DeWALT 31-260X Instruction Manual

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1.  FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, READ THE INSTRUCTION 

MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING THE MACHINE. Learning 
the machine’s application, limitations, and specific hazards 
will greatly minimize the possibility of accidents and injury.

2. 

WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION. ALWAYS 
USE SAFETY GLASSES. Everyday eyeglasses are NOT 
safety glasses. USE CERTIFIED SAFETY EQUIPMENT. 
Eye protection equipment should comply with ANSI Z87.1 
standards. Hearing equipment should comply with ANSI 
S3.19 standards. 

3.  WEAR PROPER APPAREL. Do not wear loose clothing, 

gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets, or other jewelry which may 
get caught in moving parts. Nonslip protective footwear is 
recommended. Wear protective hair covering to contain long 
hair.

4.  DO NOT USE THE MACHINE IN A DANGEROUS 

ENVIRONMENT.  The use of power tools in damp or wet 
locations or in rain can cause shock or electrocution. Keep 
your work area well-lit to prevent tripping or placing arms, 
hands, and fingers in danger.

5.  MAINTAIN ALL TOOLS AND MACHINES IN PEAK 

CONDITION.  Keep tools sharp and clean for best and safest 
performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing 
accessories. Poorly maintained tools and machines can further 
damage the tool or machine and/or cause injury.

6.  CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS. Before using the machine, 

check for any damaged parts. Check for alignment of moving 
parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any 
other conditions that may affect its operation. A guard or any 
other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or 
replaced with Delta or factory authorized replacement 
parts. Damaged parts can cause further damage to the 
machine and/or injury.

7. 

KEEP THE WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and benches 
invite accidents.

8.  KEEP CHILDREN AND VISITORS AWAY. Your shop is a 

potentially dangerous environment. Children and visitors can be 
injured.

9.  REDUCE THE RISK OF UNINTENTIONAL STARTING. Make 

sure that the switch is in the “OFF” position before plugging 
in the power cord. In the event of a power failure, move the 
switch to the “OFF” position. An accidental start-up can cause 
injury. Do not touch the plug’s metal prongs when unplugging 
or plugging in the cord. 

10.  USE THE GUARDS. Check to see that all guards are in place, 

secured, and working correctly to prevent injury.

11.  REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES BEFORE 

STARTING THE MACHINE. Tools, scrap pieces, and other 
debris can be thrown at high speed, causing injury.

12.  USE THE RIGHT MACHINE. Don’t force a machine or an 

attachment to do a job for which it was not designed. Damage 
to the machine and/or injury may result.

13.  USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. The use of 

accessories and attachments not recommended by Delta 
may cause damage to the machine or injury to the user.

14.  USE THE PROPER EXTENSION CORD. Make sure your 

extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension 
cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current 
your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop 
in line voltage, resulting in loss of power and overheating. See 
the Extension Cord Chart for the correct size depending on 
the cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use 
the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the 
heavier the cord.

15.  SECURE THE WORKPIECE. Use clamps or a vise to hold the 

workpiece when practical. Loss of control of a workpiece can 
cause injury.

16.  FEED THE WORKPIECE AGAINST THE DIRECTION OF 

THE ROTATION OF THE BLADE, CUTTER, OR ABRASIVE 
SURFACE.  Feeding it from the other direction will cause the 
workpiece to be thrown out at high speed.

17.  DON’T FORCE THE WORKPIECE ON THE MACHINE. 

Damage to the machine and/or injury may result.

18.  DON’T OVERREACH. Loss of balance can make you fall into 

a working machine, causing injury.

19.  NEVER STAND ON THE MACHINE. Injury could occur if the tool 

tips, or if you accidentally contact the cutting tool.

20.  NEVER LEAVE THE MACHINE RUNNING UNATTENDED. 

TURN THE POWER OFF. Don’t leave the machine until it comes 
to a complete stop. A child or visitor could be injured.

21.  TURN THE MACHINE “OFF”, AND DISCONNECT THE 

MACHINE FROM THE POWER SOURCE before installing or 
removing accessories, changing cutters, adjusting or changing 
set-ups. When making repairs, be sure to lock the start switch 
in the “OFF” position. An accidental start-up can cause injury.

22.  MAKE YOUR WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF WITH 

PADLOCKS, MASTER SWITCHES, OR BY REMOVING 
STARTER KEYS. The accidental start-up of a machine by a 
child or visitor could cause injury.

23.  STAY ALERT, WATCH WHAT YOU ARE DOING, AND USE 

COMMON SENSE. DO NOT USE THE MACHINE WHEN 
YOU ARE TIRED OR UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS, 
ALCOHOL, OR MEDICATION. A moment of inattention while 
operating power tools may result in injury.

24. 

 USE OF THIS TOOL CAN GENERATE AND 

DISBURSE DUST OR OTHER AIRBORNE PARTICLES, 
INCLUDING WOOD DUST, CRYSTALLINE SILICA DUST 
AND ASBESTOS DUST.  Direct particles away from face 
and body.  Always operate tool in well ventilated area and 
provide for proper dust removal.  Use dust collection system 
wherever possible.  Exposure to the dust may cause serious 
and permanent respiratory or other injury, including silicosis (a 
serious lung disease), cancer, and death.  Avoid breathing the 
dust, and avoid prolonged contact with dust. Allowing dust to 
get into your mouth or eyes, or lay on your skin may promote 
absorption of harmful material. Always use properly fitting 
NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory protection appropriate for 
the dust exposure, and wash exposed areas with soap and 
water.