Ridgid R3250 Owners Manual - Page 11

OPERATION WARNING: To avoid possible serious injury, never use saw when guard is not operating correctly. Check the guard for correct operation before each use. The guard is operating correctly when it moves freely, and instantly returns to the closed position. If you drop the saw, check the lower blade guard and bumper for damage before reuse. WARNING: Never tie the lower blade guard in a raised position. Leaving the blade exposed could lead to serious injury. If at any time the lower blade guard does not snap closed, unplug the saw from the power supply. Exercise the lower guard by moving it rapidly back and forth from the full open 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 7, page 15. To start the saw: Depress the switch trigger. Always let the blade reach full speed, before guiding the saw into the workpiece. With both hands on the saw handles, start cuts with the workpiece positioned between the guide and lower blade guard lip. NOTE: The lower blade guard will retract automatically. 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. OPERATING THE SAW See Figures 8 - 12, page 15. It is important to understand the correct method for operating the saw. 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.  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. WARNING: 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. WARNING: Using a saw with a damaged cord could result in serious injury or death. If the cord has been damaged, have it replaced before using the saw again. 11 - English