Abstract: A first part 34 of the protection device 32 is mounted on the tiltable saw assembly, embraces the saw blade 24 from behind, and extends to the lower peripheral region of the blade 24. A second part 36 forms a cover which engages over the blade 24 and which, in the starting position of the saw assembly, surrounds the blade 24 at the upper peripheral portion and at the peripheral portion presented to the operating side, as far as the vicinity of the lower peripheral portion or the cutting location. A cam 74 on one part cooperates with a follower 78 on the other part so that, as the saw assembly is tilted, the covering part 36 remains at substantially the same horizontal level.