Ryobi TS1551 User Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

12 in. (305 mm) Compound Miter Saw
Model TS1551 - Double Insulated

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Your new Miter Saw has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi's high standards for dependability, ease of opera­tion, and operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.

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 tool.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Introduction and Product Specifications ...........................................................................................................................2

 Rules for Safe Operation .............................................................................................................................................. 3-6

 Glossary of Terms.............................................................................................................................................................6

 Unpacking and Tools Needed ......................................................................................................................................... 7

 Loose Parts .......................................................................................................................................................................8

 Features ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9-11

 Assembly................................................................................................................................................................... 12-15

 Adjustments .............................................................................................................................................................. 15-19

 Operation .................................................................................................................................................................. 19-26

 Laser Guide .............................................................................................................................................................. 27-28

 Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................................. 29

 Parts Ordering/Service .................................................................................................................................................. 30

INTRODUCTION

Your saw has many features for making cutting operations
more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety, performance, and
dependability have been given top priority in the design of
this saw making it easy to maintain and operate.

WARNING:

Do not attempt to use the 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 this tool
properly and only for what it is intended, you will enjoy
years of safe, reliable service.

Blade Arbor 1 in. (25.4 mm)

Blade Diameter 12 in. (305 mm)

Rating 120 volts, 60Hz, AC Only

No Load Speed 3600 RPM

Input 15 Amperes

Net Weight 41 lbs. (18.6 kg.)

WARNING:

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

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.

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

Page 2

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

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

Symbol Meaning

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. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices that may cause property damage.

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

SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS

This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product.
Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance, and repair information.

SYMBOL

DOUBLE INSULATION

Double insulation is a concept in safety, in electric power
tools, which eliminates the need for the usual three-wire
ground 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
related to avoiding electrical shock.

• Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.

• Failure to keep your hands away from the blade

will result in serious personal injury.

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 RYOBI AUTHORIZED
SERVICE CENTER for repair. When servicing use only
identical Ryobi replacement parts.

WARNING:

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

MEANING

NO HANDS SYMBOL

Page 3

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 miter saw 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 prevent-

ing 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 - 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 visitors

should wear safety glasses and be kept a safe distance
from work area. Do not let visitors contact tool or exten­sion cord while operating.

 MAKE WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF with padlocks and

master switches or by removing starter keys.

 DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL it will do the job better and

safer at the rate for which it was designed.

 USE THE RIGHT TOOL 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 at your

nearest 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-resis-
tant lenses; they are NOT safety glasses.

 WEAR A DUST MASK to keep from inhaling fine par-

ticles.

 PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing protection

during extended periods of operation.

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

when practical. It's safer than using your hand and frees
both hands to operate tool.

 DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and bal-

ance at all times.

 MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp and

clean for better and safer performance. Follow instruc­tions for lubricating and changing accessories.

 DISCONNECT ALL TOOLS. When not in use, before

servicing, or when changing attachments, all tools should
be disconnected.

 AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Be sure switch is off

when plugging in any tool.

 USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. Consult the

operator's manual for recommended accessories. The
use of improper accessories may case risk of injury.

 NEVER STAND ON TOOL. Serious injury could occur if

the tool is tipped or if the blade is unintentionally contacted.

 CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before using the tool, a

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

 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 work-

bench or table at approximately hip height.

 USE ONLY CORRECT BLADES. Use the right blade

size, style and cutting speed for material and 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.

 KEEP BLADES CLEAN, SHARP, AND WITH SUFFI-

CIENT SET. Sharp blades minimize stalling and kick-

back.

 DO NOT REMOVE THE SAW'S BLADE GUARDS.

Never operate the saw with any guard or cover removed.
Make sure all guards are operating properly before each
use.

 KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM CUTTING AREA. Do not

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

Page 4

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

 BLADE COASTS AFTER BEING TURNED OFF.

 DO NOT ABUSE CORD. Never yank cord to disconnect

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 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 cut-

ting 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. Inspect for

and remove all nails from lumber before cutting.

 NEVER TOUCH BLADE or other moving parts during

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 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. Al-

ways 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 reach behind, under, or within three inches of the

blade and its cutting path with your hands and fingers for
any reason.

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

clamped. Keep hands clear of the no hands zone.

 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 POSI-

TIONS 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 electrical

or mechanical, should be made at your nearest autho­rized service center.

 WHEN SERVICING, use only identical Ryobi replace-

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

 NEVER USE THIS TOOL IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMO-

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

 DO NOT OPERATE THIS TOOL WHILE UNDER THE

INFLUENCE OF DRUGS, ALCOHOL, OR ANY MEDI­CATION.

 ALWAYS STAY ALERT! Do not allow familiarity (gained

from frequent use of your saw) to cause a careless
mistake. ALWAYS REMEMBER that a careless fraction
on a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury.

Page 5

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

 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 LIGHT-

ING 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 disconnecting it

to avoid accidental starting when reconnecting to power
supply. NEVER leave the saw unattended while con­nected to a power source.

 ALWAYS carry the saw only by the carrying handle.

 AVOID direct eye exposure when using the laser guide.

 SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them frequently

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

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR WOODWORKING

Arbor

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

Bevel Cut

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

Compound Miter Cut

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

Crosscut

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

Freehand

Performing a cut without using a fence, vise, 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

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 saw blade tooth is bent (or set)
outward from the face of the blade.

Through Sawing

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

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.

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.

Page 6

UNPACKING

Your Compound Miter Saw has been shipped completely
assembled except for the blade, miter lock handle, dust guide
or dust bag, table extensions, work clamp, and stop block.
 Remove all loose parts from the carton. Separate and

check with the list of loose parts. See Figure 1.

 Remove the packing materials from around your saw.
 Carefully lift saw from the carton by the carrying handle

and place it on a level work surface. Although small, this
saw is heavy. To avoid back injury, get help when needed.

 Do not discard the packing materials until you have

carefully inspected the saw, identified all loose parts, and
satisfactorily operated your new saw.

 Your saw has been shipped with the saw arm secured in

the down position. To release the saw arm, push down on
top of saw arm and cut the tie-wrap.

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

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

 Examine all parts to make sure no breakage or damage

has occurred during shipping.

If any parts are missing, do not attempt to assemble the miter
saw, plug in the power cord, or turn the switch on until the
missing parts are obtained and are installed correctly. Call
1-800-525-2579 for assistance if any parts are missing or
damaged.

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.

TOOLS NEEDED

The following tools (not included) are needed for checking adjustments of your saw or for installing the blade:

12 mm COMBINATION WRENCH

FRAMING SQUARE

6 mm HEX KEY

COMBINATION

SQUARE

Page 7

LOOSE PARTS LIST

The following items are included with your Compound Miter Saw:

 12 in. (305 mm) Saw Blade
 Miter Lock Handle
 Dust Bag
 Dust Guide
 Stop Block
 Small Wing Screw
 Clamp Brackets (2)
 Clamp Bracket Screws (2)

 Table Extensions (2)
 Work Clamp
 Blade Wrench
 Hex Key
 Laser Guide
 Hex Key Bolt
 Operator's Manual
 Warranty Registration Card

DUST GUIDE

DUST BAG

BLADE WRENCH

CLAMP

BRACKET SCREWS

CLAMP

BRACKETS

SMALL

WING SCREW

5

SAW BLADE

HEX KEY

HEX KEY

BOLT

STOP BLOCK

LASER GUIDE

MITER

LOCK HANDLE

WORK CLAMP

TABLE EXTENSIONS

Fig. 1

WARNING: The use of attachments or accessories not listed might be hazardous and could cause serious

personal injury.

Page 8

FEATURES

KNOW YOUR COMPOUND MITER SAW

See Figure 2.

Before attempting to use your saw, familiarize yourself with
all operating Features and Rules for Safe Operation.

WARNING:

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

15 AMP MOTOR

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

UPPER

BLADE GUARD

DUST BAG

12 in. BLADE

A 12 in. (305 mm) saw blade is included with your compound
miter saw. It is fine for most wood cutting operations, but for
fine joinery cuts or cutting plastic, use one of the accessory
blades available from your nearest dealer.

CUTTING CAPACITIES

When the miter angle (miter table) is set at 0°:

Maximum dimensional sizes: 4 in. x 4 in.

2 1/2 in. x 7 7/8 in.

When the miter angle (miter table) is set at 45°:

Maximum dimensional size: 2 1/2 in. x 5 1/2 in.

SAW ARM

SWITCH TRIGGER

MITER FENCE

BLADE

WRENCH

MITER

TABLE FRAME

BEVEL

LOCK KNOB

LOWER

BLADE GUARD

BEVEL SCALE

MITER TABLE

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

"NO HANDS ZONE"

BOUNDARY LINE

"NO HANDS ZONE"

LABEL

MITER SCALE

MITER

15

30

LOCK PLATE

ZERO CLEARANCE

THROAT PLATE

POSITIVE STOP(S)

Page 9

CONTROL ARM

MITER

LOCK HANDLE

Fig. 2

FEATURES

BLADE WRENCH / STORAGE AREA

See Figure 2.

A blade wrench is packed with your saw. One end of the
wrench is a phillips screwdriver and the other end is a 1/4
in. (6.4 mm) hex key. Use the hex key end when installing
or removing blade and the phillips end when removing or
loosening screws. A storage area for the blade wrench is

located behind the fence.

CARRYING HANDLE

See Figure 3.

For convenience when carrying or transporting your miter
saw from one place to another, a carrying handle has been
provided on top of the saw arm as shown in figure 3. To
transport, turn off and unplug your saw, then lower the saw
arm and lock it in the down position. Lock saw arm by
depressing the lock pin.

MITER LOCK HANDLE

See Figure 3.

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

SPINDLE LOCK BUTTON

See Figure 4.

A spindle lock button has been provided for locking the
spindle which keeps the blade in your saw from rotating.
Depress and hold the lock button while installing, changing,
or removing blade only.

SWITCH TRIGGER

SPINDLE

LOCK

BUTTON

Fig. 4

SWITCH TRIGGER

SAW ARM

MITER LOCK

HANDLE

CARRYING HANDLE

SAW ARM

LOCKED IN DOWN POSITION

PADLOCK

Fig. 5

TRIGGER LOCK

See Figure 5.

To prevent unauthorized use of your compound miter saw,
we suggest that you disconnect it from the power supply and
lock the switch in the off position. To lock the switch, install
a padlock (not included) through the hole in the switch
trigger. A lock with a long shackle up to 19/64 in. (7 mm)
diameter may be used. When the lock is installed and locked,
the switch is inoperable. Store the padlock key in another
location.

Fig. 3

Page 10

FEATURES

POSITIVE STOPS ON MITER TABLE

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

BEVEL LOCK KNOB

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

ELECTRIC BRAKE

An electric brake has been provided to quickly stop blade
rotation after the switch is released.

MITER FENCE

The miter fence on your compound miter saw has been
provided to hold your workpiece securely against when
making all cuts; the left side is also larger providing additional
support.

SELF-RETRACTING LOWER BLADE GUARD

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

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, always assure saw is
fully supported and securely attached to a level work
surface.

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.

MOUNTING HOLES

See Figure 6.

Your compound miter saw should be mounted to a firm
supporting surface such as a workbench. Four bolt holes
have been provided in the saw base for this purpose. Each
of the four mounting holes should be bolted securely using
3/8 in. (10 mm) machine bolts, lock washers, and hex nuts
(not included). Bolts should be of sufficient length to accom­modate the saw base, lock washers, hex nuts, and the
thickness of the workbench. Tighten all four bolts securely.

The hole pattern is for an 18 in. x 24 in. (457 mm x 610 mm)
workbench. Carefully check the workbench after mounting
to make sure that no movement can occur during use. If any
tipping, sliding, or walking is noted, secure the workbench to
the floor before operating.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

Your saw has a precision built electric motor. It should be
connected to a power supply that is 120 volts, 60Hz, 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.

WARNING:

The operation of any saw can result in foreign objects
being thrown into your eyes, which can result in severe
eye damage. Before starting 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.

Page 11

SAW BASE

MOUNTING SURFACE

TRACE HOLES

AT THESE LOCATIONS

FOR HOLE PATTERN

Fig. 6

ASSEMBLY

WARNING:

To prevent accidental starting that could cause possible
serious personal injury, assemble all parts, make sure all
adjustments are complete, and make sure all fasteners
are secure before connecting saw to power supply. Saw
should never be connected to power supply when you are
assembling parts, making adjustments, installing or re-

moving blades, or when not in use.

MITER LOCK HANDLE

See Figure 7.

To install the miter lock handle, place the threaded stud on
the end of the miter lock handle into the threaded hole in the
control arm under miter table. Turn clockwise to tighten.

DUST GUIDE

See Figure 8.

To install the dust guide, place the end over the exhaust port
in the upper blade guard. Turn the guide so that the open
end is facing down.

DUST BAG

See Figure 9.

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

WORK CLAMP

See Figure 10.

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.

CONTROL

ARM

DUST BAG

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

1

0

3

LOOSEN

UPPER

BLADE GUARD

EXHAUST PORT

TO

5
4

0
3

MITER TABLE

TO

TIGHTEN

MITER

LOCK HANDLE

Fig. 7

DUST

GUIDE

EXHAUST

PORT

Fig. 8

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 directions 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.

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.

Page 12

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

0

3

MITER

TABLE BASE

0

5
4

30

WORK CLAMP

Fig. 9

Fig. 10

ASSEMBLY

TABLE EXTENSIONS

See Figures 11, 12, and 13.

If you plan to use the stop block, slide the stop block on the
back arm of the desired table extension first.

To install table extensions, insert the ends of extensions into
the holes in the sides of the base. See Figures 12 and 13.
Adjust the extensions to the desired length.

Secure them in place by positioning a clamp bracket under
each table extension beneath the miter table. Orient each
clamp bracket as shown in figure 13.

Secure each clamp bracket in place with a clamp bracket
screw. The clamp bracket screw threads through the clamp
bracket and tightens against bracket support on bottom of
miter table, securing clamp bracket against table extension.

STOP BLOCK

See Figures 11 and 14.

The stop block is included with the table extensions and is
useful as a stop for making repetitive cuts to the same
length. It can be installed on either side of the saw base:

 Slide the stop block on the back arm of either table

extension, then insert the table extensions into the saw
base.

 Use the small wing screw to secure the stop block to the

table extensions.

 Loosen the small wing screw and adjust the stop block

the desired distance from the blade for the cut to be
made. For accurate placement of the stop block, mea­sure the distance from the teeth set on the blade to the
stop block.

 Tighten wing screw securely.
 Plug the saw in.
 Make a test cut in scrap material and measure the

length of the workpiece.

 Make any necessary adjustments.

MITER

SAW BASE

TABLE

EXTENSION

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

5

1

0

3

MITER

SAW BASE

SAW VIEWED FROM BOTTOM

CLAMP

BRACKET

CLAMP

BRACKET SCREW

TABLE

EXTENSION

Fig. 12

BRACKET
SUPPORT

CLAMP

BRACKET

ASSEMBLED

Fig. 13

WARNING:

Always make sure your miter saw is securely mounted to
a workbench or an appropriate workstand. Failure to do
so could result in an accident resulting in possible serious
personal injury.

STOP BLOCK

SMALL

WING SCREW

TABLE

EXTENSION

MITER

SAW BASE

Fig. 11

Page 13

STOP

BLOCK

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

5

1

30

Fig. 14

ASSEMBLY

TO INSTALL BLADE

See Figures 15 and 16.
(See pages 27 and 28 for Mounting the Laser Guide.)

WARNING:

A 12 in. (305 mm) blade is the maximum blade capacity
of your saw. Never use a blade that is too thick to allow
outer blade washer to engage with the flats on the spindle.
Larger blades will come in contact with the blade guards,
while thicker blades will prevent the blade bolt from
securing the blade on the spindle. Either of these situa­tions could result in a serious accident and can cause
serious personal injury.

 Unplug your saw.

WARNING:

Failure to unplug your saw could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious personal injury.

SPINDLE LOCK

BUTTON

 Raise saw arm.
 Loosen screw A on the blade bolt cover.
 Rotate lower blade guard up and remove screw B. Ro-

tate blade bolt cover up and back to expose the blade
bolt. See Figure 16.

 Depress the spindle lock button and rotate the blade

bolt until the spindle locks.

 Using the wrench provided, loosen and remove the

blade bolt. See Figure 15.
Note: The blade bolt has left hand threads. Turn blade

bolt clockwise to loosen.

 Remove outer blade washer. Do not remove inner blade

washer.

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

blade washer where they contact the blade.

WARNING:

If inner blade washer has been removed, replace it before
placing blade on spindle. Failure to do so could cause an

accident since blade will not tighten properly.

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

The blade teeth point downward at the front of saw as
shown in Figure 16.

 Replace outer blade washer. The double "D" flats on the

blade washers align with the flats on the spindle.

 Depress spindle lock button and replace blade bolt.

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

SCREW A

LOWER

BLADE GUARD

TO

LOOSEN

TO

TIGHTEN

BLADE BOLT

OUTER BLADE WASHER

WITH DOUBLE "D" FLATS

Fig. 15

SCREW B

BLADE

BOLT

COVER

INNER BLADE

WASHER WITH

DOUBLE "D" FLATS

FLAT (S)

ON SPINDLE

BLADE

Page 14

Fig. 16

ASSEMBLY

CAUTION:

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

 Tighten blade bolt securely.

 Replace the lower blade guard and blade bolt cover.

 Replace screw B and tighten securely.

 Retighten screw A securely.

WARNING:

Make sure the spindle lock button is not engaged before
reconnecting saw into power source. Never engage
spindle lock button when blade is rotating.

Your 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 following adjustments before you begin
using saw. Make any readjustments that are necessary and
periodically check the parts alignment to make sure that your
saw is cutting accurately.

WARNING:

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

ADJUSTMENTS

Note: Many of the illustrations in this manual show only

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

SQUARING THE MITER TABLE TO THE FENCE

See Figures 17 - 20.

Note: See page19 for Cutting a Slot in the Zero Clearance
Throat Plate.

 Unplug your saw.

FRAMING

SQUARE

LOCK PLATE

MITER

FENCE

MITER TABLE

MITER

VIEW OF MITER TABLE SQUARE WITH FENCE

ZERO CLEARANCE

THROAT PLATE

MITER

LOCK HANDLE

Fig. 17

Page 15

ADJUSTMENTS

 Push down on the saw arm and pull out the lock pin to

release the saw arm.

 Raise saw arm to its full raised position.
 Loosen the miter lock handle approximately one-half

turn.

 Depress the miter lock plate and rotate the miter table

until the pointer on the control arm is positioned at 0°.

 Release the miter lock plate and securely tighten the

miter lock handle.

 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. The edge of the square and the zero
clearance throat plate in the miter table should be paral­lel as shown in figure 19.

 If the edge of the framing square and the zero clearance

throat plate in the miter table are not parallel as shown
in figures 18 and 19, adjustments are needed.

 Using the blade wrench provided, loosen the socket

head screws securing the fence. See Figure 20. Adjust
the fence left or right until the framing square and zero
clearance throat plate are parallel.

 Retighten the screws securely and recheck the fence-

to-table alignment.

MITER FENCE

FRAMING

SQUARE

VIEW OF MITER TABLE NOT SQUARE WITH

FENCE, ADJUSTMENTS ARE REQUIRED

MITER FENCE

ZERO CLEARANCE

MITER TABLE

MITER TABLE

THROAT PLATE

Fig. 18

SQUARING THE SAW BLADE TO THE FENCE

See Figures 20 - 24

 Unplug your saw.

WARNING:

Failure to unplug your saw could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious personal injury.

 Pull the saw arm all the way down and engage the lock

pin to hold the saw arm in transport position.

 Loosen the miter lock handle approximately one-half

turn.

 Depress the miter lock plate and rotate the miter table

until the pointer on the control arm is positioned at 0°.

 Release the miter lock plate and securely tighten the

miter lock handle.

 Lay a framing square flat on the miter table. Place one

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

Note: Make sure that the square contacts the flat part of
the saw blade, not the blade teeth.

FRAMING

SQUARE

VIEW OF MITER TABLE NOT SQUARE WITH

FENCE, ADJUSTMENTS ARE REQUIRED

ZERO CLEARANCE

THROAT PLATE

Fig. 19

SOCKET HEAD

SCREW

Page 16

FENCE

Fig. 20

ADJUSTMENTS

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

parallel as shown in figure 21.

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

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

 Loosen the socket head screws that secure the miter

fence to the miter table. See Figure 20.

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

parallel with the square.

 Retighten the screws securely and recheck the blade-

to-fence alignment.

Your saw has two scale indicators, one on the bevel scale
and one on the miter scale. After squaring adjustments have
been made, it may be necessary to loosen the indicators
screws and reset them to zero. See Figure 24.

MITER

FENCE

MITER

FENCE

MITER

FENCE

MITER

TABLE

FRAMING

SQUARE

VIEW OF BLADE NOT SQUARE WITH

FENCE, ADJUSTMENTS ARE REQUIRED

BLADE

Fig. 22

30

INDICATOR

SCREW

FRAMING

MITER

SQUARE

TABLE

VIEW OF BLADE

SQUARE WITH FENCE

15

0

MITER

LOCK HANDLE

15

SCALE

INDICATOR

BLADE

MITER

LOCK

PLATE

Fig. 21

30

MITER

SCALE

MITER

TABLE

FRAMING

SQUARE

VIEW OF BLADE NOT SQUARE WITH

FENCE, ADJUSTMENTS ARE REQUIRED

BEVEL
SCALE

INDICATOR

POINT

INDICATOR

45

15

0

BLADE

Fig. 23

SCREW

Page 17

SCALE

INDICATOR

Fig. 24

ADJUSTMENTS

SQUARING THE BLADE TO THE MITER TABLE

See Figures 25 - 27.

 Unplug your saw.

WARNING:

Failure to unplug your saw could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious personal injury.

 Pull the saw arm all the way down and engage the lock

pin to hold the saw arm in transport position.

 Loosen the miter lock handle approximately one-half

turn.

 Depress the miter lock plate and rotate the miter table

until the pointer on the control arm is positioned at 0

 Release the miter lock plate and securely tighten the

miter lock handle.

 Loosen bevel lock knob and set saw arm at 0

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

 Place a combination square against the miter table and

the flat part of saw blade.
Note: Make sure that the square contacts the flat part of

the saw blade, not the blade teeth.

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

alignment at several points.

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

parallel as shown in figure 25.

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

the square as shown in figures 26 and 27, adjustments
are needed.

 Loosen the lock nut securing positive stop adjustment

screw. Also loosen bevel lock knob.

°

°

bevel

.

MITER

FENCE

MITER

FENCE

COMBINATION

MITER

TABLE

VIEW OF BLADE NOT SQUARE WITH MITER

TABLE, ADJUSTMENTS ARE REQUIRED

MITER
TABLE

SQUARE

COMBINATION

SQUARE

BLADE

Fig. 26

BLADE

BEVEL

LOCK KNOB

MITER

FENCE

COMBINATION

MITER

TABLE

CORRECT VIEW OF BLADE

SQUARE WITH MITER TABLE

SQUARE

MITER

LOCK PLATE

BLADE

MITER

LOCK HANDLE

Fig. 25

VIEW OF BLADE NOT SQUARE WITH MITER

TABLE, ADJUSTMENTS ARE REQUIRED

 Adjust positive stop adjustment screw to bring

saw blade into alignment with the square. See

Figure 28.

 Retighten bevel lock knob. Next, retighten lock nut se-

curing the positive stop adjustment screw. Recheck
blade-to-table alignment.

Note: The above procedure can be used to check blade
squareness of the saw blade to the miter table at both 0
and 45° angles.

Your saw has two scale indicators, one on the bevel scale
and one on the miter scale. After squaring adjustments have
been made, it may be necessary to loosen the indicators
screws and reset them to zero. See Figure 24.

Page 18

Fig. 27

°

ADJUSTMENTS

POSITIVE STOP

ADJUSTMENT

SCREW FOR

0° ANGLES

BEVEL LOCK KNOB

LOCK NUT(S)

PIVOT ADJUSTMENTS

Note: These adjustments were made at the factory and

normally do not require readjustment.

TRAVEL PIVOT ADJUSTMENT

 The saw arm should rise completely to the up position

by itself.

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

the pivot joints, have saw repaired by at your nearest

RYOBI AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER.

POSITIVE STOP

ADJUSTMENT

SCREW FOR

45° ANGLES

Fig. 28

BEVEL PIVOT ADJUSTMENT

 Your compound miter saw should bevel easily by loos-

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

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

saw repaired by at your nearest RYOBI AUTHORIZED

SERVICE CENTER.

WARNING:

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

APPLICATIONS

(Use only for the purposes listed below)

 Cross cutting wood and plastic.
 Cross cutting miters, joints, etc. for picture frames,

moldings, door casings, and fine joinery.

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

OPERATION

WARNING:

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

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, keep your hands outside
the no hands zone; at least 3 in. (7.6 cm) from blade.
Never perform any cutting operation freehand (without
holding workpiece against the fence). The blade could
grab the workpiece if it slips or twists.

CUTTING A SLOT IN THE ZERO CLEARANCE
THROAT PLATE

In order to use your compound miter saw, you must cut a slot
through the zero clearance throat plate to allow for blade
clearance. To cut the slot, set your saw at 0° miter, turn saw
on and allow the blade to reach full speed, then carefully
make a straight cut as far as it will go through the throat plate.
Turn your saw off and allow the blade to come to a complete
stop before raising the saw arm.

Next, adjust the bevel angle to 45°, turn your saw on and
allow the blade to reach full speed, then carefully make
another cut through the zero clearance throat plate. The slot
in the throat plate will then be wide enough to allow the blade
to pass through it at any angle from 0° to 45°.

Page 19

OPERATION

CUTTING WITH YOUR COMPOUND
MITER SAW

WARNING:

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

CROSSCUTTING

See Figure 29.

A crosscut is made by cutting across the grain of the
workpiece. A straight crosscut is made with the miter table
set at the 0
table set at some angle other than zero.

TO CROSSCUT WITH YOUR MITER SAW

 Pull out the lock pin and lift saw arm to its full height.
 Loosen the miter lock handle. Rotate the miter lock

handle approximately one-half turn to the left to loosen.

 Press the miter lock plate down with your thumb and hold.
 Rotate the control arm until the pointer aligns with the

desired angle on the miter scale.

 Release the miter lock plate.

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

 Tighten the miter lock handle securely.

°

position. Miter crosscuts are made with the miter

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

securely against the fence. If the board is warped, place
the convex side against the fence. If the concave edge of
a board is placed against the fence, the board could
collapse on the blade at the end of the cut, jamming the
blade. See Figures 36 and 37.

 When cutting long pieces of lumber or molding, support

the opposite end of the stock with a roller stand or with a
work surface level with the saw table. See Figure 34.

 Align cutting line on the workpiece with the edge of saw

blade.

 Grasp the stock firmly with one hand and secure

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

Figure 29.

STRAIGHT

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

CROSSCUT

5
4

0
3

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.

Page 20

15

30

WORK CLAMP

Fig. 29

OPERATION

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

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

 Grasp the saw handle firmly then squeeze the switch

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

 Slowly lower the blade into and through the workpiece.

See Figure 29.

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

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

BEVEL CUT

See Figures 30 and 31.

A bevel cut is made by cutting across the grain of the
workpiece with the blade set at an angle. 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°.

BEVEL CUT

BEVEL
SCALE

45

15

 Pull out the lock pin and lift saw arm to its full height.
 Loosen the miter lock handle. Rotate the miter lock

handle approximately one-half turn to the left to loosen.

 Press the miter lock plate down with your thumb and hold.
 Rotate the control arm until the pointer aligns with zero on

the miter scale.

 Release the miter lock plate.

Note: You can quickly locate zero by releasing the lock
plate as you rotate the control arm. The lock plate will
seat itself in one of the built-in positive stop notches,
located in the miter table frame.

 Tighten the miter lock handle securely.

INDICATOR

POINT

INDICATOR

SCREW

0

SCALE

INDICATOR

Fig. 30

WORK CLAMP

Fig. 31

 The 45° triangle on the miter fence provides for the

maximum clearance required for adjusting the miter
saw's angle when making a bevel or compound cut.

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

left to the desired bevel angle.

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

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

securely tighten the bevel lock knob.

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

securely against the fence. If the board is warped, place
the convex side against the fence. If the concave edge of
a board is placed against the fence, the board could
collapse on the blade at the end of the cut, jamming the
blade. See Figures 36 and 37.

 When cutting long pieces of lumber or molding, support

the opposite end of the stock with a roller stand or with a
work surface level with the saw table. See Figure 34.

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

saw blade.

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.

Page 21

OPERATION

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

the fence. Use the optional work clamp or a C-clamp to
secure the workpiece when possible. See Figure 31.

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, always keep your hands
outside the no hands zone; at least 3 in. (7.6 cm) from
blade. Never perform any cutting operation freehand
(without holding workpiece against the fence). The blade
could grab the workpiece if it slips or twists.

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

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

 Grasp the saw handle firmly then squeeze the switch

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

 Slowly lower the blade into and through the workpiece.

See Figure 31.

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

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

COMPOUND MITER CUT

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.

COMPOUND

MITER CUT

WORK CLAMP

 Release the miter lock plate.

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

 Tighten the miter lock handle securely.

Fig. 32

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

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

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

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

TO MAKE A COMPOUND CUT WITH YOUR
MITER SAW

 Pull out the lock pin and lift saw arm to its full height.
 Loosen the miter lock handle. Rotate the miter lock handle

approximately one-half turn to the left to loosen.

 Press the miter lock plate down with your thumb and hold.
 Rotate the control arm until the pointer aligns with the

desired angle on the miter scale.

Page 22

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 and move the saw arm to the

left to the desired bevel angle.

 Bevel angles can be set from 0˚ to 45˚.
 Once the saw arm has been set at the desired angle,

securely tighten the bevel lock knob.

OPERATION

 Recheck 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. If the board is warped, place
the convex side against the fence. If the concave edge of
a board could collapse on the blade at the end of the cut,
jamming the blade. See Figures 36 and 37.

 When cutting long pieces of lumber or molding, support

the opposite end of the stock with a roller stand or with a
work surface level with the saw table. See Figure 34.

 Align the cutting line on the workpiece with the edge of saw

blade.

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

the fence. Use the optional work clamp or a C-clamp to
secure the workpiece when possible. See Figure 32.

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, always keep your hands
outside the no hands zone; at least 3 in. (7.6 cm) from
blade. Never perform any cutting operation freehand
(without holding workpiece against the fence). The blade
could grab the workpiece if it slips or twists.

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

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

45° x 45° COMPOUND MITER CUT

Fig. 33

 Grasp the saw handle firmly then squeeze the switch

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

 Slowly lower the blade into and through the workpiece.

See Figures 32 and 33.

 Release the switch trigger and allow the saw blade to

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

SUPPORT LONG WORKPIECES

See Figure 34.

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

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, always keep your hands
outside the no hands zone; at least 3 in. (7.6 cm) from
blade. Never perform any cutting operation freehand
(without holding workpiece against the fence). The blade
could grab the workpiece if it slips or twists.

LONG WORKPIECE

WORKPIECE

SUPPORTS

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

5

4

30

Fig. 34

Page 23

OPERATION

CUTTING COMPOUND MITERS

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

7

89

M- 22.50°
B- 0.00°

M- 22.42°
B- 1.91°

M- 22.19°
B- 3.81°

M- 21.81°
B- 5.68°

M- 21.27°
B- 7.52°

M- 20.58°
B- 9.31°

M- 19.73°
B- 11.03°

M- 18.74°
B- 12.68°

M- 17.60°
B- 14.24°

M- 16.32°
B- 15.70°

M- 14.91°
B- 17.05°

M- 13.36°
B- 18.27°

M- 11.70°
B- 19.35°

M- 9.93°
B- 20.29°

M- 8.06°
B- 21.08°

M- 6.12°
B- 21.69°

M- 4.11°
B- 22.14°

M- 2.07°
B- 22.41°

M- 0.00°
B- 22.50°

M- 20.00°
B- 0.00°

M- 19.93°
B- 1.71°

M- 19.72°
B- 3.40°

M- 19.37°
B- 5.08°

M- 18.88°
B- 6.72°

M- 18.26°
B- 8.31°

M- 17.50°
B- 9.85°

M- 16.60°
B- 11.31°

M- 15.58°
B- 12.70°

M- 14.43°
B- 14.00°

M- 13.17°
B- 15.19°

M- 11.79°
B- 16.27°

M- 10.31°
B- 17.23°

M- 8.74°
B- 18.06°

M- 7.10°
B- 18.75°

M- 5.38°
B- 19.29°

M- 3.62°
B- 19.68°

M- 1.82°
B- 19.92°

M- 0.00°
B- 20.00°

10

M- 18.00°
B- 0.00°

M- 17.94°
B- 1.54°

M- 17.74°
B- 3.08°

M- 17.42°
B- 4.59°

M- 16.98°
B- 6.07°

M- 16.41°
B- 7.50°

M- 15.72°
B- 8.89°

M- 14.90°
B- 10.21°

M- 13.98°
B- 11.46°

M- 12.94°
B- 12.62°

M- 11.80°
B- 13.69°

M- 10.56°
B- 14.66°

M- 9.23°
B- 15.52°

M- 7.82°
B -16.26°

M- 6.34°
B- 16.88°

M- 4.81°
B- 17.37°

M- 3.23°
B- 17.72°

M- 1.62°
B- 17.93°

M- 0.00°
B- 18.00°

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

COMPOUND-ANGLE SETTINGS FOR POPULAR STRUCTURES

Page 24

OPERATION

CUTTING CROWN MOLDING

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

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

The two contact surfaces on a piece of crown molding that
fit flat against the ceiling and the wall of a room are at angles
that, when added together, equal exactly 90

°

. Most crown
molding has a top rear angle (the section that fits flat against
the ceiling) of 52° and a bottom rear angle (the section that
fits flat against the wall) of 38°.

LAYING MOLDING FLAT ON THE MITER TABLE

See Figure 35.

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

°

38

52

°

CEILING

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

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

When cutting crown molding by this method the bevel angle

°.

should be set at 33.85

The miter angle should be set at

31.62° either right or left, depending on the desired cut for the
application. See the chart 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.

W

A
L
L

FENCE

INSIDE

CORNER

OUTSIDE
CORNER

TOP EDGE AGAINST FENCE =
LEFT SIDE, INSIDE CORNER
RIGHT SIDE, OUTSIDE CORNER

FENCE

BOTTOM EDGE AGAINST FENCE =
RIGHT SIDE, INSIDE CORNER
LEFT SIDE, OUTSIDE CORNER

MITER TABLE

CROWN MOLDING FLAT ON MITER TABLE

MITER TABLE

Fig. 35

Page 25

Bevel
Angle Type of Cut

Setting

Left side, inside corner

33.85

2. Miter table set right 31.62

1. Top edge of molding against fence

°

3. Save left end of cut

Right side, inside corner

33.85

2. Miter table set left 31.62

1. Bottom edge of molding against fence

°

3. Save left end of cut

Left side, outside corner

33.85

2. Miter table set left 31.62

1. Bottom edge of molding against fence

°

3. Save right end of cut

OPERATION

°

°

°

Right side, outside corner

33.85

2. Miter table set right 31.62

°

1. Top edge of molding against fence

°

3. Save right end of cut

CUTTING WARPED MATERIAL

See Figures 36 and 37.

When cutting warped material, always make sure it is
positioned on the miter table with the convex side against the
fence as shown in figure 36.

If the warped material is positioned the wrong way as shown
in figure 37, it will pinch the blade near the completion of the
cut.

WRONG

Fig. 37

WARNING:

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

CLAMPING WIDE WORKPIECES

See Figure 38.

When cutting wide workpieces, such as 6 in. x 2 in. (152 mm
x 51 mm), boards should be clamped with a C-clamp as
shown in figure 38.

WIDE

BOARD

RIGHT

Fig. 36

Page 26

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. 38

LASER GUIDE

MOUNTING THE LASER GUIDE

See Figure 39 .

 Unplug your saw.

WARNING:

Failure to unplug your saw could result in accidental

starting causing possible serious personal injury.

See "To Install Blade" in the adjustments section of this
operator's manual.

 Make sure inner blade washer is in place before posi-

tioning saw blade on the spindle of your saw.
Note: The laser guide replaces the outer blade washer.

 Place the laser guide onto the spindle, aligning the

double "D" flats in the laser guide with the flats on the
spindle.

 Position flat surface of laser guide against the blade.

Warning labels are visible when laser guide is mounted
properly.

 Depress spindle lock button and secure laser guide using

only the special hex key bolt provided.
Note: The hex key bolt has left hand threads. Turn bolt

counterclockwise to tighten.

 Using the hex key provided with your saw, tighten bolt

securely.

 Remove the hex key and store it in a safe place for

future use.

 Replace the lower blade guard and blade bolt cover.
 Retighten phillips screw securing blade bolt cover.

Tighten screw securely.

Make several practice cuts on different styles and thickness
of material.

Follow the directions below for using your Laser Guide.

Removing Your Mark: (workpiece left of blade)

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

To Cut Your Mark:

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

To Leave Your Mark:

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

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

BLADE

LASER

GUIDE

HEX KEY

BOLT

LOOSEN

SPINDLE

DANGER:

Laser radiation. Avoid direct eye contact with light source.

OPERATION

See Figure 40.

The laser guide will generate a red colored line on the work
surface when the saw blade is spinning above 500 rpm. The
red laser line will appear as a broken line on the workpiece
when the blade assembly is in the uppermost position and
the motor switch is activated. This broken line will let you see
your mark and your laser guide line at the same time, and will
assist you in lining up your mark for more accurate cutting of
the workpiece.

ALIGNMENT

Align the laser line and your mark with the blade at the
uppermost position. Once both lines are in alignment, do not
move the workpiece until after you have finished cutting.

As the blade assembly is lowered toward the workpiece, the
broken line will become solid.

Page 27

TIGHTEN

HEX KEY

INNER BLADE

WASHER

Fig. 39

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

5
4

0
3

BROKEN

RED LINE

Fig. 40

LASER GUIDE

CHANGING THE BATTERIES

See Figure 41.

 Unplug your saw.

WARNING:

Failure to unplug your saw could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious personal injury.

Remove the laser guide from the saw. Lay laser guide on a
flat surface with the two phillips screws facing upward.
Remove the screws and separate the laser guide cover from
the laser guide support.

Remove the three button cell batteries using a non-conductive
device such as a toothpick.

Note: Replace the batteries with button cell batteries that
have a rating of 1.5 volt and 100 mah (milliampere hour)
minimum (Number 76 series or equivalent).

When replacing the batteries, the laser guide should be
thoroughly cleaned. Use a soft paintbrush or similar device,
to remove all sawdust and debris.

Do not attempt to activate the laser.

The laser is activated by means of a centrifugal switch only
while the saw motor is running and the laser guide is
mounted on the saw.

After cleaning laser guide and replacing batteries, secure
laser guide cover to laser guide support using the two phillips
head screws. For proper assembly, be sure to align the key
on the laser guide cover with the key slot in the laser guide
support. Tighten screws securely.

Note: Aperture in laser guide cover must be aligned with
aperture in laser guide support.

LASER GUIDE

COVER

LASER GUIDE

SUPPORT

SCREWS

APERTURE

KEY

KEY

SLOT

BATTERIES

NEGATIVE (–)

CAUTION:

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

LASER GUIDE

DANGER: Laser radiation when open and interlock

defeated. AVOID DIRECT EYE EXPOSURE.

APERTURE

Fig. 41

Page 28

MAINTENANCE

WARNING:

When servicing, use only identical Ryobi replacement
parts. Use of any other part 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, petroleum­based products, penetrating oils, etc. come in contact
with plastic parts. They contain chemicals that can
damage, weaken or destroy plastic.

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.

EXTENSION CORDS

The use of any extension cord will cause some loss of power.
To keep the loss to a minimum and to prevent tool overheat­ing, use an extension cord that is heavy enough to carry the
current the tool will draw.

A wire gage size (A.W.G.) of at least 14 is recommended for
an extension cord 25 feet or less in length. When working
outdoors, use an extension cord that is suitable for outdoor
use. The cord's jacket will be marked WA.

CAUTION:

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.

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.

WARNING:

To ensure safety and reliability, all repairs should be
performed by a qualified service technician at a Ryobi
Authorized Service Center to avoid risk of personal injury.

WARNING:

Keep extension cords away from the cutting area and
position the cord so that it will not get caught on lumber,
tools, etc., during cutting operation. Failure to heed this
warning may result in serious personal injury.

CLEANING THE LASER

It may be necessary to clean the aperture opening in the
laser for best performance. To clean:

 Unplug the saw.

WARNING:

Failure to unplug your saw could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious personal injury.

 Remove laser from saw as shown on page 27.
 Clean the laser using a soft paintbrush or similar device

to remove all sawdust and debris from the aperture.

 After cleaning, reinstall the laser as shown on page 27.

Page 29

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

12 in. (305 mm) Compound Miter Saw
Model TS1551 - 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 data plate) 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
workpiece, 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.

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

983000-282
5-03

• MODEL NUMBER TS1551

• SERIAL NUMBER

RYOBI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

1428 Pearman Dairy Road Anderson SC 29625
Post Office Box 1207 Anderson SC 29622-1207

Phone [phone]

www.ryobitools.com