RIDGID R8656 Operator's Manual page 9

OPERATION
STARTING/STOPPING THE SAW
See Figure 10, page 14.
To start the saw:
 Depress the lock-off button.
 Squeeze the switch trigger.
Always let the blade reach full speed, then guide the saw
into the workpiece.
WARNING:
The blade coming in contact with the workpiece
before it reaches full speed could cause the saw to
"kickback" towards you resulting in serious injury.
To stop the saw, release the switch trigger.
After you release the switch trigger, allow the blade to come
to a complete stop. Do not remove the saw from the
workpiece while the blade is moving.
ADJUSTING BLADE DEPTH
See Figure 11, page 15.
Always keep correct blade depth setting. Less than a
full tooth of the blade teeth should be visible below the
workpiece. More blade depth will increase the chance of
kickback and cause the cut to be rough.
 Remove the battery pack.
 Rotate depth lock lever away from the base.
 Determine the desired depth of cut.
 Hold base flat against the workpiece and raise or lower
saw until the index point or mark on the saw aligns with
the desired depth on the scale.
 Rotate depth lock lever toward the base to lock into
position.
OPERATING THE SAW
See Figures 12 - 13, page 15.
It is important to understand the correct method for operat-
ing the saw. Refer to the figures in this section to learn the
correct and incorrect ways for handling the saw.
DANGER:
When lifting the saw from the workpiece, the blade
is exposed on the underside of the saw until the
lower blade guard closes. Make sure the lower
blade guard is closed before setting the saw down.
WARNING:
To make sawing easier and safer, always maintain
proper control of the saw by holding the saw with
two hands. Loss of control could cause an accident
resulting in possible serious injury.
WARNING:
Use clamps or other practical ways to secure and
support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding
the work by hand or against your body is unstable
and may lead to loss of control which could cause
possible serious injury.
To make the best possible cut:
 Hold the saw firmly with both hands.
 Avoid placing your hand on the workpiece while making
a cut.
 Support the workpiece so that the cut (kerf) is always to
your side.
 Support the workpiece near the cut.
 Clamp the workpiece securely so that the workpiece will
not move during the cut.
 Always place the saw on the workpiece that is supported,
not the "cut off" piece.
 Place the workpiece with the "good" side down.
 Draw a guideline along the desired line of cut before
beginning your cut.
CROSS CUTTING/RIP CUTTING
See Figures 14 - 15, page 15.
When making a cross cut or rip cut, align your line of cut
with the 0º blade guide notch on the saw base.
Since blade thicknesses vary, always make a trial cut in
scrap material along a guideline to determine how much, if
any, the guideline must be offset to produce an accurate cut.
NOTE: The distance from the line of cut to the guideline is
the amount you should offset the guide.
 Secure the workpiece.
 Clamp a straight edge to the workpiece using C-clamps.
 Depress the lock-off button and squeeze the switch trig-
ger to start the saw. Always let the blade reach full speed
then saw along the straight edge to achieve a straight rip
cut.
NOTE: Do not bind the blade in the cut.
USING OPTIONAL EDGE GUIDE
See Figure 16, page 15.
Use an edge guide when making long or wide rip cuts
with the saw. The edge guide is purchased separately; see
Accessories later in this manual.
 Remove the battery pack.
 Place the edge guide through the slots in the saw base.
 Adjust the edge guide to the width needed.
 Tighten the wing screw securely.
When using an edge guide, position the face of the edge
guide firmly against the edge of workpiece. This makes for
a true cut without pinching the blade. The guiding edge of
9 - English