Ryobi TS1550 User manual

Your new miter saw has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi's high standard for dependability, ease of
operation, and operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual.
Thank you for buying a Ryobi miter saw.
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
12 in. (305 mm) Compound Miter Saw
TS1550 - Double Insulated
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
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2
INTRODUCTION
■Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 2
■Rules for Safe Operation ................................................................................................................................3-5
■Specifications .................................................................................................................................................... 6
■Glossary ............................................................................................................................................................ 6
■Unpacking .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
■Features .........................................................................................................................................................8-9
■Assembly ....................................................................................................................................................10-12
■Operation ....................................................................................................................................................13-19
■Adjustments ................................................................................................................................................20-22
■Accessories ................................................................................................................................................23-24
■Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................... 25
■Parts, Ordering, and Service ........................................................................................................................... 26
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Look for this symbol to point out important safety
precautions. It means attention!!! Your safety is involved.
GLASSES
SAFETY
WEAR YOUR
FORESIGHT IS BETTER
THAN NO SIGHT
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.
Your miter saw has many features for making cutting
operations more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety,
performance, and dependability have been given top
priority in the design of this tool making it easy to
maintain and operate.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to use this tool until you have read
thoroughly and understand completely the operator’s
manual. Pay close attention to the safety rules,
including Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions. If you
use your miter saw properly and only for what it is
intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.
DOUBLE INSULATION
Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric power
tools, which eliminates the need for the usual three-wire
grounded power cord. All exposed metal parts are
isolated from the internal metal motor components with
protecting insulation. Double insulated tools do not need
to be grounded.
WARNING:
The double insulated system is intended to protect
the user from shock resulting from a break in the
tool’s internal wiring. Observe all normal safety pre-
cautions to avoid electrical shock.
Important: Servicing of a tool with double insulation
requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and
should be performed only by a qualified service
technician. For service, we suggest you return the tool to
your nearest authorized service center for repair. Always
use original factory replacement parts when servicing.

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 tool works.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
■KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Read the operator's
manual carefully. Learn the saw's applications and
limitations as well as the specific potential hazards
related to this tool.
■GUARD AGAINST ELECTRICAL SHOCK by pre-
venting body contact with grounded surfaces such as
pipes, radiators, ranges, refrigerator enclosures.
■KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in good working
order.
■REMOVE WRENCHES AND ADJUSTING KEYS.
Get in the habit of checking - before turning on tool -
that hex keys and adjusting wrenches are removed
from tool.
■KEEP THE WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered work
areas and work benches invite accidents. DO NOT
leave tools or pieces of wood on the saw while it is in
operation.
■DO NOT USE IN DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS.
Do not use power tools near gasoline or other flam-
mable liquids, in damp or wet locations, or expose
them to rain. Keep the work area well lit.
■KEEP CHILDREN AND VISITORS AWAY. All visi-
tors should wear safety glasses and be kept a safe
distance from work area. Do not let visitors contact
tool or extension cord while operating.
■MAKE WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF with padlocks
and master switches or by removing starter keys.
■DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL it will do the job better
and more safely at the rate for which it was designed.
■USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB. Do not force
the tool or attachment to do a job it was not designed
for. Use it only the way it was intended.
■USE THE PROPER EXTENSION CORD. Make sure
your extension cord is in good condition. Use only a
cord heavy enough to carry the current your product
will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line
voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. A
wire gage size (A.W.G.) of at least 14 is recom-
mended for an extension cord 25 feet or less in
length. If in doubt, use the next heavier gage. The
smaller the gage number, the heavier the cord.
■INSPECT TOOL CORDS AND EXTENSION CORDS
PERIODICALLY and, if damaged, have repaired by
a qualified service technician at an authorized ser-
vice 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 protec-
tive hair covering to contain long hair.
■ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WITH SIDE
SHIELDS. Everyday eyeglasses have only impact-
resistant lenses, they are NOT safety glasses.
■WEAR A DUST MASK to keep from inhaling fine
particles.
■PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing protec-
tion during extended periods of operation.
■SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold work
when practical. It's safer than using your hand and
frees both hands to operate tool.
■DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times.
■MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp
and clean for better and safer performance. Follow
instructions for lubricating and changing accesso-
ries.
■DISCONNECT ALL TOOLS. When not in use, be-
fore servicing, or when changing attachments, all
tools should be disconnected.
■AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Be sure switch is
off when plugging in any tool.
■USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. Using im-
proper accessories may risk injury.
■NEVER STAND ON TOOL. Serious injury could
occur if the tool is tipped or if the blade is unintentionally
contacted.
■CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before using the tool
again, check any damaged parts, including guards,
for proper operation and performance. Check align-
ment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, break-
age of parts, saw stability, mounting and any other
conditions that may affect its operation. A damaged
part must be properly repaired or replaced by a
qualified service technician at an authorized service
center to avoid risk of personal injury.
■NEVER LEAVE TOOL RUNNING UNATTENDED.
TURN THE POWER OFF. Do not leave tool until it
comes to a complete stop.
■FIRMLY CLAMP OR BOLT your miter saw to a
workbench or table at approximately hip height.
■USE ONLY CORRECT BLADES. Use the right
blade size, style and cutting speed for the material
and the type of cut. Do not use blades with incor-
rect size holes. Never use blade washers or blade
bolts that are defective or incorrect. The maximum
blade capacity of your saw is 12 in. (305 mm).
■KEEP BLADES CLEAN, SHARP, AND WITH
SUFFICIENT SET. Sharp blades minimize stalling
and kickback.
■DO NOT REMOVE THE SAW'S BLADE
GUARDS. Never operate the saw with any guard or
cover removed. Make sure all guards are operating
properly before each use.

4
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
■KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM CUTTING AREA. Do
not reach underneath work or in blade cutting path
with your hands and fingers for any reason. Always
turn the power off.
■BLADE COASTS AFTER BEING TURNED OFF.
■DO NOT ABUSE CORD. Never yank cord to discon-
nect it from receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil, and
sharp edges.
■USE ONLY OUTDOOR EXTENSION CORDS. Use
only extension cords with the marking "Acceptable
for use with outdoor appliances; store cords indoors
while not in use". Use extension cords with an elec-
trical rating not less than the saw's rating. Always
disconnect the extension cord from the outlet before
disconnecting the product from the extension cord.
■DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT TURN
IT ON AND OFF. Have defective switches replaced
by a qualified service technician at an authorized
service center.
■KEEP TOOL DRY, CLEAN, AND FREE FROM OIL
AND GREASE. Always use a clean cloth when
cleaning. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petro-
leum-based products, or any solvents to clean tool.
■ALWAYS SUPPORT LONG WORKPIECES while
cutting to minimize risk of blade pinching and kick-
back. Saw may slip, walk or slide while cutting long or
heavy boards.
■BEFORE MAKING A CUT, be sure all adjustments
are secure.
■BE SURE BLADE PATH IS FREE OF NAILS. In-
spect for and remove all nails from lumber before
cutting.
■ALWAYS USE A CLAMP to secure the workpiece
when possible.
■NEVER TOUCH BLADE or other moving parts dur-
ing use for any reason.
■BE SURE THE BLADE CLEARS THE WORK-
PIECE. Never start the saw with the blade touching
the workpiece. Allow motor to come up to full speed
before starting cut.
■MAKE SURE THE MITER TABLE AND SAW ARM
(BEVEL FUNCTION) ARE LOCKED IN POSITION
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR SAW. Lock the miter
table by securely tightening the miter lock handle.
Lock the saw arm (bevel function) by securely tight-
ening the bevel lock knob.
■NEVER USE A LENGTH STOP ON THE FREE
SCRAP END OF A CLAMPED WORKPIECE.
NEVER hold onto or bind the free scrap end of the
workpiece in any operation. If a work clamp and
length stop are used together, they must both be
installed on the same side of the saw table to prevent
the saw from catching the loose end and kicking up.
■NEVER cut more than one piece at a time. DO NOT
STACK more than one workpiece on the saw table at
a time.
■NEVER PERFORM ANY OPERATION FREEHAND.
Always place the workpiece to be cut on the miter
table and position it firmly against the fence as a
backstop. Always use the fence.
■NEVER hand hold a workpiece that is too small to be
clamped. Keep hands clear of the no hands zone.
■NEVER reach behind, under, or within three inches
(76 mm) of the blade and its cutting path with your
hands and fingers for any reason.
■NEVER reach to pick up a workpiece, a piece of
scrap, or anything else that is in or near the cutting
path of the blade.
■AVOID AWKWARD OPERATIONS AND HAND PO-
SITIONS where a sudden slip could cause your hand
to move into the blade. ALWAYS make sure you
have good balance. NEVER operate your miter saw
on the floor or in a crouched position.
■NEVER stand or have any part of your body in line
with the path of the saw blade.
■ALWAYS release the power switch and allow the
saw blade to stop rotating before raising it out of the
workpiece.
■DO NOT TURN THE MOTOR SWITCH ON AND
OFF RAPIDLY. This could cause the saw blade to
loosen and could create a hazard. Should this ever
occur, stand clear and allow the saw blade to come to
a complete stop. Disconnect your saw from the power
supply and securely retighten the blade bolt.
■REPLACEMENT PARTS. All repairs, whether elec-
trical or mechanical, should be made at your nearest
authorized service center.
■WHEN SERVICING, use only identical Ryobi re-
placement parts. Use of any other parts may create
a hazard or cause product damage.
■NEVER USE THIS TOOL IN AN EXPLOSIVE AT-
MOSPHERE. 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 polar-
ized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit
fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does
not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the
proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.
■IF ANY PART OF THIS MITER SAW IS MISSING
or should break, bend, or fail in any way, or should
any electrical component fail to perform properly,
release the switch trigger, remove the miter saw
plug from the power source and have damaged,
missing, or failed parts replaced before resuming
operation.
■DO NOT OPERATE THIS TOOL WHILE UNDER
THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS, ALCOHOL, OR
ANY MEDICATION.

5
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
■ALWAYS STAY ALERT! Do not allow familiarity
(gained from frequent use of your saw) to cause a
careless mistake. ALWAYS REMEMBER that a care-
less fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict severe
injury.
■STAY ALERT AND EXERCISE CONTROL. Watch
what you are doing and use common sense. Do not
operate tool when you are tired. Do not rush.
■MAKE SURE THE WORK AREA HAS AMPLE
LIGHTING to see the work and that no obstructions
will interfere with safe operation BEFORE performing
any work using your saw.
■ALWAYS TURN OFF THE SAW before disconnect-
ing it to avoid accidental starting when reconnecting
to power supply. NEVER leave the saw unattended
while connected to a power source.
■SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them fre-
quently and use to instruct other users. If you loan
someone this tool, loan them these instructions also.
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.
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: Failure to obey a safety warning will result in serious injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
WARNING: Failure to obey a safety warning can result in serious injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning may result in property damage or personal injury to
yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock
and personal injury.
NO HANDS:Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in serious personal injury.
WET CONDITIONS ALERT: Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS