Ridgid MS255SR User Manual
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
10 INCH SLIDING COMPOUND MITER SAW
WITH DUAL LASER
MS255SR
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before using this product.
Thank you for buying a RIDGID product.
1-866-974-3443/USA
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Safety Instructions ......................................................................2
Specific Safety Instructions ...................................................................... 3
Additional Instructions for Safe Operation .......................................................... 4
Symbols ..................................................................................... 5
Electrical .....................................................................................6
Lasers .......................................................................................7
Glossary .....................................................................................7
Features ..................................................................................... 8
Tools Needed .................................................................................11
Loose Parts ...................................................................................11
Assembly ....................................................................................12
Adjustments ..................................................................................13
Operation ....................................................................................18
Maintenance ..................................................................................31
Troubleshooting ...............................................................................33
Warranty .....................................................................................34
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Safety is a combination of using common sense, staying
alert, and knowing how your miter saw works. Read this
manual to understand this miter saw and how to use it
safely.
WARNING: Read and understand all instructions.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may
result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal
injury.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
• Keep guards in place and in working order.
• Remove adjusting keys and wrenches. Form a habit
of checking to see that keys and adjusting wrenches
are removed from the tool before turning it on.
• Keep the work area clean. Cluttered areas and
benches invite accidents.
• Don’t use in a dangerous environment. Don’t use
power tools in damp or wet locations or expose
them to rain. Keep the work area well lit.
• Keep children away. All visitors should be kept at
a safe distance from the work area.
• Make the workshop childproof with padlocks and
master switches or by removing starter keys.
• Don’t force the tool; it will do the job better and more
safely when used at the rate at which it is designed to
work.
• Use the right tool. Don’t force a tool or attachment
to do a job that it was not designed to do.
• Use the proper extension cord. Make sure that
your extension cord is in good condition. When using
an extension cord, be sure to use one that is heavy
enough to carry the current that your product will
draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line
voltage, resulting in loss of power and overheating.
Table 1 shows the correct size to use, depending
on the cord length and the nameplate ampere rating.
If in doubt, use the next heavier gage. The smaller
the gauge number, the heavier the cord.
• Wear proper apparel. Do not wear loose clothing,
gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets, or other jewelry that
can get caught in moving parts. Non-slip footwear
is recommended. Wear protective hair covering to
contain long hair.
• Always use safety glasses. Also use a face mask
or dust mask if the cutting operation is dusty.
Everyday eyeglasses only have impact resistant
lenses. They are not safety glasses.
• Secure the work piece. Use clamps or a vise to hold
the work piece whenever practical. It’s safer than
using your hand and it frees both hands to operate
the tool.
• Don’t over reach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times.
• Maintain tools with care. Keep tools sharp and clean
for the best and safest performance. Follow
instructions for lubricating and changing
accessories.
• Disconnect tools before servicing and when
changing accessories, such as blades, bits, cutters,
and the like.
• Reduce the risk of unintentional starting. Make sure
that the switch is in the off position before plugging
the tool into an electrical outlet.
• Use recommended accessories. Consult the
operator’s manual for recommended accessories. The
use of improper accessories may cause a risk of
injury to persons.
• Never stand on the tool. Serious injury could occur
if the tool is tipped or if the cutting tool is contacted
unintentionally.
• Check for damaged parts. Before further use of the
tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should
be carefully checked to determine whether it will
operate properly and perform its intended function.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts,
broken parts or mountings, and any other condition
that may affect the operation of the tool. A guard
or other part that is damaged should be properly
repaired or replaced.
• Direction of feed: always feed work into a blade or
cut against the direction of rotation of the blade
or cutter.
• Never leave a tool running unattended. Turn the
power off. Don’t leave the tool until it comes to a
complete stop.
Recommended size of extension cords:
Tool’s Ampere Rating
(120 V circuit only)
0-6
6-10 18 16 14
10-12 16 16 14
12-16 14 12 Not Recommended
Volts
120 V~
Total length of cord in feet
Cord size in A. W. G. (minimum)
25’ 50’ 100’
18 16 16
2
SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: for your own safety, read the operator’s
manual before operating the miter saw.
• Always wear eye protection.
• Donotoperatethesawwithouttheguardsinplace.
• Besuretoturnthetooloffandwaitforthesawblade
to stop before moving the work piece or changing
the settings.
• Be sure that the power is disconnected before
changing the blade or servicing the saw.
• Do not expose to rain or use in a damp location.
• When servicing, use only identical replacement
parts.
• Neverreacharoundthesawblade.
• Do not perform any operation freehand. Always
place the work piece to be cut on the miter saw table,
and position it firmly against the fence as a backstop.
Always use the fence.
• Always keep hands out of the path of the saw blade.
Do not reach under the material being cut or into the
blade’s cutting path with your fingers or hand for any
reason.
• To reduce the risk of injury, return the saw arm to the
full rear position after each crosscut operation.
• Always make sure that the miter table and saw
arm (bevel function) are locked in position before
operating your saw. Lock the miter table by securely
tightening the miter-lock lever. Lock the saw arm
(bevel function) by securely tightening the bevel
locking lever.
• Be sure that the blade path is free of nails. Always
carefully inspect lumber and remove all nails before
cutting.
• Always be sure that the blade clears the work piece.
Never start the saw with the blade touching the
work piece. Always allow the motor to come to full
speed before starting a cut.
• Support long work pieces when cutting to minimize
the risk of blade pinching or kickback. The saw may
slip, walk or slide while cutting long or heavy boards.
• Never use a length-stop on the free (scrap) end of a
clamped work piece; never hold onto or bind the free
(scrap) end of the work piece in any operation. If a
clamp and a length-stop are used together, they must
both be installed on the same side of the saw
table to prevent the saw from catching the loose end
and kicking up.
• Never cut more than one piece at a time. Do not stack
more than one work piece on the worktable at a time.
• Avoid awkward operations and hand positions where
a sudden slip could cause your hand to move into the
blade. Always make sure that you have good balance.
Never operate your saw on the floor or in a crouched
position.
• Only use the correct blades. Use the correct blade size,
style and cutting speed for the material and the type of
cut. Do not use blades with incorrect size holes. Never
use blade washers or blade bolts that are defective or
incorrect.
• Always keep blades clean, sharp and with sufficient
set. Sharp blades minimize stalling and kickback.
• Do not use dull or damaged blades. Bent blades can
break easily or cause kickback.
• Never hold a work piece by hand if it is too small to
be clamped. Always keep your hands clear of the “no
hands” zone.
• Never apply lubricants to the blade when it is
running.
• Never use solvents to clean plastic parts. Solvents
could dissolve or otherwise damage the material.
• Do not turn the motor switch on and off rapidly.
This could cause the blade to loosen, which could
create a hazard. Should this ever occur, stand clear
and allow the saw blade to come to a complete stop.
Disconnect the saw from the power source and
securely tighten the blade bolt.
• Never leave the saw unattended while it is connected
to a power supply.
• Keep the motor air slots clean and free of chips or
dust. To avoid motor damage, the motor should
be blown out or vacuumed frequently to keep
sawdust from interfering with the motor ventilation.
• Never lift this tool by gripping the cutting handle
or the miter fence. This may cause misalignment.
Always lock the saw arm in the “DOWN” position
and then carry the saw by holding the base or lift it
using the carrying handle/support bracket.
WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding,
sawing, grinding, drilling and other construction
activities contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Some examples of these chemicals are:
• Leadfromlead-basedpaints.
• Crystallinesilicafrombricks,cement,andother
masonry products.
• Arsenicandchromiumfromchemicallytreated
lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending
on how often you do this type of work.
To reduce your exposure to these chemicals:
• Workinawell-ventilatedarea.
• Workwithapprovedsafetyequipment,suchas
dust masks that are specially designed to filter out
microscopic particles.
Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power
sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other
construction activities. Wear protective clothing and
wash exposed areas with soap and water.
Allowing dust to get into your mouth or eyes or to
lie on the skin may promote absorption of harmful
chemicals.
3
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAFE OPERATION
WARNING: The use of this tool can generate and/or
disburse dust, which may cause serious and
permanent respiratory or other injury. Always use
protection appropriate for the dust exposure. Direct
particles away from the face and body.
• Know your power tool. Read the Operator’s Manual
carefully. Learn the applications and limitations, as
well as the specific potential hazards related to this
tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
electric shock, fire or serious injury.
• Before beginning power tool operation, always
wear safety goggles or safety glasses with a side
shield and a full face shield when needed. We
recommend a Wide Vision Safety Mask for use
over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with
side shields. Always use eye protection which is
marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
• Protect your lungs. Wear a face mask or a dust mask
if the operation is dusty.
• Protect your hearing. Wear appropriate personal
hearing protection during use. Under some conditions
and duration of use, noise from this product may
contribute to hearing loss.
• All visitors and bystanders must wear the same
safety equipment that the operator of the saw wears.
• Inspect the tool cords periodically and, if damaged,
have them repaired by a qualified person.
• Always check the tool for damaged parts. Before
further use of the tool, a guard or other part that is
damaged should be carefully checked to determine
whether it will operate properly and perform its intended
function. Check for misalignment or binding of moving
parts, broken parts, and any other condition that may
affect the tool’s operation. A guard or other part that is
damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by a
qualified person.
• Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and
use them to instruct others who may use this tool. If
someone borrows this tool, make sure they have these
instructions also.
4
SYMBOLS
Some of the following symbols may be used on this
tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper
interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate
the tool better and more safely.
Symbol Name Designation / Explanation
V Volts Voltage
A Amperes Current
Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)
W Watts Power
n
o
.../min Per minute
Alternating current Type of current
Direct current Type of characteristic of current
No-load speed Rotational speed at no load
Class II construction Double insulated construction
Wet conditions alert
Read the operator’s
manual
Eye protection
Safety alert Precautions that involve your safety.
Revolutions, strokes, surface speed orbits,
etc., per minute
Do not expose to rain or use in damp
locations.
To reduce the risk of injury, user must
read and understand operator’s manual
before using this product.
Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields and a full face
shield when operating this product.
No hands symbol
Hot surface
Failure to keep your hands away from the
blade will result in serious personal injury.
To reduce the risk of injury or damage,
avoid contact with any hot surface.
5
The following signal words and meanings are intended
to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous
situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation, which, if not avoided, could result in minor
or moderate injury.
NOTE: (Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a
situation that may result in property damage.
SERVICE
Service requires extreme care and knowledge and should
be performed only by a qualified service technician. For
service we suggest you return the product to your
nearest AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER for repair.
When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, do not
attempt to use this product until you read
thoroughly and understand completely the operator’s
manual. Save this operator’s manual and review it
frequentlyforcontinuingsafeoperationand
instructing others who may use this product. Call
customer service for assistance at 1-866-974-3443.
WARNING: The operation of any power tool can
result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Before
beginning power tool operation, always wear safety
goggles or safety glasses with a side shield and a full
face shield when needed. We recommend a Wide
Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or
standard safety glasses with side shields. Always use
eye protection which is marked to comply with ANSI
Z87.1.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
ELECTRICAL
WARNING: Do not permit fingers to touch the
terminal or the plug when installing or removing the
plug from an outlet.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, double-insulated
toolsareequipped with a polarizedplug(oneblade
is wider than the other). This plug will fit into a
polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does
not fit in the outlet properly, reverse the plug. If it still does
not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a
polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.
• Double insulation eliminates the need for the three-wire
grounded power cord and grounded power supply
system. Applicable only to Class II (double-insulated)
tools. This compound miter saw is a double-insulated
tool.
WARNING: Double insulation does not take the
place of normal safety precautions when operating
this tool.
• Before plugging in the tool, be sure that the
outlet voltage supplied is within the voltage
marked on the tool’s data plate. Do not use “AC only”
rated tools with a DC power supply.
• Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as
pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an
increased risk of electric shock if your body is
grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions,
and do not use power tools in wet or damp locations.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of
electric shock. This tool is intended for indoor use only.
Cover of grounded outlet box
• If operating a power tool in damp locations is
unavoidable, always use a ground fault circuit
interrupter to supply power to your tool. Always wear
electrician’s rubber gloves and footwear in damp
conditions.
• Inspect tool cords for damage. Have damaged tool
cords repaired by a qualified person. Be sure to stay
constantly aware of the cord location, and keep it well
away from the moving blade.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry
the tool or to remove the plug from the outlet. Keep
the cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges and moving
parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged
cords increase the risk of electric shock.
6
LASERS
This miter saw has a built-in laser light. This is a Class II
laser that emits a maximum output power of 635 nm 1 mW
wavelengths. These lasers do not normally present an
optical hazard. However, do not stare into the beam.
Doing so can cause flash blindness.
CAUTION: The following label is affixed to your
tool. It indicates the location from which the saw emits
the laser light. Be aware of the laser light location
when using the tool. Always make sure that any
bystanders in the vicinity of use are made aware of the
dangers of looking directly into the laser.
WARNING: LASER LIGHT. LASER RADIATION.
Avoid direct eye exposure. Do not stare into the beam.
Only turn the laser beam on when the laser will shine
on a work piece.
WARNING: Use of controls, adjustments or
performance of procedures other than those specified
in this manual may result in hazardous radiation
exposure.
WARNING: The use of optical instruments to view
the laser beam, including but not limited to telescopes
or transits, will increase eye hazard.
• Do not attempt to activate the laser when the
tool housing is removed.
• The laser is activated with a button switch that is
independent of the main switch for the saw.
• Do not replace the laser light assembly with a
different type. Any repairs must be carried out by the
laser manufacturer or a qualified service technician.
• Do not attempt to repair the laser guide by yourself.
• Do not attempt to change any parts of the laser guide.
• The laser should be used and maintained in
accordance with the manufacture’s instructions.
• Never aim the beam at any person or any object
other than the work piece.
• Always ensure that the laser beam is aimed at a
sturdy work piece without a reflective surface.
Wood or rough-coated surfaces are acceptable.
Bright, shiny reflective surfaces are not suitable
for laser use, because the reflective surface
could reflect the beam back at the operator.
OPERATOR’S GLOSSARY OF TERMS
• Bevel Cut: A cutting operation made with the blade
at any angle other than 90° to the miter table.
• Blade Flange: A ring or collar on a spindle or arbor
that permits other objects, such as a blade, to be
attached to it.
• Chamfer Cut: A cut that removes a wedge from a
block of wood so that the end (or part of the end)
is angled at more than 90°.
• Compound Miter Cut: A cut made using both a miter
angle and a bevel angle at the same time.
• Crosscut: A cutting operation made across the grain
of the work piece.
• Freehand Cut: Performing a cut without using a fence,
miter gauge, fixture, work clamp, or other proper
device to keep the work piece from twisting or
moving during the cut. Do not perform any operation
freehand. Use a clamp or a vise whenever possible.
• Kerf: The material removed by the blade in a through
cut, or the slot produced by the blade in a non-through
or partial cut.
• Kickback: A hazard that can occur when the blade
binds or stalls, throwing the work piece back toward
the operator.
• Miter Cut: A cutting operation made with the blade at
any angle other than 90° to the fence.
7
• No-Hands Zone: The area between the marked lines on
the left and right side of the miter-table base. This
zone is identified by the No-Hands Zone symbols
inside the lines marked on the miter table base.
• Non-through Cut: Any cutting operation where the
blade does not extend completely through the
thickness of the work piece.
• Revolutions Per Minute (RPM): The number of turns
completed by a spinning object in one minute.
•Saw-Arm Locking pin: Locks the saw arm in the
“DOWN” position.
• Saw Blade Path: The area over, under, behind, or in
front of the blade, as it applies to the work piece; the
area that will be or has been cut by the blade.
• Set: The distance that the saw blade tooth is bent
(or set) outward from the face of the blade.
• Slide Bars: Guide the saw arm when making a slide
cut.
• Spindle Lock: Allows the user to stop the blade from
rotating while tightening or loosening the blade
screw during blade replacement or removal.
• Spindle: The revolving shaft on which a blade or
cutting tool is mounted.
• Throat Plate: A plate inserted in the Miter Saw’s table
that allows for blade clearance.
• Through Sawing: Any cutting operation where the
blade extends completely through the thickness of
the work piece.
• Work Piece or Material: The item on which the cutting
operation is performed. The surfaces of a work piece
are commonly referred to as faces, ends, and edges.
FEATURES
SPECIFICATIONS
Motor 120 V~ 60 Hz 15 A
No-load Speed 3,600 RPM
Blade Diameter 10 in.
Arbor Size 5/8 in.
Laser Wavelength: 635nm, Power 1mW Class II
Cutting Capacity with Miter at 0°/Bevel 0°:
Maximum nominal lumber size: 2x12, 4x4
Cutting Capacity with Miter at 45°/Bevel 0°:
Maximum nominal lumber size: 2x8, 4x4
Cutting Capacity with Miter at 0°/right Bevel 45°:
Maximum nominal lumber size: 2x12
Cutting Capacity with Miter at 0°/left Bevel 45°:
Maximum nominal lumber size: 2x12
Cutting Capacity of Crown Molding Miter 45° Left & Right:
Maximum size: 6”
Net Weight 59.6 lbs. (27.1 kg)
8
Carbon brush cap
Front carry handle
On/Off trigger switch
Rear carry handle
Slide-lock knob
Dust extraction
Slide bar
Work piece clamp
Upper sliding fence
Lower adjustable fence
Gravity LED work light switch
Miter angle indicator
Upper guard
Laser light aperture
Arbor screw guard
Lower blade guard
Gravity LED work light
Miter-detent locking lever
Right bevel range control
lever
Miter-lock lever
Bevel-lock lever
Laser On/Off switch
Lock-off button
Laser light adjustment screw
Spindle-lock button
Depth stop adjustment bolt
Crown molding stop button
Bevel scale
Locking pin
Bevel 33.9° (for USA)/
30° (for Canada) stop block
Upper sliding fence
Blade wrench storage
Fig. 1
9
FEATURES
KNOW YOUR SLIDING COMPOUND MITER SAW
The safe use of this product requires an understanding
of the information on the tool and in this operator’s
manual, as well as knowledge of the project you are
attempting. Before use of this product, familiarize yourself
with all of the operating features and safety rules.
10 INCH BLADE
Your compound miter saw is equipped with a 10-inch
Freud 40-tooth, general purpose blade.
15 AMP MOTOR
This saw has a powerful 15 amp motor with sufficient
power to handle tough cutting jobs.
RIGHT BEVEL RANGE CONTROL LEVER
With the right bevel range control lever “up” the head
assembly can tilt to the left side only. Press the right
bevel range control lever down and the saw arm can tilt
both right and left.
BEVEL-LOCK LEVER
To lock the saw at desired bevel angles.
WRENCHES
The larger blade wrench is used for changing the blade.
One end of the blade wrench is a Phillips screwdriver
and the other end is a hex key.
The smaller hex key is used for laser adjustment and
for miter 0° fine adjustment.
The storage area for the two wrenches is located in the
saw’s base.
CARRYING HANDLES
For convenience when carrying or transporting the miter
saw from one place to another, carrying handles are
located on the top of the saw arm and the end of the
slide bar.
Spindle-lock button
Fig. 2
LOWER BLADE GUARD
The lower blade guard is made of shock-resistant,
translucent plastic that provides protection from each
side of the blade. It retracts over the upper blade guard
as the saw is lowered into the work piece.
SPINDLE-LOCK BUTTON (Fig. 2)
The spindle-lock button locks the spindle while
installing, changing, or removing blades.
SLIDE BAR
When unlocked, the saw arm will glide forward and
backward the length of the slide bar for cutting various
work-piece widths.
SLIDE-LOCK KNOB
The slide-lock knob locks and unlocks the sliding feature
of this tool.
UPPER SLIDING FENCE/ LOWER ADJUSTABLE
FENCE
Upper and lower fences adjust for added precision.
ELECTRIC BRAKE
The electric brake quickly stops blade rotation after the
On/Off trigger switch is released.
GRAVITY LED WORK LIGHT
Unique work light that shines on the work area
regardless of the position of the saw arm.
MITER-LOCK LEVER
The miter-lock lever securely locks the saw at the
desired miter angle.
MITER-DETENT LOCKING LEVER
The miter-detent locking lever, when used with the miterlock lever lifted (unlocked), can release the miter
table from pre-set index points.
POSITIVE STOPS ON MITER TABLE
Positive stops at right and left 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, and
45° (for USA) / 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 35.3°, 45° (for Canada).
WORK PIECE CLAMP
The work piece clamp is mounted on the left or right
fence or base to securely clamp the work piece.
The work piece clamp can be turned to different angles
along the X-axis and Y-axis.
DEPTH-STOP ADJUSTMENT BOLT
The depth-stop adjustment is a feature used when cutting
grooves in the work piece. The depth adjustment is used
to limit the blade depth.
BEVEL 33.9° (USA)/ 30° (CANADA) STOP BLOCK
Use this stop block to set the saw-arm at
bevel 33.9° (USA)/ 30° (Canada). To cut crown molding
horizontally or vertically, use the bevel stop block and
set the miter to 31.6° left or right (USA)/miter 35.3°
left or right (Canada). This setting can also be used to cut
flat wood stock.
10
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