Makita 4100NHX1 Instruction Manual - Page 4

performing an operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a "live" wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool "live" and shock the operator. 7. When ripping always use a rip fence or straight edge guide. This improves the accuracy of cut and reduces the chance for wheel binding. 8. Always use wheels with correct size and shape (diamond vs. round) arbor holes. Wheels that do not match the mounting hardware of the tool will run eccentrically, causing loss of control. 9. Never use damaged or incorrect wheel washers or bolts. The wheel washers and bolt were specially designed for your tool, for optimum performance and safety of operation. 10. Causes and Operator Prevention of Kickback: Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound, or misaligned wheel, causing an uncontrolled tool to lift up and out of the workpiece toward the operator. When the wheel is pinched or bound tightly by the kerf closing down, the wheel stalls and the motor reaction drives the unit rapidly back toward the operator. If the wheel becomes twisted or misaligned in the cut, the teeth at the back edge of the wheel can dig into the top surface of the material being cut causing the wheel to climb out of the kerf and jump back toward the operator. Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below: Maintain a firm grip on the tool and position your body and arm to allow you to resist KICKBACK forces. KICKBACK forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions are taken. When wheel is binding, or when interrupting a cut for any reason, release the trigger and hold the tool motionless in the material until the wheel comes to a complete stop. Never attempt to remove the tool from the work or pull the tool backward while the wheel is in motion or KICKBACK may occur. Investigate and take corrective actions to eliminate the cause of wheel binding. When restarting a tool in the workpiece, center the wheel in the kerf and check that teeth are not engaged into the material. If wheel is binding, it may walk up or KICKBACK from the workpiece as the tool is restarted. Support large panels to minimize the risk of wheel 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. To minimize the risk of blade pinching and kickback. When cutting operation requires the resting of the tool on the workpiece, the tool should be rested on the larger portion and the smaller piece cut off. Do not use dull or damaged wheel. Unsharpened or improperly set wheels produce narrow kerf causing excessive friction, wheel binding and KICKBACK. Wheel depth and bevel adjusting locking levers must be tight and secure before making cut. If wheel 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 wheel may cut objects that can cause KICKBACK. NEVER place your hand or fingers behind the tool. If kickback occurs, the tool could easily jump backwards over your hand, leading to serious personal injury. 11. When operating the tool, keep the cord away from the cutting area and position it so that it will not be caught on the workpiece during the cutting operation. Operate with proper hand support, proper workpiece support, and supply cord routing away from the work area. WARNING: It is important to support the workpiece properly and to hold the tool firmly to prevent loss of control which could cause personal injury. 12. Use only diamond wheels. NEVER use tool with wood cutting blades or other sawblades. Such blades when used on this tool frequently kick and cause loss of control leading to personal injury. 13. Check the wheel carefully for cracks or damage before operation. Replace cracked or damaged wheel immediately. 14. Use only flanges specified for this tool. 15. Be careful not to damage the spindle, flanges (especially the installing surface) or bolt. Damage to these parts could result in wheel breakage. 16. Make sure the wheel is not contacting the workpiece before the switch is turned on. Wait until the wheel attains full speed before cutting. 17. Stop operation immediately if you notice anything abnormal. 18. Never attempt to cut with the tool held upside down in a vise. This can lead to serious accidents, because it is extremely dangerous. 4