Powered Hand Tools - Saws - Sabre, Jig and Reciprocating

• Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles).
• Disconnect power supply before changing or adjusting blades.
• Use lubricants when cutting metals.
• Keep all cords clear of cutting area.
• Position the saw beside the material before cutting and avoid entering the cut with a moving blade.
• Make sure guards, if present, are installed and are working properly.

• Hold reciprocating saw with both hands.
• Remember sabre saws cut on the up stroke.
• Secure and support stock as close as possible to the cutting line to avoid vibration.
• Keep the base or shoe of the saw in firm contact with the stock being cut.
• Select the correct blade for the material being cut and allow it to cut steadily. Do not force it. Clean and sharp blades operate best.
• Set the blade to go no further than 0.32 to 0.64 cm (1/8 to 1/4 inch) deeper than the material being cut.
• Do not start cutting until the saw reaches its full power.
• Do not force a saw along or around a curve. Allow the machine to turn with ease.
• Do not insert a blade into or withdraw a blade from a cut or lead hole while the blade is moving.
• Do not put down a saw until the motor has stopped.
• Do not reach under or around the stock being cut.
• Maintain control of the saw always. Avoid cutting above shoulder height.

• Place the front of the shoe on the stock.
• Make sure that the blade is not in contact with the material or the saw will stall when the motor starts.
• Hold the saw firmly down against the material and switch the saw on.
• Feed the blade slowly into the stock maintaining an even forward pressure.

• Drill a lead hole slightly larger than the saw blade. With the saw switched off, insert the blade in the hole until the shoe rests firmly on the stock.
• Do not let the blade touch the stock until the saw has been switched on.

Refer to Powered Hand Tools - Basic Safety for Electric Tools for general safety tips.