RIDGID R4512 Operator's Manual page 31

OPERATION
To make a jig:
 Attach a handle to a long, straight piece of wood and
secure from the underside using recessed screws.
 Cut an L-shaped stop in the side of the jig.
To use a jig:
 Position the workpiece flat on the table with the edge
flush against the jig and against the stop.
 Holding the jig handle and using a push block and/or push
stick, make the rip cut as described later in this section.
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 that 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 44.
The featherboard is an excellent project for your saw. Select
a solid piece of lumber approximately 3/4 in. thick, 3-5/8 in.
wide and 18 in. long. Mark the center of the width on one end
of the stock. Miter one-half of the width to 30° and miter the
other half of the same end to 45° (see page 38 for information
on miter cuts). Mark the board from the point at six inches.
Prepare the saw for ripping as discussed on page 38. 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 6 in. Turn the saw OFF and allow the blade to
3-5/8 in.
3/4 in.
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 45.
Completely lower the saw blade. Position the rip fence to the
desired adjustment for the cut to be performed and lock the
rip fence. 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. Attach C-clamps
to secure the featherboard to the edge of the saw table.
WARNING:
The featherboard must be installed in front of
the blade. Do not locate the featherboard to the
rear of the blade. Kickback can result from the
featherboard pinching the workpiece and binding
the blade in the saw kerf if positioned improperly.
Failure to heed this warning can result in serious
personal injury.
PUSH BLOCK
C-CLAMP
1/4 in.
1/8 in.
18 in.
31 - English
FEATHERBOARD
30°
1-13/16 in.
45°
6 in.
PUSH
STICK
Fig. 45
Fig. 44