Craftsman 11585 Operation Manual - Page 5

CAUSES AND OPERATOR PREVENTION OF KICKBACK: Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound, or misaligned saw blade, causing an uncontrolled saw to lift up and out of the workpiece toward the operator. 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 toward the operator. If the blade becomes twisted or misaligned in the cut, the teeth at the back edge of the blade can dig into the top surface of the wood causing the blade to climb out of the kerf and jump back toward the operator. Kickback is the result of saw misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions, as given below: [] Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw and position your arms to resist kickback forces. Position your body to either side of the blade, but not in line with the blade. Kickback could cause the saw to jump backwards, but kickback forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions are taken. [] 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. [] When restarting a saw in the workpiece, center the saw blade in the kerr 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. [] Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade binding and kickback. [] 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 "plunge cut" into existing walls or other blind areas. The protruding blade may cut objects that can cause kickback. [] Check lower guard for proper closing before each use. Do not operate 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. Make sure it moves freely and does not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and depths of cut. [] 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 buildup of debris. [] Lower guard should be retracted manually only for special cuts, such as "plunge cuts" and "compound cuts." Raise lower guard by retracting handle. As soon as blade enters the material, the lower guard must be released. For all other sawing, the lower guard should operate automatically. [] 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. [] Know your power tool. Read operator's manual carefully. Learn its applications and limitations, as well as the specific potential hazards related to this power tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious injury. [] Always wear safety glasses with side shields. Everyday glasses have only impact resistant lenses. They are NOT safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk of eye injury. [] Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury. [] Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during extended periods of operation. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury. [] Battery tools do not have to be plugged into an electrical outlet; therefore, they are always in operating condition. Be aware of possible hazards when not using your battery tool or when changing accessories. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.