RIDGID R45171NS Operator's Manual page 21

OPERATION
CUTTING AIDS
See Figure 16.
Push sticks are devices that may be used for pushing a
workpiece through the blade in any rip cut. When making
non-through cuts or ripping narrow stock, always use a
push stick, push block, and/or featherboard so your hands
do not come within 3 inches of the saw blade. They can be
made in various sizes and shapes from scrap wood and
used in a specific project. The stick must be narrower than
the workpiece, with a 90˚ notch in one end and shaping for
a grip on the other end.
A push block has a handle fastened by recessed screws
from the underside. Use push blocks for narrow cuts and
all non-through cuts.
CAUTION:
Be sure the screws in a push block are recessed
to avoid damaging the saw or workpiece.
HOW TO MAKE A JIG (FOR RIP CUTTING
NARROW WORKPIECE)
See Figure 17.
If ripping a narrow workpiece places the hands too close to
the blade, it will be necessary to make and use a jig.
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.
STOP
21 − English
PUSH STICKS
PUSH BLOCKS
JIG
HANDLE
Fig. 16
JIG
Fig. 17