Ryobi RTS23 User Manual 5 - Page 22

OPERATION WARNING: Do not allow familiarity with tools to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict severe injury. WARNING: Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes, resulting in possible serious injury. WARNING: Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this tool. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury. WARNING: Although many of the illustrations in this manual are shown with the blade guard removed for clarity, do not operate the saw without the blade guard unless specifically instructed to do so. APPLICATIONS You may use this tool for the purposes listed below:  Straight line cutting operations such as cross cutting, ripping, mitering, beveling, and compound cutting  Dado with optional accessories  Cabinet making and woodworking NOTE: This table saw is designed to cut wood and wood composition products only. BASIC OPERATION OF THE TABLE SAW The 3-prong plug must be plugged into a matching outlet that is properly installed and grounded according to all local codes and ordinances. Improper connection of the equipment can result in electric shock. Do not modify the plug if it will not fit the outlet. Have the correct outlet installed by a qualified electrician. Refer to the Electrical section in this manual. CAUSES OF KICKBACK Kickback can occur when the blade stalls or binds, kicking the workpiece back toward you with great force and speed. If your hands are near the saw blade, they may be jerked loose from the workpiece and may contact the blade. Kickback can cause serious injury. Use precautions to avoid the risks. Kickback can be caused by any action that pinches the blade in the wood such as:  Making a cut with incorrect blade depth  Sawing into knots or nails in the workpiece  Twisting the wood while making a cut  Failing to support work  Forcing a cut  Cutting warped or wet lumber  Using the wrong blade for the type of cut  Not following correct operating procedures  Misusing the saw  Failing to use the anti-kickback pawls  Cutting with a dull, gummed-up, or improperly set blade AVOIDING KICKBACK  Always use the correct blade depth setting. The top of the blade teeth should clear the workpiece by 1/8 in. to 1/4 in.  Inspect the work for knots or nails before beginning a cut. Knock out any loose knots with a hammer. Never saw into a loose knot or nail.  Always use the rip fence when rip cutting. Use the miter gauge when cross cutting. This helps prevent twisting the wood in the cut.  Always use clean, sharp, and properly-set blades. Never make cuts with dull blades.  To avoid pinching the blade, support the work properly before beginning a cut.  When making a cut, use steady, even pressure. Never force cuts.  Do not cut wet or warped lumber.  Use extra caution when cutting some prefinished or composition wood products as the anti-kickback pawls may not always be effective.  Always guide your workpiece with both hands or with push sticks and/or push blocks. Keep your body in a balanced position to be ready to resist kickback should it occur. Never stand directly in line with the blade.  Use of a featherboard will help hold the workpiece securely against the saw table or fence.  Clean the saw, blade guard, under the throat plate, and any areas where saw dust or scrap workpieces may gather.  Use the right type of blade for the cut being made.  Always use the spreader / riving knife for every operation where it is allowed. The use of this device will greatly reduce the risk of kickback. 22