Ryobi RTS21 Operator's Manual page 23

FEATHERBOARD
A featherboard is a device used to help control the
workpiece by holding it securely against the table or fence.
Featherboards are especially useful when ripping small
workpieces and for completing non-through cuts. The end
is angled with a number of short kerfs to give a friction hold
on the workpiece and locked in place on the table with a
C-clamp. Test to ensure it can resist kickback.
HOW TO MAKE A FEATHERBOARD
See Figure 24.
The featherboard is an excellent project for the saw.
Select a solid piece of lumber approximately 3/4 in. thick,
2-1/2 in. wide and 12 in. long. Mark the center of the width
on one end of the stock. Miter the width to 70° (see page
30 for information on miter cuts).
Prepare the saw for ripping as discussed on page 30. Set
the rip fence to allow approximately a 1/4 in. "finger" to be
cut in the stock. Feed the stock only to the mark previously
made at 6 in. Turn the saw OFF and allow the blade to com-
pletely stop rotating before removing the stock. Reset the
rip fence and cut spaced rips into the workpiece to allow
approximately 1/4 in. fingers and 1/8 in. spaces between
the fingers.
2-1/2 in.
3/4 in.
OPERATION
WARNING:
Mount the featherboard in front of the saw blade. If
positioned improperly, kickback can result from the
featherboard pinching the workpiece and binding the
blade in the saw kerf. Failure to heed this warning can
result in serious personal injury.
HOW TO MOUNT A FEATHERBOARD
See Figure 25.
Completely lower the saw blade. Position the rip fence to
the desired adjustment for the cut to be performed and lock.
Place the workpiece against the fence and over the saw
blade area. Adjust the featherboard to apply resistance to
the workpiece just forward of the blade. Attach C-clamps to
further secure the featherboard to the edge of the saw table.
FEATHER-
BOARD
1/4 in.
1/8 in.
12 in.
23
PUSH
BLOCK
PUSH
STICK
BEVEL
LOCKING
LEVER
1-1/16 in.
70°
Fig. 25
Fig. 24