Avoiding Kickback; Cutting Aids; Featherboard - RIDGID R4511 Operator's Manual

OPERATION
AVOIDING KICKBACK
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Always use the correct blade depth setting. The top of
the blade teeth should clear the workpiece by 1/8 in. to
1/4 in.
• Inspect the work for knots or nails before beginning a
cut. Knock out any loose knots with a hammer. Never
saw into a loose knot or nail.
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Always use the rip fence when rip cutting and the miter
gauge when cross cutting. This helps prevent twisting
the wood in the cut.
• Always use clean, sharp, and properly set blades. Never
make cuts with dull blades.
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To avoid pinching the blade, support the work properly
before beginning a cut.
2
When making a cut, use steady, even pressure. Never
force cuts.
2
Do not cut wet or warped lumber.
2
Always hold your workpiece firmly with both hands or with
push sticks. Keep your body in a balanced position to
be ready to resist kickback should it occur. Never stand
directly in line with the blade.
• Use the right type of blade for the cut being made.
CUTTING AIDS
See Figure 53.
Push sticks are devices used for safely pushing a workpiece
through the blade instead of using your hands. They can be
made in various sizes and shapes from scrap wood to use
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. Be sure the screw is recessed. Use it
on non-through cuts.
FEATHERBOARD
A featherboard is a device used to help control the workpiece
by guiding it securely against the table or rip fence. Feather-
boards are especially useful when ripping small workpieces
and for completing non-through cuts. The end is angled,
with a number of short kerts to give a friction hold on the
workpiece. Lock it in place on the table with a C-clamp. Test
that it can resist kickback by restricting the forward motion
of the workpiece.
A
WARNING:
Place the featherboard against the uncut portion
of the blade, to avoid kickback that could cause
serious personal injury.
PUSH STICKS
LOCKS
o)
1-13/16 in.
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Fig. 53
Fig. 54
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