RIDGID R4331 Operator's Manual page 13

OPERATION
AVOIDING SNIPE
Snipe, or depressions made at either end of a workpiece
by cutter blades, can occur when the board is not properly
supported. Although snipe may be barely noticeable, it is
important to keep the workpiece parallel and flat with the
planer table to minimize snipe. Butting workpieces end-
to-end as they are fed through the planer will minimize the
problem, especially for shorter pieces, because it provides
a more stable feed.
For workpieces longer than 48 in., greater care must be
taken to reduce the problem because the additional length
means more of the total weight is unsupported by the planer
table and rollers, causing the shifting weight to work against
keeping the stock flat.
To remove snipe from a finished workpiece, cut off the end
of the workpiece where snipe is noticeable.
WARPED WOOD
Little or no warpage is the ideal condition for planing a
workpiece. Simply turn the workpiece over and plane it to
the desired thickness. Otherwise, plane the top first, turn
the workpiece and plane the bottom.
For a board that is cupped or bowed across its width, the
best method is to rip the board lengthwise down the middle
and plane the pieces separately. This method eliminates
much of the waste in planing cupped or bowed workpieces.
The only way to remove the bow from a workpiece that is
cupped or bowed down its length is to use a jointer.
Avoid using severely warped wood as it can jam the planer.
If it must be used, rip it in half before planing to help mini-
mize the possibility of jamming. If jamming does occur, turn
the switch off and unplug the planer immediately. Raise the
cutter head assembly high enough to remove the workpiece
easily. Carefully check to make sure no damage to the tool
has occurred before making the next planing pass.
Always feed the workpiece in the direction of the grain. This
allows the cutter blades to sever the wood fibers instead of
tearing them. Feeding against the grain can also cause the
cutter blades to chip the workpiece.
POWER SWITCH
See Figure 11, page 22.
The planer is equipped with a power switch that has a built-in
locking feature. This feature is intended to prevent unauthor-
ized and possible hazardous use by children and others.
TO TURN THE PLANER ON:
 With the switch key inserted into the switch, lift the switch
to turn ON ( l ).
TO TURN THE PLANER OFF:
 With the switch key inserted into the switch, push the
switch down to turn OFF ( O ).
1.800.561.8187
TO LOCK THE PLANER:
 Place the switch in the OFF ( O ) position.
 Remove the switch key from the switch and store in a
secure location.
USING SURE-CUT
See Figure 12, page 23.
Never adjust the cutter head assembly with the cutter
head lock in the "locked" position. A complete rotation of
the depth adjustment crank handle moves the cutter head
assembly 1/16 in.
TO RAISE THE CUTTER HEAD:
 With the power switch in the OFF ( O ) position, lift the
SURE-CUT™ Carriage Lock to unlock the cutter head
assembly.
 Turn the depth adjustment crank handle clockwise to
raise the cutter head.
 Once cutter head is in the desired position, lock the cutter
head by pushing the SURE-CUT™ Carriage Lock down.
TO LOWER THE CUTTER HEAD:
 With the power switch in the OFF ( O ) position, lift the
SURE-CUT™ Carriage Lock to unlock the cutter head
assembly.
 Turn the depth adjustment crank handle counterclockwise
to lower the cutter head.
 Once cutter head is in the desired position, lock the cutter
head by pushing the SURE-CUT™ Carriage Lock down.
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WARNING:
Always remove the switch key when the tool is
not in use and keep it in a safe place. In the event
of a power failure, turn the switch OFF ( O ) and
remove the key. This action will prevent the tool
from accidentally starting when power returns.
WARNING:
Always make sure the workpiece is not in contact
with the blade before operating the switch to
start the tool. Failure to heed this warning could
cause the workpiece to be kicked back toward
the operator and result in serious personal injury.
CARRIAGE LOCK
™
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