Ryobi DBJ50 Operation manual

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
OWNER'S OPERATING MANUAL
DETAIL BISCUIT JOINER / DBJ50
DOUBLE INSULATED
THANK YOU FOR BUYING A RYOBI DETAIL BISCUIT JOINER.
Your new detail biscuit joiner has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi's high standard for dependability, ease of
operation, and operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.
CAUTION: Carefully read through this entire owner's manual before using your new detail biscuit joiner.
PaycloseattentiontotheRulesforSafeOperation,Warnings,andCautions.Ifyouuseyourdetailbiscuitjoinerproperlyand
only for what it is intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.
Thank you again for buying Ryobi tools.
SPECIFICATIONS:
No Load Speed 19,000 rpm
Rating 120 volts, 60 Hz, AC
3.5 Amperes
Fence Angles 45°and 90°
Fence Height Adjustment
With Fence Angle Set on 90°0 - 3/4 in.
With Fence Angle Set on 45°5/16 in. - 13/16 in.
Depth Of Cut
With Micro Depth Of Cut Adjustment 0 - 9/32 in. (0 - 7 mm)
Net Weight 3.625 lbs (1.65 kg.)
1
2
1
23
3
0
5
16
3
4
45°
90°

Page 2
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and the
explanations with them, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper accident
prevention measures.
SYMBOL MEANING
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL:
Indicates caution or warning. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.
DANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning will result in serious injury to yourself or to others. Always
follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
WARNING: Failure to obey a safety warning can result in serious injury to yourself or to others. Always
follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
CAUTION:Failuretoobeyasafetywarningmayresultinpropertydamageorpersonalinjurytoyourself
or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal
injury.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
IMPORTANT
Servicing 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.
DOUBLE INSULATION
Double insulation is a concept in safety, in electric power
tools, which eliminates the need for the usual three-wire
grounded power cord. All exposed metal parts are isolated
from the internal metal motor components with protecting
insulation.Doubleinsulatedtoolsdonotneedtobegrounded.
DANGER:
To avoid serious personal injury, keep hands out of
blade path.
WARNING:
The double insulated system is intended to protect the
user from shock resulting from a break in the tool's
internal wiring. Observe all normal safety precautions
related to avoiding electrical shock.
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 owner's manual
and review frequently for continuing safe operation, and
instructing others who may use this tool.

Page 3
1. KNOWYOURPOWERTOOL.Readowner's
manual carefully. Learn its applications and
limitations as well as the specific potential
hazards related to this tool.
2. GUARD AGAINST ELECTRICAL SHOCK
BY PREVENTING BODY CONTACT WITH
GROUNDED SURFACES. For example:
Pipes, radiators, ranges, refrigerator
enclosures.
3. KEEPWORKAREACLEAN.Clutteredareas
and benches invite accidents.
4. AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT.
Don'tusepowertoolsindamporwetlocations
or expose to rain. Keep work area well lit.
5. KEEP CHILDREN AND VISITORS AWAY.
Allvisitorsshouldwearsafetyglassesandbe
keptasafedistancefromworkarea.Donotlet
visitors contact tool or extension cord.
6. STORE IDLE TOOLS. When not in use tools
should be stored in a dry, high or locked-up
place – out of the reach of children.
7. DON'TFORCETOOL.Itwilldothejobbetter
andsaferattherateforwhichitwasdesigned.
8. USE RIGHT TOOL. Don't force small tool or
attachment to do the job of a heavy duty tool.
Don't use tool for purpose not intended – for
example–Don't useacircular sawforcutting
tree limbs or logs.
9. DRESS PROPERLY. Do not wear loose
clothing or jewelry. They can be caught in
moving parts. Rubber gloves and nonskid
footwear are recommended when working
outdoors. Also, wear protective hair covering
to contain long hair and keep it from being
drawn into air vents.
10. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WITH
SIDE SHIELDS. Everyday eyeglasses have
only impact resistant lenses; they are NOT
safety glasses.
11. PROTECT YOUR LUNGS. Wear a face or
dust mask if operation is dusty.
12. PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing
protection during extended periods of
operation.
13. DON'T ABUSE CORD. Never carry tool by
cord or yank it to disconnect from receptacle.
Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
14. SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to
holdwork.It's saferthanusingyourhandand
it frees both hands to operate tool.
15. DON'T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing
and balance at all times. Do not use on a
ladder or unstable support.
16. MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keeptools
sharp at all times, and clean for best and
safest performance. Follow instructions for
lubricating and changing accessories.
17. DISCONNECT TOOLS. When not in use,
before servicing, or when changing
attachments, blades, bits, cutters, etc., all
tools should be disconnected.
18. REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND
WRENCHES. Form habit of checking to see
thatkeysandadjustingwrenchesareremoved
from tool before turning it on.
19. AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Don't
carryplugged-intoolwithfingeronswitch.Be
sure switch is off when plugging in.
20. MAKE SURE YOUR EXTENSION CORD IS
IN GOOD CONDITION. When using an
extension cord, be sure to use one heavy
enough to carry the current your product will
draw.Anundersizedcordwill causea dropin
line voltage resulting in loss of power and
overheating. A wire gage size (A.W.G.) of at
least 16 is recommended for an extension
cord50feetorlessinlength.Acordexceeding
100feet is notrecommended.If in doubt,use
the next heavier gage. The smaller the gage
number, the heavier the cord.
21. OUTDOOR USE EXTENSION CORDS.
Whentoolisusedoutdoors,useonlyextension
cords intended for use outdoors. Outdoor
approvedcordsaremarkedwiththesuffixW-
A, for example - SJTW-A or SJOW-A.
22. KEEPBLADESCLEANANDSHARP.Sharp
blades minimize stalling and kickback.
23. KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM CUTTING
AREA.Keephandsawayfromblades.Donot
reachunderneathworkwhilebladeisrotating.
WARNING:BLADESCOASTAFTERTURN
OFF.
24. NEVER USE IN AN EXPLOSIVE
ATMOSPHERE.Normalsparkingofthemotor
could ignite flammable liquids, gases, or
fumes.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

Page 4
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION (Continued)
25. INSPECT TOOL CORDS PERIODICALLY
andifdamaged,haverepairedatyournearest
authorized service center. Stay constantly
aware of cord location and keep it well away
from the rotating blade.
26. INSPECT EXTENSION CORDS PERIODI-
CALLY and replace if damaged.
27. KEEP HANDLES 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 strong solvents to clean your tool.
28. STAY ALERT AND EXERCISE CONTROL.
Watch what you are doing and use common
sense.Donotoperatetoolwhenyouaretired.
Do not rush.
29. CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before further
use of the tool, a guard or other part that is
damaged should be carefully checked to
determine that it will operate properly and
perform its intended function. Check for
alignment of moving parts, binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and any
otherconditionsthat may affect its operation.
A guard or other part that is damaged should
be properly repaired or replaced by an
authorized service center.
30. DONOTUSE TOOLIFSWITCHDOES NOT
TURN IT ON AND OFF. Have switches
replaced by an authorized service center.
31. DRUGS, ALCOHOL, MEDICATION. Do not
operate this tool while under the influence of
drugs, alcohol, or any medication.
32. GUARD AGAINST KICKBACK. Kickback
occurs when the blade stalls rapidly and the
biscuitjoinerisdriveninthedirectionopposite
blade rotation. Release switch immediately if
blade binds or joiner stalls.
33. USE ONLY 1-1/2 in. (38 mm) DIAMETER
SPECIFIEDBLADES.Donotusebladeswith
incorrectsizeholes.Neverusebladewashers
or bolts that are defective, incorrect, or not
specified.
34. AVOID CUTTING NAILS. Inspect for and
remove all nails from lumber before cutting.
35. NEVERtouchthebladeorothermovingparts
during use.
36. NEVER start a tool when the blade is in
contact with the workpiece.
37. NEVER lay a tool down before the blade has
come to a complete stop.
38. POLARIZED PLUGS. To reduce the risk of
electricshock,thisequipmenthasapolarized
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.
39. WHENSERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL
RYOBI REPLACEMENT PARTS.
40. SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS.Refertothem
frequently and use them to instruct others
who may use this tool. If you loan someone
this tool, loan them these instructions also.
WARNING:
Somedustcreatedbypowersanding,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
asthosedustmasksthatarespeciallydesignedtofilter
out microscopic particles.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Page 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
■Rules For Safe Operation...........................................................2-4
■Table of Contents / Introduction .....................................................5
■Typical Applications .......................................................................6
■Features .....................................................................................7-8
■Adjustments..............................................................................9-10
■Operation................................................................................11-16
■Maintenance...........................................................................17-19
■Optional Accessories ...................................................................19
■Troubleshooting...........................................................................20
■Service Information......................................................................22
Spline joinery is one of the strongest methods of joinery
used in woodworking. When glue is properly applied to a
spline and to the joint area of the wood pieces being
connected, a large surface area receives the adhesion
properties of the glue. This forms a very strong joint.
Traditional spline joinery requires cutting slots with a router
or table saw. Small, thin strips of wood must then be cut to
fit inside the slots and act as splines.
Newer methods of spline joinery use a plate or biscuit
joiner to cut precise mating oval slots in adjoining boards.
Your new biscuit joiner is a fast, simple, and accurate
plunge cutting tool that can be used for this purpose. It can
be used to cut slots in hardwood, softwood, plywood, par-
ticle board, and other pressed woods.
Football shaped wafers, called biscuits, are then placed
inside the slots with glue and used to help line up adjoining
surfaces. When a water based glue is used, the biscuits
swell in the joint, making an extremely strong and firm
bond. White glue, yellow glue, carpenters glue, hide glue,
and aliphatic resin glue are examples of water based glues.
This bonding technique has traditionally been limited to
making edge-to-edge joints. However, with the use of your
new biscuit joiner, biscuits can now be easily used to
connect butt, miter, and T-joints. Biscuit joining can be as
strong as mortise and tenon, tongue and groove, standard
spline, and doweled joints. In most cases the material
around the biscuit will break before the biscuit itself will
break. A greater surface area is exposed to glue in a biscuit
joint, making the seams stronger.
INTRODUCTION
Lookforthissymboltopointoutimportantsafetyprecautions.
It means attention!!! Your safety is involved.
The operation of any biscuit joiner can result in foreign objects being thrown into your
eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation,
always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and a full face shield
when needed. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or
standard safety glasses with side shields.
GLASSES
SAFETY
WEAR YOUR
FORESIGHT IS BETTER
THAN NO SIGHT
WARNING:

Page 6
EDGE-TO-EDGE JOINTS
DETAIL BISCUIT JOINER / DBJ50
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
BUTT JOINTS
T- JOINTMITER JOINTS
0
1
2
3
1
2
5
16
3
4
45°
90°

Page 7
FEATURES
WARNING:
Your detail biscuit joiner should never be connected to power supply when you are assembling parts, making
adjustments, assembling or removing blades, cleaning or when not in use. Disconnecting your detail biscuit joiner will
prevent accidental starting that could cause serious personal injury.
Fig. 1
Yourdetail biscuitjoiner hasbeen designedfor makingfast,
accurate, and simple plunge cuts in wood, etc. so that
biscuits can be used to join two or more boards together.
When used properly and only for what it is intended, this
versatiletoolwillgiveyouyearsoftrouble-freeperformance.
It is professionally engineered, but its ease of operation
allows the amateur to produce beautiful and precise work.
SWITCH
To turn your biscuit joiner ON, depress the switch trigger.
Release switch trigger to turn your biscuit joiner OFF.
MOTOR
Yourbiscuitjoinerhasapowerfulmotorwithsufficientpower
to handle tough cutting jobs. It develops a no load speed of
19,000 RPM.
BLADE
Your biscuit joiner has a 1-1/2 in. (38 mm) 6 tooth blade for
cutting biscuit slots.
BISCUITS
See Figure 1.
Biscuits are available in three standard sizes:
#R1 (7/32 in. x 5/8 in.)
#R2 (9/32 in. x 3/4 in.)
#R3 (1/2 in. x 1 in.)
NOTE: Store biscuits in a dry place because they swell
rapidly upon contact with water-based woodworking glues.
REVERSIBLE FENCE FOR 45°AND 90°CUTS
Your biscuit joiner has a reversible fence. By loosening the
heightadjustmentknobs,the fencecanberemovedthrough
keyholeslots.Onceremoved,itcanberotated180°changing
the angle of cut from 90°to 45°or vice versa. The height of
the fence at 90°can be set between 0 to 3/4 in. from the
centerofthe blade.Theheightof thefenceat 45°can beset
between 5/16 in. to 13/16 in. from the center of the blade.
The fence should always be used to guide and balance your
biscuit joiner, providing ease of operation and maintaining
safe control.
NONSKID BACKING PAD
The fence on your biscuit joiner is padded with a nonskid
backing pad to hold it stationary against the workpiece. It
helps prevent skidding when making cuts. It also prevents
marring of the workpiece from biscuit joiner when cutting.
INDICATOR MARKS
Centerlineandlineofcutindicatormarkshavebeenprovided
on your biscuit joiner. See Figure 2.
APPLICATIONS
(Use only for the purpose listed below)
■Cutting precise mating oval slots in hardwood, softwood,
plywood,particleboard,etc.forsplinejoineryapplications.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
Your biscuit joiner has a precision built electric motor. It
should be connected to a power supply that is 120 volts,
60 Hz, AC only (normal household current). Do not
operatethistoolondirectcurrent(DC).Asubstantialvoltage
drop will cause a loss of power and the motor will overheat.
If your biscuit joiner does not operate when plugged into an
outlet, double-check the power supply.
DEPTH ADJUSTMENT KNOB
A spring loaded depth adjustment knob makes it possible to
make proper settings for three standard size biscuits. Fine
adjustmentstothecuttingdepth can be madewith aknurled
adjustment knob and jam nut located behind the depth
adjustment knob. Once the correct depth setting has been
madeforonebiscuitsize,theothertwodepthsettingswillbe
automatically set.
3
2
#R1 = 7/32 in. x 5/8 in.
#R2 = 9/32 in. x 3/4 in.
#R3 = 1/2 in. x 1 in.
O
A
b
p

Page 8
1
2
1
23
3
0
5
16
3
4
45°
90°
0
5
16
3
4
45°
90°
FEATURES
KNOW YOUR DETAIL BISCUIT JOINER
See Figure 2.
Your biscuit joiner has been shipped completely assembled
and ready for use. An owner's manual and warranty
registrationarealsoincluded.Inspectyournewbiscuitjoiner
carefullytomakesurenobreakageordamagehasoccurred
duringshipping.Ifanypartsaredamagedormissing,contact
your local Ryobi factory or authorized service center to
obtain replacement parts before attempting to operate your
biscuit joiner.
Beforeattemptingtouseany tool familiarizeyourself withall
operating features and safety requirements.
Fig. 2
WARNING:
Do not attempt to modify this tool or create accessories
not recommended for use with this tool. Any such
alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a
hazardous condition leading to possible serious personal
injury.
WARNING:
Do not allow familiarity with tools to make you careless.
Remember that a careless fraction of a second is
sufficient to inflict severe injury.
HEIGHT
SETTING SCALE
HEIGHT
INDICATOR MARK
SWITCH
TRIGGER
KNURLED
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
DEPTH
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
JAM
NUT
REAR HANDLE
REAR
BASE
LINE OF
CUT WINDOW
CENTERLINE / LINE
OF CUT INDICATOR
MARK(S)
WIDTH OF
CUT SCALE
FENCE
HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
KNOBS (2)
FRONT
BASE
BOTTOM
SHOE
NONSKID
BACKING PAD

Page 9
3
2
ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING:
If any parts are missing, do not operate tool until the
missing parts are replaced. Failure to do so could result
in possible serious personal injury.
DEPTH OF CUT ADJUSTMENTS
Your biscuit joiner can be adjusted to three standard
cuttingdepthstoaccommodatethreestandardsizebiscuits
—#R1,#R2,and#R3.Adjustmentsaremadebyengaging
slotsondepthadjustmentknobwithtabsonrearbase.For
example, when using a #R1 size biscuit, rotate the depth
adjustment knob until the slot marked 1 aligns with the
depth indicator mark on the rear base. When using a #R2
sizebiscuit,rotatethedepthadjustmentknobuntil the slot
marked 2 aligns with the depth indicator mark on the rear
base, and when using a #R3 size biscuit rotate the depth
adjustment knob until the slot marked 3 aligns with the
depth indicator mark on the rear base. See Figure 3.
TO SET DEPTH ADJUSTMENT KNOB
■Unplug your detail biscuit joiner.
WARNING:
Failure to unplug biscuit joiner could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious personal injury.
■Pullknurled adjustmentknob and jam nut in the direction
of the arrow shown in figure 3.
NOTE: Knob and jam nut are spring loaded, therefore
pulling them in the direction of the arrow shown puts
pressure on the spring and releases pressure from the
depth adjustment knob.
■Rotate depth adjustment knob until desired slot setting
aligns with tabs on rear base — 1, 2, or 3.
■Nextreleaseknurledadjustmentknobandjamnutapplying
pressure from spring on depth adjustment knob.
Make a test cut in a scrap piece of wood. Fit the correct size
biscuit into biscuit slot. If biscuit slot is too deep or too
shallow, fine adjustments to the depth setting can be made
by loosening knurled adjustment knob and making fine
adjustmentswiththejamnut.Turningjamnutforwardwillcut
shallow biscuit slots. Turning jam nut backwards will cut
deeperbiscuit slots. Thebiscuit slotshouldbe deepenough
toallowslightlymorethanone-halfofthebiscuitintotheslot.
This extra room allows for proper alignment of the wood
being joined.
TO MAKE FINE ADJUSTMENTS
See Figure 4.
■Unplug your detail biscuit joiner.
■Loosen knurled adjustment knob. This knob is used as a
lock nut only. Loosen by twisting it in the opposite direc-
tion away from jam nut.
■Turn jam nut forward for a more shallow cut, or
backwards for a deeper cut.
■Oncedesireddepthof cutis reached,holdjamnut so that
it will not move out of adjustment. Next, tighten knurled
adjustment knob against jam nut.
■Recheck depth setting by making a test cut in a scrap
piece of wood. Also periodically check depth setting for
accuracy. See Figure 4.
TURN BACKWARDS FOR
DEEPER BISCUIT SLOTS
Fig. 4
KNURLED ADJUSTMENT KNOB USED AS A LOCK NUT.
JAM NUT USED TO MAKE FINE ADJUSTMENTS.
Fig. 3
3
2
ROTATE TO
DESIRED SETTING
1, 2, OR 3
PULL AND HOLD TO
ROTATE DEPTH
ADJUSTMENT KNOB
REAR
BASE
TURN FORWARD
FOR SHALLOW
BISCUIT SLOTS
RELEASE TO APPLY
PRESSURE AGAINST DEPTH
ADJUSTMENT KNOB
TABS
SLOT
KNURLED
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
DEPTH
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
JAM
NUT
DEPTH
INDICATOR
MARK

Page 10
1
2
1
23
3
0
5
16
3
4
45°
90°
0
5
16
3
4
45°
90°
FENCE ORIENTATION
FOR 90°ANGLES
ADJUSTMENTS
FENCE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
See Figure 5.
The fence on your biscuit joiner can be moved up and down
to adjust the position of the blade in relation to the top of the
workpiece. A scale on both sides of the front base indicates
height settings for both 45°and 90°angles. The fence and
heightindicatormarkcanbepositionedfrom5/16in.to13/16
in. from the center of the blade for 45°angles. It can be
positionedfrom0to3/4in.fromthecenterofthebladefor90°
angles. Scale marks are in increments of 1/16 in.
TO ADJUST HEIGHT SETTING
See Figure 5.
■Unplug your detail biscuit joiner.
WARNING:
Failure to unplug your detail biscuit joiner could result in
accidental starting causing possible serious personal
injury.
■Loosen the two height adjustment knobs.
■Pull the fence forward and slide it up or down until the
height indicator mark is aligned with the desired dimen-
sion on the scale.
NOTE: Slots in the front base align with a tab on the
backside of the fence. See Figure 6. This alignment
keeps the fence square at each height setting.
■Tighten height adjustment knobs securely.
FENCE ROTATION / ANGLE ADJUSTMENT
See Figure 6.
The fence on your biscuit joiner can be rotated 180°and set
at either 45°or 90°angles.
TO ROTATE FENCE / CHANGE ANGLE SETTING
See Figure 6.
■Unplug your detail biscuit joiner.
WARNING:
Failure to unplug your detail biscuit joiner could result in
accidental starting causing possible serious personal
injury.
■Loosen the two height adjustment knobs.
■Pullthefenceforwardandslideitdownthefrontbaseuntil
it can be removed through the key hole slots.
■Rotate the fence 180°.
■Reinstallthefenceonthefrontbase.Placeheightadjust-
mentknobboltsinkeyholeslotsandalignboltheadswith
the slots on back of front base.
■Slide fence up the front base to desired depth of cut.
■Tightenheight adjustmentknobs securely. See Figure6.
Fig. 5
HEIGHT
SETTING SCALE
HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB(S)
Fig. 6
HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
KNOBS
FRONT
BASE
HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB BOLT(S)
FRONT
BASE
SLOT(S)
FENCE
KEY
HOLE
SLOTS
FENCE
(1) PULL
FORWARD
(2) SLIDE
DOWN
TABS
SLOTS
FENCE ORIENTATION
FOR 45°ANGLES
TO LOWER
FENCE