300 Power Drive
Operating Instructions
For Using Hand Tools
WARNING
Do not wear gloves or loose clothing when operat-
ing Power Drive. Keep sleeves and jackets but-
toned. Do not reach across the machine or pipe.
Do not use this Power Drive if the foot switch is
broken or missing. Always wear eye protection to
protect eyes from dirt and other foreign objects.
Keep hands away from rotating pipe and fittings.
Stop the machine before wiping pipe threads or
screwing on fittings. Allow the machine to come to
a complete stop before touching the pipe or
machine chucks.
Do not use this machine to "make-on" or "break
off" fittings. This practice is not an intended use of
this Power Drive.
Installing Pipe In Power Drive:
1. Mark the pipe at the desired length if it is being cut
to length.
2. Insert the pipe into the Power Drive so that the end to
be worked or the cutting mark is located about 12
inches to the front of the speed chuck jaws.
3. Insert workpieces less than 2 feet long from the front
of the machine. Insert longer pipes through either end
so that the longer section extends out beyond the rear
of the Power Drive.
To avoid equipment tip-overs, position
WARNING
the pipe supports under the workpiece.
4. Tighten the rear centering device around the pipe by
using a counterclockwise rotation of the handwheel at
the rear of the Power Drive. This prevents move-
ment of the pipe that can result in poor thread quality.
5. Secure the pipe by using repeated and forceful coun-
terclockwise spins of the speed chuck handwheel
at the front of the Power Drive. This action "hammers"
the jaws tightly around the pipe.
6. Extend both support bars fully beyond the front of
the Power Drive.
8
Cutting Pipe with Hand Cutter
1. Position the pipe cutter on the workpiece with the
cutter wheels facing up (see "Accessories" section
for pipe cutters recommended for use with this
Power Drive).
2. Align the cutter wheels with the mark on the pipe and
rest the pipe cutter's body on the left support bar
(Figure 5). Hand-tighten the pipe cutter to the work-
piece using the feedscrew handle while keeping the
cutter wheels aligned with the mark.
3. Assume the correct operating posture (Figure 8).
This will allow you to maintain proper balance and to
safely keep control of the machine and tools.
• Be sure you can quickly remove your foot from
the foot switch.
• Stand facing the directional switch.
• Be sure you have convenient access to directional
switch, tools and chucks.
• Do not reach across the machine or workpiece.
4. Flip the directional switch to FOR (Forward).
5. Grasp the pipe cutter's feedscrew handle with both
hands (Figure 5) and depress and hold down the
foot switch with the left foot.
Pipe
Cutter
Feed
Support
Screw
Bar
Handle
Figure 5 – Cutting Pipe with Hand Cutter
6. Tighten the feedscrew handle slowly and continuously
until the pipe is cut. Do not force the cutter into the
workpiece.
WARNING
on the pipe cutter and be sure it is resting on the support
bar. If not held firmly or supported, the tool may rotate or fall
to the ground.
7. Release the foot switch and remove your foot from
the housing.
Ridge Tool Company
To avoid impact injuries, keep a firm grip