RIDGID R4121 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

12 in. COMPOUND MITER SAW
WITH ADJUSTABLE LASER

Double Insulated
R4121

Your miter saw has been engineered and manufactured to our high standard 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

� Glossary of Terms .............................................................................................................................................................9

� Features .....................................................................................................................................................................10-12

� Tools Needed ................................................................................................................................................................. 13

� Loose Parts ..................................................................................................................................................................... 14

� Assembly ...................................................................................................................................................................15-22

�� Operation ...................................................................................................................................................................23-33

 Adjustments .................................................................................................................................................................... 33

� Maintenance ..............................................................................................................................................................34-36

 Accessories ....................................................................................................................................................................36

� Warranty .........................................................................................................................................................................37

� Parts Ordering/Service ................................................................................................................................................... 38

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 and understand all instructions. Failure to

follow all instructions listed below, could result in
electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

 KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Read the operator’s manual

carefully. Learn the applications and limitations as well
as the specific potential hazards related to this tool.

 GUARD AGAINST ELECTRICAL SHOCK BY PREVENT-

ING BODY CONTACT WITH GROUNDED SURFACES.

For example: pipes, radiators, ranges, refrigerator enclo­sures.

 KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in good working order.

 REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES. Form

habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting wrenches
are removed from tool before turning it on.

 KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and benches

invite accidents. DO NOT leave tools or pieces of wood
on the tool while it is in operation.

 DO NOT USE IN DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS. Do

not use power tools in damp or wet locations or expose
to rain. Keep the work area well lit.

 KEEP CHILDREN AND VISITORS AWAY. All visitors

should wear safety glasses and be kept a safe dis­tance from work area. Do not let visitors contact tool or

extension cord while operating.

 MAKE WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF with padlocks,

master switches, or by removing starter keys.

 DON’T FORCE THE TOOL. It will do the job better and

safer at the feed rate for which it was designed.

 USE THE RIGHT TOOL. Do not force the tool or attach-

ment to do a job for which it was not designed.

 USE THE PROPER EXTENSION CORD. Make sure your

extension cord is in good condition. Use only a cord heavy
enough to carry the current your product will draw. An
undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage result­ing in loss of power and overheating. A wire gauge size
(A.W.G.) of at least 14 is recommended for an extension
cord 25 feet or less in length. If in doubt, use the next
heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier
the cord.

 DRESS PROPERLY. Do not wear loose clothing, neckties,

or jewelry that can get caught and draw you into moving
parts. Rubber gloves and nonskid footwear are recom­mended when working outdoors. Also wear protective
hair covering to contain long hair.

 ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WITH SIDE

SHIELDS. Everyday eyeglasses have only impact-

resistant lenses, they are NOT safety glasses.

 SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold work when

practical, it is safer than using your hand and frees both
hands to operate the tool.

 DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance

at all times.

 MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp and

clean for better and safer performance. Follow instruc­tions for lubricating and changing accessories.

 DISCONNECT TOOLS. When not in use, before servicing,

or when changing attachments, blades, bits, cutters, etc.,
all tools should be disconnected from power source.

 AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Be sure switch is off

when plugging in any tool.

 USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. Consult the

operator’s manual for recommended accessories. The
use of improper accessories may result in injury.

 NEVER STAND ON TOOL. Serious injury could occur if

the tool is tipped or if the cutting tool is unintentionally
contacted.

 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 must
be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service
center to avoid risk of personal injury.

 USE THE RIGHT DIRECTION OF FEED. Feed work into

a blade, cutter, or sanding spindle against the direction
or rotation of the blade, cutter, or sanding spindle only.

 NEVER LEAVE TOOL RUNNING UNATTENDED. TURN

THE POWER OFF. Don’t leave tool until it comes to a

complete stop.

 PROTECT YOUR LUNGS. Wear a face or dust mask if

the cutting operation is dusty.

 PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing protection

during extended periods of operation.

 DO NOT ABUSE CORD. Never carry tool by the cord or

yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord from
heat, oil, and sharp edges.

 USE OUTDOOR EXTENSION CORDS. When tool is

used outdoors, use only extension cords with approved
ground connection that are intended for use outdoors
and so marked.

 KEEP BLADES CLEAN, SHARP, AND WITH SUFFICIENT

SET. Sharp blades minimize stalling and kickback.

 BLADE COASTS AFTER BEING TURNED OFF.

3

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

 NEVER USE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE. Normal

sparking of the motor could ignite fumes.

 INSPECT TOOL CORDS PERIODICALLY. If damaged,

have repaired by a qualified service technician at an
authorized service facility. The conductor with insulation
having an outer surface that is green with or without yellow
stripes is the equipment-grounding conductor. If repair
or replacement of the electric cord or plug is necessary,
do not connect the equipment-grounding conductor to a
live terminal. Repair or replace a damaged or worn cord
immediately. Stay constantly aware of cord location and
keep it well away from the rotating blade.

 INSPECT EXTENSION CORDS PERIODICALLY and

replace if damaged.

 POLARIZED PLUGS. To reduce the risk of electric shock,

this tool has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than
the other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one
way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the
plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician
to install the proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any
way.

 KEEP TOOL DRY, CLEAN, AND FREE FROM OIL AND

GREASE. Always use a clean cloth when cleaning. Never

use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, or
any solvents to clean tool.

 STAY ALERT AND EXERCISE CONTROL. Watch what

you are doing and use common sense. Do not operate
tool when you are tired. Do not rush.

 DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT TURN IT

ON AND OFF. Have defective switches replaced by an

authorized service center.

 USE ONLY CORRECT BLADES. Do not use blades with

incorrect size holes. Never use blade washers or blade
bolts that are defective or incorrect. The maximum blade
capacity of the saw is 12 in.

 BEFORE MAKING A CUT, BE SURE ALL ADJUST-

MENTS ARE SECURE.

 BE SURE BLADE PATH IS FREE OF NAILS. Inspect for

and remove all nails from lumber before cutting.

 NEVER TOUCH BLADE or other moving parts during

use.

 NEVER START A TOOL WHEN ANY ROTATING
COMPONENT IS IN CONTACT WITH THE WORKPIECE.

 DO NOT OPERATE A TOOL WHILE UNDER THE
IN FLUENCE OF DRU GS, ALCOHOL, O R ANY
MEDICATION.

 WHEN SERVICING use only identical replacement parts.

Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause
product damage.

 USE ONLY RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES listed

in this manual or addendums. Use of accessories that
are not listed may cause the risk of personal injury.
Instructions for safe use of accessories are included
with the accessory.

 DOUBLE CHECK ALL SETUPS. Make sure blade is

tight and not making contact with saw or workpiece
before connecting to power supply.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

 FIRMLY CLAMP OR BOLT the tool to a workbench or

table at approximately hip height.

 KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM CUTTING AREA. Do not

reach underneath work or in blade cutting path with your
hands and fingers for any reason. Always turn the power off.

 ALWAYS SUPPORT LONG WORKPIECES while cutting

to minimize risk of blade pinching and kickback. Saw may
slip, walk, or slide while cutting long or heavy boards.

 ALWAYS USE A CLAMP to secure the workpiece when

possible.

 BE SURE THE BLADE CLEARS THE WORKPIECE. Never

start the saw with the blade touching the workpiece. Allow
motor to come up to full speed before starting cut.

 MAKE SURE THE MITER TABLE AND SAW ARM (BEVEL

FUNCTION) ARE LOCKED IN POSITION BEFORE

OPERATING YOUR SAW. Lock the miter table by securely

tightening the miter lock lever. Lock the saw arm (bevel
function) by securely tightening the bevel lock lever.

 USE THIS SAW TO CUT WOOD, WOOD PRODUCTS,

AND SOME PLASTICS ONLY. DO NOT CUT METALS,
CERAMICS OR MASONRY PRODUCTS.

 BEFORE MOVING THE SAW, unplug the saw then lock

the miter, bevel, and saw head positions.

 NEVER USE A LENGTH STOP ON THE FREE SCRAP

END OF A CLAMPED WORKPIECE. NEVER hold onto

or bind the free scrap end of the workpiece in any opera­tion. If a work clamp and length stop are used together,
they must both be installed on the same side of the saw
table to prevent the saw from catching the loose end and
kicking up.

 NEVER cut more than one piece at a time. DO NOT

STACK more than one workpiece on the saw table at a

time.

 NEVER PERFORM ANY OPERATION FREEHAND.

Always place the workpiece to be cut on the miter table
and position it firmly against the fence as a backstop.
Always use the fence.

4

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

 NEVER hand hold a workpiece that is too small to be

clamped. Keep hands clear of the cutting area.

 NEVER reach behind, under, or within three inches of the

blade and its cutting path with your hands and fingers for
any reason.

 NEVER reach to pick up a workpiece, a piece of scrap,

or anything else that is in or near the cutting path of the
blade.

 AVOID AWKWARD OPERATIONS AND HAND POSI-

TIONS where a sudden slip could cause your hand to

move into the blade. ALWAYS make sure you have good
balance. NEVER operate the miter saw on the floor or in
a crouched position.

 NEVER stand or have any part of your body in line with

the path of the saw blade.

 ALWAYS release the power switch and allow the saw blade

to stop rotating before raising it out of the workpiece.

 DO NOT TURN THE MOTOR SWITCH ON AND OFF

RAPIDLY. This could cause the saw blade to loosen and

could create a hazard. Should this ever occur, stand clear
and allow the saw blade to come to a complete stop.
Disconnect the saw from the power supply and securely
retighten the blade bolt.

 IF ANY PART OF THIS MITER SAW IS MISSING or

should break, bend, or fail in any way, or should any
electrical component fail to perform properly, shut off
the power switch, remove the miter saw plug from the
power source and have damaged, missing, or failed parts
replaced before resuming operation.

 IF THE POWER SUPPLY CORD IS DAMAGED, it must

be replaced only by the manufacturer or by an authorized
service center to avoid risk.

 ALWAYS STAY ALERT! Do not allow familiarity (gained

from frequent use of your saw) to cause a careless

mistake. ALWAYS REMEMBER that a careless
fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict severe injury.

 MAKE SURE WORK AREA HAS AMPLE LIGHTING to

see the work and that no obstructions will interfere with
safe operation BEFORE performing any work using your
saw.

 ALWAYS TURN OFF THE SAW before disconnecting it

to avoid accidental starting when reconnecting to power
supply. NEVER leave the saw unattended while connected
to a power source.

 THIS TOOL has the following markings:
a) Wear eye protection.

b) Keep hands out of path of saw blade
c) Do not operate saw without guards in place.
d) Do not perform any operation freehand.
e) Never reach around saw blade.
f) Turn off tool and wait for saw blade to stop

before raising the saw arm, moving workpiece, or

changing settings.
g) Disconnect power (or unplug tool as applicable)
before changing blade or servicing.

h) No load speed.
i) Rated saw blade diameter.

 ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE SAW BLADE HAS CLEAR-

ANCE OF ALL OBSTRUCTIONS BEFORE TURNING

THE SAW ON.

 ALWAYS carry the tool only by the carrying handles.
 AVOID direct eye exposure when using the laser guide.
 THIS SAW CAN TIP OVER if the saw head is released

suddenly and the saw is not secured to a work surface.

ALWAYS secure this saw to a stable work surface before

any use to avoid serious personal injury.
 SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them frequently

and use to instruct other users. 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

W Watt

min Minutes

n

o

.../min

Hertz

Alternating Current

Direct Current

No Load Speed

Class II Construction

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

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.

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 product 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 the 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 product 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 product, 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 product 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

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Anti-Kickback Pawls (radial arm and table saws)

A device which, when properly installed and maintained,
is designed to stop the workpiece from being kicked back
toward the front of the saw during a ripping operation.

Arbor

The shaft on which a blade or cutting tool is mounted.

Bevel Cut

A cutting operation made with the blade at any angle other
than 90° to the table surface.

Chamfer

A cut removing a wedge from a block so the end (or part of
the end) is angled rather than at 90°.

Compound Cut

A cross cut made with both a miter and a bevel angle.

Cross Cut

A cutting or shaping operation made across the grain or the
width of the workpiece.

Cutter Head (planers and jointer planers)

A rotating cutterhead with adjustable blades or knives. The
blades or knives remove material from the workpiece.

Dado Cut

A non-through cut which produces a square-sided notch or
trough in the workpiece (requires a special blade).

Featherboard

A device used to help control the workpiece by guiding
it securely against the table or fence during any ripping
operation.

FPM or SPM

Feet per minute (or strokes per minute), used in reference
to blade movement.

Freehand

Performing a cut without the workpiece being guided by a
fence, miter gauge, or other aids.

Gum

A sticky, sap-based residue from wood products.

Heel

Alignment of the blade to the fence.

Kerf

The material removed by the blade in a through cut or the
slot produced by the blade in a non-through or partial cut.

Kickback

A hazard that can occur when the blade binds or stalls,
throwing the workpiece back toward operator.

Leading End

The end of the workpiece pushed into the tool first.

Miter Cut

A cutting operation made with the workpiece at any angle
to the blade other than 90°.

Non-Through Cuts

Any cutting operation where the blade does not extend
completely through the thickness of the workpiece.

Push Blocks (for jointer planers)

Device used to feed the workpiece over the jointer planer
cutterhead during any operation. This aid helps keep the
operator's hands well away from the cutterhead.

Push Blocks and Push Sticks (for table saws)

Devices used to feed the workpiece through the saw blade
during cutting operations. A push stick (not a push block)
should be used for narrow ripping operations. These aids
help keep the operator's hands well away from the blade.

Pilot Hole (drill presses)

A small hole drilled in a workpiece that serves as a guide for
drilling large holes accurately.

Resaw

A cutting operation to reduce the thickness of the workpiece
to make thinner pieces.

Resin

A sticky, sap-based substance that has hardened.

Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)

The number of turns completed by a spinning object in one
minute.

Ripping or Rip Cut

A cutting operation along the length of the workpiece.

Riving Knife/Spreader/Splitter (table saws)

A metal piece, slightly thinner than the blade, which helps
keep the kerf open and also helps to prevent kickback.

Saw Blade Path

The area over, under, behind, or in front of the blade. As it
applies to the workpiece, that area which will be or has been
cut by the blade.

Set

The distance that the tip of the saw blade tooth is bent (or
set) outward from the face of the blade.

Snipe (planers)

Depression made at either end of a workpiece by cutter
blades when the workpiece is not properly supported.

Through Sawing

Any cutting operation where the blade extends completely
through the thickness of the workpiece.

Throw-Back

The throwing back of a workpiece usually caused by the
workpiece being dropped into the blade or being placed
inadvertently in contact with the blade.

Workpiece or Material

The item on which the operation is being done.

Worktable

Surface where the workpiece rests while performing a
cutting, drilling, planing, or sanding operation.

9

FEATURES

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Blade Diameter .......................................................... 12 in.

Arbor Hole ....................................................................1 in.

No Load Speed .....................................4,000 r/min. (RPM)

Input ................................ 120 V, 60 Hz, AC Only, 15 Amps

Cutting Capacity with Miter at 0°/Bevel 0°:

Maximum nominal lumber sizes: .............................. 2 x 10

Cutting Capacity with Miter at 45°/Bevel 0°:

Maximum nominal lumber sizes: ................................ 2 x 6

Cutting Capacity with Miter at 0°/Bevel 45°:

Maximum nominal lumber sizes: .............................. 2 x 10

DUST

BAG

SLIDING MITER

FENCE

BEVEL

STOP

PIN

SAW
ARM

BEVEL

LOCK

LEVER

CARRYING

HANDLE

SWITCH

TRIGGER

“D” HANDLE

UPPER BLADE

GUARD

LOWER BLADE

GUARD

SLIDING MITER

FENCE

MITER
TABLE

FENCE

SCREW

WORK

CLAMP

SAW

BASE

10

MITER
SCALE

CONTROL

ARM

ZERO CLEARANCE

THROAT PLATE

MITER

THUMBWHEEL

MITER LOCK

LEVER

Fig. 1

FEATURES

KNOW YOUR COMPOUND MITER SAW

See Figure 1.

The safe use of this product requires an understanding of
the information on the tool and in this operator’s manual as
well as a knowledge of the project you are attempting. Before
use of this product, familiarize yourself with all operating
features and safety rules.

12 IN. BLADE

A 12 in. carbide tooth blade is included with your compound
miter saw. It will cut materials up to 9-1/4 in. wide, depending
upon the angle at which the cut is being made.

15 AMP MOTOR

This saw has a powerful 15 amp motor with sufficient
power to handle tough cutting jobs. It is made with all ball
bearings, and has externally accessible brushes for ease
of servicing.

BLADE WRENCH STORAGE

See Figure 1.

A blade wrench is packed with the saw. One end of the
wrench is a phillips screwdriver and the other end is a hex
key. Use the hex key end when installing or removing blade
and the phillips end when removing or loosening screws.
A storage area for the blade wrench is located in the saw’s
base.

ELECTRIC BRAKE

An electric brake quickly stops blade rotation after the switch
trigger is released.

LASER GUIDE

For more accurate cuts, a laser guide is included with your
miter saw. When used properly, the laser guide makes
accurate, precision cutting simple and easy.

MITER LOCK LEVER

The miter lock lever securely locks the saw at the desired
miter angle.

MITER SCALE

The miter scale has index points provided at 0°, 15°, 22.5°,

31.6°, and 45°.

MITER THUMBWHEEL

The miter thumbwheel sets, releases, or bypasses the miter
table preset index points in one quick, simple motion.

CARRYING

HANDLE

LOCK

PIN

BEVEL LOCK LEVER

The bevel lock lever securely locks your compound miter
saw at desired bevel angles. Pulling the lever forward will
release the saw allowing the blade to be tilted either left
or right for bevel cuts. Pushing the lever back will lock the
saw in place.

BEVEL STOP PIN

The bevel stop pin has two positions:

1. Override (pin pulled completely out) and turn (rotate)
for bevel stops

2. The 0° - 48° position for crown molding (pin pushed in)

CARRYING HANDLE

See Figure 2.

For convenience when carrying or transporting your miter
saw from one place to another, a carrying handle has been
provided on top of the saw arm.

To transport: turn off and unplug saw, lower saw arm and
lock in down position (lock pin pushed in), lock bevel and
miter lock levers.

SAW ARM LOCKED IN DOWN POSITION

Fig. 2

11

FEATURES

REPEAT-A-CUT

See Figure 5.

The Repeat-A-Cut™ feature on both the left and right side
miter fences can be used when making repetitive cuts. Sim­ply mark the fence with a pencil, make the desired number
of cut(s), then wipe the mark off with a soft cloth.

™

SELF-RETRACTING LOWER BLADE GUARD

The lower blade guard is made of shock-resistant, see­through plastic that provides protection from each side of
the blade. It retracts over the upper blade guard as the saw
is lowered into the workpiece.

SLIDING MITER FENCES

The sliding miter fences provided with this saw help hold
the workpiece securely when making most cuts. The sliding
feature allows for clearance of the saw blade when making
bevel or compound cuts. Some cuts may require that the
sliding fence be removed completely to avoid interference
between the fence and the blade.

Loosen the fence screw before attempting to slide the fences
or lift them for removal. Once the desired position of the
fence is determined, retighten the fence screw securely.

SWITCH

TRIGGER

SPINDLE

LOCK BUTTON

Fig. 3

SWITCH

TRIGGER

SPINDLE LOCK BUTTON

See Figure 3.

The spindle lock button locks the spindle stopping the blade
from rotating. Depress and hold the lock button while install­ing, changing, or removing blade.

SWITCH TRIGGER

See Figure 4.

To prevent unauthorized use of the compound miter saw,
disconnect it from the power supply and lock the switch in
the off position. To lock the switch, install a padlock (not
included) through the hole in the switch trigger. A lock with
a long shackle up to 9/32 in. diameter may be used. When
the lock is installed and locked, the switch is inoperable.
Store the padlock key in another location.

REPEAT-A-CUT

PADLOCK

Fig. 4

SLIDING

MITER FENCE

SLIDING

MITER FENCE

12

Fig. 5

TOOLS NEEDED

The following tools (not included) are needed for making adjustments or installing the blade:

COMBINATION WRENCH, 12

mm

PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER

COMBINATION SQUARE

FRAMING SQUARE

Fig. 6

13

m

n

LOOSE PARTS

The following items are included with your miter saw:

 Dust Bag
 Dust Guide
 Work Clamp
 Blade Washer
 Blade Bolt
 Blade Wrench

INSTALLED ON TOOL

LASER
GUIDE

HEX

BOLT

BLADE

WASHER

 Laser Guide (installed on tool)
 Hex Bolt (installed on tool)
 Hex Key, 4 mm
 Hex Key, 5 mm
 Hex Key, 1/16 in.
 Blade
 Operator’s Manual (not shown)

BLADE

BLADE

BOLT

WORK

CLAMP

DUST BAG

BLADE

WRENCH

HEX KEY,

4 mm

HEX KEY,

1/16 in.

HEX KEY,

5 mm

DUST

GUIDE

WARNING:

The use of attachments or accessories not listed in this manual might be hazardous and could cause serious
personal injury.

14

Fig. 7

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING

This product requires assembly.
 Carefully lift saw from the carton by the carrying handle

and the saw base, and place it on a level work surface.

NOTE: This tool is heavy. To avoid back injury, lift with

your legs, not your back, and get help when needed.

 This saw has been shipped with the saw arm secured in

the down position. To release the saw arm, push down
on the “D” handle, cut the tie-wrap, and pull out on the
lock pin.

 Lift the saw arm by the handle. Hand pressure should

remain on the “D” handle to prevent sudden rise upon
release of the tie wrap.

 Inspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or

damage occurred during shipping.

 Do not discard the packing material until you have care-

fully inspected and satisfactorily operated the tool.

 The saw is factory set for accurate cutting. After

assembling it, check for accuracy. If shipping has
influenced the settings, refer to specific procedures

explained in this manual.
 If any parts are damaged or missing, please call
1-866-539-1710 for assistance.

WARNING:

If any parts are damaged or missing, do not oper­ate this tool until the missing parts are replaced.

Failure to heed this warning could result in serious
personal injury.

WARNING:

Do not attempt to modify this tool or create acces­sories not recommended for use with this tool. Any
such alteration or modification is misuse and could
result in a hazardous condition leading to possible
serious personal injury.

WARNING:

Do not connect to power supply until assembly is
complete. Failure to comply could result in acciden­tal starting and possible serious personal injury.

WARNING:

Do not start the miter saw without checking for
interference between the saw blade and the sliding
miter fences. Damage could result to the blade if
it strikes the miter fence during operation of the
saw.

WARNING:

Always make sure the compound miter saw is
securely mounted to a workbench or an approved
workstand. Failure to heed this warning can result
in serious personal injury.

MOUNTING HOLES

See Figure 8.

The compound miter saw should be mounted to a firm
supporting surface such as a workbench. Four bolt holes
have been provided in the saw base for this purpose. Each
of the four mounting holes should be bolted securely us­ing 3/8 in. machine bolts, lock washers, and hex nuts (not
included). Bolts should be of sufficient length to accommodate
the saw base, lock washers, hex nuts, and the thickness of
the workbench. Tighten all four bolts securely.

The hole pattern for mounting to a workbench is shown in
figure 8. Carefully check the workbench after mounting to
make sure that no movement can occur during use. If any
tipping, sliding, or walking is noted, secure the workbench
to the floor before operating.

TRACE HOLES

AT THESE LOCATIONS

FOR HOLE PATTERN

TRACE HOLES

AT THESE LOCATIONS

FOR HOLE PATTERN

MOUNTING SURFACE

SAW BASE

Fig. 8

15

ASSEMBLY

NOTE: Many of the illustrations in this manual show only

portions of the compound miter saw. This is intentional
so that we can clearly show points being made in the
illustrations. Never operate the saw without all guards

securely in place and in good operating condition.

DUST GUIDE

See Figure 9.

Insert the dust guide inside the exhaust port in the upper
blade guard. Turn the guide so that the open end is facing
down.

DUST BAG

See Figure 10.

A dust bag is provided for use on your miter saw. It fits
over a dust guide or exhaust port. Then, squeeze the two
metal clips to open the mouth of the bag and slide it on the
exhaust port. Release the clips. The metal ring in the bag
should lock in between the grooves on the exhaust port.
To remove the dust bag for emptying, simply reverse the
above procedure.

NOTE: For efficient operation, empty the dust bag before it
is half full. This will permit better air flow through the bag.

INSTALLING THE WORK CLAMP

See Figure 11.

UPPER

BLADE GUARD

EXHAUST

PORT

DUST

GUIDE

Fig. 9

WARNING:

In some operations, the work clamp assembly
may interfere with the operation of the blade guard
assembly. Always make sure there is no interfer­ence with the blade guard prior to beginning any
cutting operation to reduce the risk of serious
personal injury.

The work clamp provides greater control by clamping the
workpiece to the miter table. It also helps to prevent the
workpiece from creeping toward the saw blade. This is very
helpful when cutting compound miters. Depending on the
cutting operation and the size of the workpiece, it may be
necessary to use a C-clamp instead of the work clamp to
secure the workpiece prior to making the cut. The work clamp
can be installed and used on either side of the blade.

To install the work clamp:

 Place the work clamp shaft in one of the holes located

behind the sliding miter fence.
NOTE: Align the pin on the work clamp shaft with the slot

in the hole.
 Rotate the knob on the work clamp to move it up or down

as needed.
NOTE: The work clamp has a quick release lever that makes

positioning of the work clamp effortless. Loosen the clamp
then push the button on the side of the work clamp to quickly
release the workpiece.

DUST BAG

Fig. 10

WORK

CLAMP

QUICK

RELEASE

LEVER

WORK CLAMP

SHAFT

Fig. 11

16

ASSEMBLY

WARNING:

Make sure the spindle lock button is not engaged
before reconnecting saw to power source. Never
engage spindle lock button when blade is rotating.

INSTALLING THE BLADE

See Figure 12.

WARNING:

A 12 in. blade is the maximum blade capacity of
the saw. Never use a blade that is too thick to allow
outer blade washer to engage with the flats on the
spindle. Larger blades will come in contact with the
blade guards, while thicker blades will prevent the
hex bolt from securing the blade on the spindle.
Either of these situations could result in a serious
accident and can cause serious personal injury.

 Unplug the saw.
 Raise saw arm.
 Rotate lower blade guard up and loosen the blade bolt

cover screw. Rotate blade bolt cover up and back to

expose the hex bolt.
 Depress and hold the spindle lock button and rotate the

hex bolt until the spindle locks.
 Using the wrench provided, loosen and remove the hex

bolt.
NOTE: The hex bolt has left-hand threads. Turn hex bolt

clockwise to loosen.
 Remove the laser guide or outer blade washer, and the

blade. Do not remove the inner blade washer.
 Wipe a drop of oil onto the inner blade washer and the

laser guide or outer blade washer where they contact the

blade.

WARNING:

If inner blade washer has been removed, replace
it before placing blade on spindle. Failure to do
so could cause an accident since blade will not
tighten properly.

CAUTION:

Always install the blade with the blade teeth and
the arrow printed on the side of the blade pointing
down at the front of the saw. The direction of blade
rotation is also stamped with an arrow on the upper
blade guard.

NOTE: BEFORE USE,
REPLACE SCREW AND
TIGHTEN SECURELY
TO PREVENT GUARD
MOVEMENT

BLADE

BOLT COVER

BLADE

LASER
GUIDE

TO

LOOSEN

TO

TIGHTEN

HEX

BOLT

 Fit saw blade inside lower blade guard and onto spindle.

The blade teeth point downward at the front of saw as
shown in figure 12.

 Replace the laser guide or outer blade washer (the double

“D” flats on the blade washers align with the flats on the
spindle).

 Replace the hex bolt.
NOTE: The hex bolt has left-hand threads. Turn blade

bolt counterclockwise to tighten.

 Depress spindle lock button then tighten the hex bolt

securely.

 Replace the lower blade guard and blade bolt cover.
 Retighten the blade bolt cover screw securely.

INNER BLADE

WASHER WITH

DOUBLE “D” FLATS

OUTER

BLADE WASHER

BLADE

BOLT

BLADE

BLADE BOLT

COVER

SCREW

LOWER

BLADE GUARD

INNER

BLADE

WASHER

FLAT

ON SPINDLE

Fig. 12

17

ASSEMBLY

CUTTING A SLOT IN THE ZERO CLEARANCE
THROAT PLATE

In order to use your compound miter saw, you must cut
a slot through the zero clearance throat plate to allow for
blade clearance. To cut the slot, set your saw at 0° miter,
turn saw on and allow the blade to reach full speed, then
carefully make a straight cut as far as it will go through the
throat plate. Turn your saw off and allow the blade to come
to a complete stop before raising the saw arm.

Adjust the bevel angle (right) to 48°, turn your saw on and
allow the blade to reach full speed, then carefully make
another cut through the zero clearance throat plate. Next,
adjust the bevel angle (left) to 48°, turn your saw on and allow
the blade to reach full speed, then carefully make another
cut through the zero clearance throat plate.

The slot in the throat plate will then be wide enough to allow
the blade to pass through it at any angle from 0° to 48°.

DANGER:

Laser radiation. Avoid direct eye contact with light
source.

BROKEN

LINE

Fig. 13

ALIGNING THE LASER GUIDE LINE

See Figure 13.

The laser guide will generate a laser line on the work surface
when the saw blade is spinning. The laser line will appear as
a broken line on the workpiece when the blade assembly is
in the uppermost position and the motor switch is activated.
This broken line will let you see your mark and your laser
guide line at the same time, and will assist you in lining up
your mark for more accurate cutting of the workpiece.

Align the laser line and your mark with the blade at the
uppermost position. Once both lines are in alignment, do not
move the workpiece until after you have finished cutting.

As the blade assembly is lowered toward the workpiece, the
broken line will become solid.

Follow the directions below for using the laser guide:

Removing the Mark:

Position the laser line on the left edge of your mark on the
work surface in order to remove the mark.

To Cut the Mark:

Position the laser line near or over your mark on the work
surface in order to cut the mark.

To Leave the Mark:

Position the laser line near the right edge of your mark on
the work surface in order to leave the mark.

After you have become familiar with using the laser guide,
you will be able to remove, cut, or leave your mark on the
work surface. Practice will teach you the correct position for
aligning the laser line with your mark. To adjust the position of
the laser line, see the Adjustments section of this manual.

18

18

ASSEMBLY

ADJUSTING THE MITER LOCK LEVER

See Figures 14 - 15.

Prior to squaring the saw blade to the fence, check the miter
lock lever for proper adjustment. The blade must be set at
an “unindexed” miter position other than 0˚, 15˚, 22.5˚, 31.6˚,
and 45˚ to test. In the “locked” position, the action of push­ing the miter lock lever down should feel tight and secure.
Considerable effort should be required to move the miter
table. If the table moves easily when in the “locked” position,
an adjustment of the miter lock lever is required.

To adjust:

 Unplug the saw.
 Lift the miter lock lever to unlock.
 Locate the set screw under the miter lock lever.
 Using a hex key, adjust the set screw until the proper

amount of tension in the lock lever is attained.
 Once all adjustments have been made, push the miter

lock lever down to relock the miter table.

SQUARING THE SAW BLADE TO THE FENCE

See Figures 16 - 20.

 Unplug the saw.
 Push saw arm all the way down and lock in transport

position.
 Lift the miter lock lever to unlock the miter table.

FENCE

SCREW

PUSH DOWN TO LOCK

SOCKET HEAD

SCREW(S)

MITER

LOCK

LEVER

Fig. 15

FENCE

SCREW

MITER

LOCK

LEVER

LIFT TO UNLOCK

Fig. 14

FENCE

Fig. 16

19

ASSEMBLY

 Rotate the miter table to 0° .
 Lock the miter lock lever by pushing it down.
 Remove the sliding miter fence by loosening the fence

screw and lifting the fence off the saw.
 Lay a framing square flat on the miter table. Place one

leg of the square against the fence. Slide the other leg

of the square against the flat part of saw blade.
NOTE: Make sure that the square contacts the flat part

of the saw blade, not the blade teeth.
 The edge of the square and the saw blade should be

parallel as shown in figure 17.
 If the front or back edge of the saw blade angles away

from the square as shown in figures 18 and 19, adjust-

ments are needed.
 Loosen the socket head screws that secure the fence to

the miter table. See Figure 16.
 Rotate the fence left or right until the saw blade is parallel

with the square.
 Retighten the socket head screws securely and recheck

blade-to-fence alignment.
Your saw has several scale indicators. After squaring adjust-

ments have been made, it may be necessary to loosen the
indicator screws and reset them to zero. See Figure 20.

SLIDING

MITER
FENCE

MITER
TABLE

VIEW OF BLADE NOT SQUARE WITH FENCE,

ADJUSTMENTS ARE REQUIRED

FRAMING

SQUARE

BLADE

Fig. 18

SLIDING

MITER
FENCE

MITER
TABLE

VIEW OF BLADE SQUARE WITH FENCE

FRAMING

SQUARE

BLADE

MITER

LOCK

LEVER

Fig. 17

SLIDING

MITER
FENCE

MITER

TABLE

VIEW OF BLADE NOT SQUARE WITH FENCE,

ADJUSTMENTS ARE REQUIRED

FRAMING

SQUARE

BLADE

Fig. 19

20

MITER
SCALE

INDICATOR

SCREW

SCALE

INDICATOR

Fig. 20

ASSEMBLY

ADJUSTING THE BEVEL LOCK LEVER

See Figures 21 - 23.

Prior to squaring the saw blade to the miter table, check
the bevel lock lever for proper adjustment. The blade must
be set at an “unindexed” bevel position other than 0°, 22.5°,

33.9°, and 45° to test. In the “locked” position, the action of
pushing the bevel lock lever forward should feel tight and
secure.

Considerable effort should be required to bevel the blade. If
the saw arm moves easily when in the “locked” position, an
adjustment of the bevel lock lever is required.

To adjust:

 Unplug the saw.

 Push the bevel lock lever down to unlock.
 Locate the two locking jam nuts behind the bevel lock

lever.
 Loosen the top jam nut. Turn the bottom jam nut clock-

wise to tighten and counterclockwise to loosen.
 Once all adjustments have been made, push the bevel

lock lever back to relock the bevel. Recheck and readjust

as needed.

PULL

FORWARD TO

UNLOCK

BEVEL

LOCK

LEVER

Fig. 21

ADJUSTING THE BEVEL PIVOT

See Figure 23.

The saw should smoothly pivot when the bevel lock lever is
“unlocked” and the saw is beveled. A “grating” sound
indicates that the bevel needs to be loosened slightly. If the
movement is tight, too loose, or there is play in the pivot, an
adjustment is required.

To adjust:

 Unplug the saw.

 Pull the bevel lock lever forward to unlock.
 Turn the socket head cap screw with the blade wrench.
 Once all adjustments have been made, lift the bevel

lock lever to relock the bevel. Recheck and readjust as

needed.

TRAVEL PIVOT ADJUSTMENT

 The saw arm should rise completely to the up position

by itself.
 If the saw arm does not raise by itself or if there is play

in the pivot joints, have saw repaired at the nearest

authorized service center.

PUSH BACK

TO LOCK

BEVEL

LOCK

LEVER

Fig. 22

21

JAM NUTS

SOCKET HEAD

CAP SCREW

Fig. 23

ASSEMBLY

SQUARING THE BLADE TO THE MITER TABLE

See Figures 24 - 27.

 Unplug the saw.
 Pull the saw arm all the way down and lock in transport

position.

 Lift the miter lock lever to unlock. Rotate the miter table

and set the saw at 0° miter.
NOTE: The miter table will seat itself in the index point.

 Lock the miter lock lever by pushing it down.

 Pull the bevel lock lever forward to unlock and set the saw

at 0° bevel (blade set 90° to miter table and locked in bevel

index point). Push the bevel lock lever back to relock.
 Place a combination square against the miter table and

the flat part of saw blade.
NOTE: Make sure that the square contacts the flat part

of the saw blade, not the blade teeth.
 Rotate the blade by hand and check the blade-to-table

alignment at several points.
 The edge of the square and the saw blade should be

parallel as shown in figure 25.
 If the top or bottom of the saw blade angles away from

the square as shown in figures 26 and 27, adjustments

are needed.
 Using a hex key, loosen the two screws inside the pivot

assembly. See Figure 24. Move the saw head as needed

to bring the saw blade into alignment with the square.

Retighten the screws.
NOTE: The above procedure can be used to check blade

squareness of the saw blade to the miter table at both 0

and 45° angles.
Your saw has several scale indicators. After squaring adjust-

ments have been made, it may be necessary to loosen the
indicator screws and reset them to zero.

BLADE

BEVEL

LOCK

LEVER

SLIDING

MITER
FENCE

COMBINATION

SQUARE

CORRECT VIEW OF BLADE

SQUARE WITH MITER TABLE

°

COMBINATION

SQUARE

VIEW OF BLADE NOT SQUARE WITH MITER TABLE,

ADJUSTMENTS ARE REQUIRED

MITER

TABLE

MITER

LOCK

LEVER

Fig. 25

Fig. 26

BEVEL

LOCK

LEVER

SCALE

INDICATOR

BEVEL
SCALE

INDICATOR

SCREW

HEX KEY

Fig. 24

22

COMBINATION

SQUARE

VIEW OF BLADE NOT SQUARE WITH MITER TABLE,

ADJUSTMENTS ARE REQUIRED

Fig. 27

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 safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when operating tools. 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.

APPLICATIONS

You may use this tool to cut only wood or plastic as listed
below:

 Cross cutting miters, joints, etc. for picture frames, mold-

ings, door casings, and fine joinery

 Bevel and compound cutting
 Cross cutting wide workpieces

NOTE: The blade provided is fine for most wood cutting
operations, but for fine joinery cuts or cutting plastic, use one
of the accessory blades available from the RIDGID dealer.

WARNING:

Before starting any cutting operation, clamp or bolt
the miter saw to a workbench. Never operate the
miter saw on the floor or in a crouched position.
Failure to heed this warning can result in serious
personal injury.

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, keep your hands
outside the no hands zone, at least 3 in. from blade.
Never perform any cutting operation freehand (with­out holding workpiece against the fence). The blade
could grab the workpiece if it slips or twists.

CAUTION:

Do not start the compound miter saw without
checking for interference between the blade and
the miter fence. Damage could result to the blade
if it strikes the miter fence during operation of the
saw.

CUTTING WITH YOUR COMPOUND MITER
SAW

WARNING:

When using a work clamp or C-clamp to secure
the workpiece, clamp workpiece on one side of the
blade only. The workpiece must remain free on one
side of the blade to prevent the blade from binding
in workpiece. The workpiece binding the blade will
cause motor stalling and kickback. This situation
could cause an accident resulting in possible seri­ous personal injury.

WARNING:

NEVER move the workpiece or make adjustment to
any cutting angle while the saw is running and the
blade is rotating. Any slip can result in contact with
the blade causing serious personal injury.

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, always tighten the
miter lock lever and the bevel lock lever securely
before making a cut. Failure to do so could result
in movement of the saw arm or miter table while
making a cut.

23

OPERATION

MITER THUMBWHEEL

The miter thumbwheel, when used with the miter lock lever
lifted (unlocked), can release the miter table from pre-set
index points.

To align with miter scale:

 Lift the miter lock lever to unlock.
 Rotate and hold thumbwheel so that the yellow dot on

the thumbwheel aligns with indicator point (white dot) on

the miter lock lever to override index points.
 When close to desired angle, release the thumbwheel.
NOTE: When the orange dot on the thumbwheel clicks

into place (aligned with the indicator point), the miter table

is locked into a preset index point.
 Push the miter lock lever down to lock the miter table.

To bypass preset index points:

 Lift the miter lock lever to unlock.
 Rotate the thumbwheel so that the white dot on the

thumbwheel aligns with the indicator point (white dot) on

the miter lock lever.

TO MITER CUT / CROSS CUT

See Figures 28 - 29.

A cross cut is made by cutting across the grain of the
workpiece. A straight cross cut is made with the miter table
set at the 0° position. Miter cross cuts are made with the
miter table set at some angle other than 0°.

 Raise saw arm to its full height.
 Lift the miter lock lever to unlock. Rotate the miter table

until the pointer aligns with the desired angle on the miter

scale.
NOTE: You can quickly locate 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, and

45° left or right by spinning the miter thumbwheel up. The

lock plate will seat itself in one of the index points located

in the miter table base.

 Push the miter lock lever down to lock the miter table.
 Place the workpiece flat on the miter table with one edge

securely against the fence. If the board is warped, place

the convex side against the fence. If the concave edge

of a board is placed against the fence, the board could

collapse on the blade at the end of the cut, jamming the

blade. See Figures 40 - 41.
 When cutting long pieces of lumber or molding, support

the opposite end of the stock with a roller stand or with

a work surface level with the saw table. See Figure 35.
 Align cutting line on the workpiece with the edge of saw

blade.
 Grasp the stock firmly with one hand and secure it against

the fence. Use the work clamp or a C-clamp to secure

the workpiece when possible.
 Before turning on the saw, perform a dry run of the cut-

ting operation to make sure that no problems will occur

when the cut is made.
 Grasp the saw handle firmly. Squeeze the switch trigger.

Allow several seconds for the blade to reach maximum

speed.

WORK

CLAMP

CROSS CUT

WORK

CLAMP

MITER CUT

 Slowly lower the blade into and through the workpiece.
 Release the switch trigger and allow the saw blade to

stop rotating before raising the blade out of workpiece
and removing the workpiece from the miter table.

24

Fig. 28

Fig. 29

OPERATION

TO BEVEL CUT

See Figures 30 - 32.

A bevel cut is made by cutting across the grain of the
workpiece with the blade angled to the workpiece. A straight
bevel cut is made with the miter table set at the zero degree

position and the blade set at an angle.

NOTE: It may be necessary to adjust or remove the sliding
miter fence to insure proper clearance prior to making the
cut.

 Raise saw arm to its full height.
 Lift the miter lock lever to unlock. Rotate the miter table

until the pointer aligns with zero on the miter scale.

 Push the miter lock lever down to lock the miter table.
 Pull the bevel lock lever forward, rotate the bevel stop

pin to release, and move the saw arm to the left or right

to the desired bevel angle.
 Once the saw arm has been set at the desired angle,

rotate bevel stop pin to locked position, and push the

bevel lock lever back to lock.
 Place the workpiece flat on the miter table with one edge

securely against the fence. If the board is warped, place

the convex side against the fence. If the concave edge

of a board is placed against the fence, the board could

collapse on the blade at the end of the cut, jamming the

blade. See Figures 40 - 41.
 When cutting long pieces of lumber or molding, support

the opposite end of the stock with a roller stand or with

a work surface level with the saw table. See Figure 35.
 Align the cutting line on the workpiece with the edge of

saw blade.
 Grasp the stock firmly with one hand and secure it against

the fence. Use the work clamp or a C-clamp to secure

the workpiece when possible.
 Before turning on the saw, perform a dry run of the cut-

ting operation to make sure that no problems will occur

when the cut is made.
 Grasp the saw handle firmly. Squeeze the switch trigger.

Allow several seconds for the blade to reach maximum

speed.

 Slowly lower the blade into and through the workpiece.
 Release the switch trigger and allow the saw blade to

stop rotating before raising the blade out of workpiece

and removing the workpiece from the miter table.

BEVEL LOCK

LEVER

BEVEL
SCALE

BEVEL

STOP PIN

C-CLAMP

SCALE

INDICATOR

Fig. 30

Fig. 31

BEVEL CUT

25

Fig. 32

OPERATION

TO COMPOUND MITER CUT

See Figure 33.

A compound miter cut is a cut made using a miter angle and
a bevel angle at the same time. This type of cut is used to
make picture frames, cut molding, make boxes with sloping
sides, and for certain roof framing cuts.

To make this type of cut the control arm on the miter table
must be rotated to the correct angle and the saw arm must
be tilted to the correct bevel angle. Care should always
be taken when making compound miter setups due to the
interaction of the two angle settings.
Adjustments of miter and bevel settings are interdependent
with one another. Each time you adjust the miter setting you
change the effect of the bevel setting. Also, each time you
adjust the bevel setting you change the effect of the miter
setting.

It may take several settings to obtain the desired cut. The
first angle setting should be checked after setting the second
angle, since adjusting the second angle affects the first.

Once the two correct settings for a particular cut have been
obtained, always make a test cut in scrap material before
making a finish cut in good material.

NOTE: It may be necessary to adjust or remove the sliding
miter fence to insure proper clearance prior to making the
cut.

 Raise saw arm to its full height.
 Lift the miter lock lever to unlock. Rotate the miter table

until the pointer aligns with the desired angle on the miter

scale.
NOTE: You can quickly locate 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, and

45° left or right by spinning the miter thumbwheel up.

The lock plate will seat itself in one of the index points

located in the miter table base.

 Push the miter lock lever down to lock the miter table.
 Pull the bevel lock lever forward and move the saw arm

to the left or right to the desired bevel angle.
 Once the saw arm has been set at the desired angle,

securely tighten the bevel lock lever.
 Place the workpiece flat on the miter table with one edge

securely against the fence. If the board is warped, place

the convex side against the fence. If the concave edge

of a board is placed against the fence, the board could

collapse on the blade at the end of the cut, jamming the

blade. See Figures 40 - 41.

 When cutting long pieces of lumber or molding, support

the opposite end of the stock with a roller stand or with

a work surface level with the saw table. See Figure 35.
 Align the cutting line on the workpiece with the edge of

saw blade.

COMPOUND

MITER CUT

Fig. 33

 Grasp the stock firmly with one hand and secure it against

the fence. Use the work clamp or a C-clamp to secure
the workpiece when possible.

 Before turning on the saw, perform a dry run of the cut-

ting operation to make sure that no problems will occur
when the cut is made.

 Make a test cut in scrap material.

 Grasp the saw handle firmly. Squeeze the switch trigger.

Allow several seconds for the blade to reach maximum
speed.

 Slowly lower the blade into and through the workpiece.
 Release the switch trigger and allow the saw blade to

stop rotating before raising the blade out of workpiece
and removing the workpiece from the miter table.

26

OPERATION

SUPPORTING LONG WORKPIECES

See Figures 34 - 35.

Long workpieces need extra supports. Supports should be
placed along the workpiece so it does not sag. The support
should let the workpiece lay flat on the base of the saw and
miter table during the cutting operation. Use the work clamp
or a C-clamp to secure the workpiece.

NOTE: When making a compound miter cut as shown

in figure 34, it may be necessary to adjust or remove the

sliding miter fence to insure proper clearance prior to
making the cut.

LONG

WORKPIECE

WORKPIECE

SUPPORTS

Fig. 35

45° x 45° COMPOUND MITER CUT

CLAMPING WIDE WORKPIECES

See Figure 36.

When cutting wide workpieces, such as 2 in. x 10 in., boards
should be clamped with a C-clamp.

WIDE BOARD

Fig. 34

27

Fig. 36

OPERATION

MAKING AN AUXILIARY FENCE

See Figure 37.

Certain unusual cuts may benefit from a thicker miter fence
(auxiliary fence) due to the size and position of the workpiece.
The holes provided in the miter fence are there for just this
purpose. The miter fence holes are used to secure the
auxiliary fence which requires a piece of wood 1/2 in. thick,
6 in. high, and 23 in. long to make.

NOTE: The auxiliary fence can only be used when the bevel
is set at 0˚. When making a bevel cut, the auxiliary fence

MUST be removed.
To attach the auxiliary fence to the saw:

 Place the wood against the miter fence and mark the hole

location from behind the fence using a pencil.
 Drill holes through the wood then countersink the holes

on the front of the wood.
 Secure the wood to the miter fence using flat head

screws.
 With the miter table set at 0˚, make a complete cut

through the auxiliary fence to create the blade slot.
NOTE: Check for interference between the auxiliary fence

and the lower blade guard. Correct any interference

before proceeding.
 Make a full 45° left miter cut and a 45° right miter cut

through the completed auxiliary fence.

AUXILIARY FENCE

Fig. 37

28

OPERATION

CUTTING COMPOUND MITERS

To aid in making the correct settings, the compound angle setting chart below has been provided. Since compound cuts are
the most difficult to accurately obtain, trial cuts should be made in scrap material, and much thought and planning made,
prior to making your required cut.

PITCH

OF SIDE

0°

5°

10°

15°

20°

25°

30°

35°

40°

45°

50°

55°

60°

65°

70°

75°

80°

85°

90°

4

M- 45.00°
B- 0.00°

M- 44.89°
B- 3.53°

M- 44.56°
B- 7.05°

M- 44.01°
B- 10.55°

M- 43.22°
B- 14.00°

M- 42.19°
B- 17.39°

M- 40.89°
B- 20.70°

M- 39.32°
B- 23.93°

M- 37.45°
B- 27.03°

M- 35.26°
B- 30.00°

M- 32.73°
B- 32.80°

M- 29.84°
B- 35.40°

M- 26.57°
B- 37.76°

M- 22.91°
B- 39.86°

M- 18.88°
B- 41.64°

M- 14.51°
B- 43.08°

M- 9.85°
B- 44.14°

M- 4.98°
B- 44.78°

M- 0.00°
B- 45.00°

5

M- 36.00°
B- 0.00°

M- 35.90°
B- 2.94°

M- 35.58°
B- 5.86°

M- 35.06°
B- 8.75°

M- 34.32°
B- 11.60°

M- 33.36°
B- 14.38°

M- 32.18°
B- 17.09°

M- 30.76°
B- 19.70°

M- 29.10°
B- 22.20°

M- 27.19°
B- 24.56°

M- 25.03°
B- 26.76°

M- 22.62°
B- 28.78°

M- 19.96°
B- 30.60°

M- 17.07°
B- 32.19°

M- 13.95°
B- 33.53°

M- 10.65°
B- 34.59°

M- 7.19°
B- 35.37°

M- 3.62°
B- 35.84°

M- 0.00°
B- 36.00°

NUMBER OF SIDES

6

M- 30.00°
B- 0.00°

M- 29.91°
B- 2.50°

M- 29.62°
B- 4.98°

M- 29.15°
B- 7.44°

M- 28.48°
B- 9.85°

M- 27.62°
B- 12.20°

M- 26.57°
B- 14.48°

M- 25.31°
B- 16.67°

M- 23.86°
B- 18.75°

M- 22.21°
B- 20.70°

M- 20.36°
B- 22.52°

M- 18.32°
B- 24.18°

M- 16.10°
B- 25.66°

M- 13.71°
B- 26.95°

M- 11.17°
B- 28.02°

M- 8.50°
B- 28.88°

M- 5.73°
B- 29.50°

M- 2.88°
B- 29.87°

M- 0.00°
B- 30.00°

M- 25.71°
B- 0.00°

M- 25.63°
B- 2.17°

M- 25.37°
B- 4.32°

M- 24.95°
B- 6.45°

M- 24.35°
B- 8.53°

M- 23.56°
B- 10.57°

M- 22.64°
B- 12.53°

M- 21.53°
B- 14.41°

M- 20.25°
B- 16.19°

M- 18.80°
B- 17.87°

M- 17.20°
B- 19.41°

M- 15.44°
B- 20.82°

M- 13.54°
B- 22.07°

M- 11.50°
B- 23.16°

M- 9.35°
B- 24.06°

M- 7.10°
B- 24.78°

M- 4.78°
B- 25.30°

M- 2.40°
B- 25.61°

M- 0.00°
B- 25.71°

7

8 9

M- 22.50°
B- 0.00°

M- 22.42°
B- 1.91°

M- 22.19°
B- 3.81°

M- 21.81°
B- 5.68°

M- 21.27°
B- 7.52°

M- 20.58°
B- 9.31°

M- 19.73°
B- 11.03°

M- 18.74°
B- 12.68°

M- 17.60°
B- 14.24°

M- 16.32°
B- 15.70°

M- 14.91°
B- 17.05°

M- 13.36°
B- 18.27°

M- 11.70°
B- 19.35°

M- 9.93°
B- 20.29°

M- 8.06°
B- 21.08°

M- 6.12°
B- 21.69°

M- 4.11°
B- 22.14°

M- 2.07°
B- 22.41°

M- 0.00°
B- 22.50°

M- 20.00°
B- 0.00°

M- 19.93°
B- 1.71°

M- 19.72°
B- 3.40°

M- 19.37°
B- 5.08°

M- 18.88°
B- 6.72°

M- 18.26°
B- 8.31°

M- 17.50°
B- 9.85°

M- 16.60°
B- 11.31°

M- 15.58°
B- 12.70°

M- 14.43°
B- 14.00°

M- 13.17°
B- 15.19°

M- 11.79°
B- 16.27°

M- 10.31°
B- 17.23°

M- 8.74°
B- 18.06°

M- 7.10°
B- 18.75°

M- 5.38°
B- 19.29°

M- 3.62°
B- 19.68°

M- 1.82°
B- 19.92°

M- 0.00°
B- 20.00°

10

M- 18.00°
B- 0.00°

M- 17.94°
B- 1.54°

M- 17.74°
B- 3.08°

M- 17.42°
B- 4.59°

M- 16.98°
B- 6.07°

M- 16.41°
B- 7.50°

M- 15.72°
B- 8.89°

M- 14.90°
B- 10.21°

M- 13.98°
B- 11.46°

M- 12.94°
B- 12.62°

M- 11.80°
B- 13.69°

M- 10.56°
B- 14.66°

M- 9.23°
B- 15.52°

M- 7.82°
B -16.26°

M- 6.34°
B- 16.88°

M- 4.81°
B- 17.37°

M- 3.23°
B- 17.72°

M- 1.62°
B- 17.93°

M- 0.00°
B- 18.00°

Each B (Bevel) and M (Miter) Setting is Given to the Closest 0.005°.

COMPOUND-ANGLE SETTINGS FOR POPULAR STRUCTURES

29

OPERATION

CUTTING CROWN MOLDING

The following chart illustrates the miter and bevel angle settings of the miter saw for both 52˚/38˚ and 45˚/45˚ crown molding,
when the angle between the walls run from 67˚ to 146˚. With the crown molding laying flat, cut at the following angles:

WALL

ANGLE

67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98

99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106

38˚ / 52˚

MITER / BEVEL

42.93/41.08

42.39/40.79

41.85/40.50

41.32/40.20

40.79/39.90

40.28/39.61

39.76/39.30

39.25/39.00

38.74/38.69

38.24/38.39

37.74/38.08

37.24/37.76

36.75/37.45

36.27/37.13

35.79/36.81

35.31/36.49

34.83/36.17

34.36/35.85

33.90/35.52

33.43/35.19

32.97/34.86

32.52/34.53

32.07/34.20

31.62/33.86

31.17/33.53

30.73/33.19

30.30/32.85

29.86/32.51

29.43/32.17

29.00/31.82

28.58/31.48

28.16/31.13

27.74/30.78

27.32/30.43

26.91/30.08

26.50/29.73

26.09/29.38

25.69/29.02

25.29/28.67

24.89/28.31

45˚/45˚

MITER/BEVEL

46.89/36.13

46.35/35.89

45.81/35.64

45.28/35.40

44.75/35.15

44.22/34.89

43.70/34.64

43.18/34.38

42.66/34.12

42.15/33.86

41.64/33.60

41.13/33.33

40.62/33.07

40.12/32.80

39.62/32.53

39.13/32.25

38.63/31.98

38.14/31.70

37.66/31.42

37.17/31.14

36.69/30.86

36.21/30.57

35.74/30.29

35.26/30.00

34.79/29.71

34.33/29.42

33.86/29.13

33.40/28.83

32.94/28.54

32.48/28.24

32.02/27.94

31.58/27.64

31.13/27.34

30.68/27.03

30.24/26.73

29.80/26.42

29.36/26.12

28.92/25.81

28.48/25.50

28.05/25.19

WALL

ANGLE

107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146

38˚/52˚

MITER/BEVEL

24.49/27.95

24.10/27.59

23.71/27.23

23.32/26.87

22.93/26.51

22.55/26.15

22.17/25.78

21.79/25.42

21.42/25.05

21.04/24.68

20.67/24.31

20.30/23.94

19.93/23.57

19.57/23.20

19.20/22.83

18.84/22.46

18.48/22.09

18.13/21.71

17.77/21.34

17.42/20.96

17.06/20.59

16.71/20.21

16.37/19.83

16.02/19.45

15.67/19.07

15.33/18.69

14.99/18.31

14.65/17.93

14.30/17.55

13.97/17.17

13.63/16.79

13.30/16.40

12.96/16.02

12.63/15.64

12.30/15.25

11.97/14.87

11.64/14.48

11.31/14.09

10.99/13.71

10.66/13.32

45˚/45˚

MITER/BEVEL

27.62/24.87

27.19/24.56

26.77/24.24

26.34/23.93

25.92/23.61

25.50/23.29

25.08/22.97

24.66/22.65

24.25/22.33

23.84/22.01

23.43/21.68

23.02/21.36

22.61/21.03

22.21/20.70

21.80/20.38

21.40/20.05

21.00/19.72

20.61/19.39

20.21/19.06

19.81/18.72

19.42/18.39

19.03/18.06

18.64/17.72

18.25/17.39

17.86/17.05

17.48/16.71

17.09/16.38

16.71/16.04

16.32/15.70

15.94/15.36

15.56/15.02

15.19/14.68

14.81/14.34

14.43/14.00

14.06/13.65

13.68/13.31

13.31/12.97

12.94/12.62

12.57/12.28

12.20/11.93

30

OPERATION

CUTTING CROWN MOLDING

The compound miter saw does an excellent job of cutting
crown molding. In general, compound miter saws do a better
job of cutting crown molding than any other tool made.

In order to fit properly, crown molding must be compound
mitered with extreme accuracy.

The two contact surfaces on a piece of crown molding that
fit flat against the ceiling and the wall of a room are at angles
that, when added together, equal exactly 90

°

. Most crown
molding has a top rear angle (the section that fits flat against
the ceiling) of 52° and a bottom rear angle (the section that
fits flat against the wall) of 38°.

LAYING MOLDING FLAT ON THE MITER
TABLE

See Figure 38.

To use this method for accurately cutting crown molding for
a 90° inside or outside corner, lay the molding with its broad
back surface flat on the miter table and against the fence.

When setting the bevel and miter angles for compound
miters, remember that the settings are interdependent;
changing one angle changes the other angle as well.

Keep in mind that the angles for crown molding are very
precise and difficult to set. Since it is very easy for these
angles to shift, all settings should first be tested on scrap
molding. Also most walls do not have angles of exactly 90°;
therefore, you will need to fine tune your settings.

°

52

CEILING

When cutting crown molding by this method, the bevel angle
should be set at 33.85°. The miter angle should be set at

31.6° either right or left, depending on the desired cut for the
application. See the chart below for correct angle settings
and correct positioning of crown molding on miter table.

The settings in the chart below can be used for cutting All
Standard (U.S.) crown molding with 52

°

and 38° angles. The
crown molding is placed flat on the miter table using the
compound features of your miter saw.

Bevel

Angle Type of Cut
Setting

Left side, inside corner

1. Top edge of molding against fence

33.85

°

2. Miter table set right 31.62

°

3. Save left end of cut

Right side, inside corner

1. Bottom edge of molding against fence

33.85

°

2. Miter table set left 31.62

°

3. Save left end of cut

Left side, outside corner

1. Bottom edge of molding against fence

33.85

°

2. Miter table set left 31.62

°

3. Save right end of cut

Right side, outside corner

1. Top edge of molding against fence

33.85

°

2. Miter table set right 31.62

°

3. Save right end of cut

38

W

°

A
L
L

FENCE

INSIDE

CORNER

OUTSIDE CORNER

MITER TABLE

Fig. 38

TOP EDGE AGAINST FENCE =
LEFT SIDE, INSIDE CORNER
RIGHT SIDE, OUTSIDE CORNER

MITER TABLE

CROWN MOLDING FLAT ON MITER TABLE

FENCE

BOTTOM EDGE AGAINST FENCE =
RIGHT SIDE, INSIDE CORNER
LEFT SIDE, OUTSIDE CORNER

31

OPERATION

Bevel
Angle Type of Cut
Setting

Left side, inside corner

°

0

1. Top edge of molding against fence

2. Miter table set right 45

°

3. Save left end of cut

Right side, inside corner

°

0

1. Bottom edge of molding against fence

2. Miter table set left 45

°

3. Save left end of cut

Left side, outside corner

°

0

1. Bottom edge of molding against fence

2. Miter table set left 45

°

3. Save right end of cut

Right side, outside corner

°

0

1. Top edge of molding against fence

2. Miter table set right 45

°

3. Save right end of cut

MAKING A CROWN MOLDING JIG

See Figure 39.

A crown molding jig will need to be made when cutting
crown molding with no required bevel setting. The jig holds
the crown molding in place during the cutting operation.
When using this method, the saw can be quickly adjusted
for corners that are not 90° square.

NOTE: A separate jig must be made for different widths.

To make a crown molding jig:

 Using a piece of wood 1/2 in. thick, 4-1/4 in. high, and

23 in. long, place the wood on the miter table against the
miter fence.

 From the back side of the saw, use a pencil to mark the

wood through the holes in the miter fences.

 Drill holes through the wood then countersink the holes

to accept flat head screws.

 Attach the wood to the fence using the flat head

screws.

 Place a piece of crown molding firmly against the miter

table and the wood. Mark the height of the molding with
a pencil.

 Remove the screws and the wood from the miter fence

then cut the wood to this width.

 Using small nails and glue, attach a piece of wood

(1/2 in. thick x 1-1/2 in. wide x 23-1/2 or 28 in. long) to
the top of the wood.

NOTE: Keep nails away from the area around the blade

cutting path.

 Securely reattach the jig to the miter fence.
 Make a full 45° left miter cut and a 45° right miter cut

through the completed jig.

USING A CROWN MOLDING JIG

 Place the crown molding upside down on the miter table

with the bottom of the molding against the wood fence.

 Use the chart on this and the previous page to select the

proper miter angle.

 Lift the miter lock lever and position the miter table to

the desired setting. Push the miter lock lever down to
securely tighten the miter table.

 Slowly lower the blade into and through the molding.
 Release the switch trigger and allow the saw blade to

stop rotating before raising the blade out of workpiece
and removing the workpiece from the miter table.

CROWN

MOLDING JIG

Fig. 39

32

OPERATION

CUTTING WARPED MATERIAL

See Figures 40 - 41.

When cutting warped material, always make sure it is
positioned on the miter table with the convex side against
the fence as shown in figure 40.
If the warped material is positioned the wrong way as shown
in figure 40, it will pinch the blade near the completion of
the cut.

WRONG

Fig. 41

RIGHT

Fig. 40

WARNING:

To avoid kickback and serious personal injury,
never position the concave edge of bowed or
warped material against the fence.

33

ADJUSTMENTS

WARNING:

Before performing any adjustment, make sure the
tool is unplugged from the power supply. Failure to
heed this warning could result in serious personal
injury.

ADJUSTMENT

SCREW

TO ADJUST THE LASER GUIDE

See Figure 42.

NOTE: Avoid direct eye exposure when using the laser
guide.

 Set both the bevel angle and the miter table at 0°.
 Use the work clamp or a C-clamp to secure a piece of

scrap wood.

 Plug the saw into the power source and make a slight

cut to score the wood.

 Release the switch trigger and allow the saw blade to

stop rotating before raising the blade.

 Raise the saw arm and unplug the saw.
 Loosen the blade bolt cover screw on the blade bolt cover

until the cover can be raised.

 Gently raise the lower blade guard bracket so that lower

blade guard and blade bolt cover can be rotated up and
back to expose the laser.

 Rotate the blade by hand until you can push and hold

the laser button and the laser is near the center of the
workpiece as shown in figure 42.

 To adjust the laser, turn the adjustment screw counter-

clockwise or clockwise using the hex key (1/16 in.)
provided.

HEX

LASER

BUTTON

APERTURE

LASER

MARK

NOTE: When properly aligned, the laser should be on the

left edge of the kerf.

 Once aligned, remove and store the hex key (1/16 in.).
 Replace the lower blade guard and blade bolt cover.

 Retighten the blade bolt cover screw securely to prevent

guard movement (see page17, figure 12).

NOTE: Always make practice cuts on scrap wood before

cutting through your workpiece.

KEY

Fig. 42

MAINTENANCE

WARNING:

When servicing, use only identical replacement
parts. Use of any other part may create a hazard
or cause product damage.

WARNING:

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields during power tool operation or when
blowing dust. If operation is dusty, also wear a
dust mask.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of
commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use
clean cloths to remove dirt, carbon dust, etc.

WARNING:

Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petro­leum-based products, penetrating oils, etc., come
in contact with plastic parts. They contain chemi­cals that can damage, weaken or destroy plastic.

LUBRICATION

All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with a sufficient
amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the unit under
normal operating conditions. Therefore, no further lubrica­tion is required.

WARNING:

To ensure safety and reliability, all repairs should be
performed by a qualified service technician at an
authorized service center to avoid risk of personal
injury.

34

m

n

MAINTENANCE

BRUSH REPLACEMENT

See Figure 43.

The saw has externally accessible brush assemblies that
should be periodically checked for wear.

Proceed as follows when replacement is required:

 Unplug the saw.

WARNING:

Failure to unplug the saw could result in accidental
starting causing serious injury.

 Remove brush cap with a screwdriver. Brush assembly is

spring loaded and will pop out when you remove brush
cap.

 Remove brush assembly.
 Check for wear. Replace both brushes when either has

less than 1/4 in. length of carbon remaining. Do not
replace one side without replacing the other.

 Reassemble using new brush assemblies. Make sure

curvature of brush matches curvature of motor and that
brush moves freely in brush tube.

 Make sure brush cap is oriented correctly (straight) and

replace.

 Tighten brush cap securely. Do not overtighten.

ASSEMBLY

BRUSH

CAP

BRUSH

BRUSH

ASSEMBLY

BRUSH

CAP

Fig. 43

CHANGING THE BATTERIES

See Figure 44.

 Unplug the saw.
 Rotate and hold lower blade guard up.
 Using the hex key (1/16 in.) provided, loosen the screw

then separate the cover from the laser guide.

 Lower the blade guard.
 Remove the three button cell batteries.

NOTE: Replace the batteries with button cell batteries

that have a rating of 1.5 volt and 100 mAh (milliampere
hour) minimum (number 76 series or equivalent).

When replacing the batteries, the laser guide should be

thoroughly cleaned. Use a soft paintbrush, or similar
device, to remove all sawdust and debris.

 After cleaning the laser guide and replacing batteries,

secure battery cover to laser guide using the screw.
Tighten screw securely.

WARNING:

Use of controls or adjustments or performance of
procedures other than those specified herein may
result in hazardous radiation exposure.

BATTERY

COVER

SCREW

BATTERIES

BATTERY

COVER

NEGATIVE (–)

35

LASER
GUIDE

Fig. 44

MAINTENANCE

CHECKING MOTOR BELT TENSION AND
REPLACING THE BELT

See Figure 45.

The motor belt tension was adjusted at the factory but should
still be checked periodically.

To check belt tension:

 Using a phillips screwdriver, remove the screws holding

the belt cover on the right side of the saw arm. Lift off
the cover.

 The belt tension is correct when the tension mark on the

spring bracket is between “C” and “D” (see figure 54).

To adjust belt tension:

 Using a phillips screwdriver, remove the screws holding

the drive pulley cover on the left side of the saw arm. Lift
off the cover.

 Remove the screws holding the carrying handle on the

saw arm, then remove the carrying handle.

 Loosen, but don’t remove, the motor mount screws.
 Increase the belt tension by turning the adjusting socket

head set screw clockwise. Decrease the belt tension by
turning the set screw counterclockwise.

NOTE: Excessive belt tension will cause the motor to fail

prematurely.

 Once the tension mark on the spring bracket is between

“C” and “D”, securely tighten the motor mount screws.

 Replace the belt and drive pulley covers and tighten

securely using screws.

NOTE: Cord must never touch the belt.

To replace the belt:

Take it in to an authorized service center for RIDGID® tools.
You may obtain the location of the authorized service center
nearest you by calling (toll free) 1-866-539-1710 or by logging
on to the RIDGID® website at www.ridgid.com.

TENSION

MARK

SPRING

BRACKET

SCREW

ADJUSTING

SOCKET HEAD

SCREW

CARRYING

HANDLE

D

CORD

C

IDLER

PULLEY

BELT

BELT COVER

DRIVE

PULLEY

COVER

MOTOR
MOUNT

SCREWS

ACCESSORIES

Look for these accessories at The Home Depot.

 AC9944 .................................... Miter Saw Utility Vehicle

WARNING:

Current attachments and accessories available for use with this tool are listed above. 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.

36

Fig. 45

WARRANTY

RIDGID® HAND HELD AND STATIONARY POWER TOOL
3 YEAR LIMITED SERVICE WARRANTY

Proof of purchase must be presented when requesting war­ranty service.

Limited to RIDGID® hand held and stationary power tools
purchased 2/1/04 and after. This product is manufactured
by One World Technologies, Inc. The trademark is licensed
from RIDGID®, Inc. All warranty communications should be
directed to One World Technologies, Inc., attn: RIDGID®
Hand Held and Stationary Power Tool Technical Service at
(toll free) 1-866-539-1710.

90-DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE POLICY

During the first 90 days after the date of purchase, if you are
dissatisfied with the performance of this RIDGID® Hand Held
and Stationary Power Tool for any reason you may return
the tool to the dealer from which it was purchased for a full
refund or exchange. To receive a replacement tool you must
present proof of purchase and return all original equipment
packaged with the original product. The replacement tool
will be covered by the limited warranty for the balance of
the 3 YEAR service warranty period.

WHAT IS COVERED UNDER THE 3 YEAR
LIMITED SERVICE WARRANTY

This warranty on RIDGID® Hand Held and Stationary Power
Tools covers all defects in workmanship or materials and nor­mal wear items such as brushes, chucks, motors, switches,
cords, gears and even cordless batteries in this RIDGID®
tool for three years following the purchase date of the tool.
Warranties for other RIDGID® products may vary.

HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE

To obtain service for this RIDGID® tool you must return it;
freight prepaid, or take it in to an authorized service center
for RIDGID® branded hand held and stationary power tools.
You may obtain the location of the authorized service center
nearest you by calling (toll free) 1-866-539-1710 or by log­ging on to the RIDGID® website at www.ridgid.com. When
requesting warranty service, you must present the original
dated sales receipt. The authorized service center will
repair any faulty workmanship, and either repair or replace
any part covered under the warranty, at our option, at no
charge to you.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED

This warranty applies only to the original purchaser at re­tail and may not be transferred. This warranty only covers
defects arising under normal usage and does not cover any
malfunction, failure or defect resulting from misuse, abuse,
neglect, alteration, modification or repair by other than
an authorized service center for RIDGID® branded hand
held and stationary power tools. Consumable accessories
provided with the tool such as, but not limited to, blades,
bits and sand paper are not covered.

RIDGID®, INC. AND ONE WORLD TECHNOLOGIES,
INC. MAKE NO WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS OR
PROMISES AS TO THE QUALITY OR PERFORMANCE OF
ITS POWER TOOLS OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY
STATED IN THIS WARRANTY.

ADDITIONAL LIMITATIONS

To the extent permitted by applicable law, all implied warran­ties, including warranties of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, are disclaimed. Any implied
warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness
for a particular purpose, that cannot be disclaimed under
state law are limited to three years from the date of purchase.
One World Technologies, Inc. and RIDGID®, Inc. are not
responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential
damages. Some states do not allow limitations on how long
an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion
or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.

One World Technologies, Inc.

P.O. Box 35, Hwy. 8

Pickens, SC 29671

37

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

12 in. COMPOUND MITER SAW
WITH ADJUSTABLE LASER

Double Insulated
R4121

CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION

For parts or service, contact your nearest RIDGID authorized service
center. Be sure to provide all relevant information when you call or visit.
For the location of the authorized service center nearest you, please
call 1-866-539-1710 or visit us online at www.ridgid.com.

The model number of this tool is found on a plate attached to the motor
housing. Please record the serial number in the space provided below.
When ordering repair parts, always give the following information:

Model No.
Serial No.

R4121

983000-825
5-8-07 (REV: 00)

38