RIDGID R48630 Operator's Manual page 9

OPERATION
 Hold the saw firmly with both hands and keep your body
in a balanced position so as to resist the forces if kickback
should occur.
 When performing pocket cuts or plunge cuts, allow the
blade to reach full speed then apply slow, even downward
pressure to guide the blade into the workpiece.
WARNING:
When using the saw, always stay alert and exercise
control. Do not remove the saw from the workpiece
while the blade is moving.
PLUNGE CONTROL LEVER
See Figures 12 - 13, page 20.
The saw is equipped with a plunge control lever that limits
the downward movement of the saw for different operations.
The lever has two settings. One for changing the blade and
one for making plunge cuts.
Blade change position
Placing the lever in this position will allow you to lock the saw
in a lowered position with the blade screw visible through
the window in the guard.
Plunge cut position:
Move the lever to the plunge cut position to make deep cuts
and through cuts. When the lever is in this position, the blade
can be lowered to the full depth of cut.
NOTE: When the lever is in the plunge cut position, use
the depth of cut button to control blade depth. The correct
blade depth setting for all thru cuts should not exceed 1/4
in. below the material being cut.
ATTACHING THE SAW TO A VACUUM
See Figure 14, page 20.
When cutting for an extended period of time, you can easily
attach a vacuum hose to the dust exhaust port of the saw.
 Remove the battery.
 Attach the vacuum hose to the dust exhaust port on the
saw.
 Rotate the vacuum nozzle to desired position.
NOTE: The vacuum hose will fit inside or outside the dust
exhaust port. The saw will accept a standard 1-7/8 in.
and 1-1/4 in. vacuum connection.
 Reinstall the battery pack.
USING THE DEPTH OF CUT BUTTON
See Figure 15-16, page 20.
Always keep correct blade depth setting. The correct blade
depth setting for all cuts should not exceed 1/4 in. below
the material being cut. More blade depth will increase the
chance of kickback and cause the cut to be rough. For more
depth of cut accuracy, a scale is located on the guard.
 Remove the battery pack.
 Determine the desired depth of cut.
 Move the depth of cut button up or down to align the
depth of cut indicator with the desired depth setting.
Scoring position:
With the lever in the scoring position, the downward travel
of the blade is limited to approximately 1/8 in. depth of
cut. Perform a cut with the blade at this depth to score the
workpiece.
NOTE: To reduce the risk of splintering, always make a
score cut before cutting through laminated or veneer faced
plywood or composite materials.
LOWERING AND RAISING THE BLADE AND
RIVING KNIFE
See Figure 17, page 20.
To lower the blade:
 Depress the lock-off button.
 Grasp the front handle and apply downward pressure to
lower and expose the blade and riving knife.
NOTE: Maintain downward pressure to keep the blade
in a lowered position.
To raise the cutting blade:
 Slowly allow the front handle to rise until the blade and
riving knife are completely inside of the guard and the
saw is in the uppermost locked position.
SAW BLADES
The best of saw blades will not cut efficiently if they are not
kept clean, sharp, and properly set. Using a dull blade will
place a heavy load on the saw and increase the danger of
kickback. Keep extra blades on hand, so that sharp blades
are always available.
Gum and wood pitch hardened on blades will slow the saw
down. Remove saw blade from the saw and use gum and
pitch remover, hot water, or kerosene to remove these ac-
cumulations. DO NOT USE GASOLINE.
BLADE GUARD SYSTEM
The blade guard system including the return spring attached
to your track saw is there for your protection and safety. Do
not alter these components for any reason. If it becomes
damaged, do not operate the saw until you have the guard
or return spring repaired or replaced.
DANGER:
When sawing through work, the guard does not
cover blade on the underside of work. Since blade
is exposed on underside of work, keep hands and
fingers away from cutting area. Any part of your
body coming in contact with moving blade will
result in serious injury.
9 – English