RIDGID R3203-1 User Manual
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
6-1/2 in. CIRCULAR SAW
DOUBLE INSULATED
R3203-1
Your circular saw has been engineered and manufactured to our high standards for dependability, ease of operation, and
operator safety. When properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before using this product.
Thank you for buying a RIDGID product.
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................2
General Safety Rules .....................................................................................................................................................3-4
Specific Safety Rules .....................................................................................................................................................4-5
Symbols .........................................................................................................................................................................6-7
Electrical ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Features .......................................................................................................................................................................9-10
Assembly ...................................................................................................................................................................11-12
Operation ...................................................................................................................................................................13-20
Adjustments ...............................................................................................................................................................20-21
Maintenance ..............................................................................................................................................................21-22
Accessories ....................................................................................................................................................................22
Warranty .........................................................................................................................................................................23
Customer Service Information ........................................................................................................................................ 24
INTRODUCTION
This tool has many features for making its use more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety, performance, and dependability have
been given top priority in the design of this product making it easy to maintain and operate.
2
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING!
Read all instructions. Failure to follow all
instructions listed below may result in electric
shock, fire and/or serious injury. The term “power
tool” in all of the warnings listed below refers
to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or
battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WORK AREA SAFETY
Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark
areas invite accidents.
D o n o t op e r a te p o w e r to o ls i n e x p l o s iv e
atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which
may ignite the dust or fumes.
Keep children and bystanders away while operating a
power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify
the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with
earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and
matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces
such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators.
There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body
is earthed or grounded.
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of
electric shock.
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying,
pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away
from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged
or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
When operating a power tool outdoors, use an
extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a
cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric
shock.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use
common sense when operating a power tool. Do
not use a power tool while you are tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment
of inattention while operating power tools may result in
serious personal injury.
Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Safety equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety
shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate
conditions will reduce personal injuries.
Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the switch is in the
off-position before plugging in. Carrying power tools
with your finger on the switch or plugging in power tools
that have the switch on invites accidents.
Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning
the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to
a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal
injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. This enables better control of the power tool
in unexpected situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.
Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving
parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught
in moving parts.
If devices are provided for the connection of dust
extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are
connected and properly used. Use of these devices can
reduce dust-related hazards.
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long
hair. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be drawn
into air vents.
Do not use on a ladder or unstable support. Stable
footing on a solid surface enables better control of the
power tool in unexpected situations.
POWER TOOL USE AND CARE
Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power
tool for your application. The correct power tool will
do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was
designed.
Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn
it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled
with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or
the battery pack from the power tool before making
any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing
power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce
the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and
do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool
or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power
tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or
binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any
other condition that may affect the power tool’s
operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired
before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained power tools.
Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained
cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to
bind and are easier to control.
Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc., in
accordance with these instructions and in the manner
intended for the particular type of power tool, taking
into account the working conditions and the work
to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations
different from those intended could result in a hazardous
situation.
3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
SERVICE
Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair
person using only identical replacement parts. This will
ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
WARNING!
To reduce the risk of injury, user must read
instruction manual.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
DANGER! Keep hands away from cutting area and the
blade. Keep your second hand on auxiliary handle or
motor housing. If both hands are holding the saw, they
cannot be cut by the blade.
Do not reach underneath the workpiece. The
guard cannot protect you from the blade below the
workpiece.
Adjust the cutting depth to the thickness of the
workpiece. Less than a full tooth of the blade teeth
should be visible below the workpiece.
Never hold piece being cut in your hands or across
your leg. Secure the workpiece to a stable platform.
It is important to support the work properly to minimize
body exposure, blade binding, or loss of control.
Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces when
performing an operation where the cutting tool may
contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with
a “live” wire will also make exposed metal parts of the
power tool “live” and shock the operator.
When ripping, always use a rip fence or straight edge
guide. This improves the accuracy of cut and reduces
the chance of blade binding.
Always use blades with correct size and shape
(diamond versus round) of arbor holes. Blades that
do not match the mounting hardware of the saw will run
eccentrically, causing loss of control.
Never use damaged or incorrect blade washers or
bolt. The blade washers and bolt were specially designed
for your saw for optimum performance and safety of
operation.
CAUSES AND OPERATOR PREVENTION OF
KICKBACK:
Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound, or
misaligned saw blade, causing an uncontrolled saw to lift
up and out of the workpiece toward the operator.
When the blade is pinched or bound tightly by the kerf
closing down, the blade stalls and the motor reaction drives
the unit rapidly back toward the operator.
If the blade becomes twisted or misaligned in the cut, the
teeth at the back edge of the blade can dig into the top
surface of the wood causing the blade to climb out of the
kerf and jump back toward the operator.
When servicing a power tool, use only identical
re placem ent par t s. Foll ow inst ructio ns in the
Maintenance section of this manual. Use of unauthorized
parts or failure to follow Maintenance instructions may
create a risk of shock or injury.
Kickback is the result of saw misuse and/or incorrect
operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by
taking proper precautions, as given below:
Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw and
position your arms to resist kickback forces. Position
your body to either side of the blade, but not in line
with the blade. Kickback could cause the saw to jump
backwards, but kickback forces can be controlled by the
operator, if proper precautions are taken.
When blade is binding, or when interrupting a cut
for any reason, release the trigger and hold the saw
motionless in the material until the blade comes to a
complete stop. Never attempt to remove the saw from
the work or pull the saw backward while the blade
is in motion, or kickback may occur. Investigate and
take corrective actions to eliminate the cause of blade
binding.
When restarting a saw in the workpiece, center the
saw blade in the kerf and check that saw teeth are
not engaged into the material. If saw blade is binding,
it may walk up or kickback from the workpiece as the
saw is restarted.
Support large panels to minimize the risk of blade
pinching and kickback. Large panels tend to sag under
their own weight. Supports must be placed under the
panel on both sides, near the line of cut and near the
edge of the panel.
Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened
or improperly set blades produce narrow kerf causing
excessive friction, blade binding and kickback.
Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers must be
tight and secure before making cut. If blade adjustment
shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and kickback.
Use extra caution when making a “Plunge Cut” into
existing walls or other blind areas. The protruding blade
may cut objects that can cause kickback.
Check lower guard for proper closing before each use.
Do not operate saw if lower guard does not move freely
and close instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard
into the open position.
lower guard may be bent. Raise the lower guard with the
retracting handle. Make sure it moves freely and does
not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and
depths of cut.
4
If saw is accidentally dropped,
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
Check the operation of the lower guard spring. If the
guard and the spring are not operating properly, they
must be serviced before use. Lower guard may operate
sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a
buildup of debris.
Lower guard should be retracted manually only for
special cuts, such as “Plunge Cuts” and “Compound
Cuts.” Raise lower guard by retracting handle. As
soon as blade enters the material, the lower guard
must be released. For all other sawing, the lower guard
should operate automatically.
Always observe that the lower guard is covering the
blade before placing saw down on bench or floor.
unprotected, coasting blade will cause the saw to walk
backwards, cutting whatever is in its path. Be aware
of the time it takes for the blade to stop after switch is
released.
Know your power tool. Read operator’s manual
carefully. Learn its applications and limitations, as well
as the specific potential hazards related to this tool.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock,
fire, or serious injury.
Always wear safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses
have only impact-resistant lenses; they are NOT safety
glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious
personal injury.
Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the
operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the
risk of serious personal injury.
Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during
extended periods of operation. Following this rule will
reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
Inspect tool cords periodically and, if damaged, have
repaired at your nearest authorized service center.
Constantly stay aware of cord location. Following this
rule will reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.
An
Check damaged parts. Before further use of the
tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should
be carefully checked to determine that it will operate
properly and perform its intended function. Check for
alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, mounting, and any other conditions
that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that
is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced
by an authorized service center. Following this rule will
reduce the risk of shock, fire, or serious injury.
Make sure your extension cord is in good condition.
When using an extension cord, be sure to use one
heavy enough to carry the current your product
will draw. A wire gage size (A.W.G.) of at least 14 is
recommended for an extension cord 50 feet or
less in length. A cord exceeding 100 feet is not
recommended. If in doubt, use the next heavier gage.
The smaller the gage number, the heavier the cord. An
undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting
in loss of power and overheating.
Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber before
using this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
serious personal injury.
If the power supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced
only by the manufacturer or by an authorized service
center to avoid risk.
Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and
use them to instruct others who may use this tool. If you
loan someone this tool, loan them these instructions
also.
WARNING:
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals
known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:
• lead from lead-based paints,
• crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
• arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure
to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust
masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
5
SYMBOLS
Some of the following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation
of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.
SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION
V Volts
A Amperes
Hz Hertz
W Watt
min Minutes
Alternating Current
Direct Current
n
o
.../min
No Load Speed
Class II Tool
Per Minute
Wet Conditions Alert
Voltage
Current
Frequency (cycles per second)
Power
Time
Type of current
Type or a characteristic of current
Rotational speed, at no load
Double-insulated construction
Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute
Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.
Read The Operator’s Manual
Eye Protection
Safety Alert
No Hands Symbol
No Hands Symbol
No Hands Symbol
No Hands Symbol
Hot Surface
To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand
operator’s manual before using this product.
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields
and, as necessary, a full face shield when operating this
product.
Precautions that involve your safety.
Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
To reduce the risk of injury or damage, avoid contact with any
hot surface.
6
SYMBOLS
The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.
SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING
DANGER:
WARNING:
CAUTION:
CAUTION:
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.
(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in
property damage.
SERVICE
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should
be performed only by a qualified service technician. For
service we suggest you return the product to your nearest
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER for repair. When servicing,
use only identical replacement parts.
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt
to use this product until you read thoroughly and
understand completely the operator’s manual.
If you do not understand the warnings and
instructions in the operator’s manual, do not use
this product. Call RIDGID customer service for
assistance.
WARNING:
The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can result
in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always wear safety goggles or safety glasses
with side shields and, when needed, a full face shield. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for use
over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Always use eye protection which is marked
to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
7
ELECTRICAL
DOUBLE INSULATION
Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric power
tools, which eliminates the need for the usual three-wire
grounded power cord. All exposed metal parts are isolated
from the internal metal motor components with protecting
insulation. Double insulated tools do not need to be
grounded.
WARNING:
The double insulated system is intended to protect
the user from shock resulting from a break in the
tool’s internal wiring. Observe all normal safety
precautions to avoid electrical shock.
NOTE: Servicing of a tool with double insulation requires
extreme care and knowledge of the system and should
be performed only by a qualified service technician. For
service, we suggest you return the tool to your nearest
authorized service center for repair. Always use original
factory replacement parts when servicing.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
This tool has a precision-built electric motor. It should be
connected to a power supply that is 120 volts, 60 Hz, AC
only (normal household current). Do not operate this tool
on direct current (DC). A substantial voltage drop will cause
a loss of power and the motor will overheat. If your tool does
not operate when plugged into an outlet, double-check the
power supply.
EXTENSION CORDS
When using a power tool at a considerable distance from
a power source, be sure to use an extension cord that has
the capacity to handle the current the tool will draw. An
undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in
overheating and loss of power. Use the chart to determine
the minimum wire size required in an extension cord. Only
round jacketed cords listed by Underwriter’s Laboratories
(UL) should be used.
When working outdoors with a tool, use an extension
cord that is designed for outside use. This type of cord is
designated with “WA” on the cord’s jacket.
Before using any extension cord, inspect it for loose or
exposed wires and cut or worn insulation.
**Ampere rating (on tool data plate)
0-2.0 2.1-3.4 3.5-5.0 5.1-7.0 7.1-12.0 12.1-16.0
Cord Length Wire Size (A.W.G.)
25' 16 16 16 16 14 14
50' 16 16 16 14 14 12
100' 16 16 14 12 10 —
**Used on 12 gauge - 20 amp circuit.
NOTE: AWG = American Wire Gauge
WARNING:
Keep the extension cord clear of the working area.
Position the cord so that it will not get caught on
lumber, tools or other obstructions while you are
working with a power tool. Failure to do so can
result in serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Check extension cords before each use. If
damaged replace immediately. Never use tool with
a damaged cord since touching the damaged area
could cause electrical shock resulting in serious
injury.
8
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