RIDGID R8481 Operator's Manual page 6

OPERATION
ATTACHING THE DUST BAG
See Figure 2, page 11.
 Remove the battery pack.
 Slide the collar of the dust bag onto the exhaust port.
NOTE: To remove the dust bag, pull it straight out of the
exhaust port.
NOTICE:
The dust bag fills quickly. Empty it often to prevent
clogged exhaust, which can damage the product.
ATTACHING THE PLANER TO A VACUUM
See Figure 3, page 11.
The chip collection system of the planer has a 1-1/4 in. port
for inserting a vacuum hose.
 Remove the battery pack.
 Remove the dust bag.
 Attach a vacuum hose to the left or right chip exhaust.
 Set exhaust direction lever to the selected exhaust port.
 Connect the vacuum to a power supply.
 Turn vacuum on before starting cut.
WARNING:
When the tool is not connected to vacuum, always
reinstall the dust bag back onto the tool. Failure
to do so could cause dust or foreign objects to be
thrown into your face or eyes, which could result
in possible serious injury.
INSTALLING/REMOVING BATTERY PACK
See Figure 4, page 12.
 Insert the battery pack into the product as shown.
 Make sure the latches on each side of the battery pack
snap into place and the battery pack is secured in the
product before beginning operation.
 Depress the latches to remove the battery pack.
For complete charging instructions, see the operator's manu-
als for your battery pack and charger.
STARTING/STOPPING THE PLANER
See Figure 5, page 12.
 To start the planer: Push the lock-off button from either
side, and then depress the switch trigger.
 To stop the planer: Release the switch trigger.
KICKSTAND
See Figures 6 - 7, page 12.
The automatic pivoting kickstand prevents the blades from
contacting the workbench when not in use.
It may also be set in the retracted position.
 Remove the battery pack.
 Depress the kickstand so that it is flush with the base and
slide the tab into the slot.
As you begin the planing operation, the kickstand will auto-
matically retract as it passes over the edge of the workpiece.
When setting the planer down on the workbench, the kick-
stand will automatically pivot down to prevent the blade from
making any contact.
WARNING:
Make sure the kickstand operates freely at all times
and that the area surrounding the kickstand is clear
of debris. Failure to do so could result in serious
personal injury.
PLANING/CHAMFERING DEPTH
See Figure 8, page 12.
When you begin planing a rough piece of material, the planer
will only remove the high spots at first. Successive passes
will remove more and more material. By removing no more
than 1/64 in. with each pass, you will achieve the smoothest
finish, even from the roughest workpiece.
Always begin by making test cuts in scrap wood to make
sure that the planer is removing the desired amount of wood.
To set the planing depth:
 Remove the battery pack.
 Turn the depth adjustment knob to set the desired
decreased depth of cut (positive number settings). The
maximum depth of cut is 5/64 in.
To set the chamfering depth:
 Remove the battery pack.
 Turn the depth adjustment knob to set the desired
increased depth of chamfer (negative number settings).
The maximum depth of chamfer is -5/32 in. at the "0"
setting on the depth adjustment scale.
NOTE: Use only detented depth settings. Attempting cuts
with the depth of cut settings between the detented posi-
tions can result in uneven cuts.
NOTE: To protect the blades during storage, transporting,
etc., turn the depth adjustment knob to "0" on the depth of
cut scale to park the blade.
WARNING:
Always clamp the workpiece securely before
making a cut. Workpiece moving during a cut could
result in loss of control of the planer and cause
serious injury.
TIPS FOR OPERATING THE PLANER
 Clamp the workpiece securely.
 Be sure the material to be planed is free of nails, staples,
or screws.
6 – English