Ryobi JM81-1 User Manual
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
PLATE JOINER
JM81-1
DOUBLE INSULATED
Your new tool 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
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2
General Safety Rules .................................................................................................................................................. 3-4
Specific Safety Rules ......................................................................................................................................................4
Symbols...........................................................................................................................................................................5
Electrical .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Features ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7-8
Adjustments .............................................................................................................................................................. 9-10
Operation................................................................................................................................................................. 11-16
Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................................ 17-19
Accessories ...................................................................................................................................................................19
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................................................ 20
Service Information .......................................................................................................................................................22
INTRODUCTION
Spline joinery is one of the strongest methods of joinery used in woodworking. When glue is properly applied to a spline
and to the joint area of the wood pieces being connected, a large surface area receives the adhesion properties of the
glue. This forms a very strong joint.
Traditional spline joinery requires cutting slots with a router or table saw. Small, thin strips of wood must then be cut to fit
inside the slots and act as splines.
Newer methods of spline joinery use a plate or biscuit joiner to cut precise mating oval slots in adjoining boards. Your new
plate joiner is a fast, simple, and accurate plunge cutting tool that can be used for this purpose. It can be used to cut slots
in hardwood, softwood, plywood, particle board, and other pressed woods.
Football shaped wafers, called biscuits, are then placed inside the slots with glue and used to help line up adjoining
surfaces. When a water based glue is used, the biscuits swell in the joint, making an extremely strong and firm bond.
White glue, yellow glue, carpenters glue, hide glue, and aliphatic resin glue are examples of water based glues.This
bonding technique has traditionally been limited to making edge-to-edge joints. However, with the use of your new plate
joiner, biscuits can now be easily used to connect butt, miter, and T-joints. Biscuit joining can be as strong as mortise and
tenon, tongue and groove, standard spline, and doweled joints. In most cases the material around the biscuit will break
before the biscuit itself will break. A greater surface area is exposed to glue in a biscuit joint, making the seams stronger.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to use this tool until you have read
thoroughly and understand completely the
operator's manual. Pay close attention to the safety
rules, including Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions.
If you use this tool properly and only for what it is
intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable
service.
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It
means attention!!! Your safety is involved.
WARNING:
The operation of any tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Before beginning 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.
Page 2
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING:
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to fol-
low 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 atmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases,
or dust. Power tools 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 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
three-wire grounded power cord and grounded power
supply system.
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.
Don’t expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
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 outdoor
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 oper-
ating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jew-
elry. Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and
gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jew-
elry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
Avoid 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.
Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Dust mask, nonskid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing
protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long
hair. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be drawn
into air vents.
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
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.
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.
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, have 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.
Keep the tool and its handle 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 loss of control and deterioration of the enclosure plastic.
Page 3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
SERVICE
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
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
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. Wear a face or dust mask if the
operation is dusty. Following 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 Authorized Service Center.
Constantly stay aware of cord location. Following this
rule will reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.
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.
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.
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
follow Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of shock
or injury.
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 un-
dersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in
loss of power and overheating.
Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber before
using this tool. 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.
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.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Page 4
SYMBOLS
Important: 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
VVolts Voltage
A Amperes Current
Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)
WWatt Power
min Minutes Time
Alternating Current Type of current
---
no No Load Speed Rotational speed, at no load
.../min Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute
Direct Current Type or a characteristic of current
Class II Construction Double-insulated construction
Safety Alert Precautions that involve your safety
Read The Operator’s Manual
Eye Protection
Wet Conditions Alert Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.
To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand
the 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.
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.
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 additional information concerning the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
Page 5
ELECTRICAL
DOUBLE INSULATION
Your Ryobi power tool is double insulated. This means you
are separated from the tool's electrical system by two complete
sets of electrical insulation. This extra layer of insulation is
intended to protect the user from electrical shock due to a
break in the wiring insulation. 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 technician. For service, we suggest
you return the tool to your nearest authorized
service center for repair. When servicing, use
original factory 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
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 our 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 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 —
**Used on 12 gauge - 20 amp circuit.
WARNING:
Keep the extension cord clear of the working area.
Position the cord so that it will not become entangled in
the rotating foam pad or 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.
Page 6
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.
FEATURES
SPECIFICATIONS
No Load Speed .................................................................................................................................................... 10,000 rpm
Rating ..............................................................................................................................120 volts, 60 HZ, AC, 6.0 Amperes
Fence Angle Adjustment With 45° Positive Stops..................................................................................................... 0 - 135°
Depth Of Cut With Micro Depth Of Cut Adjustment .................................................................................. 0 - 5/8 in. (16mm)
Net Weight ...................................................................................................................................................... 6.8 lb. (3.1 kg)
Your Plate Joiner has been designed for making fast, accurate,
and simple plunge cuts in wood, etc. so that biscuits can be
used to join two or more boards together. When used
properly and only for what it is intended, this versatile tool will
give you years of trouble-free performance. It is professionally
engineered, but its ease of operation allows the amateur to
produce work that is beautiful and precise.
SWITCH
To turn your plate joiner ON, depress the switch trigger.
Release switch trigger to turn your plate joiner OFF.
MOTOR
Your plate joiner has a powerful motor with sufficient power
to handle tough cutting jobs. It develops a no load speed of
10,000 RPM.
CARBIDE TIPPED BLADE
Your plate joiner has an 8-tooth carbide-tipped blade for
cutting biscuit slots.
NON-SKID BACKING PAD
The fence on your plate joiner is padded with a non-skid
backing pad to hold it stationary against the workpiece. It
helps prevent skidding when making cuts. It also prevents
marring of the workpiece from your plate joiner when making
cuts.
APPLICATIONS
(Use only for the purpose listed below)
Cutting precise mating oval slots in hard wood, soft wood,
plywood, particle board, etc., for spline joinery applications.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
Your 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.) A substantial voltage
drop will cause a loss of power and overheating. If your tool
does not operate when plugged into an outlet, double-check
the power supply.
DEPTH ADJUSTMENT KNOB
A spring loaded depth adjustment knob makes it possible to
make proper settings for three standard size biscuits. Fine
adjustments to the cutting depth can be made with a knurled
adjustment knob and jam nut located behind the depth
adjustment knob. Once the correct depth setting has been
made for one biscuit size, the other two depth settings will be
automatically set.
DUSTLESS FEATURE
The dust bag provides a dust collection system. Wood
particles are drawn up through a tunnel in the base and
collect in the dust bag during cutting operations.
INDICATOR MARKS
Centerline and line of cut indicator marks have been provided
on your plate joiner. See Figure 2.
BISCUITS
See Figure 1.
Biscuits are available in three standard sizes:
#0 (5/8 in. x 1-13/16 in.)
#10 (13/16 in. x 2-1/16 in.)
#20 (15/16 in. x 2-5/16 in.)
NOTE: Biscuits swell rapidly upon contact with water-based
woodworking glues.
ADJUSTABLE FENCE / FRONT HANDLE
Your plate joiner has an adjustable fence. By loosening the
height adjustment knobs, the angle of the fence can be set
at angles from 0° to 135°, with positive stop settings in
increments of 45°. The height of the fence can be set
between 0 in. - 2 in. with a scale showing 0 in. - 1-1/2 in.
The front handle is part of the adjustable fence and should
always be used to guide and balance your plate joiner,
providing ease of operation and maintaining safe control.
Page 7
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