RIDGID R4518T Operator's Manual page 27

OPERATION
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, see Making a Rip Cut later
in this section.
FEATHERBOARD
A featherboard is a device used to help control the workpiece
by holding it securely against the table or fence. Featherboards
are especially useful when ripping small workpieces and
for completing non-through cuts. The end is angled with a
number of short kerfs to give a friction hold on the workpiece
and locked in place on the table with a C-clamp. Test that
it can resist kickback.
WARNING:
Place the featherboard against the uncut portion
of the workpiece to avoid kickback that could
cause serious personal injury.
Commercially available featherboards can be purchased for a
reasonable price. Many of these featherboards mount inside
the miter slots of the saw and are convenient to mount and
use on your table saw. To make a featherboard, follow the
instructions in the next section.
HOW TO MAKE A FEATHERBOARD
See Figure 32.
The featherboard is an excellent project for the saw. Select
a solid piece of lumber approximately 3/4 in. thick, 2-1/2 in.
wide and 12 in. long. Mark the center of the width on one
end of the stock. Miter the width to 70° (see page 37 for
information on miter cuts). Mark the board from the widest
point at four inches.
Prepare the saw for ripping as discussed on page 35. Set the
rip fence to allow approximately a 1/4 in. "finger" to be cut in
the stock. Feed the stock only to the mark previously made
at 4 in. Turn the saw OFF and allow the blade to completely
2 1/2 in.
3/4 in.
stop rotating before removing the stock. Reset the rip fence
and cut spaced rips into the workpiece to allow approximately
1/4 in. fingers and 1/8 in. spaces between the fingers.
HOW TO MOUNT A FEATHERBOARD
See Figure 33.
Completely lower the saw blade. Position the rip fence to the
desired adjustment for the cut to be performed and lock the
rip fence. Place the workpiece against the fence and over the
saw blade area. Adjust the featherboard to apply resistance
to the workpiece just forward of the blade. Attach C-clamps
to secure the featherboard to the edge of the saw table.
WARNING:
The featherboard must be installed in front of
the blade. Do not locate the featherboard to the
rear of the blade. Kickback can result from the
featherboard pinching the workpiece and binding
the blade in the saw kerf if positioned improperly.
Failure to heed this warning can result in serious
personal injury.
PUSH BLOCK
FEATHERBOARD
1/4 in.
1/8 in.
12 in.
27 − English
PUSH
STICK
Fig. 33
70°
4 in.
Fig. 32