St. Louis, Mo (June 14, 2002) - Emerson Tool Company is excited to introduce its NEW RIDGID 10-Inch Belt Drive Table Saw - Model TS3612. A new rip-fence design plus many unique new features are incorporated into this new RIDGID Contractor Style Table Saw. The result - improved accuracy, simplified blade alignment, increased rip capacity, superior rip scale readability, improved micro adjust trunnion and micro adjust fence mechanisms and other unique features resulting in extreme precision in a table saw who's design emphasizes user friendly operation.

Introduced on the TS3612 is an all-new rip fence design. A new, more massive, seamless front rail exhibits a new profile that more effectively captures the underside of the fence head resulting in smooth, efficient movement of the fence along the rails. In addition, the rails are situated to provide increased rip capacity of 36" to the right of the blade and 12" to the left of the blade. A redesigned fence head brings improvements in both accuracy and ease of use. For example, the width of the fence head has been increased to improve the front to back T-square type accuracy of the fence. Two redesigned plastic glides located under the fence-head work in tandem with the new fence rail profile to eliminate the tendency most rip fences have of lifting up and away from the fence rail, cocking sideways, and refusing to move if the fence locking handle is used for leverage to move the fence. New, simplified and more legible rip scales and new magnifier lens situated on each side of the fence-head work together to provide superior scale readability.

Machined steel pulleys and a Poly V-belt drive system transfer power smoothly and virtually vibration free from the motor to the blade. Heavy-duty power from a 1 ½ hp Emerson induction motor aggressively drives the blade through hard woods with ease. Additional motor features include 120/240 dual voltage capability, thermal overload protector to guard against motor overheating, start capacitor and run capacitor to insure sufficient power even during aggressive cutting situations. There's even a coil spring situated in the motor mount assembly to provide additional and constant belt tension. This helps prevent belt slippage that is common on belt drive table saws when they are put under heavy load.

A new micro adjust mechanism improves the frictional contact and therefore the grip between the micro-adjust mechanism and the front fence rail. A knurled, spring-loaded, metal roller is pressed against the front fence rail and rotated using thumb or finger pressure. The result - a more efficient and user-friendly capability for small, incremental fence movements that result in extremely accurate positioning of the fence

Adjusting the blade parallel to the miter gauge groove is an essential yet time consuming and frustrating alignment procedure on competitor table saws. Their adjustment procedures require that the rear trunnion be loosened and then repositioned by tapping it back and forth using a block of wood or hammer - an imprecise method. Frequently, once it has been properly repositioned, it moves out of position as the bolts are tightened thus requiring the procedure to be completed several times before alignment is accurate. Not so with the new micro-adjust trunnion (Patent Pending) designed into the TS3612. Incorporated into the rear trunnion is a new cam actuated lever. Just loosen the trunnion bolts, rotate the lever to precisely position the trunnion and, while holding the lever in this position, tighten the trunnion bolts. It's that simple!

A zero clearance insert is provided in addition to the steel throat plate insert. The zero clearance insert can be used during cutting operations requiring support immediately on both sides of the blade to prevent workpiece splintering and chipping.

The TS3612 retains innovative RIDGID features from the previous model. The Herc-U-Lift™ Caster Platform with four swivel casters uses a simple foot actuated pedal system to provide quick and easy 360 mobility of the table saw. A unique Ind-I-Cut™ feature is built into the table surface to allow precise alignment of the blade with the cut line on the workpiece. This assures precise crosscuts the first time eliminating wasted time and material. The miter gauge has individually adjustable stops at 90 and 45 left and right. Hooks positioned on the saw's base provide onboard storage for the miter gauge and rip fence so they are always right at hand. The rip fence locks at both the front and rear to aid precise cutting, and T-slots designed into three sides of the fence provide easy attachment of auxiliary wood fences or other accessories. Cast iron table and extensions provide a big 27" X 44" work surface. The blade guard is easily removed for non-through cuts by loosening one wing bolt. When reinstalled, the guard automatically realigns itself with the blade. Sof-Touch™ ergonomic hand-wheels provide user comfort when changing blade angle and elevation.

This new TS3612 RIDGID table saw is Built in the USA, UL listed, carries the RIDGID Lifetime Warranty against defects in material and workmanship, sells for $597 and will be available in Home Depot stores beginning July 1, 2002. For more information on this product call 1-800-4-RIDGID or visit the brand's Web site at www.ridgidwoodworking.com.