RIDGID R29303N Operator's Manual page 10

OPERATION
 Turn the plunge depth stop knob counterclockwise until
the scale on the front of the stop reads 1/4 in.
 Loosen the depth stop bar lock knob and allow the depth
stop bar to drop down and contact the top of the plunge
depth stop knob.
NOTE: If the bar does not drop down, it may be necessary
to move the slide to a higher position to allow the bar to
move freely.
 Slowly plunge the router until the bit contacts the work
surface. This will provide a "zero" depth of cut reference
point.
 Lock the locking arm to hold the bit at "zero" depth.
 Tighten the depth stop bar lock knob. Move the depth
indicator slide to align the edge with the "0" indicator on
the scale.
To make large adjustments (greater than 1/4 in.):
 Unplug the router.
 Unlock the locking arm if needed.
 Loosen the depth stop bar lock knob.
 Using the scale located on the side of the router, move
the depth stop bar to the desired depth of cut. This will
allow the cutter to be plunged to the depth selected.
 Tighten the depth stop bar lock knob.
 Retighten the locking arm if needed.
To make small adjustments (less than 1/4 in.):
 Unplug the router.
 Unlock the locking arm if needed.
 Rotate the plunge depth stop knob to the desired setting.
NOTE: The plunge depth stop knob will change the depth
setting by 1/16 in. with each revolution and has detent
positions (indicated by an arrow) every 90˚ for precision
1/64 in. settings. Turning the knob counterclockwise
will make your cuts more shallow and turning the knob
clockwise will make your cuts deeper.
NOTE: Keep track of the number of clicks you turn the
plunge depth stop knob so that you can return it to the
"zero' setting when cuts are complete.
 Lock the locking arm if needed.
TURNING THE ROUTER ON AND OFF
See Figure 9, page 18.
The router features a soft start which allows for a gradual
increase in speed from 0/min. to the variable speed dial
setting. For example, if the router is set at 16,000/min. at
the time it is switched off and is then activated again, the
motor is designed to gradually rev up to that speed instead
of starting out at the full 16,000 r/min.
To turn the router on, push the switch to the ( I ), or ON
position. Return the switch to the ( O ), or OFF position when
routing operation is finished.
The LED worklights, located on the bottom of the router
motor, illuminate when the switch is on. This provides extra
light for increased visibility.
VARIABLE SPEED DIAL
See Figure 10, page 18.
The router has a variable speed dial designed to allow
the operator control and adjustment of speed and power
limits. The speed and power of the router can be increased or
decreased by rotating the variable speed dial in the direction
of the arrows shown in figure 10.
NOTE: Hold the router in normal operating position and turn
the variable speed dial to the higher numbers to increase
speed and power. Turn to the lower numbers to decrease
speed and power.
Avoid running the router at low speeds for extended periods
of time. Running at low speeds under constant usage may
cause the router to become overheated. If this occurs, cool
the router by running it without a load and at full speed.
To adjust the router speed, turn the variable speed dial to
the desired speed setting.
OPERATING THE ROUTER
See Figures 11 - 12, page 18.
When routing straight cuts across a workpiece, clamp a
straight edge to the workpiece to use as a guide.
NOTE: Edge guides for the router are also available. See
Accessories.
Position the straight edge parallel to the line of cut and offset
the distance between the cutting edge of the bit and the edge
of the router base. Hold the router base against the straight
edge and rout the groove.
When routing a groove wider than the diameter of the bit,
clamp a straight edge on both sides of the cut lines. Position
both guides parallel to the desired line of cut and spaced
equal distances from the desired edges of the groove. Rout
along one guide then reverse direction and rout along the
other guide. Clean out any remaining waste in the center of
the groove.
When routing a groove, the travel should be in a direction
that places the guide you are using at the right-hand side.
When the guide is positioned as shown in the "guide inside"
illustration (figure 16), tool travel should be from left to right
and counterclockwise around curves. When the guide is
positioned as shown in the "guide outside" illustration (figure
16), tool travel should be from right to left and clockwise
around curves. If there is a choice, the first setup is generally
the easier to use. In either case, the sideways thrust you use
is against the guide.
10 - English