Ryobi AP13 Operating Manual

OWNER’S OPERATING MANUAL

PLANER THICKNESSER

MODEL AP13

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Input ................................ 2000 watts

• No Load Speed................ 8000 r.p.m.

• Min Planing Length ........ 127mm

• Max Planing Width ........ 318mm

• Planing Height ................ 5 - 153mm

• Depth Per Pass ................ 3mm

• Feeding Speed ................ 8m / min

• Binder .............................. 48mm with 2 blades,

8000 r.p.m. ie 16000 c.p.m.

• Weight.............................. 32 - 30.5kg

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This Planer Thicknesser is designed for light consumer use. It is NOT designed for
trade or industrial use and is not covered by warranty for use in these applications.

THANK YOU FOR BUYING A RYOBI PLANER THICKNESSER

Your new planer thicknesser has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi's high standard for
reliability, ease of operation and operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble
free performance.

CAUTION: Carefully read through this entire owner's manual before using your Planer

Thicknesser.

Pay close attention to the Rules for Safe Operation, Warnings and Cautions. If you use your planer
thicknesser properly and only for what it is intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.

Thank you again for buying Ryobi tools.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

WARNING
TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY,
ATTACH THE SAFETY COVER
BEFORE OPERATING

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

The purpose of safety rules is to attract your attention to
possible dangers. The safety symbols and the explanations with
them, require your careful attention and understanding.
The safety warnings by themselves do not elimimate any danger.
The instruction or warnings they give are not substitutes for
proper accident prevention measures.

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL Indicates caution or
warning. May be used in conjunction with
other symbols or pictures.
WARNING: Failure to obey a safety warning
can result in serious injury to yourself or to
others. Always follow the safety precautions to
reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury.

DOUBLE INSULATION

Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric power tools,
which eliminates the need for earth grounding. Whenever
there is electric current in the tool there are two complete sets
of insulation to protect the user. All exposed metal parts are
isolated from the internal metal motor components with
protecting insulation.

WARNING: The double insulated system is intended to protect
the user from shock resulting from a break in the tool's internal
wiring. Observe all normal safety precautions related to avoiding
electrical shock.

IMPORTANT: Servicing of a tool with double insulation requires
extreme care and knowledge of the system and should be
performed only by a qualified service technician. For service we
suggest you return the tool to your nearest Ryobi Authorised
Service Centre for repair. When servicing, use only identical
Ryobi replacement parts.

WARNING: Do not attempt to operate this tool until you have
read thoroughly and completely understood the safety rules, etc.
contained in this manual. Failure to comply can result in
accidents involving fire, electric shock or serious personal injury.
Save owners manual and review frequently for continual safe
operation and for instructing others who may use this tool.

The operation of any 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

side shields and a full face shield
when needed. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for
use over eye glasses or standard safety glasses with side shields.

1. KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Read owners manual carefully.
Learn its applications and limitations as well as the specific
potential hazards related to this tool.

2. GUARD AGAINST ELECTRICAL SHOCK BY PREVENTING
BODY CONTACT WITH GROUNDED SURFACES.

For example, pipes, radiators, ranges, refrigerator enclosures.

3. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and benches
invite accidents.

4. AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT. Don't use power
tools in damp or wet locations or expose to rain. Keep work
area well lit.

5. KEEP CHILDREN AND VISITORS AWAY. Visitors should wear
safety glasses and be kept a safe distance from work area.
Do not let visitors contact tool or extension cord.

6. STORE IDLE TOOLS. When not in use, tools should be stored
in a dry and high or locked-up place, out of reach of children.

7. DON'T FORCE TOOL. It will do the job better and safer at the
rate at which it was designed.

8. USE RIGHT TOOL. Don't force a small tool or attachment to
do the job of a heavy duty tool. Don't use tool for any purpose
not intended.

9. DRESS PROPERLY. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery.
They can be caught in moving parts. Rubber gloves and
non-skid footwear are recommended when working outdoors.
Also wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.

10. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES. Everyday eyeglasses

have only impact resistant lenses, they are not safety glasses.

11. PROTECT YOUR LUNGS. Wear a dust mask if operation is dusty.

12. PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing protection during

extended periods of operation.

13. DON'T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all

times. Do not use tool on a ladder or unstable support.
Secure tools when working at elevated levels.

14. MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp and clean

for better and safer performance. Follow instructions for
lubricating and changing accessories.

15. DISCONNECT TOOLS. When not in use, before servicing, or

when changing attachments, blades, bits, cutters, etc. all
tools should be disconnected.

16. REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES. Before

turning it on, Form a habit of checking to see that keys and
adjusting wrenches are removed from tool.

17. NEVER USE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE. Normal

sparking of the motor could ignite fumes.

18. KEEP HANDLES DRY, CLEAN AND FREE FROM OIL AND

GREASE. Always use a clean cloth when cleaning. Never use

brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum based products, or any
strong solvents to clean your tool.

19. STAY ALERT AND EXERCISE CONTROL. Watch what you

are doing and use common sense. Do not operate tool when
you are tired. Do not rush.

20. CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before further use of the tool, a

guard or any other part that is damaged should be carefully
checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform
its intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts,
binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other
conditions that may affect its operation. A guard or any other
part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced
by an authorised service centre.

21. DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT TURN IT ON

AND OFF. Have defective switches replaced by authorised

service centre.

22. DO NOT OPERATE THIS TOOL WHILE UNDER THE

INFLUENCE OF DRUGS, ALCOHOL OR ANY MEDICATION.

23. SUPPLY CORD. If the supply cord is damaged, it must be

replaced by the manufacturer or its service agent or similarly
qualified person in order to avoid a hazard.

Due to Ryobi's continued product refinement policy,
product features and specifications can and will change
without notice. Check current features and specifica­tions with your Ryobi retailer.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Page 2

■ SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AP13

1) Always wear eye protection when operating the machine.

2) Check to make sure all holding screws are tight before
starting machine.

3) Always stop the motor and disconnect from power
source before making any adjustments.

4) Be sure all guards are in place before operation.

5) Read owner’s manual thoroughly and familiarize yourself
with the machine before operation.

6) Do not force work through the machine. Allow the planer
to apply the proper feed rate.

7) Check feed rollers occasionally to be sure sawdust and
chips are not lodged between any components. If rollers
are not seated firmly, the feed rolls will not hold stock
firmly against the bed, allowing kickback.

8) Only plane wood boards.

9) Use sound lumber, with no loose knots and as few tight
knots as possible.

10) Never stand directly in line with either the infeed or
outfeed sides. Always stand off to one side of the
machine.

11) Make sure the workpiece is free of from nails, screws
stones and other foreign objects which could damage
the blades.

12) Make sure the blades are attached correctly as described
in the instructions.

13) Use caution when handling the blades and cutterhead
assembly. The blades are sharp and can easily cut your
hand.

14) Allow the cutterhead to reach full speed before using.

■ TABLE OF LOOSE PARTS

1) “C” Circlip ......................................................4 pieces

2) Blade Setting Guide ........................................2 pieces

3) Blade Setting Guage Shaft .............................1 piece

4) Base Lock Screw ......................8mm x 50(L) 4 pieces

5) Elevation Knob Lock Screw ......6mm x 15(L) 1 piece

6) Cutterhead Raising Hand Crank .....................1 piece

7) Allen Wrenches ............................................ 4 & 5mm

8) Open End Wrench ..........................8 x 10..... 1 piece

■ MOVING THE PLANER

The planer can be carried using the handles on either side of
the frame. Make sure the table extensions are closed before
moving the planer.

Stock Rollers

Hand Crank

Depth Scale

Table Extention

Overload Switch

Power Switch

Page 3

• Properly assembled
blade setting guage.

■ MOUNTING THE PLANER ONTO THE WOOD

BASE

1) When the planer is not mounted on a planer stand, it is
suggested that it be mounted onto two pieces of lumber.
This will ensure maximum stability.

2) Choose two pieces of wood according to the sizes shown
on the figure below (Fig. 1). Mount the planer onto the
wood surface.

3) Use four long, furnished screws to mount the planer base
onto the wood.

■ STOCK ROLLERS

Two rollers are built on top of the planer, providing convenient
handling of stock for consecutive cutting operations. Stock
placed on the top of the machine can be easily pulled to the
operator for planing.

■ ON / OFF SWITCH

Your Planer Thicknesser has a rocker style switch with a
removable locking key to prevent unauthorised use. If you
intend to be away from the machine for a long period of time
and there is any chance of it’s use by others, especially
children, remove the locking key with the switch in the OFF
position. Store the locking key in a safe, inconspicuous place
in your workshop. To turn the planer on, insert the locking key
and turn the switch to the ON position. The planer will then be
operable. To turn the planer off, turn the switch to the OFF
position. (Fig. 2)

■ CIRCUIT OVERLOAD SWITCH

The machine is provided with an overload switch for overload
protection. If an overload occurs, the switch will pop out. If
this happens, wait several minutes and press the switch to
reset the machine. (Fig. 2)

■ ADJUST DEPTH OF CUT

To adjust the depth of cut, turn the cutterhead-raising hand
crank in the direction marked on top of the planer. The depth
of cut adjustment can be read from the depth scale. The
adjustment gradation is 2mm per revolution of the hand crank.
(Fig. 3)

Always start your work by making a light planing cut. The
depth of cut on subsequent passes may be increased by up to
3mm, but remember that a light cut creates a finer finish than
a heavier cut.

The thickness of stock running through the planer is controlled
by the distance you adjust the cutting blade from the table.

• Do not plane stock which is less than 5mm thick.

• Do not plane stock which is thicker than 153mm (6”).

WARNING: Always be sure the switch is in the
off position before connecting the planer to the
power source.

On / Off Switch

On / Off Switch
Locking Key

Circuit Overload
Switch

Fig. 2

WARNING: Never plane more than 3mm in one
pass and never attempt to plane a board under
127mm (5”) in length. Always wear a
protective face shield.

Fig. 1

Page 4

■ ADJUSTING THE DEPTH OF CUT SCALE

For safe operation of your planer, it is very important that the
depth of cut scale is read accurately. To adjust the depth of cut
scale, follow the steps outlined below:

1) Try to feed a board for planing.

2) Compare the measured thickness of the board to the
reading on the depth of cut scale.

3) If the reading on the depth of cut scale is incorrect, loosen
the screw which tightens the plastic pointer and adjust
accordingly.

4) When you have properly adjusted the depth of cut scale,
test your reading by planing a piece of scrap lumber. After
planing, measure the planed thickness and double check
it against the scale reading. The two measurements
should be the same, re-adjust your depth of cut scale to
read the planed thickness if necessary.

■ REMOVING THE PLANER BLADES

To remove the planer blades, follow the steps outlined below:

1) Remove the chip guard by removing

the wing nuts shown in figure 4.

2) Loosen the lock bar (B) and blade by

turning the lock screws (A)
clockwise. The blades are spring
loaded, and will push out when the
assembly is loosened. (Fig. 5A)

3) Take out the blade (C), and then the

blade lock bar (B).

■ INSTALLING THE PLANING BLADES

To remove the planer blades, follow the steps outlined below:

1) Remove the blades according to the
instructions for “ REMOVING THE
PLANER BLADES”

2) Fit the blade lock bar (B) into the slot
on the cutterhead.

3) Fit the blade into the slot on the
cutterhead, and tighten the lockbar
blade assembly by turning the
screws counter clockwise. Make
sure the blade is facing the correct
direction.

4) Set the blade heights according to
the instructions on the following
page. The blade height must be
reset every time the blades are taken
out for any reason.

5) Be sure to replace the chip guard
after blades are installed.

Cutterhead
Raising
Hand Crank

Depth Scale

Fig. 3

Plastic Pointer

WARNING: Unplug your planer from the power
source before removing the planer blades.

WARNING: Unplug your planer from the power
source before removing the planer blades.

Page 5

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Chip
Deflector
Safety Guard

Screws

Screws

Fig. 5A

■ SETTING THE BLADE HEIGHT

1) To obtain a blade projection of 1.5mm, place the blade
setting guage (E) on the cutterhead with both guides
resting firmly against the blade. (Fig. 6)

2) Loosen the assembly by turning the 7 screws (A)
clockwise with an open end wrench.

3) When the blade is pressed to the proper height by the
guides on the guage, retighten the assembly by turning
the screws counter clockwise. Make sure all seven lock
screws are tightened securely.

■ MAKING THE CUTTERHEAD AND

WORKTABLE PARALLEL

Plane a workpiece and measure thickness after the cut. If the
thickness is not the same on both sides of the workpiece,
perform the following action.

Adjust the cutter shaft and the worktable so they are parallel.
The tools used for checking are shown below. Please use
hardwood to make a tool guage block according to the size
shown in the figure. Make the adjustments as per the
following procedures.

1) Remove height adjustment handle and both top and side
covers by removing allen screws (Fig.8) to expose height
adjustment lock nuts. (Fig.9)

2) Loosen adjustment lock nut. (Fig.9)

3) Adjust height nut up or down as required to suit guage
block. (Fig.7)

WARNING: The blade edge is very susceptible
to chipping. Use caution when handling the
guage near the blades to avoid damaging
them.

WARNING: The assembly must be tightened
securely to prevent accidents during planing.

1.5mm

34mm

135°

33mm

100mm

3mm

15mm

70mm

100mm

120°

30mm

20mm

33mm

5mm

Page 6

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

4) When desired height setting is reached, tighten lock nuts in
position. (Fig.9)

5) Reassemble side and top covers and replace height
adjustment handle.

NOTE: Remove guage block before starting machine.

■ PLANING FOR

FINISH

Planing for a smooth fin-
ish as well as thickness is best accomplished by taking light
cuts on the board. Always feed the material so the planer
blades cut with the grain of the board.

This allows the blades to sever the fibres of the wood instead
of lifting and tearing the fibres resulting in a fuzzy appearance
to the surface. Feeding against the grain
can also cause the knife to lift large chips
from the surface of the board, causing
unsightly appearance.

■ THICKNESS PLANING

Thickness planing is the sizing of the material to a desired
thickness, while creating a smooth surface parallel to the
opposite side of the board.

The art of thickness planing consists mainly of using good
judgement about the depth of cut in various situations. You
must take into account:

1) The width of the stock

2) The hardness of the board

3) The dampness of the board

4) The straightness of the board

5) The grain direction

6) The grain structure

How these factors can effect the quality of the work can only
be learned through experience. Whenever working with a new
type of wood, or one with unusual problems, always make
test cuts on scrap material prior to working on the actual
piece.

■ FOR ADDITIONAL PLANING

If additional planing is needed to obtain the desired thickness
or finish, hand crank the cutterhead no more than 3mm (at any
one time) and complete another pass.

■ LUBRICATION

The recommended lubrication for roller chains used in medium
to slow operation is to simply wipe the chain clean. When
there is an excess build up of dust or wood shavings etc., coat
chain with a light film of oil but never pour the oil directly on
the chain. Over-oiling tends to hasten the collection of dust
and woodshavings and works them into members of the chain
leading to increased wear and premature replacement. This
applies to the speed reduction and height adjustment chains
as well as the elevation screws.

The bearings on the cutterhead are factory lubricated and
sealed. They require no further attention.

■ PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

Build-up of sawdust and other debris can cause your machine
to plane inaccurately. Periodic cleaning is mandatory for
precision planing and highly recommended.

Close fitting parts, such as the lockbars and the planer
cutterhead slots, should be cleaned with a brush; removing
clinging foreign matter. Then replace all parts in their
respective positions slightly dampened with oil.

Remove resin and other accumulations from feed rollers and
table with a non-flamable solvent.

Page 7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

WARNING: Never plane more than 3mm in one
pass and never attempt to plane a board under
127mm (5”) in length. Always wear a
protective face shield.

Adjustment

Lock Nut

Height Adjustment

Crank Handle

Allen Screws

Height

Adjustment Nut

Page 8

Page 9

Page 10

Subject to the guarantee condition below, this Ryobi tool
(hereinafter called “the product”) is guaranteed by Ryobi
(hereinafter called “the Company”) to be free from
defects in material or workmanship for a period of 24
months from the date of original purchase covering both
parts and labour. Under the terms of this guarantee, the
repair or replacement of any part shall be the opinion of
the Company or its authorised agent. Should service
become necessary during the warranty period, the owner
should contact the Authorised Ryobi Retailer from whom
the Product was purchased, or the nearest Company
Branch Office. In order to obtain guarantee service, the
owner must present the sales docket and Guarantee
Certificate to confirm date of purchase. This product is
sold by the dealer or agent as principal and the dealer has
no authority from the Company to give any additional
guarantee on the Company’s behalf except as herein
contained or herein referred to.

Guarantee Conditions

This guarantee only applies provided that the Product has
been used in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations under normal use and reasonable care
(in the opinion of the Company) and such guarantee does

not cover damage, malfunction or failure resulting from
misuse, neglect, abuse, or used for a purpose for which
it was not designed or is not suited and no repairs,
alterations or modifications have been attempted by
other than an Authorised Service Agent. This guarantee
will not apply if the tool is damaged by accident or if
repairs arise from normal wear and tear.
The Company accepts no additional liability pursuant to
this guarantee for the costs of travelling or transportation
of the Product or parts to and from the service dealer or
agent - such costs are not included in this guarantee.
Certain legislation, including the Trade Practices Act,
1974 (as amended) and other state and territorial laws
give rights to the buyer and impose liability on the seller
in certain circumstances. Nothing herein shall have the
effect of excluding, restricting or modifying any condition,
guarantee, right or liability imposed, to the extent only
that such exclusion, restriction or modification would
render any term herein void.

RYOBI TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED

GUARANTEE

This Guarantee Form Should Be Retained By The Customer At All Times

For your record and to assist in establishing date of purchase (necessary for in-guarantee service)

please keep your purchase docket and this form completed with the following particulars.

Purchased From ___________________________________________________________

Address Of Dealer _________________________________________________________

Date _________________Model No ___________Serial No_______________________

Present This Form With Your Purchase Docket When Guarantee Service Is Required

RYOBI TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED

A.B.N. 98 002 277 509

SYDNEY: 359-361 Horsley Road, Milperra, N.S.W. 2214.

Contact during normal business hours.

Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone] - Email: [e-mail]

RYOBI NEW ZEALAND PTY. LTD.

AUCKLAND: 503 Mt Wellington Highway, Mt Wellington, N.Z.

Tel: [phone] - Free Call: 0800 279 624 - Fax: [phone] - Email: [e-mail]

Contact during normal business hours.

BRISBANE: All enquiries Tel : [phone]

TOWNSVILLE: All enquires Tel : [phone]

MELBOURNE: 960 Stud Road, Rowville.Vic. 3178

Tel : [phone]

HOBART: All enquiries Tel : [phone]

ADELAIDE: All enquiries Tel : [phone]

PERTH: 33-35 Sorbonne Cres.,Canning Vale. W.A. 6155.

Tel : [phone]