Cutting Aids And Accessories; Push Stick; Auxiliary Miter Gauge Facing - RIDGID R4550 Operator's Manual

PUSH STICK

In order to operate your table saw safely, you MUST use a push
stick whenever the size or shape of the workpiece would otherwise
cause your hands to be within 6 inches (152mm) of the saw blade
or other cutter. A push stick is included with this saw.
No special wood is needed to make additional pushsticks as long
as it is sturdy and long enough with no knots, checks or cracks.
A length of approximately 15.7 inches (400mm) is recommended
with a notch that fits against the edge of the workpiece to prevent
slipping. It's a good idea to have several push sticks of the same

AUXILIARY MITER GAUGE FACING

An auxiliary miter gauge facing is used to increase the surface
area of the miter gauge face.
The use of miter gauge with auxiliary facing is the same as
original miter gauge (without auxiliary facing). See Page 25 for
the use of miter gauge.
If desired, you can fit the miter gauge with an auxiliary wood
facing that should be at least 1 inch (25mm) higher than the
maximum depth of cut, and at least as wide as the miter gauge.
This auxiliary wood facing can be fastened to the front of the
miter gauge by using (2) M6 or 1/4-20 flat head screws and nuts,
placing the nuts into the slots provided in the face of the miter
gauge body.
See Figure 62.
Make sure the screws are long enough to secure the facing.
Flat head screws MUST be recessed into face
of board.

CUTTING AIDS AND ACCESSORIES

minimum length, 15.7 inches (400mm), with different size notches
for different workpiece thicknesses.
The shape can vary to suit your own needs as long as it performs
its intended function of keeping your hands away from the blade.
Angling the notch so the push stick can be held at a 20° to 30°
angle from the saw's table will help you to hold down the workplace
while also moving the saw.
To construct a push stick, refer to the layout shown in Figure 61.
Figure 61
36
Figure 62