Ryobi TS1550 User Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

12 in. (305 mm) Compound Miter Saw
TS1550 - Double Insulated

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Your new miter 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.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual.

Thank you for buying a Ryobi miter saw.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

■ Specifications .................................................................................................................................................... 6

■ Glossary ............................................................................................................................................................ 6

■ Unpacking ..........................................................................................................................................................7

■ Features .........................................................................................................................................................8-9

■ Assembly ....................................................................................................................................................10-12

■ Operation ....................................................................................................................................................13-19

■ Adjustments ................................................................................................................................................20-22

■ Accessories ................................................................................................................................................23-24

■ Maintenance ....................................................................................................................................................25

■ Parts, Ordering, and Service ........................................................................................................................... 26

INTRODUCTION

Your miter 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 tool making it easy to
maintain and operate.

WARNING:

Do not attempt to use this tool until you have read
thoroughly and understand completely the operator’s
manual. Pay close attention to the safety rules,
including Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions. If you
use your miter saw properly and only for what it is
intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.

DOUBLE INSULATION

Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric power
tools, which eliminates the need for the usual three-wire
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 wiring. Observe all normal safety pre­cautions to avoid electrical shock.

Important: 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.

WEAR

YOUR

SAFETY

FORESIGHT IS BETTER

GLASSES

THAN NO SIGHT

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

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 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 wear eye protection which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.

2

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

Safe operation of this power tool requires that you read
and understand this operator's manual and all labels
affixed to the tool. Safety is a combination of common
sense, staying alert, and knowing how your tool works.

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 such as
pipes, radiators, ranges, refrigerator enclosures.

■ KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in good working
order.

■ REMOVE WRENCHES AND ADJUSTING KEYS.

Get in the habit of checking - before turning on tool ­that hex keys and adjusting wrenches are removed
from tool.

■ 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 visi-
tors 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
and master switches or by removing starter keys.

■ DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL it will do the job better
and more safely at the rate for which it was designed.

■ USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB. Do not force
the tool or attachment to do a job it was not designed
for. Use it only the way it was intended.

■ USE THE PROPER EXTENSION CORD. Make sure
your extension cord is in good condition. Use only a
cord 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 14 is recom­mended for an extension cord 25 feet or less in
length. If in doubt, use the next heavier gage. The
smaller the gage number, the heavier the cord.

■ INSPECT TOOL CORDS AND EXTENSION CORDS
PERIODICALLY and, if damaged, 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 moving blade.

■ DRESS PROPERLY. Do not wear loose clothing,
gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets, or other jewelry
that can get caught and draw you into moving parts.

Nonslip footwear is recommended. 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.

■ WEAR A DUST MASK to keep from inhaling fine
particles.

■ PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing protec-
tion during extended periods of operation.

■ SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold work
when practical. It's safer than using your hand and
frees both hands to operate tool.

■ DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times.

■ MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp
and clean for better and safer performance. Follow
instructions for lubricating and changing accesso­ries.

■ DISCONNECT ALL TOOLS. When not in use, be­fore servicing, or when changing attachments, all
tools should be disconnected.

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

■ USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. Using im-
proper accessories may risk 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 using the tool
again, check any damaged parts, including guards,
for proper operation and performance. Check align­ment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, break­age of parts, saw stability, mounting and any other
conditions that may affect its operation. A damaged
part must be properly repaired or replaced by a
qualified service technician at an authorized service
center to avoid risk of personal injury.

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

comes to a complete stop.

■ FIRMLY CLAMP OR BOLT your miter saw to a
workbench or table at approximately hip height.

■ USE ONLY CORRECT BLADES. Use the right
blade size, style and cutting speed for the material
and the type of cut. 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 12 in. (305 mm).

■ KEEP BLADES CLEAN, SHARP, AND WITH
SUFFICIENT SET. Sharp blades minimize stalling

and kickback.

■ DO NOT REMOVE THE SAW'S BLADE
GUARDS. Never operate the saw with any guard or

cover removed. Make sure all guards are operating
properly before each use.

3

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

■ KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM CUTTING AREA. Do
not reach underneath work or in blade cutting path
with your hands and fingers for any reason. Always
turn the power off.

■ BLADE COASTS AFTER BEING TURNED OFF.

■ DO NOT ABUSE CORD. Never yank cord to discon-

nect it from receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil, and
sharp edges.

■ USE ONLY OUTDOOR EXTENSION CORDS. Use
only extension cords with the marking "Acceptable
for use with outdoor appliances; store cords indoors
while not in use". Use extension cords with an elec­trical rating not less than the saw's rating. Always
disconnect the extension cord from the outlet before
disconnecting the product from the extension cord.

■ 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.

■ 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.

■ BEFORE MAKING A CUT, be sure all adjustments
are secure.

■ BE SURE BLADE PATH IS FREE OF NAILS. In-
spect for and remove all nails from lumber before
cutting.

■ ALWAYS USE A CLAMP to secure the workpiece
when possible.

■ NEVER TOUCH BLADE or other moving parts dur-
ing use for any reason.

■ 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 YOUR SAW. Lock the miter

table by securely tightening the miter lock handle.
Lock the saw arm (bevel function) by securely tight­ening the bevel lock knob.

■ NEVER USE A LENGTH STOP ON THE FREE
SCRAP END OF A CLAMPED WORKPIECE.
NEVER hold onto or bind the free scrap end of the

workpiece in any operation. If a work clamp and
length stop are used together, they must both be
installed on the same side of the saw table to prevent
the saw from catching the loose end and kicking up.

■ NEVER cut more than one piece at a time. DO NOT
STACK more than one workpiece on the saw table at

a time.

■ NEVER PERFORM ANY OPERATION FREEHAND.

Always place the workpiece to be cut on the miter
table and position it firmly against the fence as a
backstop. Always use the fence.

■ NEVER hand hold a workpiece that is too small to be
clamped. Keep hands clear of the no hands zone.

■ NEVER reach behind, under, or within three inches
(76 mm) of the blade and its cutting path with your
hands and fingers for any reason.

■ NEVER reach to pick up a workpiece, a piece of
scrap, or anything else that is in or near the cutting
path of the blade.

■ AVOID AWKWARD OPERATIONS AND HAND PO-
SITIONS 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.

■ REPLACEMENT PARTS. All repairs, whether elec-
trical or mechanical, should be made at your nearest
authorized service center.

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

■ NEVER USE THIS TOOL IN AN EXPLOSIVE AT­MOSPHERE. Normal sparking of the motor could

ignite fumes.

■ POLARIZED PLUGS. To reduce the risk of electric
shock, this tool has 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 the
proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.

■ IF ANY PART OF THIS MITER SAW IS MISSING

or should break, bend, or fail in any way, or should
any electrical component fail to perform properly,
release the switch trigger, remove the miter saw
plug from the power source and have damaged,
missing, or failed parts replaced before resuming
operation.

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

4

RULES FOR SAFE 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.

■ 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 THE SAW before disconnect-
ing it to avoid accidental starting when reconnecting
to power supply. NEVER leave the saw unattended
while connected to a power source.

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

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.

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.

SYMBOL MEANING

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.

NO HANDS: Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in serious personal injury.

WET CONDITIONS ALERT: Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.

NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

5

SPECIFICATIONS

Blade Diameter 12 in. (305 mm)

Blade Arbor 1 in. (25.4 mm)

No Load Speed 3600 RPM

Input 120 Volts, 60 Hz, AC only, 15 amps

Weight 41 lbs. (18.6 kg)

GLOSSARY

Arbor

The shaft on which a blade or cutting tool is mounted.

Bevel Cut

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

Crosscut

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

Compound Miter Cut

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

Freehand

Performing a cut without using a fence, miter gage,
fixture, work clamp, or other proper device to keep the
workpiece from twisting or moving during the cut.

Gum

A sticky, sap based residue from wood products.

Miter Cut

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

No Hands Zone

The area between the marked lines on the left and right
side of the miter table base. This zone is identified by no
hands zone labels placed inside the marked lines on the
miter table base.

Resin

A sticky, sap base substance that has hardened.

Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)

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

Saw Blade Path

The area over, under, behind, or in front of the blade. As
it applies to the workpiece, that area which will be, or has
been, cut by the blade.

Set

The distance that the tip of the sawblade tooth is bent (or
set) outward from the face of the blade.

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.

Zero Clearance Throat Plate

A plastic throat plate inserted in the miter table that
allows for blade clearance. When you make your first cut
with your compound miter saw, the saw blade cuts a slot
through the throat plate the exact width of the blade. This
provides for a zero clearance kerf that minimizes
workpiece tear-out.

6

UNPACKING

INFORMATION

We have shipped the miter saw completely assembled
except for the blade, miter lock handle, dust guide/dust
bag, table extensions, and stop block.

■ Remove the loose parts from the box. Make sure
that all items listed in the loose parts list are in­cluded.

■ Remove the packing materials from around the saw.

■ Lift the saw carefully from the box and place it on a

level work surface.

NOTE: The saw is heavy. Ask for assistance if
necessary.

■ Do not discard the packing material until you have
carefully inspected the tool, identified all loose parts,
and satisfactorily operated the tool.

■ The saw is shipped with the saw arm locked in the
down position. To release the saw arm, push down
on the top of the saw arm and pull out the lock pin.
Apply hand pressure on the saw arm to prevent
sudden rise upon release of the lock pin.

■ If any parts are damaged or missing, please call
1-800-525-2579 for assistance.

■ Inspect all parts carefully to make sure no breakage
or damage occurred during shipping.

NOTE: 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 your saw, check the saw
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. Refer to ADJUSTMENTS later in this manual.

LOOSE PARTS LIST

1. Saw blade

2. Miter lock handle

3. Dust bag

4. Dust guide

5. Stop block

6. Small wing screw

7. Clamp brackets (2)

8. Clamp bracket screws (2)

9. Table extensions (2)

10. Work clamp

11. Hex blade wrench

WARNING:

If any parts are missing do not operate the tool until
the missing parts are replaced. Failure to do so
could result in serious personal injury.

1

4

3

11

2

10

9

6

8

5

7

7

FEATURES

Before using the miter saw, familiarize yourself with all
operating features and safety requirements. However,
do not let familiarity with the tool make you careless.

WARNING:

Exercise caution when using the miter saw. Care­less actions, for even a fraction of a second, can
result in serious personal injury.

SWITCH

The miter saw has a conveniently located trigger switch.

TRIGGER LOCK

The trigger switch features a lockable latch that allows
you to attach a padlock to prevent unauthorized use.

MOTOR

Your saw has a powerful 15 amp motor with sufficient
power to handle tough cutting jobs. It is made with all ball
bearings.

BLADE

A 12 in. (305 mm) saw blade is included with your
compound miter saw. It will cut materials up to 7-7/8 in.
(200 mm) wide, depending upon the thickness of the
material and the settings at which the cut is being made.
Refer to the table below for cutting capacity details.

Miter Angle Bevel Angle Cutting Capacity

0° 0° 7-7/8 in. x 2-1/2 in.

(200 mm x 63.5 mm)

45° 0° 5-1/2 in. x 2-1/2 in.

(140 mm x 63.5 mm)

0° 45° 7-7/8 in. x 1-3/4 in.

(200 mm x 44.5 mm)

45° 45° 5 in. x 1-3/4 in

(127 mm x 44.5 mm)

CARRYING HANDLE

The saw includes a handle on top of the saw arm that
allows you to easily transport the miter saw.

MITER LOCK HANDLE

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

BEVEL LOCK KNOB

The bevel lock knob securely locks your compound miter
saw at desired bevel angles. Positive stop adjustment
screws are included on each side of the saw arm, which
allow you to make fine adjustments at 0° and 45°.

ELECTRIC BRAKE

The electric brake allows you to quickly stop the blade
rotation after you release the switch.

FENCE

The fence secures the workpiece when making cuts.
The fence contains a built-in measuring scale to assist
you in making crosscuts.

LOWER BLADE GUARD

The self-retracting lower blade guard is made of shock­resistant, clear plastic that provides protection from
each side of the blade. It retracts over the upper blade
guard as you lower the saw into the workpiece.

BLADE WRENCH STORAGE

The saw has a convenient blade wrench storage in the
base.

MOUNTING HOLES

Four bolt holes are located in the saw base that allow you
to permanently mount the saw to a firm supporting
surface.

WARNING:

Always make sure the compound miter saw is se­curely mounted to a workbench or an approved work
stand. Failure to do so could result in an accident
resulting in possible serious personal injury.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

Your tool has a precision built electric motor. It should
be connected to a power supply that is 120 volts, 60
Hz, AC only (normal household current). 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.

SPINDLE LOCK BUTTON

The spindle lock button allows you to lock the spindle,
which keeps the blade in the saw from rotating.

POSITIVE STOPS

The saw contains positive stops at 0°, 15°, 22-1/2°, 30°,
and 45° on both the left and right side of the miter table.

8

FEATURES

TABLE

EXTENSION

DUST BAG

HEX BLADE

WRENCH

UPPER BLADE

LOCK PIN

STOP BLOCK

GUARD

1

1

9

2

1

8

2

1

7

2

1

6

2

1

5

2

1

4

2

1

3

2

1

2

2

1

1

2

15

30

WORK CLAMP

SAW ARM

LOWER BLADE

GUARD

BLADE

BEVEL

SCALE

FENCE

0

45

30

ZERO CLEARANCE

TABLE

EXTENSION

THROAT PLATE

CONTROL ARM

SPINDLE LOCK

MITER LOCK

LEVER

MITER LOCK

HANDLE

WARNING:

BUTTON

MITER SCALE

CARRYING

HANDLE

BEVEL LOCK

KNOB

SAW BASE

Fig. 1

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.

9

ASSEMBLY

30

15

30

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1

2

1
2

1

2

1

2

1

2

1

2

1

2

1

2

1

2

WARNING:

The miter saw should never be connected to a power
supply when you are assembling parts, making ad­justments, installing or removing blades, cleaning, or
when not in use. Disconnecting the miter saw will
prevent accidental starting that could cause serious
personal injury.

NOTE: For information on installing accessories, refer to
ACCESSORIES later in this manual.

INSTALLING THE MITER LOCK HANDLE

See Figure 2.

Follow these directions to install the miter lock handle.

■ Place the threaded end of the miter lock handle into
the threaded hole in the control arm.

■ Tighten the miter lock handle by turning it clockwise.

INSTALLING THE DUST GUIDE

See Figure 3.

Follow these directions to install the dust guide.

■ Unplug the saw.

Fig. 2

DUST GUIDE

EXHAUST

PORT

WARNING:

Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing serious injury.

■ Place the end of the dust guide over the exhaust
port in the upper blade guard.

■ Turn the guide so that the open end is facing down
or toward the rear of the saw.

INSTALLING THE BLADE

See Figures 4, 5, and 6.

WARNING:

The maximum blade capacity of this saw is 12 in.
(305 mm). Never use a blade that is too thick to
allow the 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.

Follow these directions to install the blade.

■ Unplug the saw.

WARNING:

Fig. 3

1) PUSH DOWN
ON ARM

2) PULL
OUT

LOCK PIN

Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing serious injury.

Fig. 4

10

ASSEMBLY

■ Push down on the saw arm.

■ Pull out the lock pin to release saw arm.

■ Raise the saw arm to its full raised position.

NOTE: Be cautious; the saw arm is spring loaded.

■ Raise the lower blade guard to expose the screws
on the blade bolt cover.

■ Loosen the screws on the blade bolt cover using the
phillips end of the blade wrench.

■ Rotate the lower blade guard and 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.

NOTE: The blade bolt has left hand threads. Turn
the blade bolt clockwise to loosen.

■ Loosen and remove the blade bolt using the blade
wrench provided.

■ Remove the flat washer.

■ Remove the outer blade washer. Do not remove

the inner blade washer.

■ Wipe a drop of oil on the inner blade washer and
outer blade washer where they contact the blade.

BLADE BOLT

COVER

SCREWS

LOWER

BLADE

GUARD

LOWER

BLADE

GUARD

Fig. 5

BLADE

BOLT

COVER

WARNING:

If the inner blade washer has been removed, replace
it before placing the blade on the spindle. Failure to
do so could cause the blade not to tighten properly,
which could result in serious injury.

■ Fit the saw blade inside the lower blade guard and
onto the spindle, with the blade teeth pointing down­ward at the front of saw.

WARNING:

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. Failure to heed this warning can result in
serious personal injury.

■ Replace the outer blade washer.

■ Replace the flat washer.

NOTE: The double “D” flats on the blade washers
align with the flats on the spindle.

■ Replace the blade bolt.

NOTE: The blade bolt has left hand threads. Turn
the blade bolt counterclockwise to tighten.

■ Depress the spindle lock button.

■ Tighten the blade bolt securely.

OUTER
BLADE

WASHER

FLAT

WASHER

BLADE

BOLT

Fig. 6

■ Remove the blade wrench.

■ Restore the lower blade guard and the blade bolt

cover.

■ Retighten the screws using the phillips end of the
blade wrench securing the blade bolt cover.

■ Return the blade wrench to the wrench storage
area.

■ Make the first cut with the miter saw. Refer to CUT­TING THE THROAT PLATE later in this manual.

CAUTION:

To prevent damage to the spindle lock, always allow
the motor to come to a complete stop before engag­ing the spindle lock. Make sure the spindle lock
button is not engaged before reconnecting the saw
to a power source.

11

ASSEMBLY

CARRYING THE SAW

See Figure 7.

Follow these directions to carry the saw.

■ Unplug the saw.

WARNING:

Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing serious injury.

■ Pull the saw arm all the way down.

■ Engage the lock pin to hold the saw arm in the

transport position.

■ Stand behind the saw.

■ Lift the saw by the carrying handle.

NOTE: The saw is heavy. Ask for assistance if
necessary.

MOUNTING THE SAW TO A WORK
SURFACE

See Figure 8.

Follow these directions to mount the saw to a work
surface.

■ Place the saw on a sturdy work surface, e.g., work
stand, workbench, countertop.

■ Mark the holes in the saw base with a pencil.

■ Remove the saw from the work surface.

■ Drill four holes through the work surface.

■ Place the saw back on the work surface, aligning

the holes in the saw base with the holes in the work
surface.

■ Insert four bolts (not included, 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) ma­chine bolts recommended) and tighten securely with
lock washers and hex nuts (not included).

■ Check the work surface carefully after you mount
the saw to make sure that no movement can occur
during use. If any tipping, sliding, or walking is noted,
secure the work surface to the floor before operat­ing the saw.

PADLOCK

CARRYING

HANDLE

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

TRIGGER

SWITCH

NOTE: If you plan to transport the saw to different
locations, we recommend that you attach it
permanently to a mounting board that you can easily
clamp to a work surface.

SECURING THE SAW

See Figure 9.

Follow these directions to secure the saw.

■ Unplug the saw.

WARNING:

Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing serious injury.

Fig. 9

■ Install a padlock through the hole in the trigger
switch.

NOTE: You may use a padlock with a long shackle
up to 9/32 in. (7 mm) in diameter.

■ Store the padlock key in another location.

12

WARNING:

OPERATION

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

CUTTING THE THROAT PLATE

See Figure 10.

In order to use the compound miter saw, you must cut a
slot through the zero clearance throat plate to allow for
blade clearance.

Follow these directions to cut the throat plate.

■ Set the saw at 0° miter.

■ Turn on the saw and allow the blade to reach full

speed.

■ Make a straight cut as far as it will go through the
throat plate.

■ Turn off the saw and allow the blade to come to a
complete stop before raising the saw arm.

■ Adjust the bevel angle to 45°.

■ Turn on the saw and allow the blade to reach full

speed.

■ Make another cut through the throat plate.

0 DEGREES

8

1

7

2

1

6

2

1

5

2

1

4

2

1

3

2

1

2

2

1

1

2

30

10

1

9

2

1

8

2

1

7

2

1

6

2

1

5

2

1

4

2

1

3

2

1

2

2

1

1

2

45

0
3

15

30

0

1

1

9

2

1

2

AFTER FIRST

CUT

45

30

15

NOTE: The slot in the throat plate is now wide enough

to allow the blade to pass through it at any angle
from 0 to 45 degrees.

CUTTING WITH THE MITER SAW

WARNING:

When using the work clamp or a C-clamp to secure
the workpiece, clamp the 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 the workpiece. Binding the blade causes
the motor to stall and kickback, which could cause
an accident resulting in serious personal injury.

CROSSCUT

See Figure 11.

A crosscut is made by cutting across the grain of the
workpiece. A straight crosscut is made with the miter
table set at the zero degree position. Miter crosscuts are
made with the miter table set at some angle other than
zero.

Follow these directions to make a crosscut.

■ Push down on the saw arm.

■ Pull out the lock pin to release the saw arm.

45 DEGREES

AFTER

SECOND CUT

Fig. 10

13

OPERATION

■ Raise the saw arm to its full raised position.

■ Loosen the miter lock handle by rotating it approxi-

mately one-half turn.

■ Depress the miter lock lever.

■ Rotate the control arm until the pointer aligns with the

desired angle on the miter scale.

■ Release the miter lock lever.

NOTE: You can quickly locate 0°, 15°, 22-1/2°, 30°,
and 45° left or right by releasing the miter lock lever
as you rotate the control arm. The miter lock lever
will seat itself in one of the positive stop notches,
located in miter table frame.

■ Tighten the miter lock handle securely.

WARNING:

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

■ Place the workpiece flat on the miter table with one
edge securely against the fence. Refer to CUTTING
WARPED MATERIAL and SUPPORTING LONG AND
WIDE WORKPIECES later in this manual.

NOTE: Use the built-in measuring scale to make
quick crosscuts.

■ Align the cutting line on the workpiece with the edge
of saw blade.

■ Grip the workpiece firmly with one hand to secure
it against the fence.

NOTE: Use the work clamp or a C-clamp to secure
the workpiece when possible.

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, keep your hands
outside the no hands zone; at least 3 in. (76 mm)
from the blade. Never perform any cutting operation
freehand (without holding the workpiece against the
fence). The blade could grab the workpiece if it slips
or twists.

■ Perform a dry run of the cutting operation (before
turning on the saw) just to make sure that no problems
will occur when you make the cut.

■ Grasp the saw handle firmly.

■ Squeeze the switch trigger.

CROSSCUT

0

1

1

9

2

1

8

2

1

7

2

1

6

2

1

5

2

1

4

2

1

3

2

1

2

2

1

1

2

5
4

30

15

30

Fig. 11

■ Allow several seconds for the blade to reach maxi­mum speed.

■ Lower the blade into and through the workpiece.

■ Release the switch trigger.

■ Wait for the blade to stop before raising the saw arm

or moving the workpiece.

BEVEL CUT

See Figure 12.

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°.

Follow these directions to make a bevel cut.

■ Push down on the saw arm.

■ Pull out the lock pin to release the saw arm.

■ Raise the saw arm to its full raised position.

■ Loosen the miter lock handle by rotating it approxi-

mately one-half turn.

■ Depress the miter lock lever.

■ Rotate the control arm until the pointer aligns with

zero on the miter scale.

14

OPERATION

■ Release the miter lock lever.

NOTE: You can quickly locate 0° by releasing the
miter lock lever as you rotate the control arm. The
miter lock lever will seat itself in one of the positive
stop notches, located in miter table frame.

■ Tighten the miter lock handle securely.

WARNING:

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

■ Loosen the bevel lock knob.

■ Move the saw arm to the left to the desired bevel

angle.

BEVEL CUT

NOTE: You can set bevel angles from 0° to 45°.
Align the indicator point to the desired angle.

■ Tighten the bevel lock knob securely.

■ Place the workpiece flat on the miter table with one

edge securely against the fence.

NOTE: Refer to CUTTING WARPED MATERIAL
and SUPPORTING LONG AND WIDE
WORKPIECES later in this manual.

■ Align the cutting line on the workpiece with the edge
of saw blade.

■ Clamp the workpiece firmly against the fence using
the work clamp or a C-clamp.

WARNING:

If not held securely in place, the workpiece is pulled
toward the blade in a bevel crosscut. This action can
result in the workpiece kicking back. Always se­curely clamp the workpiece when bevel cutting. Keep
your hands out of the cutting area to avoid serious
personal injury.

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, keep your hands
outside the no hands zone; at least 3 in. (76 mm)
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.

Fig. 12

■ Perform a dry run of the cutting operation (before
turning on the saw) just to make sure that no problems
will occur when you make the cut.

■ Grasp the saw handle firmly.

■ Squeeze the switch trigger.

■ Allow several seconds for the blade to reach maxi-

mum speed.

■ Lower the blade into and through the workpiece.

■ Release the switch trigger.

■ Wait for the blade to stop before raising the saw arm

or moving the workpiece.

COMPOUND MITER CUT

See Figure 13.

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, make boxes
with sloping sides, and for certain roof framing cuts.

To make this type of cut, you must rotate the control arm
on the miter table to the correct angle and tilt the saw arm
to the correct bevel angle. Take care 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.

15

OPERATION

It may take several settings to obtain the desired cut.
Always check the first angle setting after setting the
second angle, since adjusting the second angle affects
the first.

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

Follow these directions to make a compound miter cut.

■ Push down on the saw arm.

■ Pull out the lock pin to release the saw arm.

■ Raise the saw arm to its full raised position.

■ Loosen the miter lock handle by rotating it approxi-

mately one-half turn.

■ Depress the miter lock lever.

■ Rotate the control arm until the pointer aligns with the

desired angle on the miter scale.

■ Release the miter lock lever.

NOTE: You can quickly locate 0°, 15°, 22-1/2°, 30°,
and 45° left or right by releasing the miter lock lever as
you rotate the control arm. The miter lock lever will
seat itself in one of the positive stop notches, located
in miter table frame.

■ Tighten the miter lock handle securely.

WARNING:

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

■ Loosen the bevel lock knob.

■ Move the saw arm to the left to the desired bevel

angle.

NOTE: You can set bevel angles from 0° to 45°.
Align the indicator point to the desired angle.

■ Tighten the bevel lock knob securely.

■ Recheck the miter angle setting.

■ Make a test cut in scrap material.

■ Place the workpiece flat on the miter table with one

edge securely against the fence.

COMPOUND

MITER CUT

Fig. 13

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, keep your hands
outside the no hands zone; at least 3 in. (76 mm)
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.

■ Perform a dry run of the cutting operation (before
turning on the saw) just to make sure that no problems
will occur when you make the cut.

■ Grasp the saw handle firmly.

■ Squeeze the switch trigger.

■ Allow several seconds for the blade to reach maxi-

mum speed.

■ Lower the blade into and through the workpiece.

■ Release the switch trigger.

■ Wait for the blade to stop before raising the saw arm

or moving the workpiece.

NOTE: Refer to CUTTING WARPED MATERIAL
and SUPPORTING LONG AND WIDE
WORKPIECES later in this manual.

■ Align the cutting line on the workpiece with the edge
of saw blade.

■ Clamp the workpiece firmly against the fence using
the work clamp or a C-clamp.

16

OPERATION

The compound angle setting chart below is provided to help you make correct settings for compound miter cuts.
Since compound miter cuts are the most difficult to accurately obtain, carefully plan the cut and make trial cuts in
scrap material 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°

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°

789

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°

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°

10

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

COMPOUND-ANGLE SETTINGS FOR POPULAR STRUCTURES

17

OPERATION

CUTTING CROWN MOLDING

See Figures 14a, 14b, and 14c.

The compound miter saw is an excellent tool choice for
cutting crown molding. 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°.

Follow these tips when cutting crown molding.

■ Lay the molding with its broad back surface flat on the
miter table and against the fence.

■ 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 moldings are
very precise and difficult to set. Since it is very easy
for these angles to shift, you should first test all
settings on scrap molding.

■ Most walls do not have angles of exactly 90°; therefore,
you will need to fine tune your settings.

■ The bevel angle should be set at 33.85° and the miter
angle should be set at 31.62° either right or left,
depending on the desired cut for the application. See
the chart below for correct angle settings and correct
positioning of crown molding on miter table.

■ The settings in the chart below 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 your miter saw.

38°

W

A
L
L

52°

FENCE

CEILING

FENCE

TOP EDGE AGAINST FENCE =

LEFT SIDE, INSIDE CORNER

RIGHT SIDE, OUTSIDE CORNER

INSIDE

CORNER

OUTSIDE

CORNER

BOTTOM EDGE AGAINST FENCE =

RIGHT SIDE, INSIDE CORNER

LEFT SIDE, OUTSIDE CORNER

Fig. 14b

Fig. 14c

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°

0

1

1

9

2

1

8

2

1

7

2

1

6

2

1

5

2

1

4

2

1

3

2

1

2

2

1

1

2

5
4

30

15

30

33.85°

33.85°

Fig. 14a

1. Bottom edge of molding against fence

2. Miter table set left 31.62°

3. Save left end of cut

Left side, outside corner

1. Bottom edge of molding against fence

2. Miter table set left 31.62°

3. Save right end of cut

Right side, outside corner

1. Top edge of molding against fence

2. Miter table set right 31.62°

3. Save right end of cut

18

OPERATION

5

3

1

.

6

5

3

1

.6

5

CUTTING WARPED MATERIAL

See Figure 15.

When cutting warped material, always make sure it is
positioned on the miter table with the convex side
against the fence. If the warped material is positioned
the wrong way, 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.

0
1

1

9

2

1

8

2

1

7

2

1

6

2

1

5

2

1

4

2

1

3

2

1

2

2

1

1

2

0

45

30

Fig. 16

Fig. 15

SUPPORTING LONG AND WIDE
WORKPIECES

LONG WORKPIECES

See Figure 16.

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 during the cutting operation. Use the work clamp
or a C-clamp to secure the workpiece.

0

1

1

9

2

1

8

2

1

7

2

1

6

2

1

5

2

1

4

2

1

3

2

1

2

2

1

1

2

45

30

2

6
.
1

3

45

3

45

4

6

.
1
3

45

Fig. 17

WIDE WORKPIECES

See Figure 17.

When cutting workpieces that are too wide to clamp with
the work clamp, e.g., 2 in. x 6 in. (50.8 mm x 152.4 mm),
use a C-clamp. Always clamp wide workpieces.

19

ADJUSTMENTS

30

15

0

15

30

SQUARING THE MITER TABLE TO THE
FENCE

See Figures 18 through 22.

Follow these directions to square the miter table to the
fence.

■ Unplug the saw.

PUSH DOWN

ON ARM

WARNING:

Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious personal injury.

■ Push down on the saw arm.

■ Pull out the lock pin to release the saw arm.

■ Raise the saw arm to its full raised position.

■ Loosen the miter lock handle by rotating it approxi-

mately one-half turn.

■ Loosen the socket head screws securing the miter
lock lever.

■ Grasp the miter lock handle and rotate the miter
table until the miter pointer is positioned at 0°.

■ Tighten the miter lock handle securely.

■ Tighten the socket head screws to secure the miter

lock lever.

■ Lay a framing square flat on the miter table.

■ Place one leg of the square against the fence.

■ Place the other leg of the square beside the zero

clearance throat plate in the miter table.

NOTE: The edge of the square and the zero
clearance throat plate in the miter table should be
parallel. If the edge of the framing square and the
zero clearance throat plate in the miter table are not
parallel, adjustments are needed. Continue as follows.

■ Loosen the socket head screws securing the fence.

■ Adjust the fence until the framing square and zero

clearance throat plate are parallel.

■ Retighten the screws securely and recheck the fence­to-table alignment.

PULL OUT

LOCK PIN

30

15

Fig. 18

MITER LOCK

HANDLE

SOCKET

HEAD

SCREW

Fig. 19

30

0

15

MITER

POINTER

20

Fig. 20

ADJUSTMENTS

SQUARING THE BLADE TO THE MITER
TABLE

See Figures 23 and 24.

Follow these directions to square the blade to the miter
table.

■ Unplug the saw.

WARNING:

Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious personal injury.

■ Pull the saw arm all the way down.

■ Engage the lock pin to secure the saw arm.

■ Loosen the miter lock handle by rotating it approxi-

mately one-half turn.

■ Depress the miter lock lever.

■ Rotate the miter table until the pointer on the control

arm is positioned at 0°.

■ Release the miter lock lever.

■ Tighten the miter lock handle securely.

■ Loosen the bevel lock knob.

■ Set the saw arm at 0° bevel (blade set 90° to miter

table).

■ Tighten the bevel lock knob.

■ Place a combination square against the miter table

and the flat part of saw blade.

■ 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-to­table alignment at several points.

FENCE

FRAMING

SQUARE

ZERO CLEARANCE

THROAT PLATE

Fig. 21

SOCKET

HEAD

SCREW

Fig. 22

NOTE: The edge of the square and the saw blade
should be parallel. If the top or bottom of the saw
blade angles away from the square, adjustments are
needed. Continue as follows.

■ Loosen the lock nut securing the positive stop ad­justment screw.

■ Loosen the bevel lock knob.

■ Adjust the positive stop adjustment screw to bring

the saw blade into alignment with the square.

■ Retighten the bevel lock knob.

■ Retighten lock nut securing the positive stop adjust-

ment screw.

■ Recheck blade-to-table alignment.

NOTE: You can also follow these procedures 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 one side of the
bevel scale and one on the miter scale. After you have
made squaring adjustments, you may need to loosen the
indicators’ screws and reset the scale indicators to zero.

COMBINATION

SQUARE

BLADE

MITER

TABLE

Fig. 23

21

ADJUSTMENTS

PIVOT POINTS

The following adjustments are made at the factory and
normally do not require readjustment.

TRAVEL PIVOT

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 a qualified
service technician to avoid risk of personal injury.

BEVEL PIVOT

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 a qualified service technician.

DEPTH STOP

The depth stop limits the blade's downward travel. It
allows the blade to go below the miter table enough to
maintain full cutting capacities. The depth stop positions
the blade 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) from the miter table support.

NOTE: The miter table support is located inside the miter
table.

The depth stop is factory set to provide maximum cutting
capacity for the 12 in. (305 mm) saw blade provided with
the saw. Therefore, the depth stop should not need an
adjustment for the saw blade provided.

BEVEL

LOCK
KNOB

LOCK NUT

Fig. 24

WARNING:

If any part fails to function properly, do not operate
this tool until you have it repaired by a qualified
service technician. Failure to heed this warning can
result in serious personal injury.

22

ACCESSORIES

WARNING:

To prevent accidental starting that could cause pos­sible serious personal injury, assemble all accesso­ries for the saw before connecting it to a power
supply. Disconnecting the miter saw will prevent ac­cidental starting that could cause serious personal
injury.

INSTALLING THE DUST BAG

See Figure 25.

The dust bag fits over the exhaust port on the upper
blade guard.

Follow these directions to install the dust bag.

■ Remove the dust guide from the exhaust port.

■ Squeeze the two metal clips to open the mouth of the

bag.

■ Slide the bag onto the exhaust port.

■ Release the clips.

The metal ring in the bag should lock in between the
grooves on the exhaust port.

For more efficient operation, empty dust bag when no
more than half full. This will permit better air flow through
the bag.

Fig. 25

INSTALLING THE TABLE EXTENSIONS

See Figure 26.

Follow these directions to install the table extensions.

■ Insert the ends of the extensions into the two holes in
each side of the base.

■ Position a clamp bracket under each table extension
beneath the miter table.

■ Secure each clamp bracket with a clamp bracket
screw by threading the screw through the clamp
bracket and tightening it against the bottom of the
miter table.

INSTALLING THE STOP BLOCK

See Figure 27.

The stop block is useful as a stop for cutting multiple
pieces the same length. You can install it on either table
extension on either side of the saw base.

Follow these directions to install the stop block.

■ Slide the stop block on the back arm of either table
extension.

■ Insert the table extension into the saw base.

■ Adjust the stop block the desired distance from the

blade for the cut to be made.

Fig. 26

23

ACCESSORIES

1

■ Tighten the wing screw to secure the stop block to the
table extension.

■ Make a test cut in scrap material and measure the
length of the workpiece.

■ Unplug the saw and make any necessary adjust­ments.

INSTALLING THE WORK CLAMP

See Figure 28.

The work clamp provides greater control by clamping the
workpiece to the fence or the saw table. 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.

Follow these direction 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.

Fig. 27

10

1

9

2

1

8

2

1

7

2

1

6

2

1

5

2

1

4

2

1

3

2

1

2

2

1

1

2

45

30

15

30

Fig. 28

WARNING:

When using any clamp with the stop block, install the
clamp on the same side as the stop block. This will
eliminate the possibility of trapping the workpiece,
resulting in the saw blade and workpiece kicking up.
Failure to heed this warning can result in serious
personal injury.

24

MAINTENANCE

WARNING:

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

GENERAL

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, carbon dust, etc.

WARNING:

Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petro­leum-based products, penetrating oils, etc. come in
contact with plastic parts. They contain chemicals
that can damage, weaken, or destroy plastic.

Electric tools used on fiberglass material, wallboard,
spackling compounds, or plaster are subject to
accelerated wear and possible premature failure, as the
fiberglass chips and grindings are highly abrasive to
bearings, brushes, commutators, etc. Consequently, we
do not recommend that this tool be used for extended
work on these types of materials. If, however, you do
work with any of these materials, it is extremely important
that you clean the tool frequently by blowing it with an air
jet.

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.

25

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

12 in. (305 mm) Compound Miter Saw
TS1550 - Double Insulated

EXTENSION CORD CAUTION

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

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

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

**Ampere rating
(on tool faceplate) 0-2.0 2.1-3.4 3.5-5.0 5.1-7.0 7.1-12.0 12.1-16.0

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

25' 16 16 16 16 14 14

50' 16 16 16 14 14 12

CAUTION: 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.

**Used on 12 gauge - 20 amp circuit.

• 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 and serial number of this product are found on the label attached to the
motor housing. Please record the 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

983000-135
8-02

TS1550

www.ryobitools.com

Phone [phone]