5228 Double Insulated Variable Speed, Dual Action Reciprocating Saw
Pivoting Guide Shoe
The guide shoe (Figure 5) is designed to serve as a tool rest while making a cut. The shoe pivots to allow the saw to be raised to a position perpendicular to the work as the saw is brought toward the operator while making a cut.
Guide Shoe
Figure 5 – Using pivoting guide shoe
Using the Saw
Preparation
Use the blade selector guide in the RIDGID catalog to select the proper blade for the job to be done. For greatest economy, use the shortest blade suitable for the thickness of material to be cut. Set the blade speed and motion most appropriate for the material to be cut.
Material to be cut should be firm and supported properly. Clamp small work pieces to the worktable or clamp them securely in a bench vise. Do not force the saw into the work. The saw will cut freely with only slight feed pressure.
work and saw is perpendicular to the work surface (Figure 7). With saw in perpendicular position, continue to move blade along line of cut.
WARNING
When blind cutting into existing construction, ex- ercise extreme caution to be certain that there is no obstructions, such as electrical wires, con- duit, plumbing, etc. that may come in contact with the blade. For safe operation, the plastic front housing cover must be properly in place and undamaged. Hold saw only by plastic front housing and handle.
Figure 6 – Starting plunge cut
Sawing Wood
The RIDGID Reciprocating Saw makes its cut similar to a hand saw in that it is moved toward the operator dur- ing the cutting operation. However, since the blade makes its cut on the upstroke, the finished side of the wood should face down during the cutting operation.
Plunge Cutting Wood
The RIDGID Reciprocating Saw can be used for plunge cutting wood, plywood, wall board and plastic materials. It is not recommended for plunge cutting metals. Grasp front housing with one hand and rear handle with other hand. To make plunge cut into wood or compara- ble material, start by holding saw parallel to material (Figure 6). Rest shoe bracket of saw firmly against material, start saw and pivot saw handle upward bring-
ing blade in contact with material.
Figure 7 – Proper way to hold saw when wood cutting
Keeping shoe bracket in firm contact with material, con- tinue to raise handle until blade has cut through the
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