RIDGID R3401 Operator's Manual page 13

OPERATION
CROSS CUTTING/RIP CUTTING
See Figure 13, page 18.
When making a cross cut or rip cut, align the line of cut
with the full length kerf indicator on the base as shown in
the figure.
Since blade thicknesses vary, always make a trial cut in
scrap material along a guideline to determine how much, if
any, you must offset the guideline to produce an accurate
cut.
NOTE: The distance from the line of cut to the guideline is
the amount you should offset the guideline.
TO RIP CUT
See Figures 14 - 15, page 19.
Use a guide when making long or wide rip cuts with the
saw.
To rip cut using a straight edge:
 Secure the workpiece.
 Clamp a straight edge to the workpiece using
C-clamps.
 Saw along the straight edge to achieve a straight rip
cut.
NOTE: Do not bind the blade in the cut.
To rip cut using optional edge guide:
 Slide the edge guide into the slot.
 Adjust the guide so that the "0" on the guide is aligned
with the edge of your workpiece.
 Secure the guide with the edge guide lock knob provided
with the saw.
 Secure the workpiece.
 Position the face of the edge guide firmly against the edge
of workpiece.
NOTE: The guiding edge of the workpiece must be
straight for your cut to be straight. Use caution to prevent
the blade from binding in the cut.
 Saw along workpiece keeping guide firmly against edge
to achieve a straight rip cut.
BEVEL CUTTING
See Figures 16 - 18, page 19.
To make the best possible cut, follow these helpful hints:
 Align the line of cut with the inner blade guide notch on
the base when making 45° bevel cuts.
 Make a trial cut in scrap material along a guideline to
determine how much you should offset the guideline on
the cutting material.
 Adjust the angle of cut to any desired setting between
zero and 45°. Positive stops are located at 0° and 45°.
Refer to Adjusting Bevel Setting later in this manual.
ADjUSTING BEVEL SETTING:
 Unplug the saw.
 Pull the bevel adjustment lever upward until the motor
housing moves freely.
 Rotate motor housing end of saw until you reach the
desired angle setting on bevel scale.
NOTE: Positive stops are located at 0° and 45°.
 Push downward on the bevel adjustment lever until the
motor housing is securely locked in place.
WARNING:
Attempting a bevel cut without having the bevel
adjustment lever securely locked in place can
result in serious injury.
Bevel Cutting:
 Hold the saw firmly with both hands as shown.
 Rest the front edge of the base on the workpiece.
 Start the saw and let the blade reach full speed.
 Guide the saw into the workpiece and make the cut.
 Release the trigger and allow the blade to come to a
complete stop.
 Lift the saw from the workpiece.
POCkET CUTTING
See Figure 19, page 19.
WARNING:
Always adjust bevel setting to zero before making
a pocket cut. Attempting a pocket cut at any other
setting can result in loss of control of the saw pos-
sibly causing serious injury.
 Adjust the bevel setting to zero.
 Set the blade to the correct blade depth setting.
 Swing the lower blade guard up using the lower blade
guard handle.
NOTE: Always raise the lower blade guard with the handle
to avoid serious injury.
 Hold the lower blade guard by the handle.
 Rest the front of the base flat against the workpiece with
the rear of the handle raised so the blade does not touch
the workpiece.
 Start the saw and let the blade reach full speed.
 Guide the saw into the workpiece and make the cut.
13 - English