![background image](http://html1.mh-extra.com/html/ryobi/rts23/rts23_operators-manual_1506614027.webp)
27 - English
OPERATION
Clean the saw, blade guard, under the throat plate, and
any areas where sawdust or scrap workpieces may gather.
Keep blade guard, riving knife and ainti-kickback pawls
in place and proper operation. The riving knife must be
in alignment with the blade and the pawls must stop a
kickback once it has started. Check their operation before
ripping.
Maintain the rip fence parallel with the saw blade.
When ripping, apply the feed force to the section of the
workpiece between the blade and rip fence. Use a push
stick and/or push block when appropriate.
Use the right type of blade for the cut being made.
Always use the riving knife for every operation where it
is allowed. The use of this device will greatly reduce the
risk of kickback.
CUTTING AIDS
See Figures 29 - 30.
Push sticks are devices that may be used for pushing a
workpiece through the blade in any rip cut. When making
non-through cuts or ripping narrow stock, always use a
push stick, push block, and/or featherboard so your hands
do not come within 3 inches of the saw blade. They can be
made in various sizes and shapes from scrap wood and
used in a specific project. The stick must be narrower than
the workpiece, with a 90˚ notch in one end and shaped for
gripping on the other end.
A push block has a handle fastened by recessed screws
from the underside or secured with wood glue. Use push
blocks for narrow cuts and all non-through cuts. A cutting jig
or similar cutting aid may be necessary to ensure the push
block does not interfere with the cut.
CAUTION:
Be sure the screws in a push block are recessed to avoid
damaging the saw or workpiece.
Push blocks and push sticks like the ones shown in figure 29
can be purchased locally and a push stick is included
with your saw. To make additional cutting aids, follow the
instructions below.
To make a push stick:
The material, shape and size of a push stick can vary. For
this project, use a piece of solid wood that is 18 in. long,
1-1/2 in. wide. and 3/4 in. thick.
If desired, cut a curve into one end of the workpiece to
serve as a grip.
Cut a notch into the workpiece on the opposite end.
During use, this end will contact the edge of the material
being cut.
To make a push block:
The material, shape and size of a push block can vary. For
this project, use two pieces of solid wood to make the base
and handle. The base is 5 in. long, 3 in. wide. and 3/8 in. thick.
The handle should be 5 in. long, 1 in. wide, and 3/4 in. thick.
Mark the center of the base.
Attach the handle to the center of the base using recessed
screws or wood glue.
NOTE:
To prevent the push block from slipping across the
workpiece, you can attach a piece of sandpaper or a non-
slip rubber pad to the bottom of the base.
PUSH BLOCKS
PUSH STICKS
Fig. 30
Fig. 29
HANDLE
BASE
PUSH STICK
PUSH BLOCK
GRIP
NOTCH
Summary of Contents for RTS23
Page 147: ...NOTES NOTAS...