RIDGID R32031 Operator's Manual page 11

OPERATION
position to the closed position several times. Normally this
will restore the guard to its normal operating condition. If
it does not correct a slow or sluggish closing lower guard,
do not use the saw. Take it to an authorized factory service
center for repair.
STARTING/STOPPING THE SAW
See Figure 9, page 18.
To start the saw: Depress 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" toward 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 Figures 10 - 11, page 18.
Always keep correct blade depth setting. The correct blade
depth setting for all cuts should not exceed 1/4 in. below
the material being cut. More blade depth will increase the
chance of kickback and cause the cut to be rough.
 Unplug the saw.
 Pull depth adjustment lever upward to release.
 Determine the desired depth of cut.
 Hold base flat against the workpiece and raise or lower
saw until the indicator mark on the saw aligns with the
desired depth on the scale.
 Push down on depth adjustment lever to lock into
position.
INDEXING LEVERS
See Figure 11, page 18.
The levers on the saw can be repositioned for the best
tightening position.
 Pull the lever out from the saw and move to desired
position.
 Push lever back in and down to lock into place.
 Check to be sure the base is clamped securely.
PLYWOOD ID SYSTEM
See Figure 10, page 18.
Indicators along the elevation bracket help to quickly identify
the following common plywood thicknesses: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2,
5/8, 3/4, and 1 in. A "click" can be heard as the saw is moved
from one thickness setting to the next.
 Unplug the saw.
 Pull depth adjustment lever upward to release.
 Determine the thickness of the workpiece.
 Hold base flat against the workpiece and raise or lower saw
until the saw clicks into the correct thickness setting.
 Push down on depth adjustment lever to lock into
position.
NOTE: Saw teeth will extend slightly further than the selected
thickness setting to allow the blade to pass completely
through the workpiece.
OPERATING THE SAW
See Figures 12 - 14, page 18.
Refer to the figures in this section to learn the correct and
incorrect ways for handling the saw.
WARNING:
To make sawing easier and safer, always maintain
proper control of the saw. Loss of control could
cause an accident resulting in possible serious
injury.
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.
To make the best possible cut, follow these helpful hints.
 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 the cut.
 Keep the cord away from the cutting area. Always place
the cord to prevent it from hanging up on the workpiece
while making a cut.
DANGER:
If the cord hangs up on the workpiece during a
cut, release the switch trigger immediately. Unplug
the saw and reposition the cord to prevent it from
hanging up again.
11 - English