Ryobi TR45 User Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

LAMINATE TRIMMER
DOUBLE INSULATED

TR45

Your laminate trimmer has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi’s high standard for dependability, ease of operation,
and operator safety. When properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator's manual before using

this product.

Thank you for buying a Ryobi product.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

n Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2

�n General Safety Rules....................................................................................................................................................3-4

�n Specific Safety Rules....................................................................................................................................................... 4

�n Symbols........................................................................................................................................................................ 5-6

n Electrical .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7

��n Features........................................................................................................................................................................8-9

��n Assembly.................................................................................................................................................................... 9-10

�n Operation.................................................................................................................................................................. 11-17

�n Maintenance.............................................................................................................................................................18-19

�n Parts Ordering / Service................................................................................................................................................ 20

INTRODUCTION

This tool has many features for making its use more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety, performance, and dependability have
been given top priority in the design of this product making it easy to maintain and operate.

Page 2 Page 3

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

WARNING:

Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow

all instructions listed below, may result in electric shock,
fire and/or serious personal injury.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

WORK AREA

n Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered

benches and dark areas invite accidents.

n Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres,

such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases,
or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the

dust or fumes.

n Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while

operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to

lose control.

n

Av oid accidental sta rting. Be sur e switch is off
before plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger on

the switch or plugging in tools that have the switch on
invites accidents.

n Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning

the tool on. A wrench or a key that is left attached to a

rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.

n Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance

at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better

control of the tool in unexpected situations.

n Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.

Dust mask, nonskid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing
protection must be used for appropriate conditions.

n Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long

hair. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be drawn

into air vents.

n Do not use on a ladder or unstable support. Stable

footing on a solid surface enables better control of the
tool in unexpected situations.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

n Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized

plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug will
fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does
not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still
does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a
polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.

Double insulation
wire grounded power cord and grounded power supply
system.

n Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as

pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators. There is an

increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.

n Don’t expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.

Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric
shock.

n Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry the

tools or pull the plug from an outlet. Keep cord away
from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts. Replace
damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords increase

the risk of electric shock.

n

When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor
extension cord marked “W-A” or “W”. These cords

are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric
shock.

eliminates the need for the three-

PERSONAL SAFETY

n Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common

sense when operating a power tool. Do not use tool
while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol,
or medication. A moment of inattention while operating

power tools may result in serious personal injury.

n Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.

Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long

hair can be caught in moving parts.

TOOL USE AND CARE

n Use clamps or other practical way to secure and

support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding

the work by hand or against your body is unstable and
may lead to loss of control.

n Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your appli-

cation. The correct tool will do the job better and safer

at the rate for which it is designed.

n Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on or off.

Any tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is
dangerous and must be repaired.

n Disconnect the plug from power source before making

any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the
tool. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of

starting the tool accidentally.

n Store idle tools out of the reach of children and other

untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in the hands of

untrained users.

n Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp

and clean. Properly maintained tools with sharp cutting

edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

n Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts,

breakage of parts, and any other condition that may
affect the tool’s operation. If damaged, have the tool
serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by

poorly maintained tools.

n Use only accessories that are recommended by the

manufacturer for your model. Accessories that may be

suitable for one tool, may become hazardous when used
on another tool.

n Keep the tool and its handle dry, clean and free from

oil and grease. Always use a clean cloth when clean-

ing. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based
products, or any strong solvents to clean your tool.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of loss of control
and deterioration of the enclosure plastic.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

SERVICE

n Tool service must be performed only by qualified

repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed by

unqualified personnel may result in a risk of injury.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

n Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when

performing an operation where the cutting tool may
contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a

“live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the cutting
tool “live” and shock the operator.

n Know your power tool. Read operator’s manual care-

fully. Learn its applications and limitations, as well
as the specific potential hazards related to this tool.

Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock,
fire, or serious injury.

n Always wear safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses

have only impact-resistant lenses; they are NOT
safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk

of serious personal injury.

n Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the

operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the

risk of serious personal injury.

n Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during

extended periods of operation. Following this rule will

reduce the risk of serious personal injury.

n Inspect tool cords periodically and, if damaged, have

repaired at your nearest Authorized Service Center.
Constantly stay aware of cord location. Following this

rule will reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.

n When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement

parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance section
of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to

follow Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of
shock or injury.

n Check damaged parts. Before further use of the

tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should
be carefully checked to determine that it will operate
properly and perform its intended function. Check for
alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, mounting, and any other conditions
that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that
is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced
by an authorized service center. Following this rule will

reduce the risk of shock, fire, or serious injury.

n Make sure your extension cord is in good condition.

When using an extension cord, be sure to use one
heavy enough to carry the current your product will
draw. A wire gauge size (A.W.G.) of at least 16 is
recommended for an extension cord 50 feet or less
in length. A cord exceeding 100 feet is not recom­mended. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The
smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord. An

undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting
in loss of power and overheating.

n Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber before

using this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of

serious personal injury.

n 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.

Page 4 Page 5

SYMBOLS

Some of the following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpreta­tion of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.

SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION

V Volts

A Amperes

Hz Hertz

W Watt

min Minutes

Alternating Current

Direct Current

n

o

.../min

No Load Speed

Class II Construction

Per Minute

Wet Conditions Alert

Voltage

Current

Frequency (cycles per second)

Power

Time

Type of current

Type or a characteristic of current

Rotational speed, at no load

Double-insulated construction

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

Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.

Read The Operator’s Manual

Eye Protection

Safety Alert

No Hands Symbol

No Hands Symbol

No Hands Symbol

No Hands Symbol

Hot Surface

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

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields
and a full face shield when operating this product.

Precautions that involve your safety.

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

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

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

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

To reduce the risk of injury or damage, avoid contact with
any hot surface.

SYMBOLS

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

SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING

DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will

result in death or serious injury.

WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could

result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may

result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION: (Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in

property damage.

SERVICE

Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should
be performed only by a qualified service technician. For
service we suggest you return the product to your nearest
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER for repair. When servic­ing, use only identical replacement parts.

WARNING:

The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always wear safety goggles or
safety glasses with side shields and a full face shield when needed. We recommend Wide Vision Safety
Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Always use eye protection
which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt to use
this product until you read thoroughly and understand
completely the operator’s manual. Save this operator’s
manual and review frequently for continuing safe opera­tion and instructing others who may use this product.

Page 6 Page 7

ELECTRICAL

DOUBLE INSULATION

Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric power
tools, which eliminates the need for the usual three­wire grounded power cord. All exposed metal parts are
isolated from the internal metal motor components with
protecting insulation. Double insulated tools do not need
to be grounded.

WARNING:

The double insulated system is intended to protect the
user from shock resulting from a break in the tool’s in­ternal insulation. Observe all normal safety precautions
to avoid electrical shock.

NOTE: Servicing of a tool with double insulation requires
extreme care and knowledge of the system and should be
performed only by a qualified service technician. For service,
we suggest you return the tool to your nearest authorized
service center for repair. Always use original factory replace­ment parts when servicing.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

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

EXTENSION CORDS

When using a power tool at a considerable distance from
a power source, be sure to use an extension cord that has
the capacity to handle the current the tool will draw. An un­dersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in
overheating and loss of power. Use the chart to determine
the minimum wire size required in an extension cord. Only
round jacketed cords listed by Underwriter’s Laboratories
(UL) should be used.

When working outdoors with a tool, use an extension cord
that is designed for outside use. This type of cord is desig­nated with “WA” on the cord’s jacket.

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

**Ampere rating (on tool faceplate)

0-2.0 2.1-3.4 3.5-5.0 5.1-7.0 7.1-12.0 12.1-16.0

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

25' 16 16 16 16 14 14

50' 16 16 16 14 14 12

100' 16 16 14 12 10 —

**Used on 12 gauge - 20 amp circuit.

NOTE: AWG = American Wire Gauge

WARNING:

Keep the extension cord clear of the working area. Po­sition the cord so that it will not get caught on lumber,
tools or other obstructions while you are working with a
power tool. Failure to do so can result in serious personal
injury.

WARNING:

Check extension cords before each use. If damaged re­place immediately. Never use tool with a damaged cord
since touching the damaged area could cause electrical
shock resulting in serious injury.

FEATURES





































PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum Cutter Diameter . . . . . . . . . . .1-1/8 in. (29 mm)

Collet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/4 in. (6 mm)

No Load Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,000/min.

WRENCHES

Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 V, 60 Hz, AC only, 4.5 Amps

Net Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 lbs. (1.36 kg)

Cord Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 ft. (3 m)

ON-OFF SWITCH

SUB-BASE

HANDLES

MOTOR

HOUSING

DEPTH OF CUT

SCALE

BASE

DEPTH

ADJUSTMENT

LATCH

LAMINATE
SUB-BASE

COLLET NUT

WOODWORKING

SUB-BASE

Fig. 1

Page 8 Page 9

FEATURES

KNOW YOUR LAMINATE TRIMMER

See Figure 1.

Before attempting to use this product, familiarize yourself
with all operating features and safety rules.

SWITCH

The ON/OFF switch is located on top of the motor hous­ing.

HEAVY DUTY MOTOR

The trimmer has a powerful 4.5 amp motor with sufficient
power to handle many trimming jobs. The motor also has
replaceable brushes for ease of servicing.

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING

This product requires assembly.

n Carefully remove the tool and any accessories from the

box. Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are
included.

n Inspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or

damage occurred during shipping.

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

fully inspected and satisfactorily operated the tool.

n If any parts are damaged or missing, please call

1-800-525-2579 for assistance.

PACKING LIST

Laminate Trimmer with Laminate Sub-base

Woodworking Sub-base

Sub-base Handles (2)

Ball Bearing Flush Trim Bit

Carrying Case

Wrenches

Operator’s Manual

Warranty Registration Card

DEPTH OF CUT SCALE

The trimmer has an adjustable depth of cut scale.

LAMINATE SUB-BASE

The sub-base gives the operator greater visibility of the
workpiece.

WOODWORKING SUB-BASE

The woodworking sub-base is used to rout circular and
parallel grooves. It allows the operator to grasp the trimmer
with both hands

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.

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.

WARNING:

Do not connect to power supply until assembly is
complete. Failure to comply could result in accidental
starting and possible serious personal injury.

ASSEMBLY

R

2

R

2

R

3

1

2

1

/

4

1

/

2

3

/

4

1

INSTALLING/REMOVING CUTTERS

See Figure 2.

n Unplug the trimmer.

n Place the trimmer upside down on a workbench to gain

easy access to the spindle and collet nut.

n Place the small end of one of the wrenches provided on

the spindle flats. This will hold the spindle stationary.

n Place the larger end of the other wrench provided onto

the collet nut. Rotate the wrench counterclockwise to
loosen the collet nut as shown in figure 2.

WARNING:

If you are changing a cutter immediately after use, be
careful not to touch the collet nut, cutter, or collet with
your hands or fingers. They will get burned because of
the heat buildup from cutting. Always use the wrench
provided.

n If installing the cutter for the first time, it can be installed

once the collet nut is loose. If changing cutters, the cutter
will easily slip from the collet after loosening the collet
nut.

NOTE: The tip of the cutter has a protective wax coating

that must be removed before first-time use. Simply peel
off the wax coating and be sure that all traces of wax are
removed before using the trimmer.

n The collet is machined to precision tolerances to fit cut-

ters with 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) diameter shanks.

n With the trimmer still upside down on a workbench, insert

the shank of the cutter into the collet. The shank of the
cutter should be close to but not touching the bottom of
the collet. This allows for expansion when the cutter gets
hot. A clearance of 1/16 in. is adequate.

n Tighten the collet nut securely by turning clockwise with

the wrench provided as shown in figure 2.

WRENCH ON
COLLET NUT

CUTTER

WRENCH ON

SPINDLE FLATS

Fig. 2

LAMINATE

TRIMMER

HANDLE(S)

WARNING:

If the collet nut is not tightened securely, the cutter may
come out during use, causing serious personal injury.

TO ATTACH THE WOODWORKING SUB-BASE
AND HANDLES

See Figure 3.

n Unplug the trimmer.

n Turn the trimmer upside down to remove the four sub-

base screws and laminate sub-base.

n Attach the woodworking sub-base using the same four

screws.

n

Tighten the screws securely. Do not overtighten.

Page 10 Page 11

WOODWORKING

SUB-BASE

SUB-BASE
SCREW(S)

Fig. 3

n Turn the trimmer upright and thread the handles provided

into the threaded holes in the woodworking sub-base.

n Tighten the handles securely. Check often to assure the

handles remain securely tightened.

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 safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating power tools. 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

You may use this tool for the purposes listed below:

n Smooth, professional trimming of laminates

n Cabinet making, trimming counter tops and finishing

work

ON

OFF

n Trimming wood and plastics

TURNING ON/OFF THE TRIMMER

See Figure 4.

To turn the trimmer ON (I), slide the switch on top of the
trimmer to the ON (I) position. Return the switch to the OFF

(O) position when finished.

HOW TO OPERATE THE TRIMMER

See Figure 5.

Before starting the trimmer, unplug it and make sure the cut­ter is securely tightened in the collet and that the depth of
cut is properly set. Never start the trimmer while the cutter
is in contact with the workpiece.

After completing a cut, pull the cutter slightly away from the
cut surface. Turn the trimmer off and wait for the rotating
cutter to completely stop before removing the base from
the work surface.

When cutting, fit the base of the trimmer over the work
surface and firmly hold the body of the trimmer with your
hand. Make sure the trimmer is running at full speed before
contacting the workpiece.

WARNING:

Avoid hand positions that may expose fingers to cutter
through open areas of trimmer base. Fingers entering
the opening in the trimmer base can be seriously cut or
burned.

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

WARNING:

Never install a cutter larger than 1-1/8 in. in this trimmer.
The use of larger bits can result in loss of control and
possible serious personal injury.

OPERATION

DIRECTION OF FEED AND THRUST

See Figures 6 and 7.

The trimmer motor and cutter revolve in a clockwise direc­tion. This gives the tool a slight tendency to twist in your
hands in a counterclockwise direction, especially when the
motor starts.

Feed the trimmer into the workpiece from left to right. When
fed from left to right, the rotation of the cutter pulls the trim­mer against the workpiece. If fed in the opposite direction,
the rotation forces of the spinning cutter will tend to throw
the trimmer away from the workpiece, causing kickback.
This could result in loss of control of the trimmer.

Because of the extremely high speed of cutter rotation dur­ing a proper feeding operation, there is very little kickback
to contend with under normal conditions. However, should
the cutter strike a knot, hard grain, foreign object, etc. that
would affect the normal progress of the cutting action, there
will be a slight kickback. Kickback could be sufficient to
spoil the trueness of your cut if you are not prepared. Such
a kickback is always in the direction opposite the direction
of cutter rotation.

To guard against kickback, plan your set-up and direction
of feed so that you will always be thrusting the tool—to
hold it against whatever you are using to guide the cut—in
the same direction that the leading edge of the cutter is
moving. The thrust should be in a direction that keeps the
sharp edges of the cutter continuously biting straight into
new (uncut) wood.

GRAINS FIRST

TRIM END

BIT

ROTATION

TRIMMER FEED

DIRECTION

GUIDE OUTSIDE

ROTATION

DIRECTION

TRIMMER FEED

DIRECTION

TRIMMER FEED

BIT

ROTATION

Fig. 6

THRUST

FEED

GUIDE

GUIDE INSIDE

ROTATION

GUIDE

FEED

THRUST

Fig. 7

Page 12 Page 13

OPERATION

PROPER RATE OF FEED

Professional trimming and edge shaping depend upon care­ful set-up and selecting the proper rate of feed.

The proper rate of feed is dependent upon:

n the hardness and moisture content of the workpiece

n the depth of cut

n the cutting diameter of the cutter.

When cutting shallow grooves in soft woods such as pine, a
faster rate of feed can be used. When making cuts in hard­woods such as oak, a slower rate of feed will be required.

Several factors will help you select the proper rate of feed.

n Choose a rate that does not slow down the trimmer

motor.

n �Choose the rate at which the cutter advances firmly and

surely to produce a continuous spiral of uniform chips or
a smooth trim edge on laminate.

n Listen to the sound of the trimmer motor. A high-pitched

sound means you are feeding too slowly. A strained,
lower-pitched sound signals force-feeding.

n �Check the progress of each cut. Too-slow feeding can

cause the trimmer to take off in a wrong direction from
the intended line of cut. Force-feeding increases the strain
of holding the tool and results in loss of speed.

n Notice the chips being produced as you cut. If the trim-

mer is fed too slowly, it will scorch or burn the wood. If
the trimmer is fed too fast, it will take large chips out of
the wood and leave gouge marks.

Always test a cut on a scrap piece of the workpiece wood
or laminate before you begin. Always grasp and hold the
trimmer firmly with both hands when trimming.

If you are making a small-diameter, shallow groove in soft, dry
wood, the proper feed rate may be determined by the speed
at which you can travel the trimmer along the guide line. If
the cutter is a large one, the cut is deep or the workpiece
is hard to cut, the proper feed may be a very slow one. A
cross-grain cut may require a slower pace than an identical
with-grain cut in the same workpiece.

There is no fixed rule. Proper rate of feed is learned through
practice and use.

FORCE FEEDING

See Figure 8.

The trimmer is an extremely high-speed tool (25,000/min),
and will make clean, smooth cuts if allowed to run freely
without the overload of a forced feed. Three things that cause
force feeding are cutter size, depth of cut, and workpiece
characteristics. The larger the cutter or the deeper the cut,
the more slowly the trimmer should be moved forward. If the
wood is very hard, knotty, gummy or damp, the operation
must be slowed still more.

Clean, smooth laminate trimming and edge shaping can be
done only when the cutter is revolving at a relatively high

speed and is taking very small bites to produce tiny, cleanly­severed chips. If the trimmer is forced to move forward too
fast, the speed of the cutter becomes slower than normal in
relation to its forward movement. As a result, the cutter must
take bigger bites as it revolves. Bigger bites mean bigger
chips and a rougher finish. Bigger chips also require more
power, which could result in overloading the motor.

Under extreme force-feeding conditions, the relative speed
of the cutter can become so slow—and the bites it has to
take so large—that chips will be partially knocked off rather
than fully cut off. This will result in splintering and gouging
of the workpiece.

TOO SLOW

TOO FAST

Fig. 8

TOO SLOW FEEDING

See Figure 8.

When the trimmer is advanced into the work too slowly, the
revolving cutter does not dig into new wood fast enough to
take a bite; instead, it scrapes away sawdust-like particles.
Scraping produces heat, which can glaze, burn, or mar the
cut, and can overheat the cutter. Dull cutters can also con­tribute to scraping and burning.

It is more difficult to control a trimmer when the cutter is
scraping instead of cutting. With practically no load on the
motor, the cutter will be revolving near top RPM, and will have
a greater than normal tendency to bounce off the sides of
the cut, especially if the wood has a pronounced grain with
hard and soft areas. The cut that results may have rippled
sides instead of straight.

OPERATION

DEPTH OF CUT

See Figure 9.

Depth of cut affects the rate of feed and the quality of a cut.
Using the proper depth of cut can lessen the possibility of
damage to the trimmer motor and cutter.

A deeper cut requires a slower feed than a shallow one. Mak­ing a cut that is too deep will slow the feed so that the cutter
is scraping, rather than cutting, and is not recommended.

A too-deep cut can cause smaller cutters to be broken off.
Cutters that are 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) in diameter are easily broken
off when subjected to too much side thrust. A larger cutter is
not as likely to break, but attempting a cut that is too deep
may result in a rough cut, and may make it difficult to guide
and control the cutter as desired.

It is recommended that you do not exceed 1/8 in. (3.2 mm)
depth of cut in a single pass, regardless of the cutter size or
the softness or condition of the workpiece. This will result
in a higher quality cut.

To make deeper cuts, it is necessary to make as many suc­cessive passes as required, lowering the cutter 1/8 in
(3.2 mm) for each new pass. To save time, perform all the
cutting necessary at one depth setting, then lower the cutter
for the next pass. This will assure uniform depth when the
final pass is completed.

2ND.
PASS

1ST.

PASS

DEPTH

OF CUT

WIDTH

OF CUT

1ST. PASS

2ND. PASS

Fig. 9

WARNING:

If the desired depth of cut is greater than can be safely
cut in one pass, make cuts in two or more passes. Do
not remove more than 1/8 in. in a single pass. Excessive
depth of cut can result in loss of control and the possibility
of serious personal injury.

Page 14 Page 15

OPERATION

TO SET DEPTH OF CUT

See Figure 10.

n Unplug the trimmer.

n Open the depth adjustment latch as indicated by the ar-

row in figure 10.

n Slide the motor housing section of the trimmer upward

until the tip of the cutter reaches the work surface. The
depth of cut is zero at this point.

n Adjust the position of the trimmer to obtain the desired

depth of cut by moving the motor housing section up or
down, as shown by the up/down arrow in figure 10. The
distance the cutter moves can be read on the depth of
cut scale. Each mark on the scale indicates a 1/16 in. (1.6
mm) change in depth setting. Indicator points are located
on the base.

n Completely close the depth adjustment latch.

WARNING:

Avoid open area of trimmer base. Serious personal injury
will result from contact with a rotating cutter.

INDICATOR

POINT(S)

DEPTH OF

CUT SCALE

DEPTH

ADJUSTMENT

LATCH

NOTE: When adjusting the base, note the groove that serves
as a stop to prevent the motor housing from sliding directly
off and separating from the base.

REMOVING THE BASE

See Figure 11.

n Unplug the trimmer.

n Open the depth adjustment latch.

n Holding the trimmer by the motor housing, slide the base

downward and over. Continue to slide the base downward
to remove it.

NOTE: Replace the base before using the trimmer. Do

not attempt to operate the trimmer without the base in­stalled.

WARNING:

Always use the laminate sub-base for laminate trimming.
Always use the woodworking sub-base for trim routing
operations. Use of the trimmer without a sub-base or
using the incorrect base can result in serious personal
injury.

Fig. 10

STOP

GROOVE

Fig. 11

OPERATION

R

2

R

2

R

3

1

2

1

/

4

1

/

2

3

/

4

1

USING THE WOODWORKING SUB-BASE
WITH HANDLES

The woodworking sub-base with handles is convenient when
routing 4 in. (101.6 mm), 5 in. (127 mm), or 6 in. (152.4 mm)
circular grooves. It can also be used when routing grooves
parallel to the edge of the workpiece.

The handles allow you to grasp and hold the trimmer with
two hands, similar to grasping and holding a router.

ROUTING GROOVES IN A CIRCLE

See Figure 12.

n There are three holes marked R2", R2-1/2", and R3" on

the sub-base. Each number represents a radius and may
be used when cutting circular grooves that are 4 in. (101.6
mm), 5 in. (127 mm) or 6 in. (152.4 mm) in diameter.

n Select the radius for the desired circle, place a finish-

ing nail through the hole and securely tack it into the
workpiece. This will create a pivot axis for that size ra­dius.

n Rout a circular groove in a clockwise direction only. See

the arrow in figure 12.

ROUT CIRCULAR GROOVE CLOCKWISE

FINISHING

NAIL

WORKPIECE

Fig. 12

Page 16 Page 17

OPERATION

R

2

R

2

R

3

1

2

1

/

4

1

/

2

3

/

4

1

ROUTING GROOVES PARALLEL TO AN EDGE

See Figure 13.

You can use the scale provided on the woodworking sub­base to cut a straight parallel line up to 1 in. (25.4 mm) from
the edge of the workpiece.

n The intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines at the

center of the woodworking sub-base indicates the cen­ter of the cutter. This is also the center of groove being
cut.

n For grooves more than 1 in. (25.4 mm) from the edge

of workpiece, align the center of desired groove on the
workpiece with the centerline on the woodworking sub­base. Then measure from the centerline on the woodwork­ing sub-base to the guiding portion of the straight guide.
Tighten the knob on the straight guide securely.

n Using “C” clamps and a board to act as the straight edge,

place the cutter at the desired position on the workpiece
and make the cut from right to left as shown by the arrow
in figure 13.

NOTE: The board being used as a straight edge must

be 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) thick or less to prevent contact with
the trimmer base. It must also be at least as long as the
workpiece in order to be a guide.

n The thrust is from the trimmer against the straight edge.

n Do not make a cut that is too heavy in one pass. If a deep

cut is required, make successive passes at increasing
depths with each new pass until you reach the desired
groove depth.

ROUT GROOVE FROM RIGHT TO LEFT

Fig. 13

MAINTENANCE

WARNING:

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

WARNING:

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields during power tool operation or when blowing
dust. If operation is dusty, also wear a dust mask.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of
commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use
clean cloths to remove dirt, 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.

ADJUSTING TENSION ON THE DEPTH
ADJUSTMENT LATCH

With use, the depth adjustment latch may loosen. Periodically
check the latch and adjust it when necessary.

n Unplug the trimmer

n Open the depth adjustment latch.

n Using a small adjusting wrench, tighten the hex nut by

turning it clockwise. Do not overtighten.

n Close the latch and assure the latch is securely tightened

by checking the sub-base. It should not move.

Electric tools used on fiberglass material, wallboard, spackling
compounds, or plaster are subject to accelerated wear and
possible premature failure because the fiberglass chips and
grindings are highly abrasive to bearings, brushes, commu­tators, etc. Consequently, we do not recommended using this
tool for extended work on these types of materials. However,
if you do work with any of these materials, it is extremely
important to clean the tool using compressed air.

Page 18 Page 19

MAINTENANCE

BRUSH REPLACEMENT

See Figures 14 - 15.

n Unplug the trimmer.

n Remove screws from the top cover of the trimmer.

n Remove the top cover.

n Remove the clamp screws.

n Remove the brush tube clamps.

n Disconnect the red and black lead terminals from the

brush tubes.

SCREWS

TOP

COVER

CLAMP

SCREWS

BRUSH TUBE

CLAMPS

RED

LEAD

BRUSH

ASSEMBLY

n Replace the brush assemblies.

n Reconnect the red and black lead terminals to the brush

tubes.

n Ensure that the wires are placed securely in the lead traps

to prevent loose wires.

n Replace the brush tube clamps and clamp screws.

n Replace the top cover.

n Replace the screws on the top cover of the trimmer.

n Tighten all screws securely. Do not overtighten.

LEAD TRAP

RED

LEAD

LEAD TRAP

BLACK

LEAD

BLACK

LEAD

BRUSH

ASSEMBLY

n Remove the brush assemblies.

n Check for wear. Replace both brush assemblies when

either has less than 1/4 in. length of carbon remaining.
Do not replace one side without replacing the other.

n Make sure the wire terminals are secured to the brush

tubes prior to reassembly.

n Reassemble using new brush assemblies. Make sure the

curvature of the brush matches the curvature of the motor
and that the brush moves freely in the brush tube.

Fig. 14

LEAD

TERMINAL

BRUSH

TUBE

BRUSH

Fig. 15

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

LAMINATE TRIMMER
DOUBLE INSULATION
TR45

• SERVICE

Now that you have purchased your tool, should a need ever exist for repair parts or
service, simply contact your nearest Ryobi Authorized Service Center. Be sure to provide
all pertinent facts when you call or visit. Please call 1-800-525-2579 for your nearest Ryobi
Authorized Service Center. You can also check our web site at www.ryobitools.com for a
complete list of Authorized Service Centers.

• MODEL NO. AND SERIAL NO.

The model number of this tool will be found on a plate attached to the motor housing.
Please record the model number and serial number in the space provided below.

• HOW TO ORDER REPAIR PARTS

When ordering repair parts, always give the following information:

• MODEL NUMBER

• SERIAL NUMBER

RYOBI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

1428 Pearman Dairy Road, Anderson, SC 29625

Post Office Box 1207, Anderson, SC 29622-1207

TR45

Phone [phone]

www.ryobitools.com

983000-429
6-04

Page 20