RIDGID R8648 Operator's Manual page 6

OPERATION
INSTALLING/REMOVING BATTERY PACK
page 9
See Figure 1, .
To install:
 Lock the switch trigger by sliding the lock-off button into
the lock position.
 Place the battery pack into the saw. Align the raised ribs
on the battery pack with the grooves inside the saw.
 Make sure the latches on each side of the battery pack
snap into place and the battery pack is secured in the
tool before beginning operation.
To remove:
 Lock the switch trigger by sliding the lock-off button into
the lock position.
 Depress the latches on the side of the battery pack.
For complete charging instructions, see the operator's
manual for your battery pack and charger.
TURNING THE SAW ON/OFF
See Figures 2 - 3, page 9.
 To turn the saw on: Slide lock-off button to the unlock
position, and press the switch trigger.
 To turn the saw off: Release the switch trigger.
WARNING:
Lock-off button should be in the lock position when
saw is not in use or is being transported.
VARIABLE SPEED
The variable speed switch trigger delivers higher speed with
increased trigger pressure and lower speed with decreased
trigger pressure.
LED LIGHT
See Figure 4, page 10.
The LED light, located above the blade clamp, illuminates
when the switch trigger is depressed. The light will fade off
when the switch is released.
SELECTING BLADES
Selecting the correct type of blade is important in order to
obtain the best performance from the saw. Select the blade
based on the application and on the material you wish to
cut. Selecting the right blade will give you a smoother, faster
cut and prolong the life of the blade.
Blades with fewer teeth, 10 teeth per inch (TPI) are typically
used for cutting wood, while blades with more teeth are
better for cutting metal or plastic. We recommend 14 TPI for
plastics and soft metals and 18 TPI for hard metals.
NOTE: The blade included with this saw is a wood cutting
blade.
INSTALLING/REMOVING BLADE
See Figure 4, page 10.
To install the blade:
 Remove the battery pack.
 Rotate the blade clamp counterclockwise and hold to
open.
 Insert the saw blade until it is fully seated.
NOTE: The blade can be installed with teeth facing either
up or down.
 Release the blade clamp to secure.
 To remove the blade, rotate the blade clamp counter-
clockwise.
GENERAL CUTTING
See Figure 5, page 10.
WARNING:
Cutting into electrical wiring can cause the blade,
the blade clamp, and the saw bar assembly to
become electrically live. Do not touch metal parts
when cutting into a wall; grasp only the insulated
surfaces on the tool. Make sure hidden electrical
wiring, water pipes, and mechanical hazards are
not in the blade path when cutting into a wall.
WARNING:
Make sure the blade does not touch the workpiece
until the motor reaches full speed, since this could
cause loss of control resulting in serious injury.
 Secure the workpiece to a work bench or table with a
vise or with clamps.
 Mark the line of cut clearly.
 Make sure the saw blade teeth are clean of any debris or
foreign material.
 Hold the saw firmly in front of and clearly away from you.
 Slide the lock-off button to the unlocked position and
depress the switch trigger.
 Allow the saw blade to reach full cutting speed.
 Set the shoe assembly against the workpiece.
NOTE: The shoe assembly of the reciprocating saw pivots
up and down in both directions.
 Move the blade into the workpiece.
NOTE: Do not force. Use only enough pressure to keep
the saw cutting. Let the blade and saw do the work. Keep
pressure on the shoe, against the workpiece.
6 - English