Ryobi RTS21 Operator's Manual page 34

MAKING A DADO CUT
See Figure 46.
An optional dado throat plate is required for this procedure
(see the Accessories section of this manual and check with
the retailer where the table saw was purchased). All blades
and dado sets must not be rated less than the speed of this
tool. This saw is designed for use with a 6 in. stack dado
(up to width of 1/2 in.). Do not use an adjustable dado or
molding cutters on this saw.
WARNING:
Always use push blocks, push sticks, and/or featherboards
when making dado cuts to avoid the risk of serious injury.
 Unplug the saw.
 Remove the blade guard, anti-kickback pawls, throat
plate, and riving knife.
 Remove the blade nut, blade washer, and saw blade.
NOTE: Always store the blade washer and throat plate
in a secure location.
 Mount the dado blade, according to manufacturer
instructions, using the blade and chippers appropriate
for the desired width of cut.
 Reinstall the blade nut.
NOTE: The blade washer may be used provided the arbor
shaft extends slightly beyond the arbor nut.
 Make sure the blade nut is fully engaged and the arbor
extends past a securely tightened blade nut.
 Place release lever in locked position.
 Install the dado throat plate and rotate the blade by hand
to make sure it turns freely then lower the blade.
 Depending on the shape and size of the wood, use either
the rip fence or miter gauge.
 Turn the saw on.
NOTE: Make sure the wood does not touch the blade
before you turn on the saw. Let the blade build up to full
speed before feeding the workpiece into the blade.
 Position the workpiece flat on the table with the edge
flush against the rip fence or miter gauge and hold firmly
against the saw table.
 Use a push block or push stick to move the wood through
the cut past the blade. Never push a small piece of wood
into the blade with your hand, always use a push stick.
The use of push blocks, push sticks, and featherboards
are necessary when making non-through cuts.
 When the cut is made, turn the saw off. Wait for the
blade to come to a complete stop before removing the
workpiece.
Once all dado cuts are completed:
 Unplug your saw.
 Reinstall the riving knife in the "up" position then install
the blade guard and anti-kickback pawls.
OPERATION
BLADE GUARD
REMOVED
34
NON-THROUGH CUT
DADO CUT
PUSH
STICK
Fig. 45
Fig. 46