Makita 5277NB Instruction Manual page 6

ward while the blade is in motion or KICK-
BACK may occur. Investigate and take
corrective actions to eliminate the cause of
blade binding.
When restarting a saw in the workpiece,
center the saw blade in the kerf and check
that saw teeth are not engaged into the
material. If saw blade is binding, it may walk
up or KICKBACK from the workpiece as the
saw is restarted.
Support large panels to minimize the risk
of blade pinching and KICKBACK. Large
panels tend to sag under their own weight.
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 workpiece, the
saw should be rested on the larger portion
and the smaller piece cut off.
Fig. 1 To avoid kickback, do support board or
panel near the cut.
Fig. 2 Do not support board or panel away
from the cut.
Do not use dull or damaged blade.
Unsharpened or improperly set blades pro-
duce narrow kerf causing excessive friction,
blade binding and KICKBACK. Keep blade
6
sharp and clean. Gum and wood pitch hard-
ened on blades slows saw and increases
potential for kickback. Keep blade clean by
first removing it from tool, then cleaning it
with gum and pitch remover, hot water or ker-
osene. Never use gasoline.
Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking
levers must be tight and secure before
making cut. If blade adjustment shifts while
cutting, it may cause binding and KICKBACK.
Use extra caution when making a "Pocket
Cut" into existing walls or other blind
areas. The protruding blade may cut objects
that can cause KICKBACK. For pocket cuts,
retract lower guard using Retracting Lever.
ALWAYS hold the tool firmly with both
hands. NEVER place your hand or fingers
behind the saw. If kickback occurs, the saw
could easily jump backwards over your hand,
leading to serious personal injury.
Fig. 3
Never force the saw. Forcing the saw can
cause uneven cuts, loss of accuracy, and
possible kickback. Push the saw forward at
a speed so that the blade cuts without slow-
ing.
12. Use extra caution when cutting damp
wood, pressure treated lumber, or wood
containing knots. Adjust speed of cut to
maintain smooth advancement of tool without
decrease in blade speed.
13. Adjustments. Before cutting be sure
depth and bevel adjustments are tight.
14. Avoid Cutting Nails. Inspect for and
remove all nails from lumber before cut-
ting.