Kickback Prevention And Operator Safety - GMC GTS165 Mode D'emploi

• Do not reach beneath the workpiece where the guard cannot protect you from the blade
• Note the direction of rotation of the motor and the blade
• Inspect the workpiece and remove all nails and other embedded objects prior to starting work
• Do not apply any sideways or twisting force to the blade whilst cutting
• If a cut does not extend to the edge of the workpiece, or if the blade binds in the cut, allow the blade to
come to a complete stop and lift the saw out of the workpiece
• Do not attempt to free a jammed blade before first disconnecting the machine from power
• Do not move the saw backwards at any time whilst cutting
• Beware of projected waste. In some situations, waste material may be projected at speed from the
cutting tool. It is the user's responsibility to ensure that other people in the work area are protected from
the possibility of projected waste
• If you are interrupted when operating the saw, complete the process and switch off before diverting your
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attention
• The blade bolt and washers were specially designed for your saw. For optimum performance and safety
of operation never use damaged or incorrect bolt/blade washers
• Check the lower guard for proper closing before each use. Do not operate the saw if the lower guard does
not move freely and close instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard into the open position. If the saw is
accidentally dropped, the 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
• Always observe that the lower guard is covering the blade before resting the saw on a surface after use.
An unprotected, coasting blade will cause the saw to move backwards, cutting whatever is in its path. Be
aware of the time it takes for the blade to stop after the trigger switch is released
• Periodically check that all nuts, bolts and other fixings have not loosened, tighten where necessary
The tool must be used only for its prescribed purpose. Any use other than those mentioned in this manual will
be considered a case of misuse. The user, and not the manufacturer, shall be liable for any damage or injury
resulting from such cases of misuse.
The manufacturer shall not be liable for any modifications made to the tool nor for any damage resulting from
such modifications.
Even when the tool is used as prescribed it is not possible to eliminate all residual risk factors.

Kickback Prevention and Operator Safety

When used in the track, this plunge saw includes an integral anti-kickback device (see 'Anti-kickback' for
details) to help prevent the saw lifting up out of the workpiece. The following provides guidance on measures
to prevent kickback occurring:
Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound or misaligned saw blade, causing an uncontrolled saw to
lift up and out of the workpiece toward the operator. Kickback is the result of saw misuse and/or incorrect
operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking precautions as follows:
a. Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw and position your arms to resist kickback forces. Position
your body to either side of the blade but not in line with the blade. Kickback could cause the saw to jump
backwards, however, if precautions are taken, kickback forces can be controlled by the operator.
b. When the blade is binding, or when interrupting a cut for any reason, release the trigger and hold the
saw motionless in the workpiece 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. Investigate and take corrective
action to eliminate the cause of blade binding.
c. When restarting a saw within an incomplete cut, centre the saw blade in the kerf and check that the saw
teeth are not engaged into the material (a binding saw blade may 'propel upwards' or kickback from the
workpiece as the tool is restarted).
d. A large workpiece should be supported close to the line of the cut, and at the edge of the panel, to
prevent sagging. This will minimise the risk of blade pinching and kickback.
e. Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce narrow kerf causing
excessive friction, blade binding and kickback.
f. Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers must be tight and secure before making a cut. If blade
adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and kickback.
g. Use extra caution when making a 'plunge cut' into existing walls or other blind areas. The protruding
blade may cut objects causing kickback.
h. Check the lower guard before each use and do not use if it does not close freely, ensuring that the blade
does not touch any part of the guard or tool in all angles and depths of cut. Never clamp or tie the lower
guard in the open position.
i. Check the operation of the lower guard spring. If the guard and the spring are not operating correctly,
they must be serviced before use. The lower guard may operate sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy
deposits, or a build-up of debris.
j. The lower guard should be retracted manually only for special cuts such as 'plunge cuts' and 'compound
cuts.' Raise the lower guard by the retracting handle and as soon as the blade enters the material, the
lower guard must be released. For all other sawing, the lower guard should operate automatically.
k. Ensure that the lower guard is covering the blade before placing the saw down. An unprotected, coasting
blade will cause the saw to 'propel backwards', cutting whatever is in its path. Be aware of the time it
takes for the blade to stop after the switch is released. Do not use abrasive wheels, doing so will void the
warranty.
l. If a circular saw features a riving knife it must be removed before plunge cutting. A riving knife will
interfere with a plunge cut causing kickback. The riving knife must always be refitted after plunge cutting.
A circular saw with a permanent, non-removable riving knife is NOT suitable for plunge cutting.
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