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Model T10687 (Mfg. Since 10/12)
-11-
Understanding
Kickback
• Allow blade to reach full speed before starting
the cut.
•
To help prevent the blade from binding in the
workpiece: (1) keep cuts straight, (2) main-
tain a consistent depth and angle throughout
cut, (3) provide proper workpiece support on
both sides of the cut (see Figures 1–2).
Kickback is a sudden and unexpected expulsion
of the saw from the workpiece, which can violently
propel the saw back toward the operator, resulting
in accidental blade contact or impact injury.
Kickback is caused when the saw blade becomes
misaligned, pinched, bound, or comes in contact
with a material it is unable to cut. When kickback
occurs, the saw blade becomes immediately
immobile. The force produced by the motor is
diverted from the blade and transferred to the
saw, pushing it up and away from the workpiece
and potentially toward the operator.
The lack of warning and high risk of injury from
kickback makes it extremely important to: (1)
reduce the risk of kickback, and (2) protect your-
self in case it does occur.
Preventing
Kickback
Take these precautions to help prevent the
most common causes of kickback:
• Hold the saw firmly with both hands and
position arms to help resist kickback forces.
Always stand to one side of the saw when
operating—never directly behind it. When
kickback does occur, it will eject the saw back
toward the operator.
•
Ensure the workpiece remains level and
immobile throughout your cut. Do not cut
warped, cupped, or twisted workpieces.
Minimize the chances of the workpiece rock-
ing, rotating, or shifting, which could bind the
blade and allow kickback to occur. Clamp
workpiece in place if necessary.
• Support large panels, making sure supports
are positioned under both sides of the cutting
line.
Figure 2. Cutting with improper support.
Figure 1. Cutting with proper workpiece support.
Workpiece
Support
•
Follow cuts through to completion whenever
possible. If a cut must be stopped before
completion or the blade begins to bind,
release the ON/OFF trigger and hold the
saw motionless while the blade comes to a
complete stop before removing it from the
workpiece. When resuming the cut, center
your blade in the kerf and ensure that the
teeth are not touching the workpiece.
• Only use sharp, clean, undamaged blades.
Dull blades create much more friction and
resistance while cutting, which greatly
increases the risk of kickback.