Operating Instructions Using Hand Tools; Installing Pipe In Power Drive; Cutting Pipe With Hand Cutter - RIDGID 300 Power Drive Manual

300 Power Drive
WARNING
To avoid electrical shock and electrical fires, never use
an extension cord that is damaged or does not meet the
following requirements:
• The cord has a three-prong plug similar to shown
in Electrical Safety section.
• The cord is rated as "W" or "W-A" if being used
outdoors.
• The cord has sufficient wire thickness (14 AWG
below 25'/12 AWG 25' - 50'). If the wire thickness is
too small, the cord may overheat, melting the cord's
insulation or causing nearby objects to ignite.
To reduce risk of electrical shock, keep all
WARNING
electrical connections dry and off the ground. Do not
touch plug with wet hands.
10. Check the Power Drive to insure it is operating properly.
• Flip the directional switch to FOR (Forward). Press
and release the foot switch. Check that the Power
Drive rotates in a counterclockwise direction as you
are facing the front chuck. Have the Power Drive
serviced if it rotates in the wrong direction or if the
foot switch does not control its stopping or starting.
• Depress and hold the foot switch. Inspect the mov-
ing parts for misalignment, binding, odd noises or
any other unusual conditions that may affect the safe
and normal operation of the machine. If such con-
ditions are present, have the power drive serviced.
• Flip the directional switch to REV (Reverse). Press
and release the foot switch. Check that the Power
Drive rotates in a clockwise direction as you are fac-
ing the chuck.
• Release the foot switch and flip the directional
switch to OFF.
operating Instructions
For using Hand Tools
WARNING
Do not wear gloves or loose clothing when operat-
ing Power Drive. Keep sleeves and jackets but-
toned. Do not reach across the machine or pipe.
Do not use this Power Drive if the foot switch is
broken or missing. Always wear eye protection to
protect eyes from dirt and other foreign objects.
Keep hands away from rotating pipe and fittings.
Stop the machine before wiping pipe threads or
screwing on fittings. Allow the machine to come to
8
a complete stop before touching the pipe or
machine chucks.
Do not use this machine to "make-on" or "break
off" fittings. This practice is not an intended use of
this Power Drive.

Installing Pipe In Power Drive:

1. Mark the pipe at the desired length if it is being cut
to length.
2. Insert the pipe into the Power Drive so that the end to
be worked or the cutting mark is located about 12
inches to the front of the speed chuck jaws.
3. Insert workpieces less than 2 feet long from the front
of the machine. Insert longer pipes through either end
so that the longer section extends out beyond the rear
of the Power Drive.
To avoid equipment tip-overs, position
WARNING
the pipe supports under the workpiece.
4. Tighten the rear centering device around the pipe by
using a counterclockwise rotation of the handwheel at
the rear of the Power Drive. This prevents move-
ment of the pipe that can result in poor thread quality.
5. Secure the pipe by using repeated and forceful coun-
terclockwise spins of the speed chuck handwheel
at the front of the Power Drive. This action "hammers"
the jaws tightly around the pipe.
6. Extend both support bars fully beyond the front of
the Power Drive.

Cutting Pipe with Hand Cutter

1. Position the pipe cutter on the workpiece with the
cutter wheels facing up (see "Accessories" section
for pipe cutters recommended for use with this
Power Drive).
2. Align the cutter wheels with the mark on the pipe and
rest the pipe cutter's body on the left support bar
(Figure 5). Hand-tighten the pipe cutter to the work-
piece using the feedscrew handle while keeping the
cutter wheels aligned with the mark.
3. Assume the correct operating posture (Figure 8).
This will allow you to maintain proper balance and to
safely keep control of the machine and tools.
• Be sure you can quickly remove your foot from
the foot switch.
• Stand facing the directional switch.
• Be sure you have convenient access to directional
switch, tools and chucks.
• Do not reach across the machine or workpiece.
940-600.015.10_REV. D