SawStop ICS73600 - Manual (Page 36)

34 SawStop 10” Industrial Cabinet Saw
6. Using the Blade Guard:
Using the blade guard is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent injury when using your saw.
Most table saw injuries occur when the blade guard is either not being used or not being used properly. Your
SawStop saw is equipped with a narrow profile blade guard that allows you to use the rip fence even when
making narrow rip cuts. As a result, there are only a few situations where the blade guard cannot be used
(e.g., dado cuts, rabbet cuts, and extremely narrow cuts). For all other situations, use the blade guard as
described below.
Install the blade guard as described on page 20. The guard shell is mounted on a pivot arm that allows the
guard to automatically adjust to the height of the workpiece (up to 3
1 /
8
inches high). The pivot arm also allows
the guard shell to be pivoted upward to a balance point where the guard will stay without further support. This
allows you to adjust or change the blade without
removing the guard.
To use the guard, set the blade elevation and tilt
angle to the desired settings. If necessary, swing
the pivot arm down to ensure the guard is resting
on the table or insert. Cut the workpiece as
described beginning on page 37. The guard will
“float” on the top of the workpiece as it passes
under the guard. The guard shell is constructed
of clear polycarbonate to allow you to clearly
see the blade and the workpiece as it passes
under the guard. After making the cut, the cut-off
portion of the workpiece may be held beneath
one of the anti-kickback pawls. In this case, turn
off the motor and wait until the blade completes
coast-down before pushing the cut-off portion
past the anti-kickback pawl.
Keep the guard shells clean and free of dust
to allow unobstructed viewing of the blade
and workpiece. For successful operation, the
spreader must remain flat, and the guard shells,
pivot arm and anti-kickback pawls must pivot freely. If any portion of the guard ceases to function properly,
replace or repair it before continuing to use the saw. When not in use, the blade guard can be stored on the
guard / riving knife storage pin on the left side of the cabinet (see Fig. 3 on page 14).
WARNING! Use the blade guard and spreader for every operation for which it can
be used, including all through-sawing.
Using Your Saw
Fig. 30
blade guard and
spreader assembly
anti-kickback
pawl
Industrial Cabinet Saw Rev. 2 Ma34 34 3/9/2010 8:38:43 AM