OPERATOR’S MANUAL 18 VOLT JIG SAW ORBITAL / VARIABLE SPEED R843 Your cordless jig 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS n Introduction .....................................................................................................................................................................2 n General Safety Rules ................................................................................................................................................... 3-4 n Specific Safety Rules..................................................................................................................
GENERAL SAFETY RULES n Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing and balance enable better control of the tool in unexpected situations. n Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions. n Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be drawn into air vents. n Do not use on a ladder or unstable support.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES SERVICE n When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions 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. n Tool service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel may result in a risk of injury.
SAFETY RULES FOR CHARGER tain chemicals that can damage, weaken, or destroy plastic. WARNING! READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS. Failure to follow all instructions listed below, may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury. n An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use of improper extension cord could result in a risk of fire and electric shock. If extension cord must be used, make sure: a.
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.
SYMBOLS The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product. SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
FEATURES PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Motor ......................................................................................................................................................................18 Volt DC Switch..............................................................................................................................................................Variable Speed No Load Speed .......................................................................................................
FEATURES RECESSED BLADE-SUPPORT ROLLER KNOW YOUR JIG SAW Recessed blade-support roller ensures accurate cutting. Five-position adjustable orbital saw-blade movement to ensure high cutting performance. Hard-wearing die-cast aluminum casing with good heat dissipation properties to protect against overheating. See Figure 1. Before attempting to use this product, familiarize yourself with all operating features and safety rules.
ASSEMBLY UNPACKING This product requires assembly. n Carefully remove the tool and any accessories from the box. n Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are included. n Inspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or damage occurred during shipping. n Do not discard the packing material until you have carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the tool. n If any parts are damaged or missing, please call 1-866-539-1710 for assistance.
OPERATION WARNING: Do not allow familiarity with your tool 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: Fig. 4 Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this tool.
OPERATION LED FUNCTION OF CHARGER See Figure 5.
OPERATION TO INSTALL BATTERY PACK See Figure 6. n Place battery pack in the saw. Align raised rib on battery pack with the groove inside the saw. n Make sure the latches on each side of your battery pack snap in place and battery pack is secured in the saw before beginning operation. BATTERY PACK CAUTION: When placing battery pack in the tool, be sure raised rib on battery pack aligns with the bottom of the saw and latches into place properly.
OPERATION WARNING: Battery tools are always in operating condition. Therefore, switch should always be locked when not in use or carrying at your side. STARTING / STOPPING THE SAW To turn the saw ON, depress the lock-off button and pull the switch trigger. Release the switch trigger to turn the saw OFF. GENERAL CUTTING See Figure 8. Rest the front of the saw base on the workpiece and align cutting edge of the blade with the line on your workpiece. Start the saw and move it forward on the work surface.
OPERATION ANGLE CUTTING (BEVEL CUTTING) BASE PIVOT SCREW See Figures 10 - 11. Bevel cutting angles may be adjusted from 0° to 45° right or left. Angles for cuts from 0° to 45° in 15° increments are marked on a scale on both the left and right side of the base. Notches on the rear of the base provide positive stops at each of the above mentioned 15° increments. A protractor is recommended when accurate cuts are required. n Using the hex key provided, loosen the base pivot screw until the base can be moved.
OPERATION PLUNGE CUTTING See Figure 12. WARNING: To avoid loss of control, broken blades, or damage to the material being cut, always use extreme caution when making plunge cuts. We do not recommend plunge cutting on materials other than wood. n Mark the line of cut clearly on the workpiece. n Set the cutting angle at 0°. n Tilt the saw forward so that it rests on the front edge of the base and blade will not come in contact with the workpiece when the saw is turned on.
MAINTENANCE WARNING: WARNING: When servicing use only identical RIDGID replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause product damage. Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or destroy plastic which may result in serious personal injury. WARNING: Only the parts shown on the parts list are intended to be repaired or replaced by the customer.
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WARRANTY RIDGID® HAND HELD AND STATIONARY POWER TOOL 3 YEAR LIMITED SERVICE WARRANTY WHAT IS NOT COVERED Proof of purchase must be presented when requesting warranty service. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser at retail and may not be transferred.
OPERATOR’S MANUAL 18 VOLT JIG SAW ORBITAL / VARIABLE SPEED R843 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.