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
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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
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