OPERATOR'S MANUAL
8-1/4 in. (209.6 mm) Cordless
Compound Miter Saw
Model MS181
R
R
O
O
T
T
A
A
T
T
I
I
N
N
O
O
45
45
31.62
31.62
30
30
.5
.5
2
2
2
2
15
15
15
15
5
5
.
.
2
2
2
2
3 0
3 0
2
2
.6
.6
1
1
3
3
4 5
4 5
THANK YOU FOR BUYING A RYOBI CORDLESS COMPOUND MITER SAW.
Your new saw has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi's high standards for dependability, ease of operation,
and operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.
CAUTION: Carefully read through this entire operator's manual before using your new saw.
Pay close attention to the Rules for Safe Operation, Warnings, and Cautions. If you use your saw properly and only
for what it is intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.
Please fill out and return the Warranty Registration Card so we can be of future service to you.
Thank you again for buying Ryobi tools.
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
■Table of Contents and Introduction .................................................................................................................. 2
■Unpacking and Tools Needed .......................................................................................................................... 9
■Loose Parts .................................................................................................................................................... 10
■Battery Pack and Charging Information ......................................................................................................... 11
■Parts Ordering / Service ................................................................................................................................. 32
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means attention!!! Your
safety is involved.
INTRODUCTION
Your saw has many features for making cutting
operations more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety,
performance and dependability have been given top
priority in the design of this saw making it easy to
maintain and operate.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Diameter 8-1/4 in. (209.6 mm)
Blade Arbor5/8 in. (15.9 mm)
No Load Speed2000 RPM
Charger Rating120 Volts, 60 Hz-AC Only
Charger Rate1 Hour
Motor18 Volt DC
Net Weight21 lbs. (9.7 kg)
Blade TypeCarbide Tipped (Thin Kerf)
WARNING:
Carefully read through this entire operator's
manual before using your new saw. Pay close
attention to the Rules For Safe Operation, and all
Safety Alert Symbols including Danger, Warning
and Caution. If you use your saw properly and only
for what it is intended, you will enjoy years of safe,
reliable service.
Cutting Capacity with Miter at 0°/Bevel 0°:
5-1/2 in. (139.7 mm) W x 2-1/16 in. (52.4 mm) T
Maximum Cutting Capacity with Miter at 45°/Bevel 0°:
3-3/4 in. (95.3 mm) W x 2-1/16 in. (52.4 mm) T
Maximum Cutting Capacity with Miter at 0°/Bevel 45°:
5-1/2 in. (139.7 mm) W x 1-1/2 in. (38.1 mm) T
Maximum Cutting Capacity with Miter at 45°/Bevel 45°:
3-3/4 in. (95.3 mm) W x 1-1/2 in. (38.1 mm) T
Page 2
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
■KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Read the
operator's manual carefully. Learn the saw's
applications and limitations as well as the
specific potential hazards related to this tool.
■GUARD AGAINST ELECTRICAL SHOCK BY
PREVENTING BODY CONTACT WITH
GROUNDED SURFACES. For example; pipes,
radiators, ranges, refrigerator enclosures.
■KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in good working
order.
■REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND
WRENCHES. Get in the habit of checking to see
that hex keys and adjusting wrenches are
removed from tool before turning on saw.
■KEEP THE WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered
work areas and work benches invite accidents.
DO NOT leave tools or pieces of wood on the
saw while it is in operation.
■DO NOT USE IN DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS. Do not use power tools near gasoline or
other flammable liquids, in damp or wet locations, or expose them to rain. Keep the work
area well lit.
■KEEP CHILDREN AND VISITORS AWAY. All
visitors should wear safety glasses and be kept a
safe distance from work area. Do not let visitors
contact tool while operating.
■MAKE WORKSHOP CHILD-PROOF with
padlocks and master switches, or by removing
starter keys.
■DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL. It will do the job
better and safer at the rate for which it was
designed.
■USE THE RIGHT TOOL. Do not force the tool or
attachment to do a job it was not designed for.
Don't use it for a purpose not intended.
■USE THE PROPER EXTENSION CORD FOR
CHARGER. 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. An undersized
cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in
loss of power and overheating. A wire gage size
(A.W.G.) of at least 16 is recommended for an
extension cord 25 feet or less in length. If in
doubt, use the next heavier gage. The smaller
the gage number, the heavier the cord.
■PERIODICALLY INSPECT EXTENSION
CORDS and replace if damaged.
■DRESS PROPERLY. Do not wear loose clothing,
gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets, or other jewelry.
They can get caught and draw you into moving
parts. Rubber gloves and nonslip footwear are
recommended when working outdoors. Also wear
protective hair covering to contain long hair.
■ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WITH
SIDE SHIELDS. Everyday eyeglasses have only
impact-resistant lenses; they are NOT safety
glasses.
■PROTECT YOUR LUNGS. Wear a face or dust
mask if the cutting operation is dusty.
■PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing
protection during extended periods of operation.
■SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold
work when practical. It's safer than using your
hand and it frees both hands to operate tool.
■DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times.
■MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools
sharp and clean for better and safer performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and
changing accessories.
■DISCONNECT ALL TOOLS. When not in use,
before servicing, or when changing attachments,
blades, bits, cutters, etc., all tools should be
disconnected or battery pack removed.
■AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Be sure
switch is in the locked or off position before
inserting battery pack. Carrying tools with your
finger on the switch or inserting the battery pack
into a tool with the switch on invites accidents.
■USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. The use
of improper accessories may cause risk of injury.
Refer to this operator's manual for recommended
accessories.
■NEVER STAND ON TOOL. Serious injury could
occur if the tool is tipped or if the blade is unintentionally contacted.
■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 must be properly repaired or replaced
by an authorized service center to avoid risk of
personal injury.
Page 3
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
■NEVER LEAVE TOOL RUNNING UNATTENDED. REMOVE BATTERY PACK. Do not
leave tool, move workpiece or make adjustments
until it comes to a complete stop.
■FIRMLY CLAMP OR BOLT your miter saw to a
workbench or table at approximately hip height.
■USE ONLY CORRECT BLADES. Do not use
blades with incorrect size holes. Never use blade
washers or blade bolts that are defective or
incorrect. The maximum blade capacity of your
saw is 8-1/4 in. (209.6 mm).
■KEEP BLADES CLEAN, SHARP AND WITH
SUFFICIENT SET. Sharp blades minimize
stalling and kickback.
■DO NOT REMOVE THE SAW'S BLADE
GUARDS. Never operate the saw with any guard
or cover removed. Make sure all guards are
operating properly before each use.
■KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM CUTTING AREA.
Keep hands away from blades. Do not reach
underneath work or around or under the blade
while blade is rotating. Do not attempt to remove
cut material when blade is moving.
■BLADE COASTS AFTER TURN OFF.
■DO NOT ABUSE CHARGER CORD. Never yank
cord to disconnect it from receptacle. Keep cord
from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
■INSPECT CHARGER CORD PERIODICALLY
and if damaged, have repaired at your nearest
authorized service center.
■DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT
TURN IT ON AND OFF. Have defective switches
replaced by an authorized service center.
■KEEP TOOL 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 solvents to
clean tool.
■ALWAYS SUPPORT LONG WORKPIECES to
minimize risk of blade pinching and kickback.
Saw may slip, walk, or slide while cutting long or
heavy boards.
■BEFORE MAKING A CUT, BE SURE ALL
ADJUSTMENTS ARE SECURE.
■AVOID CUTTING NAILS. Inspect for and
remove all nails from lumber before cutting.
■ALWAYS USE A CLAMP to secure the work-
piece when possible.
■NEVER TOUCH BLADE or other moving parts
during use.
■NEVER START A TOOL WHEN THE BLADE IS
IN CONTACT WITH WORKPIECE. Allow motorto come up to full speedbefore starting cut.
■MAKE SURE THE MITER TABLE AND SAW
ARM (BEVEL FUNCTION) ARE LOCKED IN
POSITION BEFORE OPERATING YOUR SAW.
Lock the miter table by securely tightening the
miter lock handle. Lock the saw arm (bevel
function) by securely tightening the bevel lock
knob.
■NEVER USE A LENGTH STOP ON THE FREE
SCRAP END OF A CLAMPED WORKPIECE.
NEVER hold onto or bind the free scrap end of
the workpiece in any operation. If a work clamp
and length stop are used together, they must
both be installed on the same side of the saw
table to prevent the saw from catching the loose
end and kicking up.
■NEVER cut more than one piece at a time. DO
NOT STACK more than one workpiece on the
saw table at a time.
■NEVER PERFORM ANY OPERATION "FREEHAND". Always place the workpiece to be cut on
the miter table and position it firmly against and
parallel to the fence as a backstop. Always use
the fence.
■NEVER hand hold a workpiece that is too small
to be clamped. Keep hands clear of the no hands
zone.
■NEVER reach behind, under, or within three
inches (76 mm) of the blade and its cutting path
with your hands and fingers for any reason.
■NEVER reach to pick up a workpiece, a piece of
scrap, or anything else that is in or near the
cutting path of the blade.
■AVOID AWKWARD OPERATIONS AND HAND
POSITIONS where a sudden slip could cause
your hand to move into the blade. ALWAYS
make sure you have good balance. NEVER
operate your miter saw on the floor or in a
crouched position.
■NEVER stand or have any part of your body in
line with the path of the saw blade.
■ALWAYS release the power switch and allow the
saw blade to stop rotating before raising it out of
the workpiece.
■DO NOT TURN THE MOTOR SWITCH ON AND
OFF RAPIDLY. This could cause the saw blade
to loosen and could create a hazard. Should this
ever occur, stand clear and allow the saw blade
to come to a complete stop. Disconnect your saw
from the power supply and securely retighten the
blade bolt.
Page 4
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
■REPLACEMENT PARTS. All repairs, whether
electrical or mechanical, should be made at your
nearest authorized service center.
■When servicing use only identical Ryobi replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a
hazard or cause product damage.
■NEVER USE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE. Normal sparking of the motor could
ignite fumes.
■NEVER leave the miter saw unattended while
connected to a power source.
■POLARIZED PLUGS. To reduce the risk of
electric shock, this charger has a polarized plug
(one blade is wider than the other). This charger
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 the proper outlet. Do not
change the plug in any way.
■IF ANY PART OF THIS MITER SAW IS MISSING or should break, bend, or fail in any way, or
should any electrical component fail to perform
properly, release switch trigger, remove the
battery pack and have damaged, missing, or
failed parts replaced before resuming operation.
■DO NOT OPERATE THIS TOOL WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS, ALCOHOL,
OR ANY MEDICATION.
■ALWAYS STAY ALERT! Do not allow familiarity
(gained from frequent use of your saw) to cause
a careless mistake. ALWAYS REMEMBER that
a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to
inflict severe injury.
■STAY ALERT AND EXERCISE CONTROL.
Watch what you are doing and use common
sense. Do not operate tool when you are tired.
Do not rush.
■MAKE SURE THE WORK AREA HAS AMPLE
LIGHTING to see the work and that no obstruc-
tions will interfere with safe operation BEFORE
performing any work using your saw.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RULES FOR BATTERY
TOOLS
■Battery tools do not have to be plugged into an
electrical outlet; therefore, they are always in
operating condition. Be aware of possible
hazards when not using your battery tool or
when changing accessories.
■Remove battery pack from tool or make sure
the switch is in the lock-off position before
making any adjustments, changing
accessories, storing the tool or when not in
use. Such preventive safety measures reduce
the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
■When battery pack is not in use, keep it away
from metal objects like paper clips, coins,
keys, nails, screws, other small metal objects
as well as necklaces, chains, rings etc. that
can make a connection from one terminal to
another. Shorting the battery terminals together
may cause sparks, burns, or a fire.
■Use battery operated tool only with
specifically designated battery pack. Use of
any other batteries may create a risk of fire. Use
only the battery pack listed.
■USE ONLY THE CHARGER PROVIDED WITH
YOUR BATTERY TOOL. Do not substitute any
other charger. Use of another charger could
cause batteries to explode causing possible
serious injury.
■DO NOT PLACE BATTERY TOOLS OR THEIR
BATTERIES NEAR FIRE OR HEAT. Batteries
vent hydrogen gas and can explode in the
presence of heat or a source of ignition, such as
a pilot light. To reduce the risk of serious
personal injury, never use any cordless product in
the presence of open flame. An exploded battery
can propel debris and chemicals. If exposed,
wash immediately with soap and water and
neutralize with lemon juice or vinegar.
■DO NOT CHARGE BATTERY TOOL IN A
DAMP OR WET LOCATION.
■Your battery tool should be charged in a location
where the temperature is more than 50°F (10°C)
but less than 100°F (37°C).
■Under extreme usage or temperature conditions,
battery leakage may occur. If liquid comes in
contact with your skin, wash immediately with
soap and water, then neutralize with lemon juice
or vinegar. If liquid gets in your eyes, flush them
with clean water for at least 10 minutes, then
seek immediate medical attention.
■If carrying your battery tool at your side, make
sure it is not running and your finger is not on the
switch. Avoid accidental starting.
■WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL
RYOBI REPLACEMENT PARTS.
Page 5
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR
CHARGER
■SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. This manual
contains important safety and operating
instructions for charger part number1423701.
■Before using charger, read all instructions and
cautionary markings in this manual, on charger,
and product using charger.
■To reduce risk of injury, charge only nickelcadmium type rechargeable batteries. Other
types of batteries may burst causing personal
injury and damage.
■Do not expose charger to wet or damp
conditions.
■Use of an attachment not recommended or sold
by the charger manufacturer may result in a risk
of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
■To reduce risk of damage to charger and cord,
pull by charger plug rather than cord when
disconnecting charger.
■Make sure cord is located so that it will not be
stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected
to damage or stress.
■An extension cord should not be used unless
absolutely necessary. Use of improper
extension cord could result in a risk of fire and
electric shock. If extension cord must be used,
make sure:
a. That pins on plug of extension cord are the
same number, size and shape as those of
plug on charger.
■DO NOT OPERATE CHARGER WITH A
DAMAGED CORD OR PLUG. If damaged,
have replaced immediately by a qualified
serviceman.
■Do not operate charger if it has received a
sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise
damaged in any way; take it to a qualified
serviceman. Following this rule will reduce the
risk of electric shock, fire, or serious personal
injury.
■Do not disassemble charger; take it to a
qualified serviceman when service or repair is
required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a
risk of electric shock or fire.
■To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger
from outlet before attempting any maintenance
or cleaning. Turning off controls will not reduce
this risk.
■Do not use charger outdoors.
■Disconnect charger from power supply when
not in use.
■ 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.
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.
Page 6
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.
SYMBOLNAMEDESIGNATION/EXPLANATION
VVoltsVoltage
AAmperesCurrent
HzHertzFrequency (cycles per second)
minMinutesTime
Alternating CurrentType or a characteristic of current
---Direct CurrentType or a characteristic of current
n
0
.../minRevolutions or Reciprocation Per MinuteRevolutions, strokes,
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.
No Load SpeedRotational speed, at no load
surface speed, orbits etc. per minute
Safety Alert SymbolIndicates danger, warning or caution.
It means attention!!! Your safety is
involved.
SYMBOL MEANING
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL:
Indicates danger, warning, or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or
pictographs.
DANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning will result in serious injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
WARNING: Failure to obey a safety warning can result in serious injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning may result in property damage or personal injury
to yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock and personal injury.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
Page 7
SYMBOLS
SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this
product. Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance, and repair
information.
SYMBOL
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR WOODWORKING
Arbor
The shaft on which a blade or cutting tool is mounted.
Bevel Cut
A cutting operation made with the blade at any angle
other than 90° to the miter table.
Crosscut
A cutting or shaping operation made across the grain
of the workpiece.
Compound Miter Cut
A compound miter cut is a cut made using a miter
angle and a bevel angle at the same time.
Freehand
Performing a cut without using a fence, miter gage,
fixture, work clamp, or other proper device to keep the
workpiece from twisting or moving during the cut.
Gum
A sticky, sap based residue from wood products.
Miter Cut
A cutting operation made with the blade at any angle
other than 90° to the fence.
No Hands Zone
The area between the marked lines on the left and
right side of the miter table base. This zone is
identified by no hands zone labels placed inside the
marked lines on the miter table base.
Resin
A sticky, sap based substance.
MEANING
• Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.
• NO HANDS SYMBOL
Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will
result in serious personal injury.
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)
The number of turns completed by a spinning object
in one minute.
Saw Blade Path
The area over, under, behind, or in front of the blade.
As it applies to the workpiece, that area which will be,
or has been, cut by the blade.
Set
The distance that the tip of the saw blade tooth is bent
(or set) outward from the face of the blade.
Throat Plate
A plastic throat plate inserted in the miter table that
allows for blade clearance. This provides support near
the kerf that minimizes workpiece tear-out.
Throw-Back
Throwing of a workpiece in a manner similar to a
kickback. Usually associated with a cause other than
the kerf closing, such as a workpiece not being
against the fence, being dropped into the blade, or
being placed inadvertently in contact with the blade.
Through Sawing
Any cutting operation where the blade extends
completely through the thickness of the workpiece.
Workpiece
The item on which the cutting operation is being done.
The surfaces of a workpiece are commonly referred to
as faces, ends, and edges.
Page 8
UNPACKING
Your Compound Miter Saw has been shipped
completely assembled except for the battery pack,
dust bag or dust guide.
WARNING:
If any parts are missing, do not operate this tool
until the missing parts are replaced. Failure to do
so could result in possible serious personal injury.
■Remove all loose parts from the carton. Separate
and check with the list of loose parts.
■Remove the packing materials from around your
saw.
■Carefully lift saw from the carton and place it on a
level work surface. Although small, this saw is
heavy. To avoid back injury, get help when
needed.
See Figure 1.
TOOLS NEEDED
■Do not discard the packing materials until you have
carefully inspected the saw, identified all loose parts,
and satisfactorily operated your new saw.
■Your saw has been shipped with the saw arm
locked in the down position. To release saw arm,
push down on top of saw arm and pull out the lock
pin.
See Figure 7.
■Lift the saw arm by the handle. Hand pressure
should remain on the saw arm to prevent sudden
rise upon release of the lock pin.
■Examine all parts to make sure no breakage or
damage has occurred during shipping.
If any parts are damaged or missing, do not attempt to
turn the switch on until the damaged or missing parts
are obtained and are installed correctly.
■If any parts are damaged or missing, please
call 1-800-525-2579 for assistance.
The following tools (not included) are needed for checking adjustments of your saw or for installing the blade:
17 mm COMBINATION WRENCH
10 mm COMBINATION WRENCH
PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER
COMBINATION
FRAMING SQUARE
SQUARE
Fig. 1
Page 9
LOOSE PARTS LIST
The following items are included with your Compound Miter Saw:
■Carbide Tipped Saw Blade - 8-1/4 in. (209.6 mm)
■Dust Bag
■Dust Guide
■Blade Wrench
BLADE WRENCH
DUST GUIDE
6 mm HEX KEY
DUST BAG
5 mm HEX KEY
■Work clamp
■5 mm Hex Key
■6 mm Hex Key
■Operator's Manual (Not Shown)
R
O
T
A
T
I
SAW BLADE
O
N
WARNING:
The use of attachments or accessories not listed can or could be hazardous and
cause serious personal injury.
WORK CLAMP
Fig. 2
Page 10
Loading...
+ 22 hidden pages
You need points to download manuals.
1 point = 1 manual.
You can buy points or you can get point for every manual you upload.