Radial arm saws, because of their versatility, are widely used in the
home, professionally, and in the vocation shop. They demand a
thorough understanding by the operator of all of the procedures
utilized.

To begin with, read and thoroughly understand the warnings and
instructions on the saw and in the owner/ operators manual.

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields complying
with current national standard, and a full face shield when needed. Use a
dust mask in dusty work conditions. Wear hearing protection during
extended periods of operation.

Do not wear gloves, loose clothing, jewelry or any dangling objects that
may catch in rotating parts or accessories. Tie back long hair.

Never operate a radial arm saw with tools debris or any loose objects on
the table. Check often to assure that guards return to their normal
position quickly if a guard seems slow to return or "hangs up," repair
or adjust it immediately.

Make sure the blade is installed to rotate in the proper direction.

The saw blade should not extend beyond the saw table in any operation
you perform.

Know what a kickback is and all the precautions in preventing it from
occurring. (See "Preventing Radial Arm Saw Kickback" Section).

Wrong direction feeding of a workpiece is extremely dangerous. Follow
the instructions provided with, and on the saw very carefully.

Thoroughly read your owner/operators manual and instructions that
accompany the lower guard.

Do not release your feed pressure on a workpiece, wait until it is clear of
the blade.

Never read near, along side, or around the saw blade. This is particularly
dangerous.

During a crosscutting operation, never place arm, hands or fingers in the
path of the blade.

When a crosscut operation is complete, return the carriage to the full rear
position behind the fence.

The anti-kickback devices should be positioned to just clear the workpiece
in crosscutting. Anti-kickback devices may not work when cutting smooth,
hard surfaces. Therefore, always cut with the smooth, hard surface down,
next to the table. When rip cutting a spreader should be used.

Use of some accessories, such as a dado or molding head, require special
safety precautions and equipment. Consult the appropriate owner/operators
manual.

Use only those accessories specifically recommended by the manufacturer
of your tool.

Do not use grinding or wire brush wheels on your radial arm saw. Radical
arm saws are not equipped with the proper guards for use of grinding or
wire brush wheels.

Accessories specific to radial arm saws should be used with strict
adherence to the radial saw manufacturer's procedural and safety
recommendations contained in the owner/operators manual.

Turn off, unplug when possible and lock the switch of the saw after each
use. Store the switch or lock key.

PREVENTING RADIAL ARM SAW KICKBACK
Kickback of a workpiece (stock) can occur when the workpiece binds
between the saw blade and the fence during a ripping operation. This can
result in the workpiece being ejected from the saw and thrown back towards
the operator. Following are precautions and advisements to prevent the
potential for kickback from developing out of wrong procedure and / or
operating conditions.

Keep your radial arm saw in correct adjustment and alignment. Use only
sharp, freecutting tools and accessories that were designed for your saw.
Follow your owner/operators manual carefully.

Both the spreader device (to prevent binding) and the anti-kickback
devices should be used for most ripping operations the spreader must be
precisely lined up with the blade.

When ripping, the upper guard must be positioned to hold down the
workpiece on the table. Make certain that the anti-kickback device fingers
are sharp, free-moving and adjusted to stop kickback and assure proper
operation. See your owner/operators manual.

For ripping short or narrow stock, a pushstick must be used. It is to be
applied between the blade and the fence. Do not attempt to rip a workpiece
shorter than the diameter of the saw blade. Do not cut freehand (failing to
use the fence to stabilize the workplace.

Other precautions which should be taken to prevent kickback while using
a radial arm saw:

Keep blades sharp. A dull table may contribute to a kickback.

Make sure the set tooth blade has adequate set in the teeth. Tooth set
provides clearance between the sides of the blade and the workpiece, thus
minimizing the probability of binding. Some saw blades are hollow or taper
ground to provide clearance.

Keep saw blades clean. A buildup of pitch or sap on the surface of the
saw blade increases the thickness of the blade and also increases friction
on the blade surface. These conditions cause an increase in the potential
of a kickback.

Do not cut wet wood. It produces higher friction against the blade. Also
the blade tends to load up with wet sawdust and creates a much greater
probability of kickback.

Be very cautious of stock which is pitchy, knotty or warped. These are
more likely to create pinching conditions and possible kickback. Avoid
bowed stock that cannot be prevented from rocking on the table.

Never use a bent, broken or warped saw blade. Discard immediately.

Overheating a saw blade can cause it to warp and create a kickback.
Buildup of sap on blades, insufficient set, dullness and unguided cuts can
all cause an overheated blade and kickback.

Freehanding a workpiece can cause crooked cuts and potential kickback.
Crooked edges on the stock can also cause a crooked cut.

Make sure the blade is exactly parallel to the fence. If the fence closes in
toward the rear of the blade it will tend to wedge the wood against the blade
and may cause kickback.

Avoid standing or permitting others to stand directly behind the workpiece
when making a ripping cut.

Always hold the workpiece firmly against the fence when crosscutting.