RIDGID R4513 Operator's Manual page 25

OPERATION
FEATHERBOARD
A featherboard is a device used to help control the workpiece
by guiding 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 to ensure
it can resist kickback.
WARNING:
Place the featherboard against the uncut portion
of the workpiece to avoid kickback that could
cause serious personal injury.
HOW TO MAKE A FEATHERBOARD
See Figure 28.
The featherboard is an excellent project for the saw. Select
a solid piece of lumber approximately 3/4 in. thick, 3-5/8
in. wide and 18 in. long. Mark the center of the width on
one end of the stock. Miter one-half of the width to 30° and
miter the other half of the same end to 45° (see page 32 for
information on miter cuts). Mark the board from the point at
6 in., 8 in., 10 in., and 12 in. Drill a 3/8 in. hole at the 8 in.,
10 in., and 12 in. marks.
Prepare the saw for ripping as discussed on page 32. 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 6 in. Turn the saw OFF and allow the blade to completely
stop rotating before removing the stock.
3-5/8 in.
3/4 in.
HOW TO MOUNT A FEATHERBOARD
See Figure 29.
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:
Do not locate the featherboard to the rear of the
workpiece. If positioned improperly, kickback
can result from the featherboard pinching the
workpiece and binding the blade in the saw kerf.
Failure to heed this warning can result in serious
personal injury.
C-CLAMP
FEATHERBOARD
1/4 in.
1/8 in.
18 in.
25
30°
1-13/16 in.
45°
6 in.
PUSH
STICK
PUSH
BLOCK
Fig. 29
Fig. 28