Usage Instructions

SILKY saws are made in Japan by UM:KOGYO INC., a company which has specialized in the manufacturing of saws since 1919. Unique technology and design has resulted in an extensive
range of saws with superb cutting ability. 

SILKY saws cut as you pull the blade towards you. They do not cut on the forward or push stroke. Cutting on the pull stroke requires less energy and gives you more control over the action of the saw.

These saws are precision instruments, they should be used as such. No saw will stand up to misuse and abuse. Here are instructions for the proper use of these saws, no product replacement will even be considered if it has obviously been misused and broken!

SILKY POLE SAWS OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

To allow effective use of Silky telescoping pole saws (HAYATE, HAYAUCHI, ZUBAT series and LONGBOY) at extensions up to 21 feet, two locking systems are incorporated to assure structural rigidity of the extended poles: 1) Locking Pins/Buttons - the primary pole locking mechanism; and 2) Friction Clamps - the secondary pole locking mechanism. The two systems are designed to work together.

This dual locking system allows 100% of the effort at the handle to be effectively transferred to the blade up to 21 feet away. If only the Friction Clamps are used without the primary Locking Pins/Buttons being engaged at or near maximum pole extension, the poles may slightly slide within each other when cutting. This condition will result in loss of energy being transferred to the blade significantly reducing cutting performance.

There is a condition when the Locking Pins/Buttons may stick and not pop up easily. This typically occurs when the poles are extended or retracted without all of the Friction Clamps being unlocked. Not unlocking all of the Friction Clamps when extending or retracting the poles may affect the proper alignment of the intersecting poles and prevent the Locking Pins/Buttons from easily popping up.

EXTENDING & RETRACTING POLES

1. Unlock the Locking Levers of the Friction Clamps
2. Extend the poles in order starting with the lower pole
3. Press the positioning Locking Pin/Button
4. Extend the pole from the larger diameter pole section
5. Make sure the Locking Pin/Button clicks into place and engaged
6. Close the Locking Levers of the Friction Clamps
7. To store the poles after use, retract the poles in reverse order starting with the upper pole

POLE SAW OPERATING RULES TO REMEMBER

1. All Friction Clamps must always be open when extending or retracting the poles.
2. All Locking Pins/Buttons must always be engaged before pole saw use.
3. All Friction Clamps must always be locked before pole saw use.

WARNING

Do not use the pole saw near electrical power! The aluminum pole is highly conductive!

Incorrect use of the Silky pole saw may cause injury.

CAUTION

After use, always store saw blade in provided safety cover.

HOW TO USE SILKY SAWS PROPERLY

1. Silky saws are designed to cut on the pull stroke. The thin blades will not bow because they are under tension while being pulled across the surface to be cut. If your saw ever becomes caught in a branch squeeze, DO NOT PUSH HARD and NEVER WRENCH THE HANDLE. These actions may damage the blade. Always lift the weight off the blade to release the saw.

2. Silky's precision engineering results in a fine kerf, very little force is needed to saw. So, do not use muscle to speed up your sawing. LET THE SAW DO THE WORK for you while you pull it across the wood.

3. Impulse hardened blades (insert the sign of impulse hardening) cannot be re-sharpened by a hand file.

4. Keep your blades clean by using a solvent. Keep the solvent away from the handle.

5. When not in use, store the saw in a protective sheath and away from moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

6. Silky is not responsible for any damage resulting from the misuse of Silky saws.

PULL SAW TECHNIQUE

1. Always hold the branch securely.

2. Start cutting by light dragging the blade across the branch towards you.

3. Slide the blade forward. No cutting takes place on this forward or push stroke.

4. Repeat until branch is cut.
5. Apply light power to the pull stroke and simply slide the blade forward. Let the teeth do the work.

PRECAUTIONS
 

1. DO NOT PUSH HARD. If the branch moves during cutting, the blade may flex and bend or break. Replacement blades are available.

2. DO NOT PRESS DOWN HARD. Heavy pressure is not necessary and the teeth will only jam in the wood fiber and may break.

3. REMEMBER Correct pruning techniques are important. With larger branches, always undercut first. If your saw ever does become caught in a branch squeeze, always take the weight off the blade to free the saw. Never wrench the handle from side to side hoping to release the blade. It may break!

4. CARING FOR YOUR SILKY SAW. SILKY saws cut exceedingly fast and efficiently. Taper ground blades reduce friction and binding and hard chrome plating resists rust and resin. Wash your blade regularly with warm soapy water to remove resin deposits. Build-up of resin will make it harder and slower to cut and if additional force is applied during cutting, bending or breakage may result. Always keep your blade clean for optimal cutting performance.

5. To get the best from your SILKY saw, use the teeth, not your strength and apply gently power
to the pull stroke. Let the saw do the work.