such as nails.
24. The riving knife should always be used except
when plunging in the middle of the workpiece.
25. The saw blades diameter should be 125 mm.
26. Be careful of brake kickback.
This circular saw features an electric brake that
functions when the switch is released. As there
is some kickback when the brake functions, be
sure to hold the main body securely.
27. Avoid cutting in the state where the base has
floated up from the material.
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.
28. Support large panels to minimize the risk of blade
pinching and KICKBACK. Large panels tend to sag
under their own weight (Fig. 2). Supports must
be placed under the panel on both sides, near the
line of cut and near the edge of the panel as
shown in Fig. 1.
To minimize the risk of blade pinching and kickback.
When cutting operation requires the resting of the
saw on the work piece, the saw shall be rested
on the larger portion and the smaller piece cut
off.
To avoid kickback, do support
board or panel near the cut.
Fig. 1