Grooving Operation - RIDGID 918 Manual

918 Roll Groover
Pipe Rotation
Direction
Figure 17 – Stabilizer Positioning

Grooving Operation

1. Confirm that equipment is properly set up and pipe is
properly prepared and loaded. Do not groove pipe
shorter than 8".
2. Set groove diameter.
3. If needed, set the stabilizer position.
4. Assume a proper operating position to help maintain
control of the machine and pipe (see Figure 18).
Figure 18 – Proper Operating Position
14
Crank Handle Rotation
(Tightening on Pipe)
• Stand facing the roll groover on the REV/O-OFF/-
FOR switch side of the machine with convenient
access to the switch, pump handle and pipe. Your
left hand will be on the pump handle, and your
right hand is clear of the pipe unless applying slight
force to the pipe to maintain tracking (see Tracking
Tips section).
• Be sure that you can control the foot switch. Do not
step on foot switch yet. In case of emergency you
must be able to release the foot switch.
• Be sure that you have good footing and balance
and do not have to overreach.
5. Move the REV/O-OFF/FOR to the REV position.
6. Apply approximately a quarter stroke of the pump
handle to force the groove roll into the pipe.
7. Depress the foot switch. The pipe will start to turn.
Allow one full pipe rotation between quarter strokes of
the pump handle. Do not advance the groove roll
too aggressively – this can cause the pipe to spiral out
of the roll set and poor groove form. Keep your hands
clear of the groove set, pipe end and stabilizer wheel.
Do not reach inside the pipe or touch groove.
Monitor the pipe as it is grooved. The end of the pipe
should stay in contact with the drive shaft flange,
and the pipe should stay in position. If the pipe starts
to move out of position, step off of the foot switch and
stop grooving. Keep your body clear in case the pipe
comes out of the grip of the roll set. If the pipe starts to
come out of position stop grooving and check set
up. If the pipe end is damaged, a new groove will need
to be prepared.
Continue applying a quarter stroke of the pump han-
dle every pipe rotation.
When using the 1" roll set, it is especially important to
not apply excessive force (improper groove diameter
setting, undersized grooves, more than a quarter
stroke of pump handle per rotation). This can damage
the 1" drive roll.
8. When the depth adjustment nut contacts the top of the
groover, allow the pipe to rotate at least two more full
rotations to ensure uniform groove depth.
9. Remove foot from the foot switch.
10. Move the REV/O-OFF/FOR switch to the OFF posi-
tion.
11. Retract the groove roll and remove the pipe from the
roll groover.
12. Inspect and measure the groove.
999-998-946.10_REV. C