RIDGID R4331 Operator's Manual page 17

MAINTENANCE
CORD STORAGE
See Figure 19, page 24.
When not in use, the power cord should be wrapped around
the planer.
CAUTION:
Check extension cords before each use. If
damaged, replace immediately. Never use tool with
a damaged cord since touching the damaged area
could cause electrical shock resulting in serious
injury.
BRUSH REPLACEMENT
See Figure 20, page 25.
Externally accessible brush assemblies are located at the
right front and the left rear of the planer. These brushes
should be inspected every 10 to 15 operating hours for wear.
Replace both brushes when either brush has less than 1/4 in.
of carbon remaining.
NOTE: The dust hood may be removed for easier access
when removing the rear brush cap.
 Unplug planer and remove the switch key.
 Using a flat-head screwdriver, unscrew the brush cap.
The brush assembly is spring-loaded and will pop out
when you remove the cap.
 Remove the brush assembly (brush and spring) and
inspect for wear. If less than 1/4 in. of carbon remains
on brush, replace both brush assemblies. Never replace
one side without replacing the other.
 Install new brush assembly, if required, or reinstall old
brush assembly.
 Replace cap and tighten to secure.
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NOTE: ILLUSTRATIONS START ON PAGE 20 AFTER
FRENCH AND SPANISH LANGUAGE SECTIONS.
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BLADE REPLACEMENT
See Figures 21 - 25, page 25.
WARNING:
Always wear heavy leather gloves and use caution
when loosening blade locking screws and handling
and/or changing blades. Blades are sharp and can
cause serious injury.
The planer is equipped with replaceable/disposable double-
edged cutter blades attached to a rotating cutter head. Worn
cutter blades will affect cutting accuracy and may produce
ridges on the workpiece.
NOTE: The replacement blades may appear slightly different
than the original blades.
 Unplug the planer.
 Lower the cutter head assembly to 1 in. height.
 From the back of the planer, remove the dust hood screws
holding the dust hood in place.
 Remove the dust hood.
 If cutter head is not locked, rotate until it locks.
NOTE: Rotating the cutter head is accomplished by
turning the dust exhaust fan with your fingers until the
cutter head locks in place. The cutter head lock will en-
gage when the head is rotated. Do not operate thickness
planer without the dust hood in place or the planer will
be damaged.
 Carefully loosen and remove the blade locking screws.
 Using the magnetic blade wrench, remove the blade lock
bar by placing the blade wrench on blade, lifting slightly,
then pulling straight out.
 Repeat above step to remove the blade.
NOTE: If you are changing to the second side of the blade,
rotate the blade "end for end" keeping the same flat side
down. This correctly positions the blade for reinstallation.
 Using the magnetic blade wrench, align holes in blade
with pins on cutter head and push the installed blade in
firmly. Check that the blade edge is parallel to the cutter
head slot.
 Align blade lock bar over the blade then securely retighten
the blade locking screws.
 Push and hold the cutter head lock down and rotate fan
slightly to unlock the cutter head.
 Release cutter head lock and rotate the cutter head to
the next lock position to access the second blade.
 Repeat the above steps for the third blade.
 Replace the dust hood.
17
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