RIDGID R4512 Operator's Manual page 43

OPERATION
MAKING A DADO CUT
See Figure 67.
An optional dado throat plate is required for this procedure. All
blades and dado sets must not be rated less than the speed of
this tool. This saw is designed for use with an up to 8 in. stack
dado (up to width of 13/16 in., with a maximum depth of cut of
1-1/2 in.). Do not use an adjustable dado on this saw.
NOTE: Do not set beyond 1-1/2 in. Ensure that the release
lever is not raising the throat plate.
You may purchase an optional dado throat plate (part number
080035003093).
WARNING:
Always put all blade washers in proper location
when reinstalling standard blade. Failure to do
so can result in possible injury and damage to
the tool.
WARNING:
Always use push blocks, push sticks, or feather-
boards when making dado cuts to avoid the risk
of serious injury.
 Unplug your saw.
 Remove the blade guard, anti-kickback pawls, throat
plate, and spreader/riving knife.
 Remove the blade nut, outer blade washer, saw blade,
inner blade washer, and spacer.
NOTE: Always store the blade washer and throat plate
in a secure location.
 Reinstall the inner blade washer.
 Mount the dado blade, according to manufacturer instruc-
tions, using the blade and chippers appropriate for the
desired width of cut.
 Reinstall the blade nut.
NOTE: The blade washer may be used provided the arbor
shaft extends slightly beyond the arbor nut.
 Make sure the blade nut is fully engaged and the arbor
extends past a securely tightened blade nut.
 Place release lever in unlocked position.
 Install the dado throat plate and rotate the blade by hand
to make sure it turns freely then lower the blade.
 Set the blade height.
 Depending on the shape and size of the wood, use either
the rip fence or miter gauge.
NOTE: If you cannot use either the rip fence or miter
gauge, you cannot make a dado cut with this saw.
 Turn the saw on.
NOTE: Make sure the wood does not touch the blade
before you turn on the saw. Let the blade build up to full
speed before feeding the workpiece into the blade.
 Position the workpiece flat on the table with the edge
flush against the rip fence or miter gauge.
 Use a push block or push stick to move the wood through
the cut past the blade. Never push a small piece of wood
into the blade with your hand, always use a push stick.
The use of push blocks, push sticks, and featherboards
are necessary when making non-through cuts.
 When the cut is made, turn the saw off. Wait for the
blade to come to a complete stop before removing the
workpiece.
Once all dado cuts are completed:
 Unplug your saw.
 Reinstall a standard blade.
 Reinstall the spreader/riving knife in the "up" position
then install the blade guard and anti-kickback pawls.
43
dadO CUT
Fig. 67