OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Variable Speed, Orbital, Scrolling
Jig Saw
JS550
Your new Jig Saw has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi’s high standard for dependability, ease of operation,
and operator safety. When properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.
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 Ryobi product.
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
n Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................... 2
n General Safety Rules.....................................................................................................................................................3-4
n Specific Safety Rules ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
n Symbols ........................................................................................................................................................................5-6
n Electrical...........................................................................................................................................................................7
n Features.........................................................................................................................................................................8-9
n Unpacking ...................................................................................................................................................................... 10
n Assembly........................................................................................................................................................................ 10
n Operation...................................................................................................................................................................11-16
n Adjustments ................................................................................................................................................................... 17
n Maintenance................................................................................................................................................................... 18
n Parts Ordering / Service.................................................................................................................................................20
INTRODUCTION
This tool has many features for making its use more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety, performance, and dependability have
been given top priority in the design of this product making it easy to maintain and operate.
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
n Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered
benches and dark areas invite accidents.
n Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases,
or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the
dust or fumes.
n Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while
operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to
lose control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
n Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized
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 threewire grounded power cord and grounded power supply
system.
n 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.
n Don’t expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
n 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.
n When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor
extension cord marked “W-A” or “W”. These cords
are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric
shock.
PERSONAL SAFETY
n Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common
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.
n Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.
Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long
hair can be caught in moving parts.
n Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is off before
plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger on the switch
or plugging in tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
n 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.
n Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better
control of the tool in unexpected situations.
n Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Dust mask, nonskid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing
protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
n Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long
hair. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be drawn
into air vents.
n Do not use on a ladder or unstable support. Stable
footing on a solid surface enables better control of the
tool in unexpected situations.
TOOL USE AND CARE
n Use clamps or other practical way to secure and sup-
port the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the
work by hand or against your body is unstable and may
lead to loss of control.
n Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your appli-
cation. The correct tool will do the job better and safer
at the rate for which it is designed.
n 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.
n Disconnect the plug from power source before making
any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the
tool. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the tool accidentally.
n Store idle tools out of the reach of children and other
untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in the hands of
untrained users.
n 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.
n Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, and any other condition that may
affect the tool’s operation. If damaged, have the tool
serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by
poorly maintained tools.
n 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.
n Keep the tool and its handle dry, clean and free from
oil and grease. Always use a clean cloth when clean-
ing. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based
products, or any strong solvents to clean your tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of loss of control and
deterioration of the enclosure plastic.
3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
SERVICE
n Tool service must be performed only by qualified re-
pair personnel. Service or maintenance performed by
unqualified personnel may result in a risk of injury.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
n Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when per-
forming an operation where the cutting tool may
contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a
“live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the cutting
tool “live” and shock the operator.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES
n 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.
n 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.
n Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the
operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the
risk of serious personal injury.
n Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during
extended periods of operation. Following this rule will
reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
n Inspect tool cords periodically and, if damaged, have
repaired at your nearest Authorized Service Center.
Constantly stay aware of cord location. Following this
rule will reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.
n 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,
n When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement
parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance section
of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to fol-
low Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of shock
or injury.
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.
n 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. Following
this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.
n Make sure your extension cord is in good condition.
When using an extension cord, 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 50 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 cord. An undersized cord will
cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and
overheating.
n Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber before
using this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
serious personal injury.
n 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.
n 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.
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.
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 safer.
SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION
V Volts
A Amperes
Hz Hertz
W Watt
min Minutes
Alternating Current
Direct Current
n
o
.../min
No Load Speed
Class II Construction
Per Minute
Wet Conditions Alert
Voltage
Current
Frequency (cycles per second)
Power
Time
Type of current
Type or a characteristic of current
Rotational speed, at no load
Double-insulated construction
Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute
Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.
Read The Operator’s Manual
Eye Protection
Safety Alert
No Hands Symbol
No Hands Symbol
No Hands Symbol
No Hands Symbol
Hot Surface
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.
Precautions that involve your safety.
Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
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
SYMBOLS
The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this
product.
SYMBOL SIGNAL 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.
CAUTION: (Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in
property damage.
SERVICE
Servicing 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:
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 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 use eye protection
which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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 frequently for continuing safe operation
and instructing others who may use this product.
6
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.
WARNING:
The double insulated system is intended to protect the
user from shock resulting from a break in the tool's internal
insulation. Observe all normal safety precautions to avoid
electrical shock.
NOTE: 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. Always use original factory replacement parts when servicing.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
This tool 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
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 listed by Underwriter’s Laboratories
(UL) should be used.
When working outdoors with a tool, use an extension cord
that is designed for outside use. This type of cord is designated with "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)
Cord Length Wire Size (A.W.G.)
0-2.0 2.1-3.4 3.5-5.0 5.1-7.0 7.1-12.0 12.1-16.0
25' 16 16 16 16 14 14
50' 16 16 16 14 14 12
100' 16 16 14 12 10 —
**Used on 12 gage - 20 amp circuit.
WARNING:
Keep the extension cord clear of the working area.
Position the cord so that it will not become caught on
lumber, tools or other obstructions while you are working
with a power tool. Failure to do so can result in serious
personal injury.
WARNING:
Check extension cords before each use. If damaged replace immediately. Never use tool with a damaged cord
since touching the damaged area could cause electrical
shock resulting in serious injury.
7
FEATURES
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Input .............................................................................................................................120 Volts, 60 Hz, AC Only, 5.5 amps
No Load Speed ....................................................................................................................................................0-3200/min.
Stroke Length.................................................................................................................................................. 1 in. (25.4 mm)
Maximum Cutting Depth in Wood................................................................................................................2-3/4 in. (70 mm)
Orbital Settings .....................................................................................................................................................................4
Net Weight...................................................................................................................................................5.8 lbs. ( 2.63 kg.)
360° SCROLLING KNOB
VACUUM ATTACHMENT
BLADE STORAGE AREA
METAL CUTTING
SAW BLADE
SCROLLING KNOB LOCK
LED LIGHT
WOOD CUTTING
SAW BLADE
VARIABLE SPEED
CONTROL SELECTOR
LOCK-ON BUTTON
TRIGGER SWITCH
BASE LOCKING
LEVER
EDGE GUIDE
RAPID CHANGE
BLADE CLAMP
ORBITAL ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
BLADE SUPPORT
ROLLER
8
SAW BASE
Fig. 1
FEATURES
KNOW YOUR JIG SAW
See Figure 1.
Before attempting to use this product, familiarize yourself
with all operating Features and Safety Rules.
SWITCH
The jig saw has a conveniently located trigger switch.
VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL SELECTOR
The trigger switch has a variable speed control selector to
adjust the speed of the jig saw.
LOCK-ON BUTTON
The lock-on button allows continuous operation.
LED LIGHT
The led light illuminates your work to give you a clear view
of the cut line.
BASE LOCKING LEVER
Toolless saw base adjustment makes bevel adjustment for
adjusting the cut angle quick and easy.
BLADE SUPPORT ROLLER
The blade-support roller is recessed to ensure accurate cutting.
It has a hard-wearing die-cast aluminum casing with good
heat dissipation properties to protect against overheating.
ORBITAL ADJUSTMENT KNOB
Four position orbital adjustment for fine to aggressive
cutting.
VACUUM ATTACHMENT / BLADE STORAGE
A vacuum attachment is packed with your saw. Used in conjunction with a vacuum cleaner, it will yield the highest dust
removal efficiency. It features a built-in blade storage area.
SCROLLING KNOB
360° scrolling blade action for precision cutting in tight
areas.
RAPID CHANGE BLADE CLAMP
Allows you to change saw blades without the need for
separate tools.
EDGE GUIDE
Allows you to make straight cuts using the edge of the
workpiece as a guide.
9
UNPACKING
This tool has been shipped completely assembled except
for the blade.
n Carefully remove the tool and accessories from the
box.
n Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are
included.
n Inspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or
damage occurred during shipping.
n Do not discard the packing material until you have care-
fully inspected and satisfactorily operated the tool.
n If any parts are damaged or missing, please call
1-800-525-2579 for assistance.
ASSEMBLY
WARNING:
Do not connect to power supply until assembly is complete.
Failure to comply could result in accidental starting and
possible serious personal injury.
PACKING LIST
Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw
Blades (2)
Vacuum Attachment
Edge Guide
Case
Operator’s Manual
Warranty Registration Card
WARNING:
If any parts are missing do not operate your tool until the
missing parts are replaced. Failure to do so could result
in possible serious personal injury.
TO INSTALL JIG SAW BLADES
See Figure 2.
n Unplug your saw.
�n Lift the clamping lever on the rapid-change blade clamp
until it stops.
�n Holding the clamping lever up, insert the saw blade as
far as possible into the slot in the saw bar.
�n Check to make sure the back of the saw blade is centered
in the groove of the roller guide.
�n Release the clamping lever. Make sure the blade is
securely in place.
DUST PICK-UP FEATURE
See Figure 3.
For dust pick-up operation, a vacuum attachment has been
provided with the saw. It attaches to the saw base.
To Install:
n Unplug the saw.
n Slide the vacuum attachment into the curved area at the
rear of the saw base until it snaps into place.
n Attach vacuum attachment to a 1-1/4 in. vacuum hose.
n Connect vacuum hose to cleaner.
To Remove:
n Unplug the saw.
n Remove the vacuum attachment by pulling attachment
from base.
CLAMPING
LEVER
SAW BLADE
Fig. 2
VACUUM ATTACHMENT
Fig. 3
10
OPERATION
WARNING:
Do not allow familiarity with your tool to make you careless.
Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient
to inflict severe injury.
WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating this tool. Failure to do so could
result in objects being thrown into your eyes, resulting in
possible serious injury.
APPLICATIONS
You may use the jig saw for the purposes listed below:
n Sawing non-ferrous metal, sheet steel, wood, plastic,
and similar materials.
SWITCH
See Figure 4.
To turn the saw ON, depress the trigger switch. Release
trigger switch to turn the saw OFF.
LOCK-ON BUTTON
See Figure 4.
The saw is equipped with a lock-on feature, which is
convenient when continuous cutting for extended periods
of time is required. To lock-on, depress the trigger switch,
push in and hold the lock-on button located on the side of
the handle, then release trigger switch. Release lock-on
button and your saw will continue running.
To release the lock, depress the trigger switch and release.
If you have the lock-on feature engaged during use and
your saw becomes disconnected from power supply, disengage the lock-on feature immediately.
LOCK-ON BUTTON
TRIGGER
SWITCH
Fig. 4
WARNING:
Before connecting the saw to power supply, always check
to be sure it is not in lock-on position (depress and release
trigger switch). Failure to comply could result in accidental
starting and possible serious injury. Also, do not lock the
trigger on jobs where the saw may need to be stopped
suddenly.
11
OPERATION
VARIABLE SPEED
See Figure 5.
The saw has a variable speed control selector designed to
allow operator control and adjustment of speed and power
limits. The speed and power of your saw can be increased
or decreased by rotating the variable speed control selector
in the direction of the arrows shown in figure 5.
NOTE: Hold the saw in normal operating position and turn
the variable speed control selector to the positive symbol to
increase speed and power. Turn to the negative symbol to
decrease speed and power.
If you desire to lock the switch on at a given speed, depress
the trigger switch, push in and hold the lock-on button, and
release the trigger switch. Next, adjust the variable speed
control selector until the desired speed is reached.
Avoid running your saw at low speeds for extended periods
of time. Running at low speeds under constant usage may
cause your saw to become overheated. If this occurs, cool
your saw by running it without a load and at full speed.
The following guidelines may be used in determining correct
speed for various applications:
LOW speed is ideal when minimum speed and power is
required, for example, starting cuts.
MEDIUM speed is suitable for cutting hard metals, plastics,
and laminates.
HIGH speed produces best results when maximum power is
required, for example, cutting wood. Soft metals such as aluminum, brass, and copper may also require high speeds.
VARIABLE SPEED
CONTROL SELECTOR
Fig. 5
WARNING:
Do not insert saw blade into air vents. They could come
in contact with electrically live internal parts, and cause
electrical shock resulting in serious injury.
GENERAL CUTTING
Rest the front of the saw base on the workpiece and align
cutting edge of the blade with the line on your workpiece. Make
sure the power cord is out of your way and not in the line of
cut. Start your saw and move it forward on the work surface.
Apply downward pressure to keep the saw steady and only
enough forward pressure to keep the blade cutting.
DO NOT FORCE THE SAW
Applying too much forward pressure your saw may overheat
the motor and break saw blades.
ORBITAL MOTION
See Figure 6.
The blade of the saw cuts in an orbital motion. This feature
is adjustable and provides faster, more efficient cutting. With
orbital motion the blade cuts through your work in the upstroke but does not drag across your work in the downstroke.
The higher settings should be used when fast cutting in soft
material is desired. The lower settings should be used when
cutting materials with more resistance. The “0” setting shuts
off the orbital motion.
TO INCREASE
ORBITAL SETTING
TO DECREASE
ORBITAL SETTING
Fig. 6
12
OPERATION
STRAIGHT CUT
See Figures 7 and 8.
Your saw is equipped with a lock for locking the scrolling
knob in the forward facing position. This should be locked
for all straight cuts as shown in figure 8. A straight cut can
be made by clamping a piece of wood or straightedge to
the workpiece and guiding the edge of the saw against it.
Make the cut from one direction only. Don't cut halfway and
complete the cut from the opposite end. You can also use the
supplied edge guide as shown in figure 8. Loosen the thumb
screw and insert the end of the edge guide through the two
slots in the base. Measure the distance to cut and tighten
the thumb screw. Place the edge guide on the outside edge
of the workpiece and cut in a straight path.
WARNING:
To avoid possible serious injury, keep hands and fingers
from between the gear housing and saw blade clamp, and
keep the guard in place.
WARNING:
Excessive side pressure to the blade could result in broken
blades or damage to the material being cut.
Fig. 7
SCROLLING
KNOB LOCK
13
EDGE GUIDE
Fig. 8
OPERATION
SCROLL CUTTING
See Figures 9, 10, and 11.
The scroll cutting feature is designed to permit 360°
rotation of the saw blade so that intricate designs may be
cut with minimum effort.
n Set the orbit adjustment to “0”.
n Loosen the base locking lever as shown in figure 9.
n Slide the base back to move the blade-support roller out of
the way of the saw blade as shown in figure 10.
n Retighten the base locking lever.
n Unlock the scrolling mechanism of your saw by sliding the
scrolling knob lock, located on the front of the jig saw, to
the right.
n Rotate the scrolling mechanism with your free hand as
you apply pressure in the direction of the cut with your
other hand as shown in figure 11.
TO LOOSEN TO TIGHTEN
Fig. 9
SCROLLING
KNOB LOCK
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
OPERATION
ANGLE CUTTING (BEVEL CUTTING)
See Figures 12 and 13.
Bevel cutting angles may be adjusted from 0° to 45° right
or left. Angles for cuts from 0° to 45° in 15° increments are
marked on a scale on both the left and right side of the base.
An arrow under the motor assembly provides an indicator at
each of the above mentioned 15° increments. A protractor is
recommended when accurate cuts are required.
n Unlock the base by moving the base locking lever for-
ward.
n Align the mark, on the base, of the desired angle with the
indication arrow located on the housing.
n Once the desired angle is reached, tighten the base lock-
ing lever by moving the base locking lever under the motor
assembly.
BASE
LOCKING
LEVER
Fig. 12
15
Fig. 13
OPERATION
PLUNGE CUTTING
See Figures 14, 15, and 16.
WARNING:
To avoid loss of control, broken blades, or damage to
the material being cut, always use extreme caution when
making plunge cuts. We do not recommend plunge cutting
on materials other than wood.
TO MAKE A PLUNGE CUT
n Mark the line of cut clearly on the workpiece.
n Set the orbit adjustment to “0”.
n Tilt the saw forward so that it rests on the front edge of the
base and blade will not come in contact with the workpiece
when the saw is turned on.
n Make sure the blade is inside the area to be cut.
n Using high speed, start the saw and slowly lower the blade
into the workpiece until the blade cuts through the wood.
See Figure 14.
n Continue lowering the blade into the workpiece until the
base rests flat on the work surface, then move the saw
forward to complete the opening.
n Use only the 7 teeth per inch blade for this type of cut.
Fig. 14
METAL CUTTING
NOTE: The jig saw has to be in the no-orbit mode to cut metals
and conduit. Set the orbital adjustment knob to "0".
Many kinds of metals can be cut with the saw. Be careful not
to twist or bend the blades. Do not force. If the blade chatters
or vibrates excessively, use a finer-tooth metal-cutting blade.
If blade heats excessively, use lower speed. If blade teeth
become filled or clogged when cutting soft metals, such as
aluminum, use a coarser-tooth blade or lower speed. We
recommend use of oil when cutting metals to keep blades
cool, increase cutting action, and prolong blade life. Clamp the
work firmly and saw close to the clamping point to eliminate
any vibration of the work being cut.
When cutting conduit, pipe or angle iron, clamp work in a vise if
possible and saw close to the vise. To cut thin sheet materials,
"sandwich" the material between hardboard or plywood and
clamp the layers to eliminate vibration and material tearing.
By doing this, the material will be cut smoothly. Lay out your
pattern or line of cut on top of the "sandwich."
NOTE: When cutting metal, keep exposed portion of saw bar
clean and free of metal chips by wiping frequently with an
oily cloth. Use extreme caution in disposing of oily cloth after
completion of job to prevent potential fire hazard.
Fig. 15
16
Fig. 16
ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING:
Before performing any adjustment, make sure the tool is
unplugged from the power supply and the switch is in the
OFF position. Failure to heed this warning could result in
serious personal injury.
BASE LOCKING LEVER ADJUSTMENT
See Figures 17 and 18.
The base locking lever may need occasional adjustment. It
may be necessary to tighten the lever.
n Unplug the saw.
n If attached, remove the vacuum attachment.
n Remove the base plate screws and base plate by remov-
ing the six base screws to expose the adjusting nut. See
figure 17.
n Loosen the locking screw. It is not necessary to remove
the screw from the base. See figure 18.
n Release the base locking lever by pulling it forward.
n Tighten the adjusting nut 1/4 of a turn in the clockwise
direction.
n Engage the lock lever by pushing it back under the motor
assembly and check the base for any movement.
n If the base is still loose, release the lock lever and tighten
the adjusting nut another 1/4 of a turn. Repeat until the
base is secure after engaging the lock lever.
n Securely tighten the locking screw. This will keep the
adjusting nut from coming loose.
n Install the base plate and all base plate screws.
BASE PLATE
SCREWS
BASE PLATE
BASE
Fig. 17
ADJUSTING NUT
17
LOCKING SCREW
Fig. 18
MAINTENANCE
WARNING:
When servicing use only identical Ryobi replacement
parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or
cause product damage.
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.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Avoid using solvents 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, petroleumbased products, penetrating oils, etc. come in contact with
plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken, or destroy
plastic, which may result in serious personal injury.
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 recommended
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.
LUBRICATION
All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with a sufficient
amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the tool under
normal operating conditions. Therefore, no further lubrication
is required.
18
NOTES
19
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Variable Speed, Orbital, Scrolling
Jig Saw
JS550
• 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
When ordering repair parts, always give the following information:
• MODEL NUMBER
• SERIAL NUMBER
RYOBI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
1428 Pearman Dairy Road, Anderson, SC 29625
Post Office Box 1207, Anderson, SC 29622-1207
JS550
Phone 1-800-525-2579
www.ryobitools.com
983000-475
2-04
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