Stihl TS 500i STIHL Cutquik Instruction Manual - Page 15

pinching, support the workpiece in such a way that the cut remains open during the cutting process and when the cut is finished (see illustration.) Never make a cut that results in a binding of the wheel. If you cannot properly support the workpiece, do not use a cutting-off machine to make the cut; select another tool or cutting technique that is not subject to kickback. WARNING Be particularly alert when cutting a workpiece such as a pipe with a belled end or a pipe in a trench that, if not properly supported, can sag upon completion of the cut, creating a pinch not where you are actually cutting but, rather, at or near the top of the workpiece. If the pinch is in the upper quadrant of the abrasive wheel, kickback can result. WARNING Use wet-cutting whenever feasible, since the water can act as a lubricant in a pinch situation and thus reduce the likelihood of reactive forces occurring and the energy of any such forces that do occur, making it easier to maintain control of the machine. WARNING Only STIHL branded cutting attachments are recommended. Use of certain non-STIHL branded wheels may be extremely dangerous. Many substandard diamond wheels, for instance, are available in the market. If they are not manufactured with the proper quality steel in their core, if they are not properly tensioned, or if other TS 480i, TS 500i design or manufacturing defects exist, they may, e.g., begin to wobble during use, lose segments or exhibit other operational problems that can substantially increase the risk of personal injury or death. If a diamond wheel begins or ceases to wobble within the kerf, the change in the behavior of the wheel may cause a severe binding that can lead to loss of control and/or kickback. If the wheel you are using begins to wobble or has ever wobbled, discard it immediately. Although such a wheel may temporarily cease to wobble, e.g., if run without load, it will always be prone to wobble again under certain conditions. Some other non-STIHL branded diamond wheels are manufactured with abrasive material on their sides. Do not use such wheels, since the abrasive material may lead to substantially increased reactive forces in a pinch or sideloading situation. WARNING Never use chipped abrasive wheels or circular saw blades, carbide-tipped blades, rescue blades or wood-cutting or toothed blades of any nature on a cut-off machine. The use of such wheels or blades will greatly increase the risk of loss of control and severe personal injury or death from reactive forces, since the chipped section of an abrasive wheel or the teeth of a saw blade may catch in the material being cut and generate substantially greater reactive forces, including rotational kickback. Cut-off machines are designed for use with abrasive wheels in good condition only. Machines designed for use with English wood-cutting or other toothed blades use different types of guarding systems that provide the protection necessary for those types of blades. Machines, such as a cut-off machine, that are designed for use with abrasive wheels require a different guarding system, which is not designed to provide protection against all dangers presented by circular saw blades, carbide-tipped blades, rescue blades or wood-cutting or toothed blades of any nature. WARNING To reduce the risk of injury from loss of control from reactive forces, including kickback: 1. Hold the cut-off machine firmly with both hands. 2. Maintain good balance and footing at all times. Never cut while standing on a ladder. 3. Position the cut-off machine in such a way that your body is clear of the cutting attachment. Avoid standing in direct line with the wheel (See illustration.) Never bend over the cutting attachment, especially when the guard is pulled back towards the top and there is a risk of reactive forces. 4. Do not cut above shoulder height. 13 002BA059 KN