Before installation
Inspect teeth, plate, welds, shank, arbor, direction arrows, and maximum RPM.
Before the cut
Secure the work, plan body position and offcut movement, and test that guards and guides move freely.
During and after
Wait for full speed before entry where specified, never reach into a moving blade, and let rotation stop before setting the tool down.
Method for this decision
- Disconnect power for changes and inspect the blade, arbor, shank, welds, direction arrow, and maximum RPM.
- Secure the work and offcut, confirm guard and guide movement, and locate hidden wiring, pipe, fasteners, or contaminants.
- Start only with the manufacturer-required PPE, extraction, body position, and a clear stop plan.
Worked example
Example: before cutting an old timber, the checklist can expose nails and hidden services that a material dropdown cannot see. Removing accessible fasteners or changing method may be safer than choosing a tougher blade.
Limits and stop conditions
This is a stop checklist, not permission to cut. If the manual, workpiece, guard, environment, or operator competence is uncertain, stop and obtain qualified guidance.