Ryobi SC155VS User Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL
16 in. (406 mm) Scroll Saw
Model SC155VS

45˚

30˚

15˚

SPECIFICATIONS:

Throat 16 in. (406 mm)
Blade Length 5 in. (127 mm) plain or pin
Motor Rating 120 volts, 60 Hz, AC
No Load Speed 400 – 1550 Strokes Per Minute
Amperes 1.2 Amperes
Net Weight 32 lbs. (14 kg.)

THANK YOU FOR BUYING A RYOBI SCROLL SAW.

Your new scroll saw has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi's high standard 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 scroll saw.

Pay close attention to the Rules for Safe Operation, Warnings, and Cautions. If you use your scroll 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 that 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 ........................................................................................................................................................ 2

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

■ Rules For Safe Operation ......................................................................................................................................3 - 5

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

■ Glossary and Product Specifications .......................................................................................................................... 7

■ Unpacking and Tools Needed..................................................................................................................................... 8

■ Features ................................................................................................................................................................. 9-10

■ Assembly .............................................................................................................................................................. 10-11

■ Adjustments.......................................................................................................................................................... 11-14

■ Operation.............................................................................................................................................................. 15-18

■ Maintenance.........................................................................................................................................................18-19

■ Troubleshooting......................................................................................................................................................... 19

■ Exploded View and Repair Parts List................................................................................................................... 20-23

■ Parts Ordering / Service............................................................................................................................................ 24

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.

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

WARNING:

WEAR

YOUR

SAFETY

FORESIGHT IS BETTER

GLASSES

THAN NO SIGHT

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,
available at your local Ryobi dealer.

CAUTION:

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.

Page 2

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

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

SYMBOL MEANING

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.

IMPORTANT

Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and should be performed only by a qualified service technician.
For service we suggest you return the tool to your nearest Ryobi Authorized Service Center. When servicing always use
identical Ryobi replacement parts.

■ KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in good working order.

WARNING:

Do not attempt to operate this tool until you have read
thoroughly and understand completely all instructions,
safety rules, etc. contained in this manual. Failure to
comply can result in accidents involving fire, electric
shock, or serious personal injury. Save operator's manual
and review frequently for continuing safe operation, and
instructing others who may use this tool.

WARNING:

Do not connect your scroll saw to a power source until you
have assembled and adjusted the saw as described in
this manual and have read and understood all precautions
and operating instructions in the manual and printed on
the tool.

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, refrigera-

tor enclosures.

■ 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 the
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 or exten­sion cord 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 attach-
ment to do a job it was not designed for. Don't use it for a
purpose not intended.

Page 3

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

■ USE THE PROPER EXTENSION CORD. 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 100 feet or less in
length. If in doubt, use the next heavier gage. The smaller
the gage number, the heavier the cord.

■ INSPECT EXTENSION CORDS PERIODICALLY 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. Also wear pro­tective hair covering to contain long hair.

■ ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WITH SIDE
SHIELDS. Everyday eyeglasses have only impact-resis-
tant 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.

service technician at an authorized service center to
avoid risk of personal injury.

■ DIRECTION OF FEED. Feed work into blade against the
cutting portion of the blade only.

■ NEVER LEAVE TOOL RUNNING UNATTENDED. TURN
THE POWER OFF. Do not leave tool until it comes to a

complete stop.

■ USE ONLY CORRECT BLADES. Use the right blade
size, style and cutting speed for the material and the type
of cut. Blade teeth should point down toward the table.
Sharp blades minimize stalling and kickback. Correctly
adjust blade tension.

■ TO PROTECT THE OPERATOR and minimize blade
breakage, ALWAYS adjust the hold down foot to apply
light pressure to the workpiece. 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. Do not
hand hold pieces so small that your fingers go under the
blade guard. Never reach underneath work or behind,
under, or within three inches of the blade and its cutting
path with your hands and fingers for any reason. Do not
attempt to remove cut material when blade is moving.

■ 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 bal-
ance 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 from power
supply.

■ AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Be sure switch is off
when plugging in.

■ USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. The use of
improper accessories may cause risk of injury.

■ 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,
saw stability, 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 a qualified

WARNING: Blades coast after turn off.

■ AVOID PINCHING THE BLADE. Be cautious when cut-
ting off material which is irregular in cross section. For
example, molding must lay flat on the table and not be
permitted to rock.

■ DO NOT ABUSE CORD. Never yank cord to disconnect
it from receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp
edges.

■ INSPECT TOOL CORDS PERIODICALLY and if dam-
aged, have repaired by a qualified service technician at
an authorized service center. Stay constantly aware of
cord location and keep it well away from the blade.

■ DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT TURN IT
ON AND OFF. Have defective switches replaced by a

qualified service technician at 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.

■ A LARGE PIECE OF MATERIAL SHOULD BE SUP­PORTED while cutting. To minimize risk of blade pinching

and kickback, always support long workpieces. Saw may
slip, walk or slide while cutting long or heavy boards.

Page 4

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

■ BEFORE MAKING A CUT, BE SURE ALL ADJUST-

MENTS ARE SECURE.

■ BEFORE CHANGING THE SETUP, REMOVING COV-

ERS, GUARDS OR BLADE, UNPLUG THE SAW.

■ DO NOT FEED THE MATERIAL TOO QUICKLY while
cutting. Do not force the workpiece against the blade.

■ NEVER CUT MORE THAN ONE WORKPIECE AT A
TIME. If making a stacked cut, all of the pieces must be

secured to each other with masking tape or double stick
tape to make one workpiece. Do not put more than one
workpiece on the saw table at a time. Always hold the
work firmly against the table. See page 17.

■ AVOID CUTTING NAILS. Inspect for and remove all nails
from lumber before cutting.

■ NEVER PERFORM LAYOUT, ASSEMBLY, OR SETUP
WORK ON THE TABLE while the cutting tool is operat-

ing.

■ NEVER TOUCH BLADE or other moving parts during
use.

■ NEVER START A TOOL WHEN THE BLADE IS IN
CONTACT WITH THE WORKPIECE. Clear the table of

debris before turning your scroll saw on.

■ ALLOW THE MOTOR TO COME UP TO FULL SPEED

before starting a cut.

■ FIRMLY CLAMP OR BOLT your scroll saw to a stable,
level workbench or table. The most comfortable table
height is at approximately waist height.

■ 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. Do not cut pieces of material that are too small
to hold comfortably in your hand.

■ REPLACEMENT PARTS. All repairs, whether electrical
or mechanical, should be made by qualified service
technician at a authorized service center.

WARNING:

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. Nor-
mal sparking of the motor could ignite fumes.

■ DO NOT OPERATE THIS TOOL WHILE UNDER THE
INFLUENCE OF DRUGS, ALCOHOL, OR ANY MEDI­CATION.

■ 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 obstructions will interfere

with safe operation BEFORE performing any work using
your saw.

■ ALWAYS TURN OFF SAW before disconnecting it to
avoid accidental starting when reconnecting to power
supply. NEVER leave the scroll saw unattended while
connected to a power source.

WARNING:

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

■ SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them frequently
and use to instruct other users. If you loan someone this
tool, loan them these instructions also.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Page 5

ELECTRICAL

EXTENSION CORDS

Use only 3-wire extension cords that have 3-prong ground­ing plugs and 3-pole receptacles that accept the tool's plug.
When using a power tool at a considerable distance from the
power source, use an extension cord heavy enough to carry
the current that the tool will draw. An undersized extension
cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in a loss of
power and causing the motor to overheat. Use the chart
provided below to determine the minimum wire size required
in an extension cord. Only round jacketed cords listed by
Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) should be used.

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

Up to 100 feet 16

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

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

CAUTION:

Keep the cord away from the cutting area and position the
cord so that it will not be caught on lumber, tools, or other
objects during cutting.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

Your Scroll Saw is powered by a precision built electric
motor. It should be connected to a power supply that is 120
volts, 60 Hz, AC only (normal household current). Do not
operate this tool on direct current (DC). A substantial voltage
drop will cause a loss of power and the motor will overheat.
If the saw does not operate when plugged into an outlet,
double check the power supply.

GROUNDING

PIN

COVER OF GROUNDED

OUTLET BOX

Fig. 1

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

In the event of a malfunction or breakdown, grounding
provides a path of least resistance for electric current to
reduce the risk of electric shock. This tool is equipped with an
electric cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and
a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into a matching
outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance
with all local codes and ordinances.

Do not modify the plug provided. If it will not fit the outlet, have
the proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician. Improper
connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result
in a risk of electric shock. The conductor with insulation
having an outer surface that is green with or without yellow
stripes is the equipment-grounding conductor. If repair or
replacement of the electric cord or plug is necessary, do not
connect the equipment-grounding conductor to a live termi­nal.

Check with a qualified electrician or service personnel if the
grounding instructions are not completely understood, or if in
doubt as to whether the tool is properly grounded.

Repair or replace a damaged or worn cord immediately.
This tool is intended for use on a circuit that has an outlet like

the one shown in
one shown.

Figure 1.

It also has a grounding pin like the

Page 6

GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR WOODWORKING

Bevel Cut

A cutting operation made with the table at any angle other
than 90˚ to the blade.

Crosscut

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

Compound Cut

A compound cut is a cut made using a miter angle and a
bevel angle at the same time.

Freehand (for scroll saw)

Performing a cut without the workpiece being guided by a
fence or miter gage. Work must be supported by the table.

Gum

A sticky, sap based residue from wood products.

Kerf

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

Leading End

The end of the workpiece pushed into the cutting tool first.

Miter Cut

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

Nonferrous Metal

Metal that does not contain iron; such as aluminum, brass,
and copper.

Push Stick

A device used to feed the workpiece through the saw blade
during narrow wood cutting operations and 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 base substance that has hardened.

Ripping

A cutting operation along the length of the workpiece.

Saw Blade Path

The area directly in line — 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.

SPM

Strokes per minute. Used in reference to blade movement.

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.

Worktable

The surface on which the workpiece rests while performing
a cutting operation.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Throat 16 in.
Motor 120 V, 1.2 amp, 60 HZ-AC only
Drive Variable Speed

400 – 1550 Strokes per minute

Blade Length 5 in. plain or pin
Table Tilt 45˚
Net Weight 32 lb. (14 kg.)

Page 7

UNPACKING

CAUTION:

To prevent accidental starting or electrical shock that
could cause possible serious personal injury, assemble
all parts to your saw before connecting it to power supply.
Saw should never be connected to power supply when
you are assembling parts, making adjustments, lubricating,
installing or removing blades, cleaning, or when not in
use.

■ Carefully lift saw from the carton and place it on a level
work surface.

■ Remove pack of 4 extra blades and operator's manual
from the carton.

TOOLS NEEDED

The small combination square shown in figure 2 is the only
tool (not provided) you will need for making adjustments and
alignment:

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.

■ Do not discard the packing materials until you have
carefully inspected the saw, identified all parts, and
satisfactorily operated your new saw.

Note: If any parts are damaged or missing, do not attempt to
plug in the power cord and turn the switch on until the
damaged or missing parts are obtained and are installed
correctly.

Your scroll saw comes completely assembled. A package of
4 extra blades, blade changing rod, "T" handle wrench, and
an operator's manual are included with your saw.

SMALL

COMBINATION

SQUARE

TABLE LOCK LEVER

LOCK OFF POST

Fig. 2

0˚

MOTOR

ON/OFF KNOB

Fig. 3

Page 8