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7-1/4 in. (184 mm) Circular Saw R3200 Double Insulated This new circular saw has been engineered and manufactured to our high standard for dependability, ease of operation and operator safety. When properly cared for, the saw will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance. WARNING To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before using this product.
INTRODUCTION Your circular saw has many features for making the use of this product more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety, performance, and dependability have been given top priority in the design of this product making it easy to maintain and operate.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES WARNING: Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed below, may result in elec- tric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS Work Area ■ Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite accidents.
■ Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw and position your body and arm to allow you to resist KICKBACK forces. KICKBACK forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions are taken.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES ■ Do not use dull or damaged blade. Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade binding and KICKBACK. ■ Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers must be tight and secure before making cut. If blade adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and KICKBACK.
SYMBOLS Important: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the ool better and safer. SYMBOL NAME Volts Amperes Hertz Watt Minutes Alternating Current...
Always use original factory replacement parts when servicing. ELECTRICAL CONNECTION The saw has a precision-built electric motor. It should be connected to a power supply that is 120 volts, 60 Hz, AC only (normal household current). Do not operate this tool on direct current (DC).
Note: Do not run circular saw with the spindle lock engaged. DUST CHUTE To direct saw dust and chips away from the operator, a dust chute is located on the side of the upper blade guard. WARNING: If any parts are missing do not operate the tool until the missing parts are replaced.
WARNING: 7-1/4 in. (184 mm) blade is the maximum blade capacity of the saw. Also, never use a blade that is too thick to allow outer blade washer to engage with the flat on the spindle. Larger blades will come in...
ASSEMBLY REMOVING BLADE See Figure 3. Follow these directions to remove the blade. ■ Unplug the saw. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the spindle or spindle lock, always allow motor to come to a complete stop before engaging spindle lock.
OPERATION SAW BLADES The best of saw blades will not cut efficiently if they are not kept clean, sharp, and properly set. Using a dull blade will place a heavy load on the saw and increase the danger of kickback. Keep extra blades on hand, so that sharp blades are always available.
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■ Use steady, even pressure when making a cut. Never force a cut. ■ Do not cut warped or wet lumber. ■ Hold the saw firmly with both hands and keep your body in a balanced position so as to resist the forces if kick- back should occur.
STARTING/STOPPING THE SAW See Figure 9. To start the saw : Depress the switch trigger. Always let the blade reach full speed, then guide the saw into the workpiece. WARNING: The blade coming in contact with the workpiece before it reaches full speed could cause the saw to “kickback”...
OPERATING THE SAW See Figures 11, 12, and 13. It is important to understand the correct method for operating the saw. Refer to the figures in this section to learn the correct and incorrect ways for handling the saw. WARNING: To make sawing easier and safer, always maintain proper control of the saw.
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TO RIP CUT See Figures 15 and 16. Use a guide when making long or wide rip cuts with the saw. NOTE: You may also use the rip guide that is provided with the saw.
■ Pull the bevel adjustment lever upward until the motor housing moves freely. ■ Raise motor housing end of saw until you reach the desired angle setting on bevel scale. ■ Press downward on the bevel adjustment lever until the motor housing is securely locked in place.
LENGTH OF CUT SCALE See Figure 20. The saw is equipped with a length of cut scale on its base. It is parallel with the saw blade and you can use it to measure the distance into the material the blade cuts.
■ Unplug the saw. ■ Place the saw in an upside down position on a workbench. ■ Move the lower blade guard out of the way so that the saw blade is exposed. ■ Check the squareness of the saw blade to the base of the saw using a carpenter’s square.
MAINTENANCE WARNING: When servicing use only identical RIDGID® replace- ment parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause product damage. WARNING: The saw should never be connected to a power sup- ply when you are assembling parts, making adjust- ments, cleaning, performing maintenance, or when the tool is not in use.
THREE YEAR WARRANTY This warranty covers all defects in workmanship or materials in this RIDGID tool for the three year period from the date of purchase. This warranty is specific to this tool. Warranties for other RIDGID products may vary.
Customer Service Information: For parts or service, contact your nearest RIDGID authorized service center. Be sure to provide all relevant information when you call or visit. For the location of the authorized service center nearest you, please call 1-866-539-1710 or visit us online at www.ridgidwoodworking.com.
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