Craftsman 315.220381 - Manual (Page 44)

OPERATION
SWITCH AND SWITCH KEY
See Figures 36-38.
The main power switch has been placed on the front
of the arm for easy access. The yellow switch key
prevents accidental starting of the main power switch
when saw is not being used. To activate the switch,
insert the switch key and lift switch to ON position. To
lock the switch once it has been pressed to OFF,
remove the yellow key. Place the key in a location that
is inaccessible to children and others not qualified to
use the tool.
SWITCH ON Fig. 37
CAUSES OF KICKBACK
Kickback can occur when the blade stalls or binds,
kicking the workpiece back toward you with great
force and speed. If your hands are near the blade,
they may be jerked loose and contact tiie blade.
Obviously, kickback can cause serious injury and it is
well worth using precautions to avoid the risks.
Kickback can be caused by any action that pinches
the blade in the wood, such as the following:
■ Making a cut with incorrect blade depth
■ Sawing into knots or nails in the workpiece
■ Twisting the wood while making a cut
■ Failing to support work
■ Forcing a cut
■ Cutting warped or wet lumber
■ Misusing the saw
■ Not following correct operating procedures
■ Using the wrong blade for the type of cut
■ Cutting with a dull, gummed-up, or improperly set
blade.
AVOIDING KICKBACK
■ Always use the correct blade depth setting. The
outer point of the blade teeth should clear the lower
surface of the workpiece by 1/8 in. to 1/4 in. when
making these cuts.
■ Inspect the work for knots or nails before beginning
a cut. Knock out any loose knots vwth a hammer.
Never saw into a loose knot or nail.
■ Always use the fence when rip cutting. This helps
prevent twisting the wood in the cut.
■ Aiways use clean, sharp, and properly-set blades.
Never make cuts with dull blades.
■ To avoid pinching the blade, support the work
properly before beginning a cut.
■ When making a cut, use steady, even pressure.
Never force cuts.
■ Do not cut wet or warped lumber.
■ Always hold your workpiece firmly with both hands
or with pushsticks. Keep your body in a balanced
position to be ready to resist kickback should it
occur. Never stand directly in line with the blade.
■ Use the right type of blade for the cut being made.
■ Use the riving knife and anti-kickback pawls when
performing rip cuts.
SWITCH OFF Fig. 38
CMFnMHr RADIAL SAW 315.220381 44