Basic Saw Operations; Using The Miter Gauge; Additional Safety Instructions For Crosscutting; Crosscutting - RIDGID TS2424 Owner's Manual

Basic Saw Operations

Using the Miter Gauge

The miter gauge is used when crosscutting, miter cutting,
bevel cutting, compound miter cutting, dadoing and when
rabbeting across the end of a narrow workpiece.
WARNING: For your own safety, always observe
the following safety precautions in addition to the
safety instructions of pages 3, 4, 5, 6, 39 & 40.

Additional Safety Instructions for Crosscutting

Before Starting:
• Never use the rip fence when crosscutting except as
specifically instructed.

Crosscutting

Definition: A cutting or shaping operation made across
the width of a workpiece.
The graduations on the miter gauge provide ample accu-
racy for average woodworking. In some cases where
extreme accuracy is required, make a trial cut and then
recheck it with a precision square, or protractor.
NOTE: The space between the miter gauge bar and the
groove in the table is held to a minimum during manufac-
turing.
For maximum accuracy when using the miter gauge,
always favor one side of the groove in the table. In other
words, don't move the miter gauge from side to side while
cutting but keep one side of the bar riding against one
side of the groove.
NOTE: Gluing a piece of sandpaper to the face of the
miter gauge head can help prevent the workpiece from
"creeping" while it is being cut.
The miter gauge head is locked in position by twisting the
lock knob clockwise. Always tighten it securely when in
use.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of blade contact or
kickback, hold miter gauge properly.
The miter gauge may be used in either of the grooves in
the table.
When using the miter gauge in the left hand groove, hold
the workpiece firmly against miter gauge head with your
left hand, and grip the lock knob with your right hand.
When using the miter gauge in the right hand groove,
hold the workpiece with your right hand and the lock knob
with your left hand.
• An auxiliary wood facing attached to the miter gauge
can help prevent workpiece twisting and throwbacks.
Attach it to the slots provided. Make the facing long
enough and big enough to support your work. Make
sure, however, it will not interfere with the sawblade
guard.
• Use jigs or fixtures to help hold any piece too small to
extend across the full length of the miter gauge face
during the cut. This lets you properly hold the miter
gauge and workpiece and helps keep your hands away
from the blade.
While cutting:
• To reduce the risk of blade contact, always hold the
miter gauge as shown in the this section.
Sandpaper
43
Always Support
Long Workpieces