Ryobi HPL51 User manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Power Planer
Model No. HPL51
DOUBLE INSULATED
Your newPowerPlanerhas beenengineered andmanufactured toRyobi’shigh standardfordependability, easeof operation,
andoperatorsafety.Properly cared for,itwill giveyouyearsofrugged,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 Ryobi tools.
SAVETHIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

Page 2
INTRODUCTION
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■Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 2
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■GeneralSafety Rules ........................................................................................................................................ 3 - 4
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■Specific Safety Rules ........................................................................................................................................ 4 - 5
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■Symbols ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 - 6
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■Electrical ................................................................................................................................................................ 6
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■Product Specifications............................................................................................................................................ 7
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■Unpacking .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
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■Applications............................................................................................................................................................ 7
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■Features ................................................................................................................................................................. 8
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■Adjustments ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
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■Operation........................................................................................................................................................ 10-12
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■Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................. 13 - 15
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■Parts Ordering /Service ....................................................................................................................................... 16
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Your power planer has many features for making the use
of this product more pleasant and enjoyable.Safety,
performance,and dependabilityhave beengiventop
priority in the design of this tool making it easy to main-
tainand operate.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to operate this tool until you have
thoroughlyreadandcompletelyunderstandthe
operator’s manual. Pay close attention to the
safetyrules, includingDangers,Warnings, and
Cautions. If you use this tool properly and only as
intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable
service.
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means
attention!!! Your safety is involved.
WARNING:
The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Before beginning 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.

Page 3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING:
Read and understand all instructions. Failureto
follow all instructions listed below, may result in
electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Work Area
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■Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered
benches and dark areas invite accidents.
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■Do not operate power tools in explosive atmo-
spheres, such as in the presence of flammable liq-
uids, gases, or dust. Power tools may create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
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■Keepbystanders, children,and visitors awaywhile
operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you
to lose control.
Electrical Safety
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■Double insulated tools are equipped with a polar-
ized plug (one blade is wider than the other).This
plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way.If the
plugdoes notfitfully inthe outlet, reversethe plug.
If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician
to install a polarized outlet. Do not change the plug
in any way. Double insulation eliminates the need
forthethree-wire grounded powercord and grounded
power supply system.
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■Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces, such
aspipes,radiators,ranges,and refrigerators.There
is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is
grounded.
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■Do not expose power tools to rain or wet condi-
tions.Water enteringapowertoolwill increasethe risk
of electric shock.
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■Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry
the tools or pull the plug from an outlet. Keep cord
away from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts.
Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged
cords increase the risk of electric shock.
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■When operating a power tool outside, use an out-
door extension cord marked “W-A” or“W”. These
cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of
electric shock.
Personal Safety
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■Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use com-
mon sense when operating a power tool. Do not
usetool whiletired orunder the influenceof drugs,
alcohol,or medication.Amoment ofinattentionwhile
operating power tools may result in serious personal
injury.
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■Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jew-
elry.Contain long hair.Keep your hair,clothing,and
gloves away from moving parts. Looseclothes,jew-
elry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
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■Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is off be-
fore plugging in. Carryingtoolswithyourfingeronthe
switch or plugging in tools that have the switch on, in-
vites accidents.
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■Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning
the tool on. A wrench or a key that is left attached to a
rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.
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■Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. Properfooting andbalance enablesbetter
control of the tool in unexpected situations. Do not use
onaladder or unstable support.
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■Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Dust mask, nonskid safety shoes, globes, hard hat, or
hearingprotectionmust beused forappropriate condi-
tions.
Tool Use and Care
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■Use clamps or other practical way to secure and
support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding
the work by hand or against your body is unstable and
may lead to loss of control.
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■Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your ap-
plication. The correct tool will do the job better and
safer at the rate for which it is designed.
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■Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on or off.
Any tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is
dangerousand mustbe repaired.
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■Disconnectthe plug frompowersource before mak-
ingany adjustments, changingaccessories,or stor-
ing the tool. Suchpreventivesafety measuresreduce
the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
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■Storeidletools out ofthereachof children andother
untrained persons.Tools aredangerous inthehands
ofuntrained users.
■Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp
andclean. Properlymaintainedtools withsharp cutting
edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
■Checkfor misalignmentor binding ofmoving parts,
breakageof parts,and any othercondition that may
affectthe tool’s operation.If damaged,havethetool
serviced before using. Manyaccidents arecausedby
poorlymaintained tools.
■Use only accessories that are recommended by the
manufacturer for your model. Accessories that may
be suitable for one tool, may become hazardous when
usedonanother tool.

Page 4
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
■When servicing a tool, use only identical replace-
ment parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance
section of this manual.Use of unauthorized parts or
failureto followMaintenance Instructionsmaycreatea
risk of electric shock or injury.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
■Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the cutting tool may contact
hidden wiring or its cord.Contact with a “live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool “live” and shock the
operator.
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■Wait for the cutter to stop before setting the tool down. An exposed cutter may engage the surface leading to
possible loss of control and serious injury.
■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.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious per-
sonalinjury.
■Keep blades clean. Periodically check blades and
exhaust port for chip build-up. Clean blades mini-
mize stalling and kickback. Following this rule will
reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
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■Do not abuse cord. Never carry the tool by the cord
oryank ittodisconnect itfromthe receptacle.Keep
cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges. Follow-
ingthisrule willreduce theriskof electricshock orfire.
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■Make sure your extension cord is in good condi-
tion.When using an extension cord,be sure to use
one heavy enough to carry the current your prod-
uct will draw. A wire gage size (A.W.G.) of at least
14 is recommended for an extension cord 100 feet
or less in length. A cord exceeding 100 feet is not
recommended.Ifindoubt,usethenextheaviergage.
The smaller the gage number,the heavier the cord.
An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage
resultinginloss ofpower and overheating.
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■Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber be-
fore planing. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
serious personalinjury.
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■Drugs, alcohol, medication. Do not operate tool
while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any
medication. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.
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■Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently
and use them to instruct others who may use this
tool. If you loan someone this tool, loan them these
instructions also.
Additional Rules For Safe Operation
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■Knowyourpowertool.Read operator’s manual care-
fully. Learn its applications and limitations,as well
asthe specificpotentialhazards relatedtothis tool.
Followingthis rulewill reducetheriskofelectric shock,
fire, or serious injury.
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■Always wear safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses
have only impact-resistant lenses; they are NOT
safety glasses. Followingthisrule will reducethe risk
ofserious personalinjury.
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■Protect your lungs.Wear a face or dust mask if the
operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the
risk of serious personal injury.
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■Protect your hearing.Wear hearing protection dur-
ingextended periods ofoperation.Followingthisrule
will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
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■Inspecttoolcordsperiodicallyand,ifdamaged,have
repaired at your nearest Factory Service Center or
other Authorized Service Organization. Constantly
stay aware of cord location. Following this rule will
reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.
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■Keephands awayfrom blades andplaning area. Do
not reach underneath work while blades are rotat-
ing.Do notattemptto removematerial while blades
are rotating. Blades continue to rotate after releas-
ing of trigger. Followingthisrulewill reducetheriskof
serious personalinjury.
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■Checkdamagedparts.Before further useof thetool,
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
movingparts, breakage ofparts,mounting, and any
other conditions that may affect its operation. A
guardor other partthatis damagedshouldbe prop-
erly repaired or replaced by an authorized service
center. Followingthisrulewill reducethe riskofshock,
fire, or serious injury.
Service
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■Tool service must be performed only by qualified
repair personnel. Serviceormaintenance performed
by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.

Page 5
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
SYMBOLS
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:
■leadfromlead-basedpaints,
■crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
■arsenicandchromiumfromchemically-treatedlumber.
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.
Important: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning.
Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.
SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION
V Volts Voltage
A Amperes Current
Hz Hertz Frequency(cycles persecond)
W Watt Power
min Minutes Time
AlternatingCurrent Type of current
n0NoLoadSpeed Rotational speed, at no load
Class II Construction Double-insulatedconstruction
/min PerMinute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc. per minute
Safety Alert Precautions that involve your safety
Eye Protection Alwayswearsafetygogglesorsafetyglasseswithsideshields
and a full face shield when operating this product.
WetConditionsAlert Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.

Page 6
SYMBOLS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and the
explanationswiththem,deserveyourcarefulattentionandunderstanding.Thesafetywarningsdonotbythemselves
eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper accident prevention
measures.
SYMBOL MEANING
DANGER:Indicatesanimminentlyhazardoussituationwhich,ifnotavoided,willresultindeathorserious
injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
seriousinjury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderateinjury.Itmayalsobeusedtoalertagainstunsafepracticesthatmaycausepropertydamage.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
ELECTRICAL
DOUBLE INSULATION
Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric power
tools, which eliminates the need for the usual three-wire
groundedpowercord.Allexposed metalpartsare
isolated from the internal metal motor components with
protectinginsulation.Double insulatedtoolsdo not need
tobegrounded.
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
toyournearest authorizedservice center forrepair.
Whenservicing,use onlyidenticalRyobi replacement
parts.
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.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
The power planer has a precision built electric motor. It
should be connected to a power supply that is 120
volts, 60 Hz, AC only (normal household current). Do
not operate this tool on direct current (DC).
A substantial voltage drop will cause a loss of power and
the motor will overheat. If your tool does not operate
whenpluggedintoanoutlet,double-checkthepower
supply.
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 100 feet or less in length.When
working outdoors, use an extension cord that is suitable
for outdoor use.This type of cord is designated with “WA”
on the cord’s jacket.
WARNING:
Check extension cords before each use. If damaged
replace them immediately. Never use tool with a
damaged cord with this tool. Touching the damaged
area could cause serious injury due to electrical
shock.

Page 7
Input 120 Volts, 60 Hz, AC only, 5 Amps
NoLoadSpeed 16,000/min
MaximumPlaningDepth 3/32 in. (2.4 mm)
MaximumPlaning Width 3-1/4 in. (82 mm)
MaximumRabbetDepth 7/16 in. (11.1 mm)
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Blades RapidSet™Double-EdgedCarbide(2)
Weight 6 lbs. (2.7 kg.)
Cordlength 10 ft. (3 m)
INSTRUCTIONS
Yourpowerplanerhasbeenshippedcompletely
assembled.
■Carefully remove the tool and the accessories from
the box.
■Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are
included.
■Inspect the tool carefully to be sure no breakage or
damage occurred during shipping.
■Do not discard the packing material until you have
carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the
tool.
■If any parts are damaged or missing, please call
1-800-525-2579for assistance.
PACKING LIST
Powerplaner
Blades(twoextra blades)
BladeWrench
Edge/RabbetGuideKit
DustBag
Case
Operator’sManual
You may use the power planer for the purposes listed below:
■Planing the surface of a piece of lumber.
■Planing the edge of a piece of lumber.
■Making rabbet cuts in a piece of lumber.
WARNING:
If any parts are missing, do not operate your tool
until the missing parts are replaced. Failure to do so
could result in serious personal injury.
UNPACKING
APPLICATIONS

Page 8
FEATURES
DEPTH
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
Fig. 1
EXHAUST PORT
POWERCORD
TRIGGER
SWITCH
EXHAUST
DIRECTION
DIAL
FRONT HANDLE
WARNING:
Do not allow familiarity with your planer to make
you careless. Remember that being careless a
fraction of a second is sufficient time to inflict
severeinjury.
DEPTH ADJUSTMENT
Adjust the planing depth from 0 to 3/32 in. (0 to 2.4 mm)
in 1/64 in. (0.4 mm) increments.
EDGE/RABBET GUIDE
Theedge guide includedallows youto planeedgesand
make rabbet cuts.
DUST BAG
The dust bag attaches to the planer and helps keep the
work area free of dust and debris.
KICKSTAND
The kickstand allows you to set the planer down on a
workpieceorcleartableareawithoutdamagingthe
workpieceortheblades.
WARNING:
If any parts are missing, do not operate your
planer until the missing parts are replaced.
Failure to do so could result in possible serious
personalinjury.
KNOW YOUR PLANER
See Figure 1.
Before attemptingto operate your planer,familiarize
yourselfwithall operatingfeatures andsafetyrequire-
ments.However, do not let familiarity with the tool
make you careless.
Your planer is compact and lightweight.It is equipped
withthefollowing features:
SWITCH
The planer has a conveniently located trigger switch.
LOCK-OFF
The lock-off button locks the trigger switch in the OFF
position when the trigger switch is released.
DUST BAG
LOCK-OFF BUTTON
KICKSTAND
REAR HANDLE

Page 9
COLLAR
DUST BAG
EXHAUST
PORT
Fig. 2
ADJUSTMENTS
Fig. 4
WARNING:
The power planer should never be connected to a
power supply when you are assembling parts,
makingadjustments,cleaning,performing
maintenance, or when the tool is not in use.
Disconnecting the tool prevents accidental starting
that could cause serious injury.
ATTACHING THE DUST BAG
See Figure 2.
Follow these steps to attach the dust bag.
1. Unplug the planer.
2. Slide the collar of the dust bag onto the exhaust port.
NOTE: To remove the dust bag, pull it straight out of
the exhaust port.
CAUTION:
The dust bag fills quickly. Empty it often to prevent
damagetothe product.
ADJUSTING THE EXHAUST DIRECTION
See Figure 3.
Controlthedirection ofdebris whenworkingin confined
areas. Change the direction of the exhaust to either the
right or left.
Follow these steps to adjust the exhaust direction.
1. Unplug the planer.
2. Adjust the exhaust direction and dust bag:
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■ To adjust exhaust to the right —Move the exhaust
direction knob to the right and install the dust bag
on the right exhaust port.
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■ To adjust exhaust to the left —Move the exhaust
direction knob to the left and install the dust bag
on the left exhaust port.
ADJUSTING THE PLANING DEPTH
See Figure 4.
Always work from a rough cut to a finish cut. The
approximate setting for rough planing is 1/32 (0.8 mm).
For finish planing use a setting of approximately 1/64
(0.4 mm). Make test cuts in scrap wood after each
adjustment to make sure that the planer is removing the
desiredamountofwood.
Follow these steps to adjust planing depth.
1. Unplug the planer.
2. Turn the depth adjustment knob to the desired setting.
NOTE: To protect the blades during storage, transport-
ing, etc., set the depth adjustment to 0.
Fig. 3
EXHAUST
DIRECTION
KNOB
DEPTH
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB

Page 10
Fig. 5
WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when operating this tool. Failure to do
so could result in dust, shavings, chips, loose
particles, or foreign objects being thrown in your
eyes resulting in possible serious injury. If the
operation is dusty, also wear a face or dust mask.
STARTING/STOPPING THE PLANER
See Figure 5.
Follow these steps to start/stop the planer.
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■ To start the planer —Push the lock-off button, and
then depress the trigger switch.
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■ To stop the planer —Releasethetrigger switch.
OPERATING THE PLANER
Followtheseguidelineswhenoperatingtheplaner.
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■Clamp the work securely.
■■
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■Support the work so that the operation is on your
right.
WARNING:
Work moving during a cut could result in loss of
control of the planer and cause serious injury.
■■
■■
■Hold the planer with both hands. Hold the front
handle with your left hand and the rear handle with
yourrighthand.
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■Plane slowly and empty the dust bag often.
CAUTION:
Planing too fast results in a poor finish and
increases chip build-up in the chip exhaust. Chip
build-up restricts air flow and can cause motor
overheating.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to clear a blocked chip exhaust
until the blades stop and you have disconnected
the product from the power source. Failure to heed
this warning can result in serious personal injury.
■■
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■Keep the cord away from the work area.Do not allow
the cord to hang on the work while planing.
WARNING:
Using the planer with a damaged cord could cause
electrical shock resulting in serious injury.
OPERATION
LOCK-OFF BUTTON
TRIGGERSWITCH
THE KICKSTAND
PIVOTSDOWNWHENTHE
PLANER IS NOT IN USE
THE KICKSTAND
RETRACTS WHEN THE
PLANER IS IN USE
Fig. 6
KICKSTAND
See Figure 6.
Yourplanerhas beenequippedwithanautomatic
pivoting kickstand that will prevent the blade from
contacting the workbench when not in use. As you begin
your planing operation, the kickstand will automatically
retract as it passes over the edge of your work piece.
Whensetting theplanerdownonyour workbench,the
kickstand will automatically pivot down to prevent the
blade from making any contact.
WARNING:
Make sure the kickstand operates freely at all times
and that the area surrounding the kickstand is clear
of debris. Failure to do so could result in serious
personalinjury.