RIDGID R8658 Operator's Manual page 8

OPERATION
INSTALLING/REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK
See Figure 3, page 14.
 Insert the battery pack into the product as shown.
 Make sure the latches on each side of the battery pack
snap into place and the battery pack is secured in the
saw before beginning operation.
 Depress the latches to remove the battery pack.
For complete charging instructions, see the operator's
manuals for your battery pack and charger.
WARNING:
Battery tools are always in operating condition.
Therefore, switch should always be locked when
not in use or carrying at your side.
SAW BLADES
The best of saw blades will not cut efficiently if they are not
kept clean, sharp, and properly set. Using a dull blade will
place a heavy load on the saw and increase the danger of
kickback. Keep extra blades on hand, so that sharp blades
are always available.
Gum and wood pitch hardened on blades will slow the saw
down. Remove saw blade from the saw and use gum and
pitch remover, hot water, or kerosene to remove these ac-
cumulations. DO NOT USE GASOLINE.
BLADE GUARD SYSTEM
See Figure 4, page 14.
The lower blade guard attached to your saw is there for
your protection and safety. Do not alter it for any reason.
If it becomes damaged, do not operate the saw until you
have the guard repaired or replaced. Always leave guard in
operating position when using the saw.
DANGER:
When sawing through work, lower blade guard
does not cover blade on the underside of work.
Since blade is exposed on underside of work, keep
hands and fingers away from cutting area. Any part
of your body coming in contact with moving blade
will result in serious injury.
WARNING:
To avoid possible serious injury, never use saw
when guard is not operating correctly. Check the
guard for correct operation before each use. The
guard is operating correctly when it moves freely,
and instantly returns to the closed position. If you
drop the saw, check the lower blade guard and
bumper for damage at all depth settings before
reuse.
If at any time the lower blade guard does not snap closed,
remove the battery pack. Exercise the lower guard by moving
it rapidly back and forth from the full open position to the
closed position several times. Normally this will restore the
guard to its normal operating condition. If it does not cor-
rect a slow or sluggish closing lower guard, do not use the
saw. Take it to an authorized factory service center for repair.
KICKBACK
See Figures 5 - 8, page 15.
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:
Release switch 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
practices.
 Do not cut warped or wet lumber.
 Keep the blade at the correct depth setting. The depth set-
ting 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.
 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.
8 - English