RIDGID R8653 Operator's Manual page 9

OPERATION
After you release the switch trigger, allow the blade to come
to a complete stop. Do not remove the saw from the
workpiece while the blade is moving.
LOCK-OFF BUTTON
See Figure 9, page 14.
The lock-off button reduces the possibility of accidental
starting. The lock-off button is located on the handle above
the switch trigger. The lock-off button must be depressed
before you pull the switch trigger. The lock resets each time
the trigger is released.
NOTE: You can depress the lock-off button from either the
left or right side.
INDEXABLE LEVERS
See Figure 10, page 15.
The lock levers on the saw consist of a repositionable lever
and locking hex screw. The levers can be repositioned
without moving the hex screw for the best tightening
orientation.
To reposition the lever:
 With the lever seated against the hex screw, rotate the
lever clockwise to lock the hex screw as tightly as pos-
sible with the lever in the current position.
 Pull the lever away from the saw to disengage it from the
hex screw.
 Keep a steady pull on the lever, then rotate the lever as
needed to the desired position on the hex screw.
 Release the lever so that it snaps into place on the hex
screw.
NOTE: The lever may rotate slightly after release as it
properly seats on the hex screw.
ADJUSTING BLADE DEPTH
See Figure 11, page 15.
Always keep correct blade depth setting. Less than a
full tooth of the blade teeth should be visible below the
workpiece. More blade depth will increase the chance of
kickback and cause the cut to be rough.
 Remove the battery pack from saw.
 Rotate depth lock lever away from the base.
 Determine the desired depth of cut.
 Hold base flat against the workpiece and raise or lower
saw until the index point or mark on the saw aligns with
the desired depth on the scale.
 Rotate depth lock lever toward the base to lock into
position.
NOTE: If the lever contacts the base prior to the base
being fully locked into position, refer to Indexable Levers
earlier in this manual to adjust the lever counterclockwise
on the hex screw.
NOTE: If the lever contacts the motor housing prior to the
base being loosened, refer to Indexable Levers earlier
in this manual to adjust the lever clockwise on the hex
screw.
OPERATING THE SAW
See Figures 12 - 13, page 15.
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 by holding the saw with
two hands. Loss of control could cause an acci-
dent resulting in possible serious injury.
DANGER:
When lifting the saw from the workpiece, the blade
is exposed on the underside of the saw until the
lower blade guard closes. Make sure the lower
blade guard is closed before setting the saw down.
WARNING:
Use clamps or other practical ways to secure
and support the workpiece to a stable platform.
Holding the work by hand or against your body
is unstable and may lead to loss of control which
could cause possible serious injury.
To make the best possible cut:
 Hold the saw firmly with both hands.
 Avoid placing your hand on the workpiece while making
a cut.
 Support the workpiece so that the cut (kerf) is always to
your side.
 Support the workpiece near the cut.
 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.
 Draw a guideline along the desired line of cut before
beginning your cut.
9 - English