RIDGID R3101 Operator's Manual page 10

OPERATION
SCROLL CUTTING
See Figure 9, page 14.
Scroll cuts can be made with the saw by guiding the direc-
tion of the cut with applied pressure on the saw as shown.
NOTE: Works best with blades designed specifically for
scroll cutting.
CAUTION:
Excessive side pressure to the blade could result in
broken blades or damage to the material being cut.
BEVEL CUTTING
See Figures 10 - 11 page 14.
Bevel cutting angles may be adjusted from 0° to 45° right
or left. Angles for cuts from 0° to 45° in 15° increments are
marked on a scale under the motor assembly. An arrow
under the motor assembly provides an indicator at each
of the 15° increments. A protractor is recommended for
making accurate cuts.
 Unplug the saw.
 Unlock the base by inserting the hex key into base ad-
justment screw located on bottom of saw and turning
counter-clockwise to loosen.
 Rotate base to desired angle.
 Once the desired angle is reached, tighten by inserting
the hex key into base adjustment screw and turning
clockwise.
NOTE: If edge guide wing screw blocks desired angle, move
screw to hole on other side of base plate.
PLUNGE CUTTING
See Figure 12, page 15.
WARNING:
To avoid loss of control, broken blades, or
damage to the material being cut, always use
extreme caution when making plunge cuts. It is
not recommended to plunge cut materials other
than wood.
 Mark the line of cut clearly on the workpiece.
 Tilt the saw forward so that it rests on the front edge
of the base and blade will not come in contact with the
workpiece when the saw is turned on.
 Make sure the blade is inside the area to be cut.
 Start the saw and slowly lower the blade into the
workpiece until the blade cuts through the wood.
 Continue lowering the blade into the workpiece until the
base rests flat on the work surface, then move the saw
forward to complete the opening.
 Use only the 7 teeth per inch blade for this type of cut.
1.800.561.8187
METAL CUTTING
See Figure 13, page 15.
NOTE: Orbital mode should be OFF for metal cutting.
Many kinds of metals can be cut with the saw. Be careful not
to twist or bend the blades. Do not force. If the blade chat-
ters or vibrates excessively, use a finer-tooth metal-cutting
blade. If blade heats excessively, reduce push force. If blade
teeth become filled or clogged when cutting soft metals,
such as aluminum, use a coarser-tooth blade or reduce push
force. We recommend use of oil when cutting metals to keep
blades cool, increase cutting action, and prolong blade life.
Clamp the work firmly and saw close to the clamping point
to eliminate any vibration of the work being cut.
When cutting conduit, pipe, or angle iron, clamp work in a
vise if possible and saw close to the vise. To cut thin sheet
materials, "sandwich" the material between hardboard or
plywood and clamp the layers to eliminate vibration and ma-
terial tearing. By doing this, the material will be cut smoothly.
Lay out your pattern or line of cut on top of the "sandwich."
NOTE: When cutting metal, keep exposed portion of saw
blade clean and free of metal chips by wiping frequently
with an oily cloth. Use extreme caution in disposing of oily
cloth after completion of job to prevent potential fire hazard.
OPTIONAL ANTI-SPLINTERING INSERT (NOT
INCLUDED)
See Figure 14, page 15.
An anti-splintering insert (not included) is especially useful
when cutting plywood. It should only be used when mak-
ing straight cuts or circle cuts. It is not for bevel cutting
or plunge cutting.
NOTE: The non-orbital setting also helps reduce splintering
when cutting plywood.
To attach and remove the anti-splintering insert:
 Unplug the saw.
 Set the cutting angle at 0°.
 To attach, slide the insert back onto the tabs on the front
of the shoe. Make sure it snaps securely into place.
 To remove, grasp the anti-splintering insert and pull
straight out.
 Plug in saw.
OPTIONAL EDGE GUIDE (NOT INCLUDED)
See Figure 15, page 15.
An optional edge guide is available for use with the saw. It
can be used for making cross cuts and rip cuts.
 Unplug the saw.
 Insert the arm through the two slots in the base of the
saw as shown.
 Adjust edge guide to the desired width and lock in place
with the edge guide wing screw.
 Plug in saw.
10 - English
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