OPERATION

WARNING:

Do not allow familiarity with tools to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict serious 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 rec- ommended 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 specifically instructed to do so.

WARNING:

The table saw must be mounted to a firm support- ing, waist high surface such as a workbench or leg stand. Many illustrations in this manual are shown with the saw unmounted for clarity.

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 or molding cuts 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 and the miter gauge 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.

Always hold your workpiece firmly with both hands or with push sticks. 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 the right type of blade for the cut being made.

cutting aids

See Figure 17.

Push sticks are devices used for safely pushing a workpiece through the blade. They can be made in various sizes and shapes from scrap wood to use in a specific project. The stick must be narrower than the workpiece, with a 90˚ notch in one end and shaping for a grip on the other end.

A push block has a handle fastened by recessed screws from the underside. Be sure the screw is recessed. Use it on non-through cuts.

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RIDGID R4516 manual Operation, Applications, Causes of Kickback, Avoiding Kickback