RIDGID PC116, Manual

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Tube vibration and oscillation depend on many factors,
such as the tube length, size, weight, straightness, stand
alignment, roller speed, etc. If at any time you feel the tube
is excessively vibrating or oscillating, release the foot
switch. If in II-High speed, change to I-Low speed and try
again. If in I-Low speed, change to another cutting method
for that piece, such as a hand cutter.
To change speeds, release foot switch and allow cutter to
come to a complete stop. Move switch to the desired
position. Do not change operating speed while machine is
running.
Cutting Tube
1. Check that the tubing is not visibly bent and no fit-
tings are attached. Cutting bent tubes or tubes with
fittings can result in excessive vibration and loss of
control. Use a hand cutter if needed. Mark the tubing
at the desired length. For convenience, a measuring
scale is provided on the machine.
2. If needed, adjust the power tubing cutter size range
with the quick switch size adjustment.
3. Place the tubing on the rollers so that the cutting
mark is located under the cutter wheel, on the zero
mark of the scale. If the tubing extends beyond the
machine, position supports under the tube. Supports
should be adjusted so the tube sits squarely on the
rollers. This will help insure proper tracking of the cut.
See Figure 3.
4. Assume a proper operating position to help maintain
control of the machine and tube (see Figure 10) :
• Be sure you have convenient access to the tools
and switch.
• Be sure that you can control the foot switch. Do not
step on foot switch yet. In case of emergency, you
must be able to release the foot switch.
• Be sure that you have good balance and do not
have to overreach.
5. Advance the quick feed system until the support
rollers contact the tube (Figure 9) . Align the cutter
wheel with the mark on the tubing. Tighten the feed-
screw to bring the cutter wheel in contact with the
tube. After cutter wheel contacts tube, advance the
feedscrew an additional 1 to 1½ turns to grip the
tube. Do not over advance the feedscrew, this can
oval the pipe and increase burr formation.
Figure 9 – Support Rollers Contacting Tubing
6. Move the I-Low/O-OFF/II-High switch into the appro-
priate position for the tube being cut
7. Depress the foot switch. The rollers and the tube will
start to rotate. Keep hands way from rotating parts.
Figure 10 – Cutting Tubing
8. Advance the feed screw by slowly and continuously
tightening the feedscrew until the tubing is cut.
Aggressive cutting can damage the cutter wheel
and cause excessive burrs. Maintain the support
rollers in contact with the tube to help hold the tube in
place.
If the tubing spirals while being cut, stop the cut and
check the machine set up, especially the alignment of
the tube stands. Different tube materials may need
slight additional tightening of the feedscrew to improve
tracking.
944-732-258.09_REV C 9
PC116/PTC-400 Power Tubing Cutter
Support Rollers
Cutter
Wheel
Tube
Scale