Ridgid R3250 Owners Manual - Page 10

OPERATION WARNING: Do not allow familiarity with products to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury. WARNING: Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 along with hearing and breathing protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and other possible serious injuries. WARNING: Always make sure both blades enter the workpiece at the same time. If cutting at an angle, do not approach from the side with only one blade touching the workpiece; cut from the top with both blades entering the workpiece at the same time. Entering only one blade will cause kickback resulting in possible serious injuries. WARNING: Never use the side of the blades for cutting. Therefore in horizontal cuts, make sure the saw is not resting on the lower blade. Always secure the workpiece to avoid kickback and possible injury. APPLICATIONS You may use this product for the purposes listed below:  Cross cutting, rip cutting, and pocket cutting wood, plastic, and metal materials KICKBACK See Figures 5 - 6, page 15. Kickback occurs when the blade stalls rapidly and the saw is driven back towards you. Blade stalling is caused by any action which pinches the blade in the workpiece. WARNING: Release switch immediately if blade binds or saw stalls. Kickback could cause you to lose control of the saw. Loss of control can lead to serious personal injury. To guard against kickback, avoid dangerous practices such as:  Twisting the blades while making a cut.  Making a cut with dull blades.  Supporting the workpiece incorrectly.  Forcing a cut.  Operating the tool incorrectly or misusing the tool. To lessen the chance of kickback, follow these safety practices:  Make straight cuts. This helps prevent twisting the blades.  Use clean and sharp blades. Never make cuts with dull blades.  Support the workpiece properly before beginning a cut.  Use steady, even pressure when making a cut. Never force a cut.  Hold saw firmly with both hands and keep your body in a balanced position. WARNING: When using the saw, always stay alert and exercise control. Do not remove the saw from the workpiece while the blades are moving. SAW BLADES The best of saw blades will not cut efficiently if they are not kept clean, sharp, and properly set. Using a dull blade will place a heavy load on the saw and increase the danger of kickback. Keep extra blades on hand, so that sharp blades are always available. BLADE GUARD SYSTEM The lower blade guard attached to the twinblade saw is there for your protection and safety. Do not alter it for any reason. If it becomes damaged, do not operate the saw until you have the guard repaired or replaced. Always leave guard in operating position when using the saw. DANGER: When sawing through work, lower blade guard does not cover blade on the underside of work. Since blade is exposed on underside of work, keep hands and fingers away from cutting area. Any part of your body coming in contact with moving blade will result in serious injury. 10 - English