RIDGID PC116/PTC-400 Power Tubing Cutter Manual

Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the RIDGID PC116/PTC-400 Power Tubing Cutter. It is essential to read and understand this manual before operating the tool to prevent serious injury.

Safety Information

Safety Symbols and Signal Words: The manual uses signal words like DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTICE to convey important safety information. Always pay attention to these symbols and follow the recommended precautions.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings:

• Work Area Safety: Keep the work area clean, well-lit, and free from flammable materials. Ensure children and bystanders are kept away.
• Electrical Safety: Use properly grounded outlets and extension cords suitable for outdoor use. Avoid contact with earthed surfaces. Never modify plugs or use adapter plugs with grounded tools.
• Personal Safety: Stay alert, use common sense, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (eye protection, etc.). Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Ensure proper footing and balance.
• Power Tool Use and Care: Use the correct tool for the job, do not force the tool, and ensure the switch functions correctly. Disconnect power before making adjustments. Maintain tools properly, keeping cutting edges sharp.

Specific Safety Information for PC116/PTC-400:

• Do not wear gloves or loose clothing. Keep sleeves buttoned.
• Keep hands away from rotating parts.
• Secure the machine to a stable bench or stand.
• Do not cut visibly bent tubing or tubing with fittings attached.
• Always wear appropriate eye protection.
• Only the operator should be in the work area when the machine is running.
• Read and understand all instructions before operating.

Product Description and Specifications

The RIDGID® PC116/PTC-400 Power Tubing Cutter is designed to cut 1½" to 4" nominal size (12 to 100 mm) metallic and plastic tubing/conduit. It features a two-speed switch for roller speed control and a pneumatic foot switch for ON/OFF operation. A measuring scale is included for tube measurement. The cutter is lightweight and compact for easy transport. An optional reamer is available for deburring.

Specifications:

• Nominal Tube Size: 1½" to 4" (12 mm to 100 mm)
• Cutting Capacity: 1½" to 4.5" (12 mm to 116 mm)
• Weight: 32 lbs. (14.5 kg)
• Operating Temperature: -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)
• Sound Pressure (LPA): 82.3 dB(A)
• Sound Power (LWA): 93.3 dB(A)

Standard Equipment: Refer to the RIDGID catalog for details.

Assembly

WARNING: Ensure the switch is OFF and the machine is unplugged before assembly.

Bench Mounting: The machine can be mounted on a level, stable bench using M8 bolts through the base.

Pre-Operation Inspection

WARNING: Inspect the Power Tubing Cutter before each use to reduce the risk of injury.

• Ensure the machine is unplugged.
• Clean the machine and equipment.
• Inspect for damage, wear, or missing parts.
• Check the foot switch for proper operation.
• Ensure free movement of the feedscrew, cutter wheel, and support rollers.
• Verify warning and other labels are present and readable.
• Inspect cutting edges for wear or damage.
• If using the PC116TS stand, inspect and lubricate as needed.
• Ensure no conditions prevent safe operation.
• Inspect any other equipment used for proper function.

Machine and Work Area Set-Up

WARNING: Set up the Power Tubing Cutter and work area properly to reduce the risk of injury.

• Work Area: Ensure adequate lighting, no flammable materials, and a clear, level, stable, dry location.
• Electrical: Use a properly grounded outlet of the correct voltage.
• Work to be Done: Determine material, type, and size of the tube. Select appropriate equipment.
• Equipment Confirmation: Ensure all equipment is properly inspected and assembled.
• Machine Placement: Place the machine on a flat, level, stable surface.
• Tube Support: If the tube extends significantly, use appropriate stands (e.g., RIDGID PC116TS Tube Stand) to support the tube and prevent tipping or entanglement.
• Clearance: Restrict access or set up guards to create a minimum of 3 feet (1 m) clearance around the machine.
• Foot Switch Positioning: Position the foot switch for a proper operating position.
• Power Cord: Run the cord along a clear path and plug into a grounded outlet. Use a suitable extension cord if necessary.
• Operation Check: Check for proper roller rotation and foot switch operation. Inspect moving parts for misalignment or binding.

Operating Instructions

WARNING: Follow operating instructions to reduce the risk of serious injury.

Adjusting Cutter For Different Tube Sizes: Use the quick switch size adjustment to set the cutter for tube size ranges (2" and smaller, or 2" to 4").

Quick Feed Cutter Adjustment: Push the handle down to advance the cutter wheel. Loosen the handle/feedscrew and press the release to retract the cutter wheel.

Selecting/Changing Operating Speed: Use the I-LOW/O-OFF/II-HIGH switch. LOW speed is recommended for tubes 2" and smaller, or longer than 6.5'. HIGH speed is for tubes larger than 2" or shorter than 6.5'.

Cutting Tube:

1. Check tubing for bends or fittings. Mark the tubing at the desired length.
2. Adjust the cutter size range if necessary.
3. Place tubing on rollers, aligning the mark with the cutter wheel. Ensure supports are properly adjusted.
4. Assume a proper operating position, ensuring access to controls and good balance.
5. Advance the feedscrew until support rollers contact the tube, then tighten to grip the tube.
6. Set the speed switch to the appropriate position (LOW or HIGH).
7. Depress the foot switch to start rotation. Keep hands away from rotating parts.
8. Slowly tighten the feedscrew to cut the tubing. Maintain roller contact.
9. Remove foot from the switch, move speed switch to O-OFF. Loosen feedscrew and retract the cutter wheel. Remove tubing.

Reaming Tube:

1. Set switch to O-OFF.
2. Install the reamer in the use position.
3. Set switch to I-Low.
4. Depress foot switch. Keep hands away from rotating parts.
5. Securely grasp and support the tube.
6. Place tubing over the reamer cone and apply gentle pressure to remove burrs.
7. Remove foot from the switch, set switch to O-OFF.
8. Remove reamer to storage position.

Transportation

• Secure all loose equipment before moving.
• Place the cutter wheel in the down position.
• Wrap the power cord and foot switch hose and secure them.
• Lift with grip, being aware of the machine's weight.

Storage

WARNING: Store the Power Tubing Cutter in a locked area, out of reach of children and untrained users. Keep the machine dry and indoors or well covered if kept outdoors.

Maintenance Instructions

WARNING: Ensure the switch is OFF and the machine is unplugged before performing maintenance.

Cleaning: Clean the machine, rollers, and reamer after each use with a clean, dry cloth. Clean motor vents.

Lubrication: Lubricate exposed moving parts monthly (or as needed) with a light lubricating oil.

Changing Cutter Wheel: Select the appropriate cutter wheel for the material. Replace when the cutting edge is chipped or flat. An extra cutter wheel can be stored on the unit.

Motor Overcurrent Protection: The cutter has overcurrent protection that shuts off the motor if it draws excessive current. If the machine shuts down unexpectedly, unplug it and follow pre-operation and setup procedures.

Changing Motor Brushes: Check brushes every six months. Replace if length is less than 5 mm (0.2"). Follow the instructions for removing the bottom cover, brush caps, and replacing brushes.

Troubleshooting

Service and Repair

WARNING: Improper service or repair can make the machine unsafe. Only qualified personnel should perform service. Use only RIDGID service parts. Contact a RIDGID Independent Service Center for assistance.

Optional Equipment

WARNING: Use only accessories specifically designed and recommended for this tool.

For a complete listing of RIDGID equipment, see the RIDGID catalog online at RIDGID.com or contact information.

Contact Information

For questions concerning this RIDGID® product:

• Contact your local RIDGID® distributor.
• Visit RIDGID.com to find your local RIDGID contact point.
• Contact Ridge Tool Technical Service Department at rtctechservices@emerson.com, or in the U.S. and Canada call (800) 519-3456.