RIDGID R8642 Operator's Manual page 8

OPERATION
PLUNGE CUTTING WOOD OR WALL BOARD
See Figure 10, page 11.
 Secure the workpiece to a work bench or table with a
vise or with clamps.
 Mark the line of cut clearly.
 Make sure the saw blade teeth are clean of any debris or
foreign material.
 Hold the saw firmly in front of and clearly away from you.
 Choose a convenient starting point inside the cutting area
and place the tip of the blade over that point.
 Rest the front edge of the shoe assembly on the workpiece
and hold it firmly in position during the cut.
 Slide the lock-off button to the unlock position and
depress the switch trigger. Allow the saw blade to reach
full cutting speed.
WARNING:
Make sure the blade does not touch the workpiece
until the motor reaches full speed. Failure to heed
this warning can cause you to lose control of the
saw and result in serious injury.
 Tilt the saw downward until the tip of the blade starts
cutting the workpiece.
 Allow the saw to penetrate the workpiece.
 Tilt the saw until the blade is perpendicular to the
workpiece.
WARNING:
Blades longer than 6 in. can whip and should not
be used for plunge cutting. Failure to heed this
warning can result in serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Cutting into electrical wiring can cause the blade,
the blade clamp, and the saw bar assembly to
become electrically live. Do not touch metal parts
when cutting into a wall; grasp only the insulated
surfaces on the tool. Make sure hidden electrical
wiring, water pipes, and mechanical hazards are
not in the blade path when cutting into a wall.
METAL CUTTING
See Figure 11, page 11.
You may cut metals such as sheet steel, pipe, steel rods,
aluminum, brass, and copper with the saw.
Observe the following tips when metal cutting:
 Be careful not to twist or bend the saw blade.
 Place the orbital action selector in the linear stroke
position (OFF).
 Do not force the tool and use a slow speed.
 Use cutting oil when cutting soft metals and steel. Cutting
oil also keeps the blades cool, increases cutting action,
and prolongs blade life.
 Never use gasoline since normal sparking of motor could
ignite fumes.
 Clamp the workpiece firmly and cut close to the clamping
point to eliminate any vibration of the work. When cutting
conduit pipe or angle iron, clamp the workpiece in a vise
if possible and cut close to the vise. To cut thin sheet
material, "sandwich" the material between hardboard or
plywood and clamp the layers to eliminate vibration and
material tearing.
 Always keep firm pressure on the shoe assembly to hold
it securely against the workpiece.
8 - English