Ryobi RTS31 manual Applications, Basic Operation of the Table Saw, Causes of Kickback

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OPERATION

WARNING:

Do not allow familiarity with tools to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is suf- ficient to inflict severe injury.

WARNING:

Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes, resulting in possible serious injury.

WARNING:

Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this tool. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury.

warning:

Although many of the illustrations in this manual are shown with the blade guard removed for clarity, do not operate the saw without the blade guard unless specifi- cally instructed to do so.

APPLICATIONS

You may use this tool for the purposes listed below:

Straight line cutting operations such as cross cutting, ripping, mitering, beveling, and compound cutting

Dado with optional accessories

Cabinet making and woodworking

NOTE: This table saw is designed to cut wood and wood composition products only.

Basic Operation of the TABLE Saw

The 3-prong plug must be plugged into a matching outlet that is properly installed and grounded according to all local codes and ordinances. Improper connection of the equip- ment can result in electric shock. Do not modify the plug if it will not fit the outlet. Have the correct outlet installed by a qualified electrician. Refer to the Electrical section in this manual.

CAUSES OF KICKBACK

Kickback can occur when the blade stalls or binds, kicking the workpiece back toward you with great force and speed. If your hands are near the saw blade, they may be jerked loose from the workpiece and may contact the blade. Kickback can cause serious injury. Use precautions to avoid the risks.

Kickback can be caused by any action that pinches the blade in the wood such as:

Making a cut with incorrect blade depth

Sawing into knots or nails in the workpiece

Twisting the wood while making a cut

Failing to support work

Forcing a cut

Cutting warped or wet lumber

Using the wrong blade for the type of cut

Not following correct operating procedures

Misusing the saw

Failing to use the anti-kickback pawls

Cutting with a dull, gummed-up, or improperly set blade

AVOIDING KICKBACK

Always use the correct blade depth setting. The top of the blade teeth should clear the workpiece by 1/8 in. to 1/4 in.

Inspect the work for knots or nails before beginning a cut. Knock out any loose knots with a hammer. Never saw into a loose knot or nail.

Always use the rip fence when rip cutting. Use the miter fence when cross cutting. This helps prevent twisting the wood in the cut.

Always use clean, sharp, and properly-set blades. Never make cuts with dull blades.

To avoid pinching the blade, support the work properly before beginning a cut.

When making a cut, use steady, even pressure. Never force cuts.

Do not cut wet or warped lumber.

Use extra caution when cutting some prefinished or composition wood products as the anti-kickback pawls may not always be effective.

Always guide your workpiece with both hands or with push sticks and/or push blocks. Keep your body in a balanced position to be ready to resist kickback should it occur. Never stand directly in line with the blade.

Use of a featherboard will help hold the workpiece securely against the saw table or fence.

Clean the saw, blade guard, under the throat plate, and any areas where saw dust or scrap workpieces may gather.

Use the right type of blade for the cut being made.

Always use the riving knife for every operation where it is allowed. The use of this device will greatly reduce the risk of kickback.

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Contents OPERATOR’S Manual Save this Manual for Future ReferenceTable of contents IntroductionGeneral Safety Rules Read ALL InstructionsPonent is in Contact with the Workpiece Specific Safety Rules Never Start a Tool When ANY ROTATiNG COM  Never Operate the SAW on the FloorSpecific Safety Rules Symbols Symbol Signal MeaningExtension Cords Speed and WiringElectrical Electrical ConnectionGlossary of Terms Features Product SpecificationsKnow Your Table SAW See FigureOperating Components Switch assemblySwitch KEY Switch in Locked Position To Turn Your SAW onFraming Square Phillips Screwdriver Flathead Tools NeededBlades Clamps hex key 3 mmLoose Parts Following items are included with your table sawUnpacking AssemblyTo attach the wheel assembly Mounting HolesTo attach the Leg To install the HandleTo secure/level the saw SET-UP To open/close set-up/tear downLEG Stand To open set-up the leg standTo remove/replace the Throat Plate To Install miter FenceTo move the LEG Stand Throat PlateUnlocked To check SAW Blade installationTo Change riving knife Positions LockedLarge To Install the ANTI-KICKBACK Pawls and Blade GuardSee Figures 15 WrenchVertical Adjustment To Check and Align the riving knife Saw BladeTo store push stick To Store the table saw AccessoriesSee Figures 20 Basic Operation of the Table Saw OperationApplications Causes of KickbackAuxiliary Fence How to Make a jig for rip cutting narrow workpieceCutting aids Push Sticks Push BlocksTypes of cuts Cutting TipsHOW to Mount a Featherboard HOW to Make a FeatherboardFeatherboard To Change Blade Angle bevel To Adjust the Bevel indicatorTo Change Blade Depth To position the Sliding Miter TableTo Check Miter Base Parallelism See Figures 32To Check Miter Fence Alignment To Adjust the Miter tableEccentric Screw Nylock NUT SAW To Set the rip fence Scale indicator to the BladeTo use the Rip Fence Rear LIPTo extend To use Outfeed SupportTo use the table extension To closeSee Figures 40 Adjusting Bolts Adjusting bolts 4Heeling paralleling the blade Framing SquareSee Figures 42 Switch On Switch OFF Switch KEY Switch in Locked PositionMaking a cross cut Cross CUT Place Left Hand on WorkpieceMaking a miter cut Making a RIP cutRIP CUT Bladefence Scale Miter CUT Straight See Figures 46 Making a bevel cross cutMaking a bevel rip cut BevelMaking a compound bevel miter cut Making a NON-THROUGH cut Adjusting HandwheelMaking a Large Panel cut Large Panel CUT RIP FenceNON-THROUGH CUT Blade Guard Removed Push Stick Dado CUT Making a Dado cutOnce all dado cuts are completed To REPLACe the Blade AdjustmentsSee Figures 53 See Figures 56 Combination Adjustment Square Blade BoltTo SET the blade at 0 If the blade is not perfectly verticalTo Check the Alignment of the RIP Fence to the Blade To adjust Quick-StopBlade Rip fence Screws Locking Lever Framing Square General Maintenance MaintenanceAccessories LubricationTroubleshooting Troubleshooting RTS31
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