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Causes and Operator Prevention of KICKBACK:
KICKBACK is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound or mis-
aligned 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, or cut-
ting slot, 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 operator.
KICKBACK is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect operat-
ing procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking
proper precautions as given below:
1. Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw and position
your body and arm to allow you to resist KICKBACK forces.
KICKBACK forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precau-
tions are taken.
2. 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 oc-
cur. Investigate and take corrective actions to eliminate the cause of
blade binding.
3. When restarting a saw in the workpiece, center the saw
blade in the kerf, or cut, 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.
4. 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.
5. Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened or improperly
set blades produce narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade
binding and KICKBACK.
6. 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.
7. 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.
OPERATION
WARNING!
To reduce the risk of injury, wear safety goggles
or glasses with side shields. Unplug the tool be-
fore changing accessories or making adjust-
ments.
General Operation (Figs. 12 & 13)
Always clamp the workpiece securely on a saw horse or bench
(Fig. 12). See “APPLICATIONS” for the correct way to support your work
in different situations.
1. Draw a cutting line. Place the front of the shoe on the edge of the
workpiece without making blade contact. Hold the Tilt-Lok™ handle
with one hand and the front handle with the other (Fig. 13).
8. Set the depth of cut for no more than 1/8" to 1/4" greater than
the thickness of the stock. The less blade exposed, the less
chance of binding and KICKBACK. Before cutting, be sure depth and
bevel adjustments are tight.
9. Be cautious of pitchy, knotty, wet or warped stock. These are
most likely to create pinching conditions and possible KICKBACK. Do
not rip warped lumber. Avoid cutting nails.
10. Use a rip fence or edge guide when ripping. Guides improve
control and reduce blade binding.
11. Stay alert. Any distraction can cause twisting or binding. Repetitive
cuts may lull the user into careless movements.
Fig. 12
3. To make sure the blade is 90 degrees to the shoe, place saw on the
blade side and retract lower guard. Place a square against the blade
and shoe to inspect the degree setting (Fig. 11).
4. To adjust the degree setting, loosen the bevel adjusting lever up by
lifting it up towards the blade. Turn the bevel adjustment screw in or
out until the blade is at a 90 degree angle with the shoe.
5. Check that the bevel pointer is at 0 degrees. To adjust the bevel
pointer, loosen the two screws in the front handle and reposition the
bevel pointer to 0 degrees.
Fig.11
Bevel adjustment screw
2. Line up the sight line with your cutting line. Position your arms and
body to resist KICKBACK. Pull the trigger, allowing the motor to reach
full speed before beginning to cut.
3. While cutting, keep the shoe flat against the workpiece and maintain a
firm grip. Do not force the saw through the workpiece. Forcing a saw
can cause KICKBACK.
Fig. 13