Ryobi HPL51 User Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Power Planer
Model No. HPL51

DOUBLE INSULATED

Your ne w Po wer Planer has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi’ s high standard for dependability, ease of operation,
and operator safety. Properly cared for , it will give y ou years of rugged, trouble-free perf ormance.

W ARNING: T o reduce the risk of injury , the user must read and understand the operator’ s man ual before

using this product.

Thank you for buying Ryobi tools.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

■■

■ Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 2

■■

■■

■ General Safety Rules ........................................................................................................................................ 3 - 4

■■

■■

■ Specific Safety Rules ........................................................................................................................................4 - 5

■■

■■

■ Symbols ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 - 6

■■

■■

■ Electrical ................................................................................................................................................................ 6

■■

■■

■ Product Specifications............................................................................................................................................ 7

■■

■■

■ Unpacking .............................................................................................................................................................. 7

■■

■■

■ Applications............................................................................................................................................................ 7

■■

■■

■ Features ................................................................................................................................................................. 8

■■

■■

■ Adjustments ........................................................................................................................................................... 9

■■

■■

■ Operation........................................................................................................................................................ 10- 12

■■

■■

■ Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................. 13 - 15

■■

■■

■ Parts Ordering / Service ....................................................................................................................................... 16

■■

INTRODUCTION

Your power planer has many f eatures for making the use
of this product more pleasant and enjoyab le . Safety ,
performance, and dependability have been given top
priority in the design of this tool making it easy to main­tain and operate.

Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means
attention!!! Your safety is involved.

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 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 eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Always wear eye
protection which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.

WARNING:

Do not attempt to operate this tool until you have
thoroughly read and completely understand the
operator’s manual. Pay close attention to the
safety rules, including Dangers, Warnings, and
Cautions. If you use this tool properly and only as
intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable
service.

Page 2

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

WARNING:

Read and understand all instructions. Failure to

follow all instructions listed below, may result in
electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Work Area

■■

■ Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered

■■

benches and dark areas invite accidents.

■■

■ Do not operate power tools in explosive atmo-

■■

spheres, such as in the presence of flammable liq­uids, gases, or dust. Power tools may create sparks

which may ignite the dust or fumes.

■■

■ Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while

■■

operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you
to lose control.

Electrical Safety

■■

■ Double insulated tools are equipped with a polar-

■■

ized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This
plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way . If the
plug does not fit fully in the outlet, 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.

■■

■ Avoid bod y 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 condi-

■■

tions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk
of electric shock.

■■

■ Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry

■■

the tools or pull the plug from an outlet. Keep cord
away from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts.
Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged

cords increase the risk of electric shock.

■■

■ When operating a power tool outside, use an out-

■■

door extension cord marked “W-A” or “W”. These
cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of
electric shock.

Personal Safety

■■

■ Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use com-

■■

mon sense when operating a power tool. Do not
use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while

operating power tools may result in serious personal
injury.

■■

■ Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jew-

■■

elry . Contain long hair . K eep your hair , clothing, and
gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jew-

elry , or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

■■

■ Av oid accidental starting. Be sure switch is off be-

■■

fore plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger on the
switch or plugging in tools that have the switch on, in­vites accidents.

■■

■ Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning

■■

the tool on. A wrench or a key that is left attached to a
rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury .

■■

■ Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance

■■

at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better
control of the tool in unexpected situations. Do not use
on a ladder or unstable support.

■■

■ Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.

■■

Dust mask, nonskid safety shoes, globes, hard hat, or
hearing protection must be used for appropriate condi­tions.

Tool Use and Care

■■

■ Use clamps or other practical way to secure and

■■

support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding
the work by hand or against your body is unstable and
may lead to loss of control.

■■

■ Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your ap-

■■

plication. The correct tool will do the job better and
safer at the rate for which it is designed.

■■

■ Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on or off.

■■

Any tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is
dangerous and must be repaired.

■■

■ Disconnect the plug from power source before mak-

■■

ing any adjustments, changing accessories, or stor­ing the tool. Such preventive safety measures reduce

the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

■■

■ Store idle tools out of the reach of children and other

■■

untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in the hands
of untrained users.

■ Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp
and clean. Properly maintained tools with sharp cutting

edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

■ Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, and any other condition that may
affect the tool’s operation. If damaged, ha ve the tool
serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by

poorly maintained tools.

■ Use only accessories that are recommended by the
manufacturer for your model. Accessories that may

be suitable for one tool, may become hazardous when
used on another tool.

Page 3

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

Service

■■

■ Tool service must be performed only by qualified

■■

repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed
by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury .

■ When servicing a tool, use only identical replace-

ment parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance
section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or

failure to follow Maintenance Instructions may create a
risk of electric shock or injury.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

■ Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the cutting tool may contact
hidden wiring or its cord. Contact with a “live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool “live” and shoc k the

operator.

■■

■ Wait for the cutter to stop bef ore setting the tool down. An e xposed cutter may engage the surf ace leading to

■■

possible loss of control and serious injury.

Additional Rules For Safe Operation

■■

■ Know your power tool. Read operator’s manual care-

■■

fully . Learn its 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 .

■■

■ Always wear safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses

■■

have only impact-resistant lenses; they are NOT
safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk

of serious personal injury.

■■

■ Protect your lungs. W ear a face or dust mask if the

■■

operation is dusty . Follo wing this rule will reduce the
risk of serious personal injury.

■■

■ Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection dur -

■■

ing extended periods of operation. Following this rule
will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.

■■

■ Inspect tool cords periodically and, if damaged, have

■■

repaired at your nearest Factory Service Center or
other Authorized Service Organization. Constantly
stay aware of cord location. Following this rule will

reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.

■■

■ Keep hands away from blades and planing area. Do

■■

not reach underneath work while blades are rotat­ing. Do not attempt to remove material while blades
are rotating. Blades continue to rotate after releas­ing of trigger . Follo wing this rule will reduce the risk of

serious personal injury.

■■

■ Check damaged parts. Before further use of the tool,

■■

a guard or 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, mounting, and any
other conditions that may affect its operation. A
guard or other part that is damaged should be prop­erly repaired or replaced by an authorized service
center. Following this rule will reduce the risk of shock,

fire, or serious injury .

■ 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.

Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious per­sonal injury.

■ Keep blades clean. Periodically check blades and

exhaust port for chip build-up. Clean blades mini­mize stalling and kickback. Following this rule will

reduce the risk of serious personal injury.

■■

■ Do not abuse cord. Never carry the tool by the cord

■■

or yank it to disconnect it from the receptacle. Keep
cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges. Follow-

ing this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.

■■

■ Make sure your extension cord is in good condi-

■■

tion. When using an extension cor d, be sure to use
one heavy enough to carry the current your prod­uct will draw. A wire gage size (A.W.G.) of at least
14 is recommended for an extension cord 100 feet
or less in length. A cord exceeding 100 feet is not
recommended. If in doubt, use the next heavier gage.
The smaller the gage number, the heavier the cor d.

An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage
resulting in loss of power and overheating.

■■

■ Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber be-

■■

fore planing. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
serious personal injury.

■■

■ Drugs, alcohol, medication. Do not operate tool

■■

while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any
medication. Following this rule will reduce the risk of

electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury .

■■

■ Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently

■■

and use them to instruct others who may use this
tool. If you loan someone this tool, loan them these
instructions also.

Page 4

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

WARNING:

Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains
chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these
chemicals are:

■ lead from lead-based paints,

■ crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and

■ arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.

Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your
exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such
as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

SYMBOLS

Important: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning.

Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.

SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION

V Volts Voltage

A Amperes Current

Hz Hert z Frequency (cycles per second)

W Watt Power

min Minutes Time

Alternating Current Type of current

n

0

/min Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc. per minute

No Load Speed Rotational speed, at no load

Class II Construction Double-insulated construction

Safety Alert Precautions that involve your safety

Eye Protection Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields

and a full face shield when operating this product.

Wet Conditions Alert Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.

Page 5

SYMBOLS

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

SYMBOL MEANING

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, may result in minor or

moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices that may cause property damage.

NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

ELECTRICAL

DOUBLE INSULATION

Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric power
tools, which eliminates the need for the usual three-wire
grounded power cord. All exposed metal parts are
isolated from the internal metal motor components with
protecting insulation. Double insulated tools do not need
to be grounded.

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 authorized service center for repair.
When servicing, use only identical Ryobi replacement
parts.

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.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

The power planer has a precision built electric motor. It
should be connected to a power supply that is 120
volts, 60 Hz, AC only (normal household current). Do

not operate this tool on direct current (DC).

A substantial voltage drop will cause a loss of power and
the motor will overheat. If your tool does not operate
when plugged into an outlet, double-check the power
supply.

EXTENSION CORDS

The use of any extension cord will cause some loss of
power . To keep the loss to a minimum and to prevent tool
overheating, use an extension cord that is heavy enough
to carry the current the tool will draw.

A wire gage size (A.W .G.) of at least 14 is recommended
for an extension cord 100 f eet or less in length. When
working outdoors, use an extension cord that is suitable
for outdoor use. This type of cord is designated with “WA”
on the cord’s jac ket.

WARNING:

Check extension cords before each use. If damaged
replace them immediately. Never use tool with a
damaged cord with this tool. Touching the damaged
area could cause serious injury due to electrical
shock.

Page 6

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Input 120 Volts, 60 Hz, AC only, 5 Amps
No Load Speed 16,000/min
Maximum Planing Depth 3/32 in. (2.4 mm)
Maximum Planing Width 3-1/4 in. (82 mm)
Maximum Rabbet Depth 7/16 in. (11.1 mm)

UNPACKING

INSTRUCTIONS

Your power planer has been shipped completely
assembled.

■ Carefully remove the tool and the accessories from
the box.

■ Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are
included.

■ Inspect the tool carefully to be sure no breakage or
damage occurred during shipping.

■ Do not discard the packing material until you have
carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the
tool.

■ If any parts are damaged or missing, please call
1-800-525-2579 for assistance.

Blades Rapid Set™ Double-Edged Carbide (2)
Weight 6 lbs. (2.7 kg.)
Cord length 10 ft. (3 m)

PACKING LIST

Power planer
Blades (two extra blades)
Blade Wrench
Edge/Rabbet Guide Kit
Dust Bag
Case
Operator’s Manual

WARNING:

If any parts are missing, do not operate your tool

until the missing parts are replaced. Failure to do so
could result in serious personal injury.

APPLICATIONS

You may use the power planer for the purposes listed below:

■ Planing the surface of a piece of lumber.

■ Planing the edge of a piece of lumber.

■ Making rabbet cuts in a piece of lumber.

Page 7

FEATURES

WARNING:

If any parts are missing, do not operate your
planer until the missing parts are replaced.
Failure to do so could result in possible serious
personal injury.

KNOW YOUR PLANER

See Figure 1.

Before attempting to operate your planer , familiariz e
yourself with all operating features and safety require­ments. However, do not let familiarity with the tool
make you careless.

Your planer is compact and lightweight. It is equipped
with the following features:

SWITCH

The planer has a conveniently located trigger switch.

LOCK-OFF

The lock-off button locks the trigger switch in the OFF
position when the trigger switch is released.

WARNING:

Do not allow familiarity with your planer to make
you careless. Remember that being careless a
fraction of a second is sufficient time to inflict
severe injury.

DEPTH ADJUSTMENT

Adjust the planing depth from 0 to 3/32 in. (0 to 2.4 mm)
in 1/64 in. (0.4 mm) increments.

EDGE/RABBET GUIDE

The edge guide included allows you to plane edges and
make rabbet cuts.

DUST BAG

The dust bag attaches to the planer and helps keep the
work area free of dust and debris.

KICKSTAND

The kickstand allows you to set the planer down on a
workpiece or clear table area without damaging the
workpiece or the blades.

POWER CORD

TRIGGER

SWITCH

REAR HANDLE

LOCK-OFF BUTTON

FRONT HANDLE

EXHAUST

DIRECTION

DIAL

DEPTH

ADJUSTMENT

KNOB

DUST BAG

KICKSTAND

EXHAUST PORT

Fig. 1

Page 8

ADJUSTMENTS

WARNING:

The power planer should never be connected to a
power supply when you are assembling parts,
making adjustments, cleaning, performing
maintenance, or when the tool is not in use.
Disconnecting the tool prevents accidental starting
that could cause serious injury.

EXHAUST

PORT

ATTACHING THE DUST BAG

See Figure 2.

Follow these steps to attach the dust bag.

1. Unplug the planer.

2. Slide the collar of the dust bag onto the exhaust port.
NOTE: To remove the dust bag, pull it straight out of
the exhaust port.

CAUTION:

The dust bag fills quickly. Empty it often to prevent
damage to the product.

ADJUSTING THE EXHAUST DIRECTION

See Figure 3.

Control the direction of debris when working in confined
areas. Change the direction of the exhaust to either the
right or left.

Follow these steps to adjust the exhaust direction.

1. Unplug the planer.

2. Adjust the exhaust direction and dust bag:

■■

■

To adjust exhaust to the right

■■

direction knob to the right and install the dust bag
on the right exhaust port.

■■

■

To adjust exhaust to the left

■■

direction knob to the left and install the dust bag
on the left exhaust port.

—Move the exhaust

—Move the exhaust

COLLAR

DUST BAG

Fig. 2

EXHAUST

DIRECTION

KNOB

Fig. 3

DEPTH

ADJUSTMENT

KNOB

ADJUSTING THE PLANING DEPTH

See Figure 4.

Always work from a rough cut to a finish cut. The
approximate setting for rough planing is 1/32 (0.8 mm).
For finish planing use a setting of approximately 1/64
(0.4 mm). Make test cuts in scrap wood after each
adjustment to make sure that the planer is removing the
desired amount of wood.

Follow these steps to adjust planing depth.

1. Unplug the planer.

2. Turn the depth adjustment knob to the desired setting.
NOTE: To protect the blades during storage, transport­ing, etc., set the depth adjustment to 0.

Page 9

Fig. 4

OPERATION

WARNING:

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when operating this tool. Failure to do
so could result in dust, shavings, chips, loose
particles, or foreign objects being thrown in your
eyes resulting in possible serious injury. If the
operation is dusty, also wear a face or dust mask.

STARTING/STOPPING THE PLANER

See Figure 5.

Follow these steps to start/stop the planer.

■■

■

To start the planer

■■

then depress the trigger switch.

■■

■

T o stop the planer

■■

OPERATING THE PLANER

Follow these guidelines when operating the planer.

■■

■ Clamp the work securely .

■■

■■

■ Support the work so that the operation is on your

■■

right.

—Push the lock-off button, and

—Release the trigger switch.

LOCK-OFF BUTTON

THE KICKSTAND

PIVOTS DOWN WHEN THE

PLANER IS NOT IN USE

TRIGGER SWITCH

THE KICKSTAND

RETRACTS WHEN THE

PLANER IS IN USE

Fig. 5

WARNING:

Work moving during a cut could result in loss of
control of the planer and cause serious injury.

■■

■ Hold the planer with both hands. Hold the front

■■

handle with your left hand and the rear handle with
your right hand.

■■

■ Plane slowly and empty the dust bag often.

■■

CAUTION:

Planing too fast results in a poor finish and
increases chip build-up in the chip exhaust. Chip
build-up restricts air flow and can cause motor
overheating.

WARNING:

Do not attempt to clear a blocked chip exhaust
until the blades stop and you have disconnected
the product from the power source. Failure to heed
this warning can result in serious personal injury.

■■

■ Keep the cord a way from the w ork area. Do not allo w

■■

the cord to hang on the work while planing.

Fig. 6

KICKSTAND

See Figure 6.

Your planer has been equipped with an automatic
pivoting kickstand that will prevent the blade from
contacting the workbench when not in use. As you begin
your planing operation, the kickstand will automatically
retract as it passes over the edge of your work piece.
When setting the planer down on your workbench, the
kickstand will automatically pivot down to prevent the
blade from making any contact.

WARNING:

Make sure the kickstand operates freely at all times
and that the area surrounding the kickstand is clear
of debris. Failure to do so could result in serious
personal injury.

WARNING:

Using the planer with a damaged cord could cause
electrical shock resulting in serious injury.

Page 10

OPERATION

PLANING

See Figure 7.

Follow these steps to plane.

1. Clamp the work securely.

2. Adjust the planing depth. Refer to “Adjusting the Plan­ing Depth” earlier in this manual.

3. Hold the front handle with your left hand and the rear
handle with your right hand.

WARNING:

Always use two hands on the tool for any operation;
this assures that you maintain control and avoid
risk of serious personal injury. Always properly
support and clamp the work so that both hands are
free to control the planer.

4. Place the front shoe on the edge of work to be
planed.

NOTE: Make sure the b lades are not touching the
work.

5. Apply pressure to the front handle so that the front
shoe is completely flat on the work.

6. Start the planer and let the motor reach maxim um
speed.

7. Hold the planer firmly and push it forward into the
work, using a slow, steady motion.

8. Apply downward pressure toward the rear handle as
you reach the end of the planed cut. This helps k eep
the rear section of the planer base in contact with the
work and prevents the front of the planer from
gouging the cut.

2. Hold the front handle with your left hand and the rear
handle with your right hand.

3. Place the chamfering groove on the surface to be cut.

4. Start the planer and let the motor reach maximum
speed.

5. Hold the planer firmly and push it forward into the
work, using a slow, steady motion.

6. Apply downward pressure to keep your planer flat at
the beginning and the end of the work surface.

KICKSTAND

Fig. 7

WARNING:

Be careful to avoid hitting nails during planing
operation; this action could nick, crack, or damage
blades.

NOTE: We suggest that you always keep an extra set of
blades on hand. As soon as the blades in your planer show
signs of becoming dull, replace them. The blades in your
planer are reversible and can be reversed until both sides
become dull.

CHAMFERING

See Figure 8.

The planer is designed with a chamfering groove in the
front shoe to chamfer edges of boards as shown. Before
making a cut on good lumber, practice cutting on scrap
lumber to determine the amount to be removed.

Follow these steps to chamfer.

1. Clamp the work securely.

Page 11

Fig. 8

OPERATION

PLANING EDGES AND MAKING RABBET
CUTS

The planer comes with an adjustable edge guide for
precision edge planing and rabbet cutting. Attach the
edge guide to either side of the planer for planing edges
and attach the edge guide to the left side for making
rabbet cuts.

TO ATTACH THE EDGE GUIDE FOR PLANING
EDGES

See Figure 9 and 10.

Follow these steps to attach the edge guide for planing
edges.

1. Unplug the planer.

2. Attach the bracket to the desired side of the planer
using the knob bolt.

3. Attach the edge guide to the bracket using the knob
nut and the carriage head bolt.

4. Tighten the retaining knob securely.

KNOB

BOLT

CARRIAGE

HEAD BOLT

BRACKET

EDGE

GUIDE

TO PLANE EDGES

See Figure 10.

Follow the directions in the “Planing” section earlier in
this manual. Hold the edge guide firmly against the edge
of the work surface.

TO ATTACH THE EDGE GUIDE FOR MAKING
RABBET CUTS

See Figure 11.

Follow these steps to attach the edge guide for making
rabbet cuts.

1. Unplug the planer.

2. Attach the bracket to the left side of the planer using
the knob bolt.

3. Attach the edge guide loosely to the bracket using
the knob nut and the carriage head bolt.

4. Adjust the edge guide to the desired width for the
rabbet cut.

5. Tighten the retaining knob securely.

TO MAKE RABBET CUTS

See Figure 11.

Follow the directions in the “Planing” section earlier in
this manual. Hold the edge guide firmly against the edge
of the work surface.

The depth of the rabbet is determined by the depth of the
cut and the number of passes made along the work
surface. The maximum depth of the rabbet cut is
7/16 in. (11.1 mm) and has to be cut in 3/32 in. (2.4 mm)
passes, or less, to reach the desired depth. The width of
the rabbet cut is adjustable by moving the edge guide.

KNOB NUT

Fig. 9

PLANING

EDGES

Fig. 10

MAKING
RABBET

CUTS

Page 12

Fig. 11

MAINTENANCE

WARNING:

When servicing, use only identical Ryobi
replacement parts. Use of any other part may
create a hazard or cause product damage.

GENERAL

All parts represent an important part of the double
insulation system and should be serviced only at an
authorized service center.

Av oid using solv ents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of
commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use.
Use clean cloths to remove dirt, carbon dust, etc.

WARNING:

Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline,
petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc.
come in contact with plastic parts. They contain
chemicals that can damage, weaken, or destroy
plastic.

Electric tools used on fiberglass material, wallboard,
spackling compounds, or plaster are subject to
accelerated wear and possible premature failure because
the fiberglass chips and grindings are highly abrasive to
bearings, brushes, commutators, etc. Consequently, we
do not recommend using this tool for extended work on
these types of materials. However, if you do work with
any of these materials, it is extremely important to clean
the tool using compressed air.

CLEANING THE EXHAUST PORT AND
EMPTYING THE DUST BAG

See Figure 12.

After using the planer for an extended period of time or
when planing wet or green lumber , chips may build-up in
the exhaust port. and require cleaning. Chip build-up
restricts air flow and causes the motor to overheat.
Clean the exhaust port and empty the dust bag regu­larly.

1. Unplug the planer .

WARNING:

Failure to unplug your planer could result in
accidental starting causing serious injury.

2. Remove the dust bag from the exhaust port.

3. Clean the chip or dust build-up from the exhaust
port of your planer with a small piece of wood. Do
not use your hands or fingers.

4. Empty all debris from the dust bag and ensure that
the collar is free of debris.

5. Replace the dust bag.

WARNING:

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields during power tool operation or when
blowing dust. If operation is dusty, also wear a dust
mask. Failure to do so could result in possible
serious injury.

LUBRICATION

All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with a
sufficient amount of high-grade lubricant for the life of the
unit under normal operating conditions. Theref ore, no
further lubrication is required.

Page 13

Fig. 12

MAINTENANCE

REPLACING BLADES

See Figures 13, 14 and 15.

The blades in your planer are rev ersible. Therefore , you
can reverse the blades when one edge becomes dull.

Always replace or reverse blades in pairs. Do not attempt
to sharpen blades. If the blades become dull, replace
them.

When replacing the blades, use recommended replace­ment blade only , Ryobi part number 6986101.

WARNING:

Blades are sharp, use extreme caution when
replacing the blades. Failure to heed this warning
can result in serious personal injury.

1. Unplug the planer.

WARNING:

Failure to unplug the planer could result in
accidental starting causing serious injury.

SCREW

BLADE

WRENCH

BLADE

HOLDER

Fig. 13

2. Secure the planer in an upside down position.

3. Loosen the three screws securing the blade on the
blade holder using the blade wrench provided.

NOTE: Do not ov er-loosen the screws. If scre ws are
too loose, alignment of the new blade will not be
accurate.

NOTE: Before remo ving the old blades , take notice
of the direction of cut as well as how the tapered
edge of the old blades are oriented. The tapered edge
of the new blades must be in the same orientation as
the original blades.

4. Push the blade (to the right) out of the blade holder
using the tip of a screwdriver.

5. Remove the old blade from the blade holder .
NOTE: If blade cannot be easily pushed out of blade

holder after loosening blade securing screws, use a
block of wood to break the blade loose from the blade
holder, with a short sharp blow . Then push the blade
with a screwdriver to remov e. If necessary, tap the
block of wood sharply with a small hammer to break
the blade loose.

6. Clean any sawdust or wood chips from around the
blade area.

7. Slide the new blade into the slot of the blade holder.

8. Use a screwdriver to push the blade into the blade
holder until it is centered into position.

9. Retighten the three blade securing screws using the
blade wrench.

10. Repeat the above procedure to change the other
blade.

BLADE

SCREWDRIVER

Fig. 14

Fig. 15

Page 14

MAINTENANCE

REPLACING THE BELT

See Figures 16 and 17.

When replacing the belt, use the recommended replace­ment belt only , Ryobi part number 5695001.

1. Unplug the planer.

WARNING:

Failure to unplug the planer could result in
accidental starting causing serious injury.

2. Remove belt cover screws.

3. Remove the belt cover .

4. Force the old belt from the small pulley by turning in
the direction shown. As you turn the belt, pull and
work it off the small pulley until it has been com­pletely removed from both pulleys.

5. Install the new belt over the large pulley. As y ou turn
the belt, push and work it onto the small pulley until it
is in place.

6. Replace the belt cover.

7. Install belt cover screws and tighten securely, but do
not overtighten.

NOTE: Do not ov ertighten the screws.

BELT

COVER

SCREW

Fig. 16

BELT

LARGE PULLEY

SMALL PULLEY

Fig. 17

Page 15

OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Power Planer
Model No. HPL51

DOUBLE INSULATED

EXTENSION CORD CAUTION

When using a power tool at a considerable distance from a
power source, be sure to use an extension cord that has the
capacity to handle the current the tool will draw. An under­sized cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in over­heating and loss of power . Use the chart to determine the mini­mum wire size required in an extension cord. Only round jack­eted cords should be used.

When working with a tool outdoors, use an extension cord that
is designed for outside use. This is indicated by the letters
"WA" on the cord's jacket.

Before using any extension cord, inspect it for loose or ex­posed wires and cut or worn insulation.

**Ampere rating
(on tool faceplate) 0-2.0 2.1-3.4 3.5-5.0 5.1-7.0 7.1-12.0 12.1-16.0

Cord Length Wire Size (A.W.G.)

25' 16 16 16 16 14 14
50' 16 16 16 14 14 12

100' 16 16 14 12 10 —

CAUTION: Keep the extension cord clear of the working
area. Position the cord so that it will not get caught on
lumber, tools or other obstructions while you are working
with a power tool.

**Used on 12 gauge - 20 amp circuit.

• SERVICE

Now that you have purchased your tool, should a need ever exist for repair parts or
service, simply contact your nearest Ryobi Authorized Service Center. Be sure to
provide all pertinent facts when you call or visit. Please call 1-800-525-2579 for your
nearest Ryobi Authorized Service Center. You can also check our web site at
www.ryobitools.com for a complete list of Authorized Service Centers.

• MODEL NO. AND SERIAL NO.

The model number of this tool will be found on a plate attached to the motor housing.
Please record the model number and serial number in the space provided below.

• HOW TO ORDER REPAIR PARTS

983000-285

WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS,
ALWAYS GIVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

• MODEL NUMBER

HPL51

• SERIAL NUMBER

RYOBI TECHNOLOGIES INC.

1428 Pearman Dairy Road Anderson, SC 29625
Post Office Box 1207 Anderson, SC 29622

www.ryobitools.com

Phone [phone]