Makita 5008MGJ/2, Instruction Manual

5 

Kickback causes and related warnings 

−

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 the result of saw misuse and/or incorrect 
operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided 
by taking proper precautions as given below. 

9. 

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, but 
kickback forces can be controlled by the operator, 
if proper precautions are taken. 

10. 

When blade is binding, or when interrupting a 
cut for any reason, release the trigger and hold 
the saw motionless in the material 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 or kickback may occur.

 Investigate and 

take corrective actions to eliminate the cause of 
blade binding. 

11. 

When restarting a saw in the workpiece, centre 
the saw blade in the kerf and check that saw 
teeth are not engaged into the material.

 If saw 

blade is binding, it may walk up or kickback from 
the workpiece as the saw is restarted. 

12. 

Support large panels to minimise the risk of 
blade pinching and kickback.

 Large panels tend 

to sag under their own weight. Supports must be 
placed under the panel on both sides, near the 
line of cut and near the edge of the panel. 

To avoid kickback, do support 

board or panel near the cut.

000154 

Do not support board or 
panel away from the cut.

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13. 

Do not use dull or damaged blades.

 Unsharpened 

or improperly set blades produce narrow kerf causing 
excessive friction, blade binding and kickback. 

14. 

Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers 
must be tight and secure before making cut.

 If 

blade adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause 
binding and kickback. 

15. 

Use extra caution when sawing into existing 
walls or other blind areas.

 The protruding blade 

may cut objects that can cause kickback. 

16. 

ALWAYS hold the tool firmly with both hands. 
NEVER place your hand or fingers behind the saw.

 If 

kickback occurs, the saw could easily jump backwards 
over your hand, leading to serious personal injury. 

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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.