Ryobi P551 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

7-1/4 in., 18 Volt
Compound Miter Saw

P551

45

BATTERY AND CHARGER
SOLD SEPARATELY

Your miter saw has been engineered and manufactured to our 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 your purchase.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2

 Warranty .......................................................................................................................................................................... 2

 General Safety Rules .................................................................................................................................................... 3-4

 Specific Safety Rules .................................................................................................................................................... 4-5

Symbols ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6

 Glossary of Terms ............................................................................................................................................................ 7

 Features ...................................................................................................................................................................... 8-10

 Tools Needed ................................................................................................................................................................. 10

 Loose Parts List ............................................................................................................................................................. 11

 Assembly .................................................................................................................................................................. 12-19

 Operation .................................................................................................................................................................. 20-27

 Adjustments ..............................................................................................................................................................28-29

 Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................................. 30

 Parts Ordering / Service ................................................................................................................................... Back Page

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.

WARRANTY

RYOBI® POWER TOOL - LIMITED THREE YEAR WARRANTY AND 90 DAY EXCHANGE POLICY

One World Technologies, Inc., warrants its RYOBI® power tools with the following conditions:

90-DAY EXCHANGE POLICY: During the first 90 days after date of purchase, you may either request service under this
warranty or you may exchange any RYOBI® power tool which does not work properly due to defective workmanship or
materials by returning the power tool to the dealer from which it was purchased. To receive a replacement power tool or
requested warranty service, you must present proof of purchase and return all original equipment packaged with the original
product. The replacement power tool will be covered by the limited warranty for the balance of the three year period from
the date of the original purchase.

WHAT THIS WARRANTY COVERS: This warranty covers all defects in workmanship or materials in your RYOBI® power
tool for a period of three years from the date of purchase. With the exception of batteries, power tool accessories are war­ranted for ninety (90) days. Batteries are warranted for three years.

HOW TO GET SERVICE: Just return the power tool, properly packaged and postage prepaid, to an Authorized Service
Center. You can obtain the location of the Service Center nearest you by contacting a service representative at One
World Technologies, Inc., P.O. Box 1207, Anderson, SC 29622-1207, by calling 1-800-525-2579 or by logging on to
www.ryobitools.com. When you request warranty service, you must also present proof of purchase documentation, which
includes the date of purchase (for example, a bill of sale). We will repair any faulty workmanship, and either repair or replace
any defective part, at our option. We will do so without any charge to you. We will complete the work in a reasonable time,
but, in any case, within ninety (90) days or less.

WHAT’S NOT COVERED: This warranty applies only to the original purchaser at retail and may not be transferred. This
warranty only covers defects arising under normal usage and does not cover any malfunction, failure or defects resulting
from misuse, abuse, neglect, alteration, modification or repairs by other than Authorized Service Centers. One World Tech­nologies, Inc. makes no warranties, representations or promises as to the quality or performance of its power tools other
than those specifically stated in this warranty.

ADDITIONAL LIMITATIONS: Any implied warranties granted under state law, including warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to three years from the date of purchase. One World Technologies, Inc. is not
responsible for direct, indirect, or incidental damages, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

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.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

 KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Read the operator’s manual

carefully. Learn the applications and limitations as well
as the specific potential hazards related to this tool.

 GUARD AGAINST ELECTRICAL SHOCK BY PREVENT-

ING 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. Form

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

 KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and benches

invite accidents. DO NOT leave tools or pieces of wood
on the tool while it is in operation.

 DO NOT USE IN DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS. Do

not use power tools in damp or wet locations or expose
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 or extension cord while operating.

 MAKE WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF with padlocks,

master switches, or by removing starter keys.

 DON’T FORCE THE TOOL. It will do the job better and

safer at the feed rate for which it was designed.

 USE THE RIGHT TOOL. Do not force the tool or attach-

ment to do a job for which it was not designed.

 DRESS PROPERLY. Do not wear loose clothing,

neckties, or jewelry that can get caught and draw you into
moving parts. Rubber gloves and nonskid 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.

 SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold work

when practical, it is safer than using your hand and frees
both hands to operate the 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.

 USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. Consult the

operator’s manual for recommended accessories. The
use of improper accessories may result in injury.

 NEVER STAND ON TOOL. Serious injury could occur if

the tool is tipped or if the cutting tool 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.

 USE THE RIGHT DIRECTION OF FEED. Feed work into

a blade or cutter against the direction of rotation of the
blade or cutter only.

 NEVER LEAVE TOOL RUNNING UNATTENDED. TURN

THE POWER OFF. Don’t leave tool until it comes to a

complete stop.

 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.

KEEP BLADES CLEAN, SHARP, AND WITH

SUFFICIENT SET. Sharp blades minimize stalling

and kickback.

BLADE COASTS AFTER BEING TURNED OFF.

 NEVER USE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE.

Normal sparking of the motor could ignite fumes.

 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.

 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.

 DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT TURN IT

ON AND OFF. Have defective switches replaced by an

authorized service center.

 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 7-1/4 in.

 BEFORE MAKING A CUT, BE SURE ALL ADJUST-

MENTS ARE SECURE.

 BE SURE BLADE PATH IS FREE OF NAILS. Inspect for

and remove all nails from lumber before cutting.

 NEVER TOUCH BLADE or other moving parts during

use.

3

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

NEVER START A TOOL WHEN ANY ROTATING COM-

PONENT IS IN CONTACT WITH THE WORKPIECE.

 DO NOT OPERATE A TOOL WHILE UNDER THE

INFLUENCE OF DRUGS, ALCOHOL, OR ANY
MEDICATION.

 WHEN SERVICING use only identical replacement parts.

Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause
product damage.

 DOUBLE CHECK ALL SETUPS. Make sure blade is

tight and not making contact with saw or workpiece
before connecting to power supply.

 ENSURE THE SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION

BEFORE INSERTING BATTERY PACK. Inserting the

battery pack into power tools that have the switch on
invites accidents.

 RECHARGE ONLY WITH THE CHARGER SPECIFIED

BY THE MANUFACTURER. A charger that is suitabe for

one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when
used with another battery pack.

 USE POWER TOOLS ONLY WITH SPECIFICALLY DES-

IGNATED BATTERY PACKS. Use of any other battery

packs may create a risk of injury or fire.

 FOR USE WITH 18 V NICKEL-CADMIUM AND 18 V

LITHIUM-ION BATTERY PACKS, see tool/appliance/

battery pack/charger correlation supplement 987000-432.

 WHEN BATTERY PACK IS NOT IN USE, KEEP IT AWAY

FROM OTHER METAL OBJECTS LIKE PAPER CLIPS,
COINS, KEYS, NAILS, SCREWS, OR OTHER SMALL
METAL OBJECTS THAT CAN MAKE A CONNECTION
FROM ONE TERMINAL TO ANOTHER. Shorting the

battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.

 UNDER ABUSIVE CONDITIONS, LIQUID MAY BE

EJECTED FROM THE BATTERY; AVOID CONTACT. IF
CONTACT ACCIDENTALLY OCCURS, FLUSH WITH
WATER. IF LIQUID CONTACTS EYES, ADDITIONALLY
SEEK MEDICAL HELP. Liquid ejected from the battery

may cause irritation or burns.

 DISCONNECT BATTERY PACK FROM TOOL OR PLACE

THE SWITCH IN THE LOCKED OR OFF POSITION
BEFORE MAKING ANY ADJUSTMENTS, CHANGING
ACCESSORIES, OR STORING THE TOOL. Such pre-

ventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the
tool accidentally.

TOOL SERVICE MUST BE PERFORMED ONLY BY

QUALIFIED REPAIR PERSONNEL using only identical

replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the
power tool is maintained.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

 FIRMLY CLAMP OR BOLT the tool to a workbench or

table at approximately hip height.

 KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM CUTTING AREA. Do not

reach underneath work or in blade cutting path with hands
and fingers for any reason. Always turn the power off.

 ALWAYS SUPPORT LONG WORKPIECES while cutting

to minimize risk of blade pinching and kickback. Saw may
slip, walk or slide while cutting long or heavy boards.

 ALWAYS USE A CLAMP to secure the workpiece when

possible.

 BE SURE THE BLADE CLEARS THE WORKPIECE.

Never start the saw with the blade touching the
workpiece. Allow motor to come up to full speed
before starting cut.

 MAKE SURE THE MITER TABLE AND SAW ARM

(BEVEL FUNCTION) ARE LOCKED IN POSITION
BEFORE OPERATING THE SAW. Lock the miter table

by pushing the miter lock lever down to lock. Lock the
saw arm (bevel function) by securely tightening the bevel
lock knob.

 USE THIS SAW TO CUT WOOD, WOOD PRODUCTS

AND SOME PLASTICS ONLY. DO NOT CUT METALS,
CERAMICS OR MASONRY PRODUCTS.

 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 the fence as a backstop.
Always use the fence.

4

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

 NEVER hand hold a workpiece that is too small to be

clamped. Keep hands clear of the cutting area.

 NEVER reach behind, under, or within three inches 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.

 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, shut off
the power switch, remove the miter saw plug from the
power source and have damaged, missing, or failed parts
replaced before resuming operation.

 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.

 MAKE SURE THE WORK AREA HAS AMPLE LIGHTING

to see the work and that no obstructions will interfere with
safe operation BEFORE performing any work using your
saw.

 THIS TOOL should have the following markings:
a) Wear eye protection.
b) Keep hands out of path of saw blade.
c) Do not operate saw without guards in place.
d) Do not perform any operation freehand.
e) Never reach around saw blade.
f) Turn off tool and wait for saw blade to stop before

raising saw arm, moving workpiece or changing
settings.

g) Disconnect the saw from the power source before

changing blade or servicing.

 ALWAYS carry the tool only by the carrying handle.

 THIS SAW CAN TIP OVER if the saw head is released

suddenly and the saw is not secured to a work surface.
ALWAYS secure this saw to a stable work surface before
any use to avoid serious personal injury.

 AVOID direct eye exposure when using the laser guide.

 SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them

frequently and use to instruct other users. If you loan
someone this tool, loan them these instructions also.

5

SYMBOLS

The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.

SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING

DANGER:

WARNING:

CAUTION:

notice:

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.

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury.

(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates important information not related to an
injury hazard, such as a situation that may result in property damage.

SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION

Safety Alert

Read Operator’s Manual

Eye Protection

Precautions that involve your safety.

To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand opera­tor’s manual before using this product.

Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply
with ANSI Z87.1.

No Hands Symbol

Wet Conditions Alert

V Volts

min Minutes

n

o

.../min

No Load Speed

Per Minute

Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.

Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.

Voltage

Time

Rotational speed, at no load

Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute

6

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Anti-Kickback Pawls (flooring, radial arm, and table saws)

A device which, when properly installed and maintained,
is designed to stop the workpiece from being kicked back
toward the front of the saw during a ripping operation.

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 table surface.

Compound Cut

A cross cut made with both a miter and a bevel angle.

Cross Cut

A cutting or shaping operation made across the grain or the
width of the workpiece.

Cutterhead (planers and jointer planers)

A rotating cutterhead with adjustable blades or knives. The
blades or knives remove material from the workpiece.

Dado Cut

A non-through cut which produces a square-sided notch or
trough in the workpiece (requires a special blade).

Featherboard

A device used to help control the workpiece by holding
it securely against the table or fence during any ripping
operation.

FPM or SPM

Feet per minute (or strokes per minute), used in reference
to blade movement.

Freehand

Performing a cut without the workpiece being guided by a
fence, miter gauge, or other aids.

Gum

A sticky, sap-based residue from wood products.

Heel

Alignment of the blade to the fence.

Kerf

The material removed by the blade in a through cut or the
slot produced by the blade in a non-through or partial cut.

Kickback

A hazard that can occur when the blade binds or stalls,
throwing the workpiece back toward operator.

Miter Cut

A cutting operation made with the workpiece at any angle
to the blade other than 90°.

Non-Through Cuts

Any cutting operation where the blade does not extend
completely through the thickness of the workpiece.

Pilot Hole (drill presses)

A small hole drilled in a workpiece that serves as a guide for
drilling large holes accurately.

Push Blocks (jointer planers)

Device used to feed the workpiece over the jointer planer
cutterhead during any operation. This aid helps keep the
operator’s hands well away from the cutterhead.

Push Blocks (flooring and table saws)

Device used to hold the workpiece during cutting opera­tions. This aid helps keep the operator’s hands well away
from the blade.

Push Sticks (flooring and table saws)

Device used to push the workpiece during cutting operations.
A push stick should be used for narrow ripping operations.
The aid helps keep the operator’s hands well away from
the blade.

Resaw

A cutting operation to reduce the thickness of the workpiece
to make thinner pieces.

Resin

A sticky, sap-based substance that has hardened.

Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)

The number of turns completed by a spinning object in one
minute.

Ripping or Rip Cut

A cutting operation along the length of the workpiece.

Riving Knife/Spreader/Splitter (flooring and table saws)

A metal piece, slightly thinner than the blade, which helps
keep the kerf open and also helps to prevent kickback.

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.

Snipe (planers)

Depression made at either end of a workpiece by cutter
blades when the workpiece is not properly supported.

Through Sawing

Any cutting operation where the blade extends completely
through the thickness of the workpiece.

Throw-Back

The throwing back of a workpiece usually caused by the
workpiece being dropped into the blade or being placed
inadvertently in contact with the blade.

Workpiece or Material

The item on which the operation is being done.

Worktable

Surface where the workpiece rests while performing a
cutting, drilling, planing, or sanding operation.

7

FEATURES

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Arbor ......................................................................... 5/8 in.

Blade Diameter ......................................................7-1/4 in.

No Load Speed .................................... 4,500 r/min. (RPM)

Motor .................................................................. 18 Volt DC

“d” handLe

switch

Lock

upper

dust

bag

bLade

guard

Cutting Capacity with Miter at 0°/Bevel 0°:

Maximum lumber sizes ..................... 1-1/2 in. x 4-1/4 in.

Cutting Capacity with Miter at 45°/Bevel 0°:

Maximum lumber sizes ............................1-1/2 in. x 3 in.

Cutting Capacity with Miter at 0°/Bevel 45°:

Maximum lumber sizes ..................... 1-1/2 in. x 3-1/2 in.

Cutting Capacity with Miter at 45°/Bevel 45°:

Maximum lumber sizes ............................1-1/2 in. x 3 in.

bLade

Miter

wrench

Lock Lever

Laser
guide

switch

trigger

beveL

Lock

knob

Miter
fence

base

45

work

cLaMp

Lower

bLade

guard

“no hands Zone”

boundarY Line

Miter
tabLe

“no hands

Zone” LabeL

throat

pLate

Miter
scaLe

45

33.9

30

15

0

1

2

3

4

5

beveL
scaLe

Fig. 1

8

45

33.9

30

15

1

2

3

4

5

6

FEATURES

KNOW YOUR COMPOUND MITER SAW

See Figure 1.

The safe use of this product requires an understanding of
the information on the tool and in this operator’s manual as
well as a knowledge of the project you are attempting. Before
use of this product, familiarize yourself with all operating
features and safety rules.

7-1/4 in. BLADE

A 7-1/4 in. blade is included with the compound miter saw.
It will cut materials up to 1-1/2 in. thick or 4-1/4 in. wide,
depending upon the angle at which the cut is being made.

BEVEL LOCK KNOB

The bevel lock knob securely locks your compound miter
saw at desired bevel angles. Positive stop adjustment
screws have been provided on each side of the saw arm.
These adjustment screws are for making fine adjustments
at 0° and 45°.

BLADE WRENCH STORAGE

See Figure 1.

A blade wrench is packed with the saw. One end of the wrench
is a phillips screwdriver and the other end is a hex key. Use
the hex key end when installing or removing blade and the
phillips end when removing or loosening screws. A storage
area for the blade wrench is located in the saw’s base.

LASER GUIDE

See Figure 2.

For more accurate cuts, a laser guide is included with your
miter saw. When used properly, the laser guide makes ac­curate, precision cutting simple and easy when the laser
switch is turned on.

Miter

Lock Lever

Laser switch

“d” handLe

Lock

pin

saw arM Locked

in down position

rear bracket/

carrYing handLe

Fig. 2

switch

trigger

MITER FENCE

The miter fence on the compound miter saw has been
provided to hold your workpiece securely against when
making all cuts.

MITER LOCK LEVER

See Figure 2.

The miter lock lever securely locks the saw at desired miter
angles.

POSITIVE STOPS ON MITER TABLE

Positive stops have been provided at 0°, 15°, 22-1/2°,

31.62°, and 45°. The 15°, 22-1/2°, 31.62°, and 45° positive
stops have been provided on both the left and right side of
the miter table.

REAR BRACKET/CARRYING HANDLE

See Figure 2.

For convenience when carrying or transporting the miter
saw from one place to another, a carrying handle has been
provided at the rear of the saw. To transport, turn off and
remove the battery pack from the tool, then lower the saw

spindLe

Lock button

Fig. 3

arm and lock it in the down position. Lock saw arm by de­pressing the lock pin.

SELF-RETRACTING LOWER BLADE GUARD

The lower blade guard is made of shock-resistant, see­through plastic that provides protection from each side of
the blade. It retracts over the upper blade guard as the saw
is lowered into the workpiece.

SPINDLE LOCK BUTTON

See Figure 3.

The spindle lock button locks the spindle stopping the
blade from rotating. Depress and hold the lock button while
installing, changing, or removing blade.

9

FEATURES

SWITCH TRIGGER

See Figure 4.

The saw will not start until you depress the switch lock with
your thumb then squeeze the switch trigger. To prevent
unauthorized use of the compound miter saw, remove the
battery pack, and lock the switch in the off position. To lock
the switch, install a padlock (not included) through the hole
in the switch trigger. A lock with a long shackle of 5/16 in.
diameter may be used. When the lock is installed and locked,
the switch is inoperable. Store the padlock key in another
location.

switch

Lock

switch

trigger

TOOLS NEEDED

The following tools (not included) are needed for making adjustments or installing the blade:

padLock

Fig. 4

fraMing square

coMbination square

Fig. 5

10

LOOSE PARTS LIST

The following items are included with your compound miter saw:

 Dust Bag
 Work Clamp

 Blade Wrench

dust

bag

 Rear Bracket/Carrying Handle

 Operator’s Manual

work

cLaMp

bLade

wrench

rear bracket/

carrYing handLe

WARNING:

The use of attachments or accessories not listed might be hazardous and could cause serious personal injury.

Fig. 6

11

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING

This product requires assembly.

 Carefully lift miter saw base from the carton by the “D”

handle and the saw base, and place it on a level work
surface.

WARNING:

To prevent accidental starting that could cause serious
personal injury, always remove the battery pack from the
tool when assembling parts.

WARNING:

Do not use this product if any parts on the Loose Parts List
are already assembled to your product when you unpack
it. Parts on this list are not assembled to the product by
the manufacturer and require customer installation. Use
of a product that may have been improperly assembled
could result in serious personal injury.

 If factory assembled, the saw has been shipped with the

saw arm secured in the down position. To release the
saw arm, push down on the top of the saw arm, cut the
tie-wrap, and pull out on the lock pin.

 Lift the saw arm by the handle. Hand pressure should

remain on the saw arm to prevent sudden rise upon
release of the tie wrap.

 Inspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or

damage occurred during shipping.

 Do not discard the packing material until you have care-

fully inspected and satisfactorily operated the tool.

 The saw is factory set for accurate cutting. After

assembling it, check for accuracy. If shipping has
influenced the settings, refer to specific procedures
explained in this manual.

 If any parts are damaged or missing, please call

1-800-525-2579 for assistance.

WARNING:

Do not start the compound miter saw without checking
for interference between the blade and the miter fence.
Damage could result to the blade if it strikes the miter
fence during operation of the saw.

INSTALLING THE REAR BRACKET/CARRYING
HANDLE

See Figure 7.

WARNING:

A rear bracket is included with this miter saw to prevent
tipping if the saw arm is released suddenly. Do not use
this saw before installing the rear bracket and securely
mounting the saw to a work surface or stand.

Remove the screws from the rear bracket/carrying handle

and set aside.

Slide the bracket in the openings on the saw base, align-

ing the holes underneath the base with the holes in the
bracket.

Insert the screws into the holes and tighten securely.

WARNING:

If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate this
product until the parts are replaced. Use of this product
with damaged or missing parts could result in serious
personal injury.

WARNING:

Do not attempt to modify this tool or create accessories
not recommended for use with this tool. Any such altera­tion or modification is misuse and could result in a hazard­ous condition leading to possible serious personal injury.

screw

screw

rear bracket/

carrYing handLe

Fig. 7

12

ASSEMBLY

WARNING:

Always make sure the compound miter saw is securely
mounted to a workbench or an approved workstand. Failure
to heed this warning can result in serious personal injury.

MOUNTING HOLES

See Figure 8.

If not using a stand, the saw should be mounted to a firm
supporting surface such as a workbench. Four bolt holes
have been provided in the saw base for this purpose. Each
of the four mounting holes should be bolted securely using
1/4 in. machine bolts, lock washers, and hex nuts (not
included). Bolts should be of sufficient length to accommodate
the saw base, lock washers, hex nuts, and the thickness of
the workbench. Tighten all four bolts securely.

The hole pattern for mounting to a workbench is shown in
figure 8. Carefully check the workbench after mounting to
make sure that no movement can occur during use. If any
tipping, sliding, or walking is noted, secure the workbench
to the floor before operating.

DUST BAG

See Figure 9.

A dust bag is provided for use on this miter saw. It fits over
the exhaust port on the upper blade guard. To install, squeeze
the two metal clips to open the mouth of the bag and slide
it on the exhaust port. Release the clips. The metal ring in
the bag should lock in between the grooves on the exhaust
port. To remove the dust bag for emptying, simply reverse
the above procedure.

dust

bag

exhaust

port

45

Fig. 9

trace hoLes

at these Locations

for hoLe pattern

45

31.6

base

trace hoLes

at these Locations

for hoLe pattern

45

30

22.5

15

0

31.6

30

22.5

15

Mounting

surface

Fig. 8

13

ASSEMBLY

WORK CLAMP

See Figure 10.

The work clamp provides greater control by clamping the
workpiece to the fence. It also prevents the workpiece from
creeping toward the saw blade. This is very helpful when
cutting compound miters.

Depending on the cutting operation and the size of the
workpiece, it may be necessary to use a C-clamp instead
of the work clamp to secure the workpiece prior to making
the cut.

WARNING:

In some operations, the work clamp assembly may
interfere with the operation of the blade guard assembly.
Always make sure there is no interference with the blade
guard prior to beginning any cutting operation to reduce
the risk of serious personal injury.

To install the work clamp:

Place the shaft of the work clamp in either hole on the

saw table base.

 Rotate the knob on the work clamp to move it in or out

as needed.

45

work

cLaMp

base

Fig. 10

14

ASSEMBLY

TO INSTALL/REPLACE THE BLADE

See Figures 11 - 12.

WARNING:

A 7-1/4 in. blade is the maximum blade capacity of the
saw. Never use a blade that is too thick to allow outer
blade washer to engage with the flats on the spindle.
Larger blades will come in contact with the blade guards,
while thicker blades will prevent the blade bolt from se­curing the blade on the spindle. Either of these situations
could result in a serious accident and can cause serious
personal injury.

 Remove the battery pack from the tool.
 Raise the saw arm.
 Rotate lower blade guard up and remove blade bolt cover

screw. Rotate blade bolt cover up and back to expose
the blade bolt.

 Depress the spindle lock button and rotate the blade bolt

until the spindle locks.

 Using the wrench provided, loosen and remove the blade

bolt.

NOTE: The blade bolt has left hand threads. Turn blade

bolt clockwise to loosen.

 Remove outer blade washer. Do not remove inner blade

washer.

 Wipe a drop of oil onto inner blade washer and outer

blade washer where they contact the blade.

WARNING:

If inner blade washer has been removed, replace it before
placing blade on spindle. Failure to do so could cause an
accident since blade will not tighten properly.

bLade

boLt

cover

Lower

bLade

guard

spindLe Lock

button

45

33.9

30

15

0

Fig. 11

note: before use,
repLace screw and
tighten secureLY
to prevent guard
MoveMent

bLade boLt

cover

screw

 Fit saw blade inside lower blade guard and onto spindle.

The blade teeth point downward at the front of saw as
shown in figure 12.

 Replace outer blade washer. Double “D” flats on blade

washers align with flats on spindle.
 Depress spindle lock button and replace blade bolt.
NOTE: The blade bolt has left hand threads. Turn blade bolt

counterclockwise to tighten.

CAUTION:

Always install the blade with the blade teeth and the
arrow printed on the side of the blade pointing down at
the front of the saw. The direction of blade rotation is also
stamped with an arrow on the upper blade guard.

 Tighten blade bolt securely.
 Replace the lower blade guard and blade bolt cover.
 Replace blade bolt cover screw and tighten securely.

15

inner bLade

washer with

doubLe “d” fLats

bLade

to

Loosen

tighten

bLade

boLt

fLat(s)

on spindLe

to

outer bLade

washer with

doubLe “d” fLats

Fig. 12

ASSEMBLY

NOTE:

portions of the compound miter saw. This is intentional so
that we can clearly show points being made in the illustra­tions. Never operate the saw without all guards securely

in place and in good operating condition.

Many of the illustrations in this manual show only

SQUARING THE MITER TABLE TO THE
FENCE

See Figures 13 - 16.

 Remove the battery pack from the tool.
 Push down on the saw arm and pull out the lock pin to

release the saw arm.

 Raise the saw arm.
 Lift the miter lock lever.
Rotate the miter table until the pointer aligns with zero

on the miter scale.

 Push the miter lock lever down to lock the miter table.
 Lay a square flat on the miter table. Place one leg of the

square against the fence. Place the other leg of the square
beside the throat plate in the miter table. The edge of the
square and the throat plate in the miter table should be
parallel as shown in figure 13.

 If the edge of the square and the throat plate in the

miter table are not parallel as shown in figures 14
and 15, adjustments are needed.

 Using the blade wrench provided, loosen the socket head

screws securing the fence. Adjust the fence left or right
until the square and throat plate are parallel.

 Retighten the screws securely and recheck the fence-to-

table alignment.

Miter
fence

Miter
fence

fraMing

square

pointer

view of Miter tabLe square with fence

fraMing

square

Miter
tabLe

throat pLate

throat pLate

Miter

Lock

Lever

Fig. 13

Miter

tabLe

view of Miter tabLe not square with

fence, adJustMents are required

Miter
fence

fraMing

square

view of Miter tabLe not square with

fence, adJustMents are required

throat pLate

Miter
tabLe

Fig. 14

Fig. 15

16

socket head

screw(s)

socket head

screw(s)

ASSEMBLY

Miter

Lock

Lever

Miter
fence

bLade

45

31.6

30

22.5

15

15

0

45

31.6

30

22.5

Miter
fence

Fig. 16

SQUARING THE BLADE TO THE FENCE

See Figures 16 - 19.

 Remove the battery pack from the tool.
 Pull the saw arm all the way down and engage the lock

pin to hold the saw arm in transport position.

 Lift the miter lock lever.
 Rotate the miter table until the pointer aligns with zero

on the miter scale.

 Push the miter lock lever down to lock the miter table.
 Lay a square flat on the miter table. Place one leg of the

square against the fence. Slide the other leg of the square
against the flat part of saw blade.

NOTE: Make sure that the square contacts the flat part

of the saw blade, not the blade teeth.

 The edge of the square and the saw blade should be

parallel as shown in figure 17.

 If the front or back edge of the saw blade angles away

from the square as shown in figures 18 and 19, adjust­ments are needed.

 Using the blade wrench, loosen the socket head screws

that secure the miter fence to the miter table. See figure

16.

 Rotate the miter fence left or right until the saw blade is

parallel with the square.

 Retighten the screws securely and recheck the blade-to-

fence alignment.

The saw has two scale indicators, one on the bevel scale
and one on the miter scale. After squaring adjustments have
been made, it may be necessary to loosen the indicator
screws and reset them to zero.

Miter
tabLe

view of bLade square with fence

fraMing

square

Fig. 17

Miter
fence

bLade

Miter
tabLe

fraMing

square

view of bLade not square with fence, adJustMents

are required

Fig. 18

Miter
fence

bLade

Miter
tabLe

fraMing

square

view of bLade not square with fence, adJustMents

are required

Fig. 19

17

45

ASSEMBLY

SQUARING THE BLADE TO THE MITER TABLE

See Figures 20 - 23.

 Remove the battery pack from the tool.
 Pull the saw arm all the way down and engage the lock

pin to hold the saw arm in transport position.

 Lift the miter lock lever.

 Rotate the miter table until the pointer aligns with zero

on the miter scale.

 Push the miter lock lever down to lock the miter table.

 Loosen bevel lock knob and set saw arm at 0

set 90° to miter table). Tighten bevel lock knob.

 Place a square against the miter table and the flat part

of saw blade.

NOTE: Make sure that the square contacts the flat part

of the saw blade, not the blade teeth.

 Rotate the blade by hand and check the blade-to-table

alignment at several points.

 The edge of the square and the saw blade should be

parallel as shown in figure 21.

 If the top or bottom of the saw blade angles away from

the square as shown in figures 22 and 23, adjustments
are needed.

 Loosen the bevel lock knob.

 Adjust positive stop adjustment screw to bring saw blade

into alignment with the square. See Positive Stop Adjust­ment in the Adjustments section.

 Retighten bevel lock knob. Recheck blade-to-table align-

ment.

NOTE: The above procedure can be used to check blade

squareness of the saw blade to the miter table at both 0
and 45° angles.

The saw has two scale indicators, one on the bevel scale
and one on the miter scale. After squaring adjustments have
been made, it may be necessary to loosen the indicator
screws and reset them to zero.

°

bevel (blade

°

beveL

Lock

knob

Miter
fence

Miter

coMbination

tabLe

square

correct view of bLade square with Miter tabLe

beveL

Lock

knob

Miter
fence

Miter

coMbination

tabLe

square

view of bLade not square with Miter tabLe,

adJustMents are required

beveL

Lock

knob

bLade

Fig. 21

bLade

Fig. 22

Miter
fence

45

33.9

30

15

0

Miter

1

2

3

4

5

scaLe

scaLe

indicator

coMbination

square

bLade

Miter
tabLe

indicator
beveL
scaLe

screw

Fig. 20

view of bLade not square with Miter tabLe,

adJustMents are required

Fig. 23

18

ASSEMBLY

DANGER:

Laser radiation. Avoid direct eye contact with light source.

WARNING:

Use of controls or adjustments or performance of pro­cedures other than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.

ALIGNING THE LASER GUIDE LINE

See Figure 24.

Draw a line on the workpiece. When the laser guide switch
is turned on it will generate a red line on the work surface.
This line will let you see your mark and the laser guide line
at the same time, and will assist you in lining up the mark
for more accurate cutting of the workpiece.

Align the laser line and the mark with the blade at the
uppermost position. Once both lines are in alignment, do
not move the workpiece.

Make several practice cuts on different styles and thickness
of material. Repeat the steps above as necessary.

Follow the directions below for using the laser guide.

Removing your mark:

Position the laser line near the left edge of your mark on the
work surface in order to remove the mark.

To cut your mark:

Position the laser line near or over your mark on the work
surface in order to cut the mark.

To leave your mark:

Position the laser line near the right edge of your mark on
the work surface in order to leave the mark.

After you have become familiar with using the laser guide,
you will be able to remove, cut, or leave your mark on the
work surface. Practice will teach you the correct position
for aligning the laser line with your mark.

Laser Line

45

19

N

G

I

N

R

A

W

I

O

R

P

R

O

L

U

J

D

A

V

A

L

L

G

N

I

T

S

E

D

I

O

A

R

R

E

S

A

T

M

O

R

F

R

E

G

G

I

R

T

K

C

T

O

R

E

S

A

O

S

P

U

X

I

D

I

H

R

E

:

T

A

I

O

N

E

M

I

T

T

E

A

S

P

E

D

R

T

U

R

E

Fig. 24

OPERATION

WARNING:

Do not allow familiarity with tools to make you care­less. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is
sufficient to inflict serious injury.

WARNING:

Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to
comply with ANSI Z87.1. Failure to do so could result in
objects being thrown into your eyes, resulting in possible
serious injury.

WARNING:

Do not use any attachments or accessories not
recommended by the manufacturer of this tool. The use
of attachments or accessories not recommended can
result in serious personal injury.

APPLICATIONS

This product has been designed only for the purposes listed
below:

 Cross cutting wood and plastic (do not cut metals,

ceramics, or masonry products)

 Cross cutting miters, joints, etc. for picture frames mold-

ings, door casings, and fine joinery

 Bevel cutting and compound cutting

NOTE: The blade provided is fine for most wood cutting
operations, but for fine joinery cuts or cutting plastic, use
one of the accessory blades available from the dealer.

This product will accept Ryobi One+ 18 V lithium-ion battery
packs and Ryobi One+ 18 V nickel-cadmium battery packs.

For complete charging instructions, refer to the Operator’s
Manuals for your Ryobi One+ battery pack and charger
models.

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, keep hands outside
the no hands zone, at least 3 in. from the blade. Never
perform any cutting operation freehand (without holding
workpiece against the fence). The blade could grab the
workpiece if it slips or twists.

TO INSTALL BATTERY PACK

See Figure 25.

 Place battery pack in the saw. Align raised rib on battery

pack with groove inside saw.

 Make sure the latches on each side of the battery pack

snap in place and that the battery pack is secured in the
tool before beginning operation.

WARNING:

Always remove battery pack from your tool when you are
assembling parts, making adjustments, cleaning, or when
not in use. Removing battery pack will prevent accidental
starting that could cause serious personal injury.

TO REMOVE BATTERY PACK

See Figure 25.

 Locate latches on each side of the battery pack. Depress

the latches to release the battery pack from the tool.

 Remove the battery pack from the tool.

Latches

WARNING:

Before starting any cutting operation, clamp or bolt the
compound miter saw to a workbench or an approved
workstand. Never operate the miter saw on the floor or
in a crouched position. Failure to heed this warning can
result in serious personal injury.

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, always lock the miter
lock lever before making a cut. Failure to do so could
result in movement of the control arm or miter table while
making a cut.

depress Latches to

reLease batterY pack

20

batterY

pack

Fig. 25

OPERATION

BATTERY PROTECTION FEATURES

Ryobi lithium-ion batteries are designed with features that
protect the lithium-ion cells and maximize battery life.

If the tool stops during use, release the trigger to reset and
resume operation. If the tool still does not work, the battery
needs to be recharged.

CUTTING WITH YOUR COMPOUND
MITER SAW

WARNING:

When using a work clamp or C-clamp to secure your
workpiece, clamp workpiece on one side of the blade
only. The workpiece must remain free on one side of the
blade to prevent the blade from binding in workpiece. The
workpiece binding the blade will cause motor stalling and
kickback. This situation could cause an accident resulting
in possible serious personal injury.

WARNING:

NEVER move the workpiece or make adjustment to any
cutting angle while the saw is running and the blade is
rotating. Any slip can result in contact with the blade
causing serious personal injury.

cross cut

45

Miter cut

work

cLaMp

Fig. 26

TO CROSS CUT

See Figures 26 - 27.

A cross cut is made by cutting across the grain of the
workpiece. A straight cross cut is made with the miter table
set at the 0° position. Miter cross cuts are made with the
miter table set at some angle other than zero.

 Pull out the lock pin and lift saw arm to its full height.
 Lift the miter lock lever.

 Rotate the miter table until the pointer aligns with zero

on the miter scale.

 NOTE: You can quickly locate 0°, 15°, 22-1/2°, left or right,

31.62° and 45° left or right as you rotate the control arm.
The miter table will seat itself in one of the positive stop
index points, located in base.

 Push the miter lock lever down to lock the miter table.

 Place the workpiece flat on the miter table with one edge

securely against the fence. If the board is warped, place
the convex side against the fence. If the concave edge of
a board is placed against the fence, the board could col­lapse on the blade at the end of the cut, jamming the blade.

 When cutting long pieces of lumber or molding, support

the opposite end of the stock with a roller stand or with
a work surface level with the saw table. See Figure 32.

45

work

cLaMp

Fig. 27

21

OPERATION

 Align cutting line on workpiece with edge of saw blade.

 Grasp the stock firmly with one hand and secure it against

the fence. Use the optional work clamp or a C-clamp to
secure the workpiece when possible.

 Before turning on the saw, perform a dry run of the cutting

operation just to make sure that no problems will occur
when the cut is made.

 Grasp the saw handle firmly. Depress the switch lock

with thumb then squeeze the switch trigger. Allow several
seconds for the blade to reach maximum speed.

 Slowly lower the blade into and through the workpiece.

 Release the switch trigger and allow the blade to stop

rotating before raising the blade out of the workpiece.
Wait until the blade stops before removing the workpiece
from the miter table.

TO BEVEL CUT

See Figures 28 - 29.

A bevel cut is made by cutting across the grain of the workpiece
with the blade angled to the workpiece. A straight bevel cut
is made with the miter table set at the zero degree position
and the blade set at an angle between 0° and 45°.

 Pull out the lock pin and lift saw arm to its full height.

 Lift the miter lock lever.

 Rotate the miter table until the pointer aligns with zero

on the miter scale.

NOTE: You can quickly locate 0° as you rotate the control

arm. The miter table will seat itself in one of the positive
stop index points, located in base.

 Push the miter lock lever down to lock the miter table.

 Loosen the bevel lock knob and move the saw arm to the

left to the desired bevel angle.

 Bevel angles can be set from 0° to 45°.

 Align the indicator point for the desired angle.

 Once the saw arm has been set at the desired angle,

securely tighten the bevel lock knob.

 Place the workpiece flat on the miter table with one edge

securely against the fence. If the board is warped, place
the convex side against the fence. If the concave edge
of a board is placed against the fence, the board could
collapse on the blade at the end of the cut, jamming the
blade.

 When cutting long pieces of lumber or molding, support

the opposite end of the stock with a roller stand or with
a work surface level with the saw table. See Figure 32.

 Align the cutting line on the workpiece with the edge of

saw blade.

 Grasp the stock firmly with one hand and secure it against

the fence. Use the optional work clamp or a C-clamp to
secure the workpiece when possible.

indicator

point

beveL
scaLe

scaLe

indicator

beveL

Lock
knob

45

33.9

30

15

0

1

2

3

beveL cut

45

4

5

indicator

screw

Fig. 28

work

cLaMp

Fig. 29

22

OPERATION

 Before turning on the saw, perform a dry run of the cutting

operation just to make sure that no problems will occur
when the cut is made.

 Grasp the saw handle firmly. Depress the switch lock

with thumb then squeeze the switch trigger. Allow several
seconds for the blade to reach maximum speed.

 Slowly lower the blade into and through the workpiece.

 Release the switch trigger and allow the saw blade to stop

rotating before raising the blade out of the workpiece. Wait
until the blade stops before removing the workpiece from
the miter table.

TO COMPOUND MITER CUT

See Figures 30 - 31.

A compound miter cut is a cut made using a miter angle
and a bevel angle at the same time. This type of cut is used
to make picture frames, cut molding, and make boxes with
sloping sides.

To make this type of cut the control arm on the miter table
must be rotated to the correct angle and the saw arm must
be tilted to the correct bevel angle. Care should always
be taken when making compound miter setups due to the
interaction of the two angle settings.

Adjustments of miter and bevel settings are interdependent
with one another. Each time you adjust the miter setting you
change the effect of the bevel setting. Also, each time you
adjust the bevel setting you change the effect of the miter
setting.

It may take several settings to obtain the desired cut. The
first angle setting should be checked after setting the second
angle, since adjusting the second angle affects the first.

Once the two correct settings for a particular cut have been
obtained, always make a test cut in scrap material before
making a finish cut in good material.

 Pull out the lock pin and lift saw arm to its full height.

 Lift the miter lock lever.

 Rotate the miter table until the pointer aligns with zero

on the miter scale.

NOTE: You can quickly locate 0°, 15°, 22-1/2°, left or right,

31.62° and 45° left or right as you rotate the control arm.
The miter table will seat itself in one of the positive stop
index points, located in base.

 Push the miter lock lever down to lock the miter table.

 Loosen the bevel lock knob and move the saw arm to

the left to the desired bevel angle.

 Bevel angles can be set from 0° to 45°.

 Once the saw arm has been set at the desired angle,

securely tighten the bevel lock knob.

 Recheck miter angle setting. Make a test cut in scrap

material.

coMpound Miter cut

45

45

45° x 45° coMpound Miter cut

work

cLaMp

Fig. 30

Fig. 31

23

OPERATION

 Place the workpiece flat on the miter table with one edge

securely against the fence. If the board is warped, place
the convex side against the fence. If the concave edge
of a board is placed against the fence, the board could
collapse on the blade at the end of the cut, jamming the
blade.

 When cutting long pieces of lumber or molding, support

the opposite end of the stock with a roller stand or with
a work surface level with the saw table. See Figure 32.

 Align the cutting line on the workpiece with the edge of

saw blade.

 Grasp the stock firmly with one hand and secure it against

the fence. Use the optional work clamp or a C-clamp to
secure the workpiece when possible.

 Before turning on the saw, perform a dry run of the cutting

operation just to make sure that no problems will occur
when the cut is made.

 Grasp the saw handle firmly. Depress the switch lock

with thumb then squeeze the switch trigger. Allow several
seconds for the blade to reach maximum speed.

 Slowly lower the blade into and through the workpiece.

 Release the switch trigger and allow the saw blade to stop

rotating before raising the blade out of the workpiece. Wait
until the blade stops before removing the workpiece from
the miter table.

Long

workpiece

0

45

workpiece

supports

Fig. 32

TO SUPPORT LONG WORKPIECES

See Figure 32.

Long workpieces need extra supports. Supports should be
placed along the workpiece so it does not sag. The support
should let the workpiece lay flat on the base of the saw and
worktable during the cutting operation. Use the optional work
clamp or a C-clamp to secure the workpiece.

24

OPERATION

CUTTING COMPOUND MITERS

To aid in making the correct settings, the compound angle setting chart below has been provided. Since compound cuts
are the most difficult to accurately obtain, trial cuts should be made in scrap material, and much thought and planning
made, prior to making the required cut.

PITCH

OF SIDE

0°

5°

10°

15°

20°

25°

30°

35°

40°

45°

50°

55°

60°

65°

70°

75°

80°

85°

90°

4

M- 45.00°
B- 0.00°

M- 44.89°
B- 3.53°

M- 44.56°
B- 7.05°

M- 44.01°
B- 10.55°

M- 43.22°
B- 14.00°

M- 42.19°
B- 17.39°

M- 40.89°
B- 20.70°

M- 39.32°
B- 23.93°

M- 37.45°
B- 27.03°

M- 35.26°
B- 30.00°

M- 32.73°
B- 32.80°

M- 29.84°
B- 35.40°

M- 26.57°
B- 37.76°

M- 22.91°
B- 39.86°

M- 18.88°
B- 41.64°

M- 14.51°
B- 43.08°

M- 9.85°
B- 44.14°

M- 4.98°
B- 44.78°

M- 0.00°
B- 45.00°

5

M- 36.00°
B- 0.00°

M- 35.90°
B- 2.94°

M- 35.58°
B- 5.86°

M- 35.06°
B- 8.75°

M- 34.32°
B- 11.60°

M- 33.36°
B- 14.38°

M- 32.18°
B- 17.09°

M- 30.76°
B- 19.70°

M- 29.10°
B- 22.20°

M- 27.19°
B- 24.56°

M- 25.03°
B- 26.76°

M- 22.62°
B- 28.78°

M- 19.96°
B- 30.60°

M- 17.07°
B- 32.19°

M- 13.95°
B- 33.53°

M- 10.65°
B- 34.59°

M- 7.19°
B- 35.37°

M- 3.62°
B- 35.84°

M- 0.00°
B- 36.00°

NUMBER OF SIDES

6

M- 30.00°
B- 0.00°

M- 29.91°
B- 2.50°

M- 29.62°
B- 4.98°

M- 29.15°
B- 7.44°

M- 28.48°
B- 9.85°

M- 27.62°
B- 12.20°

M- 26.57°
B- 14.48°

M- 25.31°
B- 16.67°

M- 23.86°
B- 18.75°

M- 22.21°
B- 20.70°

M- 20.36°
B- 22.52°

M- 18.32°
B- 24.18°

M- 16.10°
B- 25.66°

M- 13.71°
B- 26.95°

M- 11.17°
B- 28.02°

M- 8.50°
B- 28.88°

M- 5.73°
B- 29.50°

M- 2.88°
B- 29.87°

M- 0.00°
B- 30.00°

7

M- 25.71°
B- 0.00°

M- 25.63°
B- 2.17°

M- 25.37°
B- 4.32°

M- 24.95°
B- 6.45°

M- 24.35°
B- 8.53°

M- 23.56°
B- 10.57°

M- 22.64°
B- 12.53°

M- 21.53°
B- 14.41°

M- 20.25°
B- 16.19°

M- 18.80°
B- 17.87°

M- 17.20°
B- 19.41°

M- 15.44°
B- 20.82°

M- 13.54°
B- 22.07°

M- 11.50°
B- 23.16°

M- 9.35°
B- 24.06°

M- 7.10°
B- 24.78°

M- 4.78°
B- 25.30°

M- 2.40°
B- 25.61°

M- 0.00°
B- 25.71°

8 9

M- 22.50°
B- 0.00°

M- 22.42°
B- 1.91°

M- 22.19°
B- 3.81°

M- 21.81°
B- 5.68°

M- 21.27°
B- 7.52°

M- 20.58°
B- 9.31°

M- 19.73°
B- 11.03°

M- 18.74°
B- 12.68°

M- 17.60°
B- 14.24°

M- 16.32°
B- 15.70°

M- 14.91°
B- 17.05°

M- 13.36°
B- 18.27°

M- 11.70°
B- 19.35°

M- 9.93°
B- 20.29°

M- 8.06°
B- 21.08°

M- 6.12°
B- 21.69°

M- 4.11°
B- 22.14°

M- 2.07°
B- 22.41°

M- 0.00°
B- 22.50°

M- 20.00°
B- 0.00°

M- 19.93°
B- 1.71°

M- 19.72°
B- 3.40°

M- 19.37°
B- 5.08°

M- 18.88°
B- 6.72°

M- 18.26°
B- 8.31°

M- 17.50°
B- 9.85°

M- 16.60°
B- 11.31°

M- 15.58°
B- 12.70°

M- 14.43°
B- 14.00°

M- 13.17°
B- 15.19°

M- 11.79°
B- 16.27°

M- 10.31°
B- 17.23°

M- 8.74°
B- 18.06°

M- 7.10°
B- 18.75°

M- 5.38°
B- 19.29°

M- 3.62°
B- 19.68°

M- 1.82°
B- 19.92°

M- 0.00°
B- 20.00°

10

M- 18.00°
B- 0.00°

M- 17.94°
B- 1.54°

M- 17.74°
B- 3.08°

M- 17.42°
B- 4.59°

M- 16.98°
B- 6.07°

M- 16.41°
B- 7.50°

M- 15.72°
B- 8.89°

M- 14.90°
B- 10.21°

M- 13.98°
B- 11.46°

M- 12.94°
B- 12.62°

M- 11.80°
B- 13.69°

M- 10.56°
B- 14.66°

M- 9.23°
B- 15.52°

M- 7.82°
B -16.26°

M- 6.34°
B- 16.88°

M- 4.81°
B- 17.37°

M- 3.23°
B- 17.72°

M- 1.62°
B- 17.93°

M- 0.00°
B- 18.00°

Each B (Bevel) and M (Miter) Setting is Given to the Closest 0.005°.

COMPOUND-ANGLE SETTINGS FOR POPULAR STRUCTURES

25

OPERATION

CUTTING CROWN MOLDING

This compound miter saw does an excellent job of cutting
crown molding. In general, compound miter saws do a better
job of cutting crown molding than any other tool made.

In order to fit properly, crown molding must be compound
mitered with extreme accuracy.

The two contact surfaces on a piece of crown molding that
fit flat against the ceiling and the wall of a room are at angles
that, when added together, equal exactly 90°. Most crown
molding has a top rear angle (the section that fits flat against
the ceiling) of 52° and a bottom rear angle (the section that
fits flat against the wall) of 38°.

LAYING MOLDING FLAT ON THE MITER
TABLE

See Figure 33.

To use this method for accurately cutting crown molding for
a 90° inside or outside corner, lay the molding with its broad
back surface flat on the miter table and against the fence.

°

52

ceiLing

When setting the bevel and miter angles for compound miters,
remember that the settings are interdependent; changing
one angle changes the other angle as well.

Keep in mind that the angles for crown molding are very
precise and difficult to set. Since it is very easy for these
angles to shift, all settings should first be tested on scrap
molding. Also most walls do not have angles of exactly 90°,
therefore, you will need to fine tune your settings.

When cutting crown molding by this method the bevel angle
should be set at 33.85°. The miter angle should be set at

31.62° either right or left, depending on the desired cut for
the application. See the chart for correct angle settings and
correct positioning of crown molding on miter table.

The settings in the chart can be used for cutting all Standard
(U.S.) crown molding with 52° and 38° angles. The crown
molding is placed flat on the miter table using the compound
features of the miter saw.

38

w

a
L
L

°

fence

top edge against fence =
Left side, inside corner
right side, outside corner

Miter tabLe

crown MoLding fLat on Miter tabLe

inside

corner

fence

bottoM edge against fence =
right side, inside corner
Left side, outside corner

Miter tabLe

outside

corner

Fig. 33

26

Bevel
Angle Type of Cut
Setting

Left side, inside corner

33.85°

1. Top edge of molding against fence

2. Miter table set right 31.62°

3. Save left end of cut

Right side, inside corner

33.85°

1. Bottom edge of molding against fence

2. Miter table set left 31.62°

3. Save left end of cut

Left side, outside corner

33.85°

1. Bottom edge of molding against fence

2. Miter table set left 31.62°

3. Save right end of cut

OPERATION

45

31.6

30

22.5

15

15

0

45

31.6

30

22.5

Right side, outside corner

33.85°

1. Top edge of molding against fence

2. Miter table set right 31.62°

3. Save right end of cut

CUTTING WARPED MATERIAL

See Figures 34 - 35.

When cutting warped material, always make sure it is posi­tioned on the miter table with the convex side against the
fence as shown in figure 34.

If the warped material is positioned the wrong way as shown
in figure 35, it will pinch the blade near the completion of
the cut.

WARNING:

To avoid a kickback and to avoid serious personal injury,
never position the concave edge of bowed or warped
material against the fence.

right

Fig. 34

45

31.6

30

22.5

15

15

0

wrong

45

31.6

30

22.5

Fig. 35

27

ADJUSTMENTS

WARNING:

To prevent accidental starting that could cause serious
personal injury, always remove the battery pack from the
tool when assembling parts.

The compound miter saw has been adjusted at the
factory for making very accurate cuts. However, some of
the components might have been jarred out of alignment
during shipping. Also, over a period of time, readjustment
will probably become necessary due to wear. After unpacking
the saw, check the following adjustments before you begin
using the saw. Make any readjustments that are necessary
and periodically check the parts alignment to make sure that
the saw is cutting accurately.

CAUTION:

Do not start the compound miter saw without checking
for interference between the blade and the throat plate.
Damage could result to the blade if it strikes the throat
plate during operation of the saw.

POSITIVE STOP ADJUSTMENTS

See Figure 36.

NOTE: These adjustments were made at the factory and
normally do not require readjustment.

To adjust:

 Remove the battery pack from the tool.
 Loosen the bevel lock knob by turning the knob

counterclockwise.

 Square the blade to the miter table as described in the

Assembly section of this manual.

 If the blade is out of square, adjust by tightening or

loosening the positive stop adjustment screw.

 Retighten bevel lock knob. Recheck blade-to-table

alignment.

NOTE: The above procedure can be used to check blade

squareness of the saw blade to the miter table at both 0°

and 45° angles.
The saw has two scale indicators, one on the bevel scale
and one on the miter scale. After squaring adjustments have
been made, it may be necessary to loosen the indicator
screws and reset them to zero.

PIVOT ADJUSTMENTS

NOTE: These adjustments were made at the factory and

normally do not require readjustment.

TRAVEL PIVOT ADJUSTMENT

 The saw arm should rise completely to the up position

by itself.

 If the saw arm does not raise by itself or if there is play

in the pivot joints, have saw repaired by at your nearest
authorized service center.

BEVEL PIVOT ADJUSTMENT

 The compound miter saw should bevel easily by loosening

the bevel lock knob and tilting the saw arm to the left.

 If movement is tight or if there is play in the pivot, have saw

repaired by at your nearest authorized service center.

beveL Lock

knob

positive stop

adJustMent

screw for

0° angLes

positive stop

adJustMent

screw for
45° angLes

Fig. 36

28

ADJUSTMENTS

DANGER:

Laser radiation. Avoid direct eye contact with light
source.

WARNING:

Use of controls or adjustments or performance of pro­cedures other than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.

TO ADJUST THE LASER GUIDE

See Figure 37.

 Set miter and bevel angles to 0º.

 Use the work clamp or a C-clamp to secure a piece of

scrap wood.

 Turn the saw on and make a slight cut to score the wood.

 Release the switch trigger and allow the saw blade to

stop rotating before raising the saw arm.

 Using a padlock, lock the switch trigger to make the saw

inoperable.

 Turn on the laser switch.

 To adjust the laser, loosen the laser adjustment screw

using the Phillips end of the supplied blade wrench.

 Move the laser left or right until properly aligned.

NOTE: The laser should be on the left edge of the kerf.

 Once aligned, tighten the screw.

NOTE: If laser does not align correctly, return to your nearest
Ryobi Authorized Service Center for repair.

TO ADJUST THE MITER LOCK LEVER

See Figure 38.

Prior to squaring the saw blade to the fence, check and
adjust the miter lock lever, if needed. In the “locked” posi­tion, the action of pushing the miter lock lever fully down
should feel tight and secure. Considerable effort should be
required to move the miter table. If the table moves easily
when in the “locked” position, an adjustment of the miter
lock lever is required.

To adjust:

 Remove the battery pack from the tool.
 Push the miter lock lever fully down to lock.

 Pull the miter lock lever out to the right to disengage, then

pull forward to adjust.

 Release miter lock lever to re-engage

 Recheck the miter table to ensure proper tightness.

Laser adJustMent

screw

1

31.6

30

22.5

15

0

31.6

30

22.5

15

45

33.9

30

15

0

1

2

3

4

5

Fig. 37

unLock

45

33.9

30

15

0

Lock

2

3

4

5

6

7

Miter

Lock

Lever

45

Fig. 38

29

MAINTENANCE

WARNING:

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

WARNING:

Always wear eye protection with side shields marked
to comply with ANSI Z87.1 during product operation. 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, dust, oil, grease, 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.

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. Therefore, no further lubrica­tion is required.

BATTERY PACK REMOVAL AND
PREPARATION FOR RECYCLING

WARNING:

Upon removal, cover the battery pack’s terminals with
heavy-duty adhesive tape. Do not attempt to destroy or
disassemble battery pack or remove any of its compo
nents. Batteries must be recycled or disposed of properly.
Also, never touch both terminals with metal objects and/
or body parts as short circuit may result. Keep away from
children. Failure to comply with these warnings could result
in fire and/or serious 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 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.

30

NOTES

31

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

7-1/4 in., 18 Volt Cordless
Compound Miter Saw

P551

WARNING:

This product and some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction
activities may contain chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth de­fects, or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

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

• SERVICE

Now that you have purchased your tool, should a need ever exist for repair parts or service, simply
contact your nearest Authorized Service Center. Be sure to provide all pertinent facts when you
call or visit. Please call 1-800-525-2579 for your nearest 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 is a registered trademark of Ryobi Limited and is used pursuant to a license granted by Ryobi Limited.

988000-224
4-2-13 (REV:04)

ONE WORLD TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

1428 Pearman Dairy Road, Anderson, SC 29625

Phone [phone]

www.ryobitools.com