RIDGID R86346 Operator's Manual page 9

OPERATION
„ Once the desired angle is reached, slide base back until
the tab on the motor housing aligns with the appropriate
notch on the underside of the base.
NOTE: When making a set-up for accurate cuts with a
protractor, or for angles other than the preset 45° incre-
ments, the positive stop notches on the underside of the
base are not used.
„ Tighten the base pivot screw securely.
„ Return the hex key to the storage compartment.
„ Reinstall the battery pack.
PLUNGE CUTTING
See Figures 13 - 15, page 13.
Depending on the thickness of the material being cut, you
may need to drill a pilot hole before making plunge cuts.
WARNING:
To avoid loss of control, broken blades, or damage
to the material being cut, always use extreme
caution when making plunge cuts. We do not
recommend plunge cutting on materials other
than wood.
To make plunge cuts using pilot holes:
„ Mark the line of cut clearly on the workpiece.
„ Drill a pilot hole inside the area marked by the line of cut.
The pilot hole should be large enough to slide the blade
through the material.
„ Slowly lower the blade through the pilot hole in the
workpiece until the base contacts the workpiece. Slide
the switch toward the front of the saw to start the saw.
„ Do not move the saw forward until the blade is entirely
through the workpiece and the base is in complete
contact with the workpiece.
„ Move the saw forward to complete the opening.
To make plunge cuts without using pilot holes:
„ Mark the line of cut clearly on the workpiece.
„ Tilt the jig 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 tool is turned on.
NOTE: Maintenance information begins on page 10 after French
This product has a 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee Policy, as well as a Three-year Limited Warranty. For
Warranty and Policy details, please go to www.powertools.ridgid.com or call (toll free) 1-866-539-1710.
and Spanish language sections. Illustrations start on page 11.
„ Make sure the blade is aligned with the area to be cut.
„ Slide the switch toward the front of the saw to start the
saw and slowly lower the blade into the workpiece until
the blade cuts through the workpiece.
„ Continue lowering the blade into the workpiece until the
base rests flat on the work surface, then move the jig saw
forward to complete the opening.
„ Use only the 6 teeth per inch blade for this type of cut.
METAL CUTTING
See Figure 16, page 13.
NOTE: The jig saw must be in the no-orbit mode to cut
metals and conduit. Set the orbital adjustment knob to "0."
Refer to the Orbital Motion section earlier in this manual
for more details.
Many kinds of metals can be cut with the saw using a metal
cutting blade. Be careful not to twist or bend the blades. Do
not force. If the blade chatters or vibrates excessively, use
a finer-tooth metal-cutting blade. If blade heats excessively,
use lower speed. If blade teeth become filled or clogged when
cutting soft metals, such as aluminum, use a coarser-tooth
blade or lower speed. We recommend use of lubricant when
cutting metals to keep blades cool, increase cutting action,
and prolong blade life. Clamp the workpiece 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 workpiece
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 material 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
bar 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.
9 – English