MS1290 OWNERS MANUAL 12 INCH DUAL BEVEL SLIDE COMPOUND MITER SAW For Your Safety: Read all instructions carefully Save this manual for future referenece Part No.
Table of Contents Section Page Dress For Safety ..........................................24 Preparing to Make the Cut ...........................25 Whenever Saw Is Running ..........................26 Before Leaving The Saw: ............................26 Basic Saw Operations ..................................27 Making Common Slide Compound Cuts ... 27 Slide Cutting ............................................. 27 Chop Cutting ............................................. 28 Body and Hand Position ........
Safety Instructions For Miter Saw Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert and knowing how your miter saw works. Read this manual to understand this miter saw. WARNING: means if the safety inforSafety Signal Words mation is not followed someone DANGER: means if the safety inforcould be seriously injured or killed. mation is not followed someone will CAUTION: means if the safety inforbe seriously injured or killed. mation is not followed someone may be injured.
Safety Instructions for Miter Saws (continued) When Installing Or Moving The Miter Saw porting the workpiece. • Support the miter saw so the table is level and the saw does not rock. • Bolt, screw or clamp the saw to its support. • Never Stand On Tool. Serious injury could occur if the tool tips or you accidentally hit the cutting tool. Do not store anything above or near the tool where anyone might stand on the tool to reach them.
Maintain Tools With Care. Keep the miter saw clean for best and safest performance. Follow instructions for lubricating. DON’T put lubricants on the blade while it’s spinning. Remove Adjusting Keys And Wrenches from tool before turning it on. If any part of this miter saw is missing, bent, or broken in any way, or any electrical parts don't work, turn the saw off and unplug it. Replace damaged, missing, or failed parts before using the saw again.
Safety Instructions for Miter Saws (continued) CAUTION: Because of the sliding action of this saw, this machine is not designed for cutting metals. Use this miter saw to cut only wood and wood like products. Other materials may shatter, bind on the blade, start fires or create other dangers. Dress For Safety Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties or jewelry (rings, wrist watches) They can get caught and draw you into moving parts. • Wear nonslip footwear. • Tie back long hair.
Plan The Way You Will Hold The Workpiece From Start To Finish. Use extra caution with large, very small or awkward workpieces: • Use extra supports (tables, saw horses, blocks, etc.) for any workpieces large enough to tip when not held down to the table top. • Never use another person as a substitute for a table extension, or as additional support for a workpiece that is longer or wider than the basic miter saw table or to help feed, support or pull the workpiece.
Safety Instructions for Miter Saws (continued) Before freeing jammed material: • Turn miter saw “OFF” by releasing trigger switch. • Wait for all moving parts to stop. • Unplug the miter saw. After finishing a cut: • Keep holding the power head down. • Release the switch, and wait for all moving parts to stop before moving your hands or raising power head.
Workpiece The item on which the cutting operation is being performed. The surfaces of a workpiece are commonly referred to as faces, ends, and edges. Face Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) The number of turns completed by a spinning object in one minute. Sawblade Path The area of the workpiece or table top directly in line with either the travel of the blade or the part of the workpiece which will be, or has been, cut by the blade.
Motor Specifications and Electrical Requirements (continued) Polarized Plug Your unit has a plug that looks like the one shown on next page. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this appliance 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 plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.
Unpacking and Checking Contents Tools Needed Hex “L” Wrench 1/4" (supplied) Hex “L” Wrench 4mm, 5mm, 6mm Combination Square Must be True Draw Light Straight Edge of Line on Board Board 3/4" Thick Along this Edge This Edge Must be Perfectly Straight 19 mm Socket Combination Wrench (2) 12mm Combination Square Should be no Gap or Overlap when Square is Flipped Over in Dotted Position Unpacking WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from unexpected starting or electrical shock, do not plug the power cord in
Getting to Know Your Miter Saw 20 1 2 3 21 25 5 11 24 4 6 12 10 22 19 18 9 7 8 17 23 13 26 14 16 15 saw at a desired bevel angle. 1. Warning Label 11. Top Carrying Handle - Convenient 2. Upper Blade Guard - Supports the way to transport saw. motor, handle, switch, blade and lower guard. 12. Slide Tube(s) - Allow the blade to slide for cutting various workpiece widths. 3. Lower Blade Guard - The blade guard helps protect your hands from the 13.
20. Switch Interlock Button - Prevents trigger switch from being accidentally engaged. 21. On/Off Trigger Switch - To prevent the trigger from being accidentally engaged, a lock-off button is provided. To start the tool, press in the switch interlock button and squeeze the trigger. Release the trigger to stop the miter saw. Install a padlock through the hole in the trigger to prevent unauthorized use. 22. Bevel Index Pin - This pin provides indexes at 0° and 22.5°, CM, and 45° left and right. 23.
Assembly (continued) 6. Remove the arbor screw, arbor washer, outer blade collar, and the blade. NOTE: Pay attention to pieces removed, noting their position and direction they face (see illustration). Wipe the blade collars clean of any sawdust before installing the new blades. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of cuts from extremely sharp teeth: Wear gloves when installing or removing sawblade.
Assembling Dust Bag 1. Locate the dust bag frame and cloth dust bag. 2. Clip the dust bag frame in place on the slide tubes as shown. 3. Slide the cloth dust bag over the dust bag frame. 4. Connect the dust elbow to the dust port on the upper blade guard. 5. Clamp dust bag onto elbow. NOTE: If connecting a 2-1/2" wet/dry vac hose to the saw, do not attach the dust bag frame, dust bag and elbow to the saw. Connect the wet/dry vac hose directly to the dust port on the upper blade guard.
Four Basic Saw Controls (continued) 2. Bevel lock lever/index pin To change the bevel setting of the blade: a. Pull the bevel lock lever forward. Then rotate the bevel index pin downward. This will allow the blade to be tilted and at the same time “bypass” the preset bevel indexes. b. To engage the preset bevel indexes, rotate the bevel lock index pin up. c. Engage bevel index pin and/or bevel lock lever before cutting. 3. Depth Adjustment Cam and Head Hold Down To release the blade a.
Alignment (Adjustments) WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from unexpected starting or electrical shock, do not plug the saw in. The power cord must remain unplugged whenever you are working on the saw. Step One: Repositioning Zero Clearance Blade Insert The zero clearance blade insert needs to be repositioned so it is temporarily out of the way when aligning the blade. It may be replaced after the blade is aligned. 1.
Alignment (Adjustments) (continued) Step Three: Blade Square to Fence (Miter Alignment) 1. Place the blade in the 0° miter index and lock the miter lock. 2. To check blade squareness to fence, lock powerhead in lower position. Use a combination square. Place the square against the fence and next to the blade as illustrated. Locate the square properly so it does not contact the set in the teeth of sawblade, giving an inaccurate reading. The sawblade body should contact the full length of the square. 3.
Step Four: Blade Square to Table (Bevel Adjustment) 1. Place the saw in the 0° bevel index position and make sure bevel lock is disengaged. 2. Lower the blade and engage the head hold down. 3. Use a combination square to check that the blade is 90° to the table. If the blade does not contact the full length of the square: a. Lift the bevel lock lever. b. Loosen the two socket head screws that secure the bevel scale. c.
Alignment (Adjustments) (continued) Miter Lock Lever Adjustment With the blade set at an “unindexed” miter position (other than 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, 45° and 60°) and the miter lock lever set in the “locked” position the locking action should feet tight and secure. Considerable effort should be required to move the table (blade). While it is always possible to force the table to move, it should resist moving when a reasonable amount of force is applied. To check, follow these steps: 1.
Bevel Lock Lever Adjustment With the blade set at an “unindexed” bevel position (other than 0°, 22.5°, 33-7/8°, 45°) and the bevel lock lever set in the “locked” position the locking action should feel tight and secure. Considerable effort should be required to move the blade. While it is always possible to force the blade to move, it should resist moving when a reasonable amount of force is applied. To check, follow these steps: 1.
Mounting The Miter Saw WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from unexpected saw movement: a. Before moving the saw, unplug electric cord. Lock the miter and bevel knobs and lock the power head in the lower position. b. To reduce the risk of back injury, hold the tool close to your body when lifting. Bend your knees so you can lift with your legs, not your back. Lift by using the hand-hold areas at each side of the bottom of the base, by the carrying handle, or the handles on the front of base. c.
Safety Instructions for Basic Saw Operations Before Each Use Inspect your saw. Disconnect The Miter Saw. To reduce the risk of injury from accidental starting, unplug the saw, before changing the setup, changing the blade or adjusting anything. Compare the direction of rotation arrow on the guard to the direction arrow on the blade. The blade teeth should always point downward at the front of the saw. Tighten the arbor screw. Tighten the cover plate stop screw. Check Damaged Parts.
Safety Instructions for Basic Saw Operations (con’t.) • Keep work area clean. Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents. Floor must not be slippery. To reduce the risk of burns or other fire damage, never use the miter saw near flammable liquids, vapors or gases. Plan Ahead To Protect Your Eyes, Hands, Face and Ears Know your miter saw. Read and understand the owner’s manual and labels affixed to the tool.
• Make sure no gaps between the workpiece, fence and table will let Inspect Your Workpiece. Make sure the workpiece shift after it is cut in there are no nails or foreign objects in two. the part of the workpiece to be cut. • Cut only one workpiece at a time. Plan your work to avoid thrown pieces caused when the workpiece • Keep the cut off piece free to move sideways after it's cut off. Otherwise, binds on the blade and is torn from it could get wedged against the your hands.
Safety Instructions for Basic Saw Operations (con’t.) • Properly support round material such as dowel rods. They have a tendency to roll while being cut, causing the blade to "bite." To avoid this, always use a fixture designed to properly hold your workpiece. Whenever Saw Is Running WARNING: Don't allow familiarity (gained from frequent use of your miter saw) cause a careless mistake. A careless fraction of a second is enough to cause a severe injury.
Basic Saw Operations Making Common Slide Compound Cuts WARNING: For your convenient use, your saw has a blade brake. The brake is not a safety device. Never rely on it to replace proper use of the guard on your saw. If the blade does not stop within 6 seconds, unplug the saw and follow the instructions in the Trouble Shooting section for fixing the brake before using saw again. There are two types of cuts that can be made with the slide compound miter saw; 1. Slide Cutting a.
Basic Saw Operations (continued) Chop Cutting 1. Slide the cutting head to the rear as far as it will go. 2. Lock slide lock knob. 3. Position workpiece on table and against fence and secure with clamp as appropriate. 4. Turn on saw and lower blade into workpiece. 5. After cut is complete turn off saw, allow blade to stop rotating before allowing cutting head to rise up. Body and Hand Position • Never place hands near cutting area. Place hand at least 4" from path of blade.
Miter Cut When a miter cut is required, move the saw to the desired angle. Move with the handle to the miter angle to make the cut. There are settings on the miter scale for angles (degrees) and crown molding. NOTE: Remember to unlock the miter 5° lock lever before changing the miter angle. Miter Scale Usage Vernier Miter Scale Operation: The Vernier miter scale can quickly and accurately help the user to adjust the saw to any 1/4° increment as illustrated below.
Basic Saw Operations (continued) Compound Cut When a compound cut is required, select the desired bevel and miter positions. Cutting Compound Miters on Picture Frames and Boxes A compound miter is a cut requiring both a miter setting and bevel setting. A compound miter is used for making frames or boxes that have sloping sides and are wide at one end and narrow at the opposite end. Compound miters are “tricky” to make because the miter setting and bevel setting are directly related to each other.
Workpiece Clamp Usage - Always perform dry runs. Make sure the saw is unplugged. Completely set up your saw. Pull the blade and power head through the full range of motion to check for interference. The clamp can be used in a left or right configuration. Make sure that your blade, saw guard or motor does not interfere with the clamp. Correct any interference before use. - Always tighten the clamp so that the workpiece is secured between the clamp and fence, support or base.
Basic Saw Operations (continued) Workpiece Support Long pieces need extra supports. The supports should be placed along the workpiece so the workpiece does not sag and your hand holding the workpiece is positioned 4” or more from the blade path. The support should let the workpiece lay flat on the base and work table during the cutting operation. NOTE: When mounted on a large flat surface, the miter saw table is 4-1/2” high. Three stacked 2 x 4’s can be used as a work support extension.
Rough Cutting A Dado By using the depth adjustment cam it is possible to rough cut a dado as shown. On the outside of the depth adjustment cam are a series of marks. Use these marks as a reference to help set the blade to the correct cutting depth. After the two outside cuts have been completed the inside material (represented by slanted lines) is removed with a chisel. To set the depth stop: 1. Position depth adjustment cam so it engages locking collar. 2. Loosen lock knob. 3.
Basic Saw Operations (continued) Cutting Crown Moldings F e n c e Your compound miter saw does an excellent job of cutting crown molding. However, in order to fit properly, crown molding must be cut with extreme accuracy. F e n c 38° e Miter Saw Table 52° Miter Saw Table 1.Workpiece Lying 2.
Cutting Crown Molding Angled to the Table and Fence The advantage of cutting crown molding in this position is that no bevel setting is required. Small changes in the miter angle can be made without affecting the bevel angle. When using this method the saw can be quickly and easily adjusted for corners that are not 90° (square). Making a crown molding support jig: A crown molding support jig needs to be constructed to help hold the molding in place during this cutting operation. 1.
Basic Saw Operations (continued) Ceiling Wall Compound Miter Saw Miter and Bevel Angle Settings Wall to Crown Molding Angle: 52/38 degrees Bevel Angle (deg.) Miter Angle (deg.) Wall Angle (deg.) Bevel Angle (deg.) Miter Angle (deg.) Wall Angle (deg.) Bevel Angle (deg.) Miter Angle (deg.) 60 43.0 46.8 101 30.1 26.9 141 15.3 12.3 61 42.8 46.3 102 29.7 26.5 142 14.9 12.0 62 42.5 45.7 103 29.4 26.1 143 14.5 11.6 63 42.2 45.1 104 29.0 25.7 144 14.1 11.3 64 41.9 44.
Ceiling Wall Wall to Crown Molding Angle: 45 degrees Bevel Angle (deg.) Miter Angle (deg.) Wall Angle (deg.) Bevel Angle (deg.) Miter Angle (deg.) Wall Angle (deg.) Bevel Angle (deg.) Miter Angle (deg.) 60 37.8 50.8 101 26.7 30.2 141 13.7 14.1 61 37.5 50.2 102 26.4 29.8 142 13.3 13.7 62 37.3 49.6 103 26.1 29.4 143 13.0 13.3 63 37.1 49.1 104 25.8 28.9 144 12.6 12.9 64 36.8 48.5 105 25.5 28.5 145 12.3 12.6 65 36.6 48.0 106 25.2 28.1 146 11.9 12.
Maintenance and Lubrication Maintenance DANGER: Never put lubricants on the blade while it is spinning. WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from unexpected starting or electrical shock, unplug the power cord before working on the saw. WARNING: For your safety, this s a w i s d ou bl e in s u la te d. To avoid electrical shock, fire or injury, use only parts identical to those identified in the parts list. Reassemble exactly as original as se mbly to a void e lec trica l shock.
Lubrication Ball Bearings All the motor bearings in this tool are lubricated with a sufficient amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the unit, therefore, no further lubrication is required. Infrequent Lubrication as Required 1. Apply automotive type oil directly on slide tubes. It will be picked up and dispersed by built in felt wicks. 2. Apply a light oil or a pressurized light spray oil to the arm pivot shaft. 3. Apply a light oil or a pressurized light spray oil to the torsion spring as shown.
Accessories Recommended Accessories Item SKU No. Miter Saw Utility Vehicle .............. AC9940 Do not use any accessory unless you have received and read complete instructions for its use. WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from unsafe accessories, use only accessories recommended.
Troubleshooting Guide General Problem Probable Cause Suggested Corrective Action Blade hits table. 1. Misalignment 1. Get authorized Service. Angle of cut not accurate. 1. Misalignment 1. See “Alignment” section. Can’t move miter adjustment 1. Sawdust under table 1. Vacuum or blow out dust. Wear Eye Protection. Power head wobbles. 1. Loose pivot points 1. See Bevel Pivot Adjustment in “Alignment” section. Power head won’t fully rise or blade guard won’t fully close 1. Lubrication needed 2.
Troubleshooting Guide (continued) Motor Problem Probable Cause Brake does not stop blade within 6 seconds. 1. Brushes not seated or lightly sticking. 2. Motor brake winding overheated from use of prohibited accessory or rapid on/off cycling. 3. Arbor screw loose. 4. Other Suggested Corrective Action 1. Inspect/clean/replace brushes. See “Maintenance” section. 2. Use only recommended blades/accessories. Let motor cool down. 3. Retighten 4. Get authorized service. See “Troubleshooting of brake” section.
Notes 43
74 52 51 76 44 47 62 50 77 43 61 59 78 45 49 48 44 59 58 57 44 56 23 8 54 45 53 60 24 55 19 18 20 27 44 29 45 49 48 13 16 46 38 39 40 41 34 14 21 17 27 22 31 33 25 28 26 30 12 32 41 71 68 40 15 39 37 80 9 42 70 2 4 4 68 67 10 35 11 3 73 73 63 64 6 73 5 81 65 66 1 71 69 36 72 7 79 75 Repair Parts Parts List For RIDGID 12" Slide Compound Miter Saw Model No. MS12900 RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.
Repair Parts Parts List For RIDGID 12" Compound Miter Saw Model No. MS12900 RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com Figure 1 Always order by part number - not by key number Key No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Part No.
Repair Parts Parts List For RIDGID 12" Compound Miter Saw Model No. MS12900 RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com Figure 2 - Base/Table Assembly 1 2 3 4 5 6 Always order by part number - Not by key number Key No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Part No. 818656 830137 830138 829981 830136 822072 Description * Nut, Hex Lock M12 x 1.75 * Washer, M12 x 20 x 1.5 * Washer, M12 x 25 x 1.5 Table Asm (See Fig. 3) Base Asm (See Fig. 4) * Screw Hx Hd M12 x 1.
Repair Parts Parts List For RIDGID 12" Compound Miter Saw Model No. MS12900 RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com Figure 3 - Table Assembly 3 4 2 5 1 6 22 21 19 18 16 18 20 17 13 10 11 12 7 14 9 8 15 8 8 8 8 9 Always order by part number - Not by key number Key Part No. No. Description Table Asm (Includes Key No. 6) 2 829984-1 Ring, Retaining Lever, Bevel Index 3 829992 Pin, Bevel Index 4 829990 Spring 5 829991 Shaft, Pivot — 6 7 827449-1 Screw, Set Lock M8 x 1.
Repair Parts Parts List For RIDGID 12" Compound Miter Saw Model No. MS12900 RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com Figure 4 - Base Assembly 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 6 7 6 Always order by part number - Not by key number Key No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Part No. 829997 830166 829999 823492 823335 829998 829996 Description Shim, Table * Screw, Flat M5 x 0.8 x 10 Scale, Miter Wrench Hex “L” .25 x 120mm Grommet, Wrench Foot, Rubber Base * Standard Hardware Item - May be purchased locally.
Repair Parts Parts List For RIDGID 12" Compound Miter Saw Model No. MS12900 RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com Figure 5 - Pivot Assembly 6 5 4 7 10 9 6 12 8 10 5 9 4 1 3 8 6 2 2 6 9 11 10 13 10 Always order by part number - Not by key number Key No. Part No. 1 830262 2 830146 3 4 5 6 7 830147 830145 830053 830048 830038 Key No. Description Pivot Asm Only (Other Items Listed on Chart Not Included) Screw, Set Lock M8 x 1.
Repair Parts Parts List For RIDGID 12" Compound Miter Saw Model No. MS12900 RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com Figure 6 - Tube Pivot Assembly 1 2 3 4 5 6 Always order by part number - Not by key number Key No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Part No. — 830018 830019 830149 830020 830021 Description Pivot Asm. (See Fig. 5) Bearing, Flange Down Stop Eccentric, Plate * Washer, 0.63 x 25 x 1/32 Spring Knob, Down Stop * Standard Hardware Item - May be purchased locally.
Repair Parts Parts List For RIDGID 12" Compound Miter Saw Model No. MS12900 RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com Figure 7 - Pivot Sub Assembly 8 7 6 5 1 4 2 3 Always order by Part Number - Not by Key Number Key No. Part No. 1 2 3 4 — 830151 830010 830011 5 6 7 8 821063-7 820236-7 830012 830013 Description Pivot Asm. (See Fig. 5) Screw, Shoulder M6 Clamp, Bevel Screw, Shoulder M8 x 1.25 x 58.5 * Washer, 8 x 16 x 1.2 * Nut, Hex M8 x 1.
Repair Parts Parts List For RIDGID 12" Compound Miter Saw Model No. MS12900 RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com Figure 8 - Arm Guard Assembly ‡ 11 10 1 12 13 8 7 9 2 3 5 4 6 14 Always order by part number - Not by key number Key No. Part No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 830225 823360 816755-6 830029 830030 830155 7 830031 Key No.
Repair Parts Parts List For RIDGID 12" Compound Miter Saw Model No. MS12900 RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com Figure 9 - Lower Guard Assembly ‡ • 1 12 13 11 10 9 8 7 2 6 3 4 5 Always order by part number - Not by key number Key No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Part No. 830059 816677 830058 820238-8 817449-1 826879 820732-2 Key No. Description • Guard, Lower • Spring, Guard Pivot, Lower Guard Washer 1/4 x 16 * Nut, Hex Lock M6 x 1.0 Retainer, Guard * Washer 5.5 x 16 x 0.
Repair Parts Parts List For RIDGID 12" Compound Miter Saw Model No. MS12900 RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com Figure 10 - Motor Assembly • 3 5 2 1 4 6 2 3 6 Always order by part number - Not by key number Key No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Part No. 830253 816768 830250 828064 828122-1 830027 Description Motor (Includes Key Nos.
Notes 55
What is covered RIDGID® tools are warranted to be free of defects in workmanship and material. How long coverage lasts This warranty lasts for the lifetime of the RIDGID® tool. Warranty coverage ends when the product becomes unusable for reasons other than defects in workmanship or material. How can you get service To obtain the benefit of this warranty, deliver via prepaid transportation the complete product to RIDGE TOOL COMPANY, Elyria, Ohio, or any authorized RIDGID® INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER.
