RIDGID TS3650 - Manual (Page 57)

57
Basic Saw Operations
Using the Miter Gauge
The miter gauge is used when
crosscutting, miter cutting, bevel cutting,
compound miter cutting, dadoing and
when rabbeting across the end of a
narrow workpiece.
Before Starting:
• Never use the rip fence when cross-
cutting except as specifically
instructed.
• An auxiliary wood facing attached to
the miter gauge can help prevent
workpiece twisting and throwbacks.
Attach it to the slots provided. Make
the facing long enough and big
enough to support your work. Make
sure, however, it will not interfere with
the sawblade guard.
WARNING: For your own safety,
read and always observe all safety
precautions listed in operators
manual and on saw.
Additional Safety Instructions for Crosscutting
• Use jigs or fixtures to help hold any
piece too small to extend across the
full length of the miter gauge face
during the cut. This lets you properly
hold the miter gauge and workpiece
and helps keep your hands away
from the blade.
While cutting:
• To reduce the risk of blade contact,
always hold the miter gauge as
shown in the this section.
Crosscutting
Definition: A cutting or shaping
operation made across the width of a
workpiece.
The graduations on the miter gauge
provide ample accuracy for average
wood-working. In some cases where
extreme accuracy is required, make a
trial cut and then recheck it with a
precision square, or protractor.
NOTE: The space between the miter
gauge bar and the groove in the table is
held to a minimum during manu-
facturing.
For maximum accuracy when using the
miter gauge, always favor one side of
the groove in the table. In other words,
don’t move the miter gauge from side to
side while cutting but keep one side of
the bar riding against one side of the
groove.
NOTE: Gluing a piece of sandpaper to
the face of the miter gauge head can
help prevent the workpiece from
“creeping” while it is being cut.
The miter gauge head is locked in
position by twisting the lock knob
clockwise. Always tighten it securely
when in use.
The miter gauge may be used in either
of the grooves in the table.
When using the miter gauge in the left
hand groove, hold the workpiece firmly
against miter gauge head with your left
hand, and grip the lock knob with your
right hand.
When using the miter gauge in the right
hand groove, hold the workpiece with
your right hand and the lock knob with
your left hand.
Sandpaper
Always Support
Long Workpieces
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
injury from blade contact or
kickback, hold miter gauge properly.
.SP6498 Belt Drive Saw 05/03 7/15/03 7:05 AM Page 57