Blade
Diameter
DW9155 6-1/2" (165 mm)
DW9154 6-1/2" (165 mm)
DW9153 6-1/2" (165 mm)
If you need assistance regarding blades, please call 1-800-4-D
(1-800-433-9258).
KICKBACK
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. When the blade is pinched or bound tightly by the
kerf 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 the operator.
Kickback is more likely to occur when any of the following conditions
exists.
1. IMPROPER WORKPIECE SUPPORT
A. Sagging or improper lifting of the cut off piece can cause
pinching of the blade and lead to kickback (Fig. 12).
B. Cutting through material supported at the outer ends only can
cause kickback. As the material weakens it sags, closing down
the kerf and pinching the blade (Fig. 12).
C. Cutting off a cantilevered or overhanging piece of material from
the bottom up in a vertical direction can cause kickback. The
falling cut off piece can pinch the blade.
D. Cutting off long narrow strips (as in ripping) can cause kickback.
The cut off strip can sag or twist closing the kerf and pinching
the blade.
Teeth
Application
18
General purpose cutting
24
Smooth wood cutting
90
Non-carbide, plywood/
vinyl siding cutting
WALT
E
E. Snagging the lower guard on a surface below the material being
cut momentarily reduces operator control. The saw can lift
partially out of the cut increasing the chance of blade twist.
2. IMPROPER DEPTH OF CUT SETTING ON SAW
To make the most efficient cut, the blade should protrude only far
enough to expose one-half of a tooth as shown in Figure 7. This
allows the shoe to support the blade and minimizes twisting and
pinching in the material. See the section titled Cutting Depth
Adjustment.
3. BLADE TWISTING (MISALIGNMENT IN CUT)
A. Pushing harder to cut through a knot, a nail, or a hard grain area
can cause the blade to twist.
B. Trying to turn the saw in the cut (trying to get back on the
marked line) can cause blade twist.
C. Overreaching or operating the saw with poor body control (out
of balance), can result in twisting the blade.
D. Changing hand grip or body position while cutting can result in
blade twist.
E. Backing up the saw to clear blade can lead to twist.
4. MATERIALS THAT REQUIRE EXTRA ATTENTION
A. Wet lumber
B. Green lumber (material freshly cut or not kiln dried)
C. Pressure treated lumber (material treated with preservatives or
anti-rot chemicals)
5. USE OF DULL OR DIRTY BLADES
Dull blades cause increased loading of the saw. To compensate,
an operator will usually push harder which further loads the unit
and promotes twisting of the blade in the kerf. Worn blades may
also have insufficient body clearance which increases the chance
of binding and increased loading.
14