Makita XSH03 Instruction Manual page 5

17. Never force the saw. Push the saw forward at
a speed so that the blade cuts without
slowing. Forcing the saw can cause uneven cuts,
loss of accuracy, and possible kickback.
Lower guard function
18. Check lower guard for proper closing before each
use. Do not operate the saw if lower guard does
not move freely and close instantly. Never clamp or
tie the lower guard into the open position. If saw is
accidentally dropped, lower guard may be bent. Raise
the lower guard with the retracting handle and make
sure it moves freely and does not touch the blade or
any other part, in all angles and depths of cut.
19. Check the operation of the lower guard spring. If
the guard and the spring are not operating
properly, they must be serviced before use. Lower
guard may operate sluggishly due to damaged parts,
gummy deposits, or a build-up of debris.
20. Lower guard should be retracted manually
only for special cuts such as "plunge cuts"
and "compound cuts". Raise lower guard by
retracting handle and as soon as blade enters
the material, the lower guard must be released.
For all other sawing, the lower guard should
operate automatically.
21. Always observe that the lower guard is
covering the blade before placing saw down
on bench or floor. An unprotected, coasting
blade will cause the saw to walk backwards,
cutting whatever is in its path. Be aware of the
time it takes for the blade to stop after switch is
released.
22. To check lower guard, open lower guard by
hand, then release and watch guard closure.
Also check to see that retracting handle does
not touch tool housing. Leaving blade exposed
is VERY DANGEROUS and can lead to serious
personal injury.
Additional safety warnings
23. Intended use
This tool is intended to cut wood products
only. Accumulated sawdust on the lower guard
and hub from other materials may effect the
proper closure of the lower guard which could
lead to serious personal injury.
24. Use extra caution when cutting damp wood,
pressure treated lumber, or wood containing
knots. Maintain smooth advancement of tool
without decrease in blade speed to avoid
overheating the blade tips.
25. Do not attempt to remove cut material when
blade is moving. Wait until blade stops before
grasping cut material.Blades coast after turn off.
26. Avoid Cutting Nails. Inspect for and remove
all nails from lumber before cutting.
27. Place the wider portion of the saw base on that
part of the workpiece which is solidly supported,
not on the section that will fall off when the cut is
made. As examples, Fig. 1 illustrates the RIGHT
way to cut off the end of a board, and Fig. 2 the
WRONG way. If the workpiece is short or small,
clamp it down. DO NOT TRY TO HOLD SHORT
PIECES BY HAND!
Fig. 1
014997
Fig. 2
000190
28. Before setting the tool down after completing
a cut, be sure that the lower guard has closed
and the blade has come to a complete stop.
29. Never attempt to saw with the circular saw
held upside down in a vise. This is extremely
dangerous and can lead to serious accidents.
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