Ryobi RTS10 Operator's Manual page 24

FEATHERBOARD
A featherboard is a device used to help control the
workpiece by holding it securely against the table or fence.
Featherboards are especially useful when ripping small
workpieces and for completing non-through cuts. The end
is angled with a number of short kerfs to give a friction hold
on the workpiece and locked in place on the table with a
C-clamp. Test to ensure it can resist kickback.
WARNING:
Place the featherboard against the uncut portion of the
workpiece to avoid kickback that could cause serious
personal injury.
HOW TO MAKE A FEATHERBOARD
See Figure 22.
The featherboard is an excellent project for the saw. Select
a solid piece of lumber approximately 3/4 in. thick, 2-1/2 in.
wide and 12 in. long. Mark the center of the width on one
end of the stock. Miter the width to 70° (see page 31 for
information on miter cuts). Mark the board from the widest
point at four inches.
Prepare the saw for ripping as discussed on page 31. Set the
rip fence to allow approximately a 1/4 in. "finger" to be cut in
the stock. Feed the stock only to the mark previously made at
4 in. Turn the saw OFF and allow the blade to completely stop
rotating before removing the stock. Reset the rip fence and
cut spaced rips into the workpiece to allow approximately
1/4 in. fingers and 1/8 in. spaces between the fingers.
HOW TO MOUNT A FEATHERBOARD
See Figure 23.
Completely lower the saw blade. Position the rip fence to
the desired adjustment for the cut to be performed and lock.
2 1/2 in.
3/4 in.
OPERATION
Place the workpiece against the fence and over the saw
blade area. Adjust the featherboard to apply resistance to
the workpiece just forward of the blade. Securely tighten the
adjusting clamp knob to secure the featherboard in place.
Attach C-clamps to further secure the featherboard to the
edge of the saw table.
WARNING:
Do not locate the featherboard to the rear of the
workpiece. If positioned improperly, kickback can result
from the featherboard pinching the workpiece and
binding the blade in the saw kerf. Failure to heed this
warning can result in serious personal injury.
FEATHERBOARD
1/4 in.
1/8 in.
12 in.
24 - English
PUSH BLOCK
70°
4 in.
PUSH
STICK
BEVEL
LOCKING
LEVER
Fig. 23
Fig. 22