Edinburgh Hacklab

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====== Safe Use Guide – Evolution Rage 3 Sliding Multimaterial Chop Saw ======

Materials you can cut (from the [[https://evolutionpowertools.com/downloads/manuals/|manual]]):

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• Wood, Wood derived products
(MDF, Chipboard, Plywood, Blockboard,
Hardboard etc),

• Wood with nails,

• 50mm mild steel box section with 4mm
wall at HB 200-220,

• 6mm mild steel plate at HB 200-220.

Note: Wood containing non galvanised nails
or screws, with care, can be safely cut.

Note: Not recommended for cutting
galvanised materials or wood with embedded
galvanised nails. 

For cutting stainless steel
we recommend Evolution dedicated stainless
steel blades.

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**Prohibited Actions**

Do not cut loose, unrestrained material, or anything with long fibres.

Do not modify the saw or use non-Evolution blades.

Do not saw really wet or highly flammable materials.

Be aware of dust and fume.

**Pre-Use Checks**

Ensure the saw is on a stable, level surface. Both the locks should be fully engaged after turning it over – check!
Check blade is suitable for material and not dull or damaged. If it’s an important bit of material, check for missing teeth on the blade.

Verify blade guard moves freely and returns automatically.

Confirm sliding action is smooth, if needed, and is locked off with the knob if not.

Set the required angles before starting the saw. There are snaps for common angles, and two axes can be adjusted. Ensure the locking knobs are tightened.

Wear PPE: **safety glasses, hearing protection**, (and gloves for handling sharp or hot metal if required) but generally **don’t wear fabric gloves** when using large rotary saws. Nitrile/latex are fine.

Remove loose clothing, lanyards, etc. and tie back long hair.

**General Safety**

This tool is for use by individuals aged 18 and over only, or under close supervision. It is access controlled.

Keep hands at least 100mm away from the blade. Use clamps or a stop block where possible.

Never reach behind or lean past the blade while it is running.

Do not force the cut; let the blade do the work.

Allow the blade to reach full speed before starting a cut/contacting the material.

Always wait for the blade to stop before raising it after a cut.

Clamp round things so they can’t rotate!

Consider the mass of the material cut - especially if long, it will likely tip upwards if unsupported both sides of the cut.

**Material-Specific Guidance**

Steel: Use slow, steady feed. Sparks are normal; ensure a clear, fire-safe area. Have water on hand. Know where the extinguishers are. Warn others. Metal will likely be hot after cutting.

Aluminium: Secure firmly. Use light, consistent pressure. Tends to throw little bits of aluminium across the room – warn others.

Wood with nails/recycled wood: Inspect for large embedded metal – it’ll cut it, just be ready for the sparks.

**Sliding Action Use**

For wide cuts, pull the saw forward, to start the cut at the front, coming down fully, then push backward slowly through the material.

Always lock the slide when not in use or when doing non-sliding cuts.

**After Use**

Unplug saw before changing blade or cleaning. Consult the [[https://evolutionpowertools.com/downloads/manuals|manual]]!

Brush off debris/tidy up after use.

Store with blade guard engaged and power “unplugged” – hit the “logout” button.  Tilt the saw back & to the side into “stowage” position, undo both the locks, and hide it away. Lock it again.