RIDGID R855 Operator's Manual page 16

OPERATION
KICKBACK
See Figures 9 - 12.
Kickback occurs when the blade stalls rapidly and the saw
is driven back towards you. Blade stalling is caused by any
action which pinches the blade in the wood.
WARNING:
To avoid kickback, release switch trigger
immediately if blade binds or saw stalls. Kickback
could cause you to lose control of the saw. Loss
of control can lead to serious injury.
To guard against kickback, avoid dangerous practices such
as the following.
 Setting blade depth incorrectly
 Sawing into knots or nails in workpiece
 Twisting the blade while making a cut
 Making a cut with a dull, gummed up, or improperly set
blade
 Supporting the workpiece incorrectly
 Forcing a cut
 Cutting warped or wet lumber
 Operating the tool incorrectly or misusing the tool
To lessen the chance of kickback, follow these safety prac-
tices.
 Keep the blade at the correct depth setting. The depth
setting should not exceed 1/4 in. below the material being
cut.
 Inspect the workpiece for knots or nails before cutting.
Never saw into a knot or nail.
 Make straight cuts. Always use a straight edge guide
when rip cutting. This helps prevent twisting the blade.
 Use clean, sharp, and properly set blades. Never make
cuts with dull blades.
 Support the workpiece properly before beginning a cut.
 Use steady, even pressure when making a cut. Never
force a cut.
 Do not cut warped or wet lumber.
 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.
WARNING:
When using the saw, always stay alert and exercise
control. Do not remove the saw from the workpiece
while the blade is moving.
KICKBACK - BLADE SET TOO DEEP
INCORRECT SUPPORT
CORRECT BLADE DEPTH SETTING = BLADE EXPOSED
1/4 in. MAX OR LESS ON UNDERSIDE OF WORKPIECE
1/4 in. MAX
CORRECT SUPPORT
16
WRONG
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12