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Your circular saw has been engineered and manufactured to our high standards for dependability, ease of operation, and operator safety. When properly cared for, it 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.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES WARNING! Read all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. The term “power tool” in all of the warnings listed below refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw and position your arms to resist kickback forces. Position your body to either side of the blade, but not in line with the blade.
Always observe that the lower guard is covering the blade before placing saw down on bench or floor. An unprotected, coasting blade will cause the saw to walk backwards, cutting whatever is in its path. Be aware of the time it takes for the blade to stop after switch is released.
SYMBOLS Some of the following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer. SYMBOL NAME Volts Amperes Hertz Watt Minutes Alternating Current Direct Current...
To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt to use this product until you read thoroughly and understand completely the operator’s manual. If you do not understand the warnings and instructions in the operator’s manual, do not use this product. Call RIDGID customer service for assistance.
ELECTRICAL DOUBLE INSULATION Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric power tools, which eliminates the need for the usual three-wire grounded power cord. All exposed metal parts are isolated from the internal metal motor components with protecting insulation. Double insulated tools do not need to be grounded.
FEATURES PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Blade Diameter ...6-1/2 in. Blade Arbor ... 5/8 in. Cutting Depth at 90° ...2-1/8 in. Cutting Depth at 45° ...1-5/8 in. Cutting Depth at 50° ...1-1/2 in. DEPTH OF CUT SCALE PLYWOOD ID SYSTEM SPINDLE LOCK POSITIVE 50° STOP BUTTON FULL LENGTH KERF INDICATOR...
The detachable cord can be easily stored or replaced quickly if damaged. DUST CHUTE To direct saw dust and chips away from the operator, a dust chute is located on the rear of the upper blade guard. ERGONOMIC DESIGN The design provides for easy handling. It is designed for comfort when operating in different positions and at different angles.
WARNING: A 6-1/2 in. blade is the maximum blade capacity of the saw. 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 contact...
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Make sure the lower guard spring works properly, allowing the guard to move freely. Check to see that the saw teeth and arrow on the saw blade and the arrow on the lower guard are pointing in the same direction.
KICKBACK See Figures 4 - 7. Kickback occurs when the blade stalls rapidly and the saw is driven back towards you. Blade stalling is caused by any action which pinches the blade in the wood. DANGER: Release switch immediately if blade binds or saw stalls.
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.
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Push cord lock button forward and hold. Twist cord fully counterclockwise and pull away from the saw. To reattach: Align notch in the saw cord receptacle with the ridge in the cord head. Insert cord head into cord receptacle and twist fully clockwise.
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Indicators along the elevation bracket help to quickly identify the following common plywood thicknesses: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, and 1 in. A “click” can be heard as the saw is moved from one thickness setting to the next. Unplug the saw.
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Clamp the workpiece securely so that the workpiece will not move during the cut. Always place the saw on the workpiece that is supported, not the “cut off” piece. Place the workpiece with the “good” side down.
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The distance from the saw blade to the saw base is approximately 5 in. on the left side of the saw and 1 in. on the right side.
See Figure 21. The levers on the saw can be repositioned for the best tightening position. Pull the lever out from the saw and move to desired position. Push lever back in and down to lock into place.
Place 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 combination square. °...
MAINTENANCE WARNING: When servicing use only identical RIDGID replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause product damage. WARNING: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields during power tool operation or when blowing dust.
MAINTENANCE CHECKING/REPLACING EXTERNAL BRUSHES See Figure 25. NOTE: The saw is equipped with externally accessible brushes. Unplug the saw. WARNING: Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental starting causing possible serious injury. NOTE: Brush caps (2) are located on each side of the motor housing.
2/1/04 and after. This product is manufactured by One World Technologies, Inc. The trademark is licensed from RIDGID, Inc. All warranty communications should be directed to One World Technologies, Inc., attn: RIDGID Hand Held and Stationary Power Tool Technical Service at (toll free) 1-866-539-1710.
R3203-1 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.ridgid.com.