OPERATOR’S MANUAL

POWER PLANER
DOUBLE INSULATED
HPL51

Your planer has been engineered and manufactured to our high standard for dependability, ease of operation, and operator
safety. When 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 your purchase.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2
 Warranty .......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
� General Safety Rules .................................................................................................................................................... 3-4
� Specific Safety Rules....................................................................................................................................................... 4
� Symbols ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5-6
� Electrical .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
� Features ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
� Assembly ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
� Operation .................................................................................................................................................................. 10-13
� Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................................. 14-16
� Parts Ordering / Service ................................................................................................................................................ 18

INTRODUCTION
This tool has many features for making its use more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety, performance, and dependability have
been given top priority in the design of this product making it easy to maintain and operate.

WARRANTY
RYOBI® POWER TOOL - LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY AND 30 DAY EXCHANGE POLICY
One World Technologies, Inc., warrants its RYOBI® power tools with the following conditions:
30-DAY EXCHANGE POLICY: During the first 30 days after date of purchase, you may either request service under this
warranty or you may exchange any RYOBI® power tool which does not work properly due to defective workmanship or
materials by returning the power tool to the dealer from which it was purchased. To receive a replacement power tool
or requested warranty service, you must present proof of purchase and return all original equipment packaged with the
original product. The replacement power tool will be covered by the limited warranty for the balance of the two year period
from the date of the original purchase.
WHAT THIS WARRANTY COVERS: This warranty covers all defects in workmanship or materials in your RYOBI® power
tool for a period of two years from the date of purchase. With the exception of batteries, power tool accessories are
warranted for ninety (90) days. Batteries are warranted for two years.
HOW TO GET SERVICE: Just return the power tool, properly packaged and postage prepaid, to an Authorized Service
Center. You can obtain the location of the Service Center nearest you by contacting a service representative at One
World Technologies, Inc., P.O. Box 1207, Anderson, SC 29622-1207, by calling 1-800-525-2579 or by logging on to www.
ryobitools.com. When you request warranty service, you must also present proof of purchase documentation, which
includes the date of purchase (for example, a bill of sale). We will repair any faulty workmanship, and either repair or replace
any defective part, at our option. We will do so without any charge to you. We will complete the work in a reasonable time,
but, in any case, within ninety (90) days or less.
WHAT’S NOT COVERED: This warranty applies only to the original purchaser at retail and may not be transferred. This
warranty only covers defects arising under normal usage and does not cover any malfunction, failure or defects resulting
from misuse, abuse, neglect, alteration, modification or repairs by other than Authorized Service Centers. One World
Technologies, Inc. makes no warranties, representations or promises as to the quality or performance of its power tools
other than those specifically stated in this warranty.
ADDITIONAL LIMITATIONS: Any implied warranties granted under state law, including warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to two years from the date of purchase. One World Technologies, Inc. is not
responsible for direct, indirect, or incidental damages, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

2
 GENERAL SAFETY RULES
 Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is off
WARNING: before plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger on
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow the switch or plugging in tools that have the switch on
all instructions listed below, may result in electric shock, invites accidents.
fire and/or serious personal injury.  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.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS  Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better
WORK AREA control of the tool in unexpected situations.
 Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered  Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
benches and dark areas invite accidents. Dust mask, nonskid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing
 Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases,  Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long
or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the hair. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be drawn
dust or fumes. into air vents.
 Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while  Do not use on a ladder or unstable support. Stable
operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to footing on a solid surface enables better control of the
lose control. tool in unexpected situations.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TOOL USE AND CARE

 Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized  Use clamps or other practical way to secure and
plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug will support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding
fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does the work by hand or against your body is unstable and
not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still may lead to loss of control.
does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a  Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your ap-
polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any way. plication. The correct tool will do the job better and safer
Double insulation eliminates the need for the three- at the rate for which it is designed.
wire grounded power cord and grounded power supply  Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on or off. Any
system. tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous
 Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as and must be repaired.
pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators. There is an  Disconnect the plug from power source before making
increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded. any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the
 Don’t expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. tool. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric starting the tool accidentally.
shock.  Store idle tools out of the reach of children and other
 Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry the untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in the hands of
tools or pull the plug from an outlet. Keep cord away untrained users.
from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts. Replace  Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp
damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords increase and clean. Properly maintained tools with sharp cutting
the risk of electric shock. edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
 When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor  Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts,
extension cord marked “W-A” or “W”. These cords are rat- breakage of parts, and any other condition that may
ed for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock. affect the tool’s operation. If damaged, have the tool
serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by
PERSONAL SAFETY poorly maintained tools.
 Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common  Use only accessories that are recommended by the
sense when operating a power tool. Do not use tool manufacturer for your model. Accessories that may be
while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, suitable for one tool, may become hazardous when used
or medication. A moment of inattention while operating on another tool.
power tools may result in serious personal injury.  Keep the tool and its handle dry, clean and free from
 Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. oil and grease. Always use a clean cloth when clean-
Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves ing. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long products, or any strong solvents to clean your tool.
hair can be caught in moving parts. Following this rule will reduce the risk of loss of con-
trol and deterioration of the enclosure plastic.

3
 GENERAL SAFETY RULES
SERVICE  When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement
 Tool service must be performed only by qualified parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance section
repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed by of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to
unqualified personnel may result in a risk of injury. follow Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of
electric shock or injury.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

 Wait for the cutter to stop before setting the tool down.  Check damaged parts. Before further use of the
An exposed cutter may engage the surface leading to tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should
possible loss of control and serious injury. be carefully checked to determine that it will operate
 Use clamps or another practical way to secure and properly and perform its intended function. Check for
support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts,
the work by hand or against your body leaves it unstable breakage of parts, mounting, and any other conditions
and may lead to loss of control. that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that
 Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced
performing an operation where the cutting tool may by an authorized service center. Following this rule will
contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a reduce the risk of shock, fire, or serious injury.
“live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the cutting
 Make sure your extension cord is in good condi-
tool “live” and shock the operator.
tion. When using an extension cord, be sure to use
 Know your power tool. Read operator’s manual care- one heavy enough to carry the current your product
fully. Learn its applications and limitations, as well will draw. A wire gauge size (A.W.G.) of at least 16 is
as the specific potential hazards related to this tool. recommended for an extension cord 50 feet or less
Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, in length. A cord exceeding 100 feet is not recom-
fire, or serious injury. mended. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The
 Always wear safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord. An
have only impact-resistant lenses; they are NOT safety undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting
glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious in loss of power and overheating.
personal injury.  Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber before
 Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the using this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the risk serious personal injury.
of serious personal injury.  Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and
 Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during use them to instruct others who may use this tool. If you
extended periods of operation. Following this rule will loan someone this tool, loan them these instructions
reduce the risk of serious personal injury. also.
 Inspect tool cords periodically and, if damaged, have
repaired at your nearest Authorized Service Center.
Constantly stay aware of cord location. Following this
rule will reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.

4
 SYMBOLS

Some of the following symbols may be used on this 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 per second)

W Watt Power

min Minutes Time

Alternating Current Type of current

Direct Current Type or a characteristic of current

no No Load Speed Rotational speed, at no load

Class II Construction Double-insulated construction

.../min Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute

Wet Conditions Alert Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.

To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand

Read The Operator’s Manual
operator’s manual before using this product.

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and,
Eye Protection
as necessary, a full face shield when operating this product.

Safety Alert Precautions that involve your safety.

Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in serious
No Hands Symbol
personal injury.

Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in serious
No Hands Symbol
personal injury.

Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in serious
No Hands Symbol
personal injury.

Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in serious
No Hands Symbol
personal injury.

To reduce the risk of injury or damage, avoid contact with any hot
Hot Surface
surface.

5
 SYMBOLS

The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.

SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result

DANGER: in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result

WARNING: in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in

CAUTION minor or moderate injury.

(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in property
CAUTION damage.

SERVICE
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should WARNING:
be performed only by a qualified service technician. For To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt to use this
service we suggest you return the product to the nearest product until you read thoroughly and understand com-
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER for repair. When servic- pletely the operator’s manual. If you do not understand
ing, use only identical replacement parts. the warnings and instructions in the operator’s manual,
do not use this product. Call Ryobi customer service for
assistance.

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 power tool operation, always wear safety goggles or
safety glasses with side shields and, when needed, a full face shield. We recommend Wide Vision
Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Always use eye
protection which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

6
 ELECTRICAL

DOUBLE INSULATION EXTENSION CORDS

Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric power When using a power tool at a considerable distance from
tools, which eliminates the need for the usual three- a power source, be sure to use an extension cord that has
wire grounded power cord. All exposed metal parts are the capacity to handle the current the tool will draw. An
isolated from the internal metal motor components with undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in
protecting insulation. Double insulated tools do not need overheating and loss of power. Use the chart to determine
to be grounded. the minimum wire size required in an extension cord. Only
round jacketed cords listed by Underwriter’s Laboratories
WARNING: (UL) should be used.
When working outdoors with a tool, use an extension cord
The double insulated system is intended to protect that is designed for outside use. This type of cord is desig-
the user from shock resulting from a break in the tool’s nated with “WA” on the cord’s jacket.
internal insulation. Observe all normal safety precautions
to avoid electrical shock. Before using any extension cord, inspect it for loose or
exposed wires and cut or worn insulation.
NOTE: Servicing of a tool with double insulation requires **Ampere rating (on tool data plate)
extreme care and knowledge of the system and should be 0-2.0 2.1-3.4 3.5-5.0 5.1-7.0 7.1-12.0 12.1-16.0
performed only by a qualified service technician. For service, Cord Length Wire Size (A.W.G.)
we suggest you return the tool to your nearest authorized
service center for repair. Always use original factory replace- 25' 16 16 16 16 14 14
ment parts when servicing. 50' 16 16 16 14 14 12
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION 100' 16 16 14 12 10 —
This tool has a precision-built electric motor. It should be **Used on 12 gauge - 20 amp circuit.
connected to a power supply that is 120 volts, 60 Hz, AC NOTE: AWG = American Wire Gauge
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 the tool does WARNING:
not operate when plugged into an outlet, double-check the
power supply. Keep the extension cord clear of the working area.
Position the cord so that it will not get caught on lumber,
tools or other obstructions while you are working with a
power tool. Failure to do so can result in serious personal
injury.

WARNING:
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.

7
 FEATURES
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum Planing Depth ........................................ 3/32 in. No Load Speed ............................................... 16,000/min.
Maximum Planing Width .......................................3-1/4 in. Input ............................... 120 V, 60 Hz, AC only, 5.0 Amps
Maximum Rabbet Depth ........................................ 7/16 in. Net Weight ................................................................. 6 lbs.

LOCK-OFF BUTTON DUST BAG

EDGE GUIDE/
RABBET GUIDE

REAR HANDLE

POWER CORD FRONT HANDLE

EXHAUST
DIRECTION DIAL
SWITCH
TRIGGER BLADE
WRENCH

DEPTH ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
EXHAUST PORT

KICKSTAND Fig. 1

KNOW YOUR PLANER EDGE/RABBET GUIDE

See Figure 1. The edge guide included allows you to plane edges and
The safe use of this product requires an understanding of make rabbet cuts.
the information on the tool and in this operator’s manual as
well as a knowledge of the project you are attempting. Before KICKSTAND
use of this product, familiarize yourself with all operating The kickstand allows you to set the planer down on
features and safety rules. a workpiece or clear table area without damaging the
workpiece or the blades.
DEPTH ADJUSTMENT KNOB
Adjust the planing depth from 0 to 3/32 in. in 1/64 in. incre- LOCK-OFF BUTTON
ments. The lock-off button locks the switch trigger in the OFF posi-
tion when the switch trigger is released.
DUST BAG
The dust bag attaches to the planer and helps keep the work
area free of dust and debris.

8
 ASSEMBLY
UNPACKING
This product has been shipped completely assembled.
 Carefully remove the tool and any accessories from the
box. Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are
included.
 Inspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or
damage occurred during shipping. EXHAUST PORT
 Do not discard the packing material until you have care-
fully inspected and satisfactorily operated the tool.
 If any parts are damaged or missing, please call COLLAR
1-800-525-2579 for assistance.

PACKING LIST
Planer DUST BAG
Blades (2)
Blade Wrench Fig. 2
Edge/Rabbet Guide
Dust Bag ATTACHING THE DUST BAG
Case See Figure 2.
Operator’s Manual  Unplug the planer.
 Slide the collar of the dust bag onto the exhaust port.
WARNING: NOTE: To remove the dust bag, pull it straight out of the
If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate exhaust port.
this tool until the parts are replaced. Failure to heed this
warning could result in serious personal injury. CAUTION:
The dust bag fills quickly. Empty it often to prevent dam-
age to the product.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to modify this tool or create accesso-
ries 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 connect to power supply until assembly is
complete. Failure to comply could result in accidental
starting and possible serious personal injury.

9
 OPERATION

WARNING: EXHAUST
DIRECTION
Do not allow familiarity with tools to make you care- KNOB
less. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is
sufficient to inflict serious injury.

WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating power tools. Failure to do so
could result in objects being thrown into your eyes
resulting in possible serious injury.

Fig. 3
WARNING:
Do not use any attachments or accessories not
recommended by the manufacturer of this tool. The use DEPTH
ADJUSTMENT
of attachments or accessories not recommended can KNOB
result in serious personal injury.

APPLICATIONS
You may use this tool for the purposes listed below:
 Planing the edge of a wooden door or shelf
 Planing the edge of a piece of lumber
 Making rabbet cuts in wood
ADJUSTING THE EXHAUST DIRECTION
See Figure 3.
Control the direction of debris when working in confined
areas. Change the direction of the exhaust to either the Fig. 4
right or left.
 Unplug the planer. PLANING DEPTH
 Adjust the exhaust direction and dust bag: See Figure 4.
 To adjust exhaust to the right: Move the exhaust direc- When you begin planing a rough piece of material, the planer
tion knob to the right and install the dust bag on the right will only remove the high spots at first. Successive passes
exhaust port. will remove more and more material. By removing no more
 To adjust exhaust to the left: Move the exhaust direction than 1/64 in. with each pass, you will achieve the smoothest
knob to the left and install the dust bag on the left exhaust finish, even from the roughest workpiece.
port. Always begin by making test cuts in scrap wood to make sure
that the planer is removing the desired amount of wood.
To set the planing depth:
 Unplug the planer.
 Turn the depth adjustment knob clockwise to reach the
maximum depth of cut.
NOTE: To protect the blades during storage, transporting,
etc., set the depth adjustment to 0.

10
 OPERATION
STARTING/STOPPING THE PLANER
See Figure 5.
 To start the planer: Push the lock-off button, and then LOCK-OFF BUTTON
depress the switch trigger.
 To stop the planer: Release the switch trigger.

OPERATING THE PLANER

 Clamp the work securely.
 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.
SWITCH TRIGGER
 Hold the planer with both hands. Hold the front handle Fig. 5
with your left hand and the rear handle with your right
hand.
 Plane slowly and empty the dust bag often. THE KICKSTAND THE KICKSTAND
PIVOTS DOWN WHEN THE RETRACTS WHEN THE
PLANER IS NOT IN USE PLANER IS IN USE
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: Fig. 6
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 KICKSTAND
in serious personal injury. See Figure 6.
The planer has been equipped with an automatic pivoting
 Keep the cord away from the work area. Do not allow the kickstand that will prevent the blades from contacting the
cord to hang on the work while planing. workbench when not in use. As you begin the planing opera-
tion, the kickstand will automatically retract as it passes over
WARNING: the edge of the workpiece. When setting the planer down on
the workbench, the kickstand will automatically pivot down
Using the planer with a damaged cord could cause elec- to prevent the blade from making any contact.
trical shock resulting in serious injury.
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 personal injury.

11
 OPERATION
PLANING
See Figure 7.
 Clamp the work securely.
 Adjust the planing depth. Refer to Adjusting the Planing
Depth earlier in this manual.
 Hold the front handle with your left hand and the rear
handle with your right hand.

KICKSTAND
WARNING:
Always use two hands on the tool for any operation; this
assures that you maintain control and avoid risk of serious
personal injury. Always properly support and clamp the
work so that both hands are free to control the planer.

 Place the front shoe on the edge of work to be planed.

NOTE: Make sure the blades are not touching the
work. Fig. 7
 Apply pressure to the front handle so that the front shoe
is completely flat on the work.
 Start the planer and let the motor reach maximum
speed.
 Hold the planer firmly and push it forward into the work,
using a slow, steady motion.
 Apply downward pressure toward the rear handle as you
reach the end of the planed cut. This helps keep the rear
section of the planer base in contact with the work and
prevents the front of the planer from gouging the cut.

WARNING:
Be careful to avoid hitting nails during planing operation;
this action could nick, crack, or damage blades.

NOTE: We suggest that you always keep an extra set of blades

on hand. As soon as the blades in the planer show signs of
becoming dull, replace them. The blades are reversible and
can be reversed until both sides become dull.
Fig. 8
CHAMFERING
See Figure 8.
The planer is designed with a chamfering groove in the front  Start the planer and let the motor reach maximum
shoe to chamfer edges of boards as shown. Before making speed.
a cut on good lumber, practice cutting on scrap lumber to  Hold the planer firmly and push it forward into the work,
determine the amount to be removed. using a slow, steady motion.
 Clamp the work securely.  Apply downward pressure to keep the planer flat at the
 Hold the front handle with your left hand and the rear beginning and the end of the work surface.
handle with your right hand.
 Place the chamfering groove on the surface to be cut.

12
 OPERATION
PLANING EDGES AND MAKING RABBET
CUTS
The planer comes with an adjustable edge guide for preci-
sion edge planing and rabbet cutting. Attach the edge guide
to either side of the planer for planing edges and attach the
edge guide to the left side for making rabbet cuts.

ATTACHING THE EDGE GUIDE FOR PLANING

EDGES
See Figures 9 - 10.
 Unplug the planer.
 Attach the bracket to the desired side of the planer using KNOB BOLT
the knob bolt.
 Attach the edge guide to the bracket using the knob nut
BRACKET
and the carriage head bolt.
CARRIAGE
 Tighten the knob nut securely. EDGE
HEAD BOLT
GUIDE
PLANING EDGES
See Figure 10.
Follow the directions in the Planing section earlier in this KNOB NUT
manual. Hold the edge guide firmly against the edge of the Fig. 9
work surface.

ATTACHING THE EDGE GUIDE FOR MAKING

RABBET CUTS
See Figure 11.
 Unplug the planer.
 Attach the bracket to the left side of the planer using the
knob bolt.
 Attach the edge guide loosely to the bracket using the
knob nut and the carriage head bolt.
 Adjust the edge guide to the desired width for the rabbet
cut.
 Tighten the knob nut securely.
PLANING
TO MAKE RABBET CUTS EDGES
See Figure 11. Fig. 10
Follow the directions in the Planing section earlier in this
manual. Hold the edge guide firmly against the edge of the
work surface.
The depth of the rabbet is determined by the depth
of the cut and the number of passes made along the
work surface. The maximum depth of the rabbet cut is
7/16 in. and has to be cut in 3/32 in. passes or less to reach MAKING RABBET
the desired depth. The width of the rabbet cut is adjustable CUTS
by moving the edge guide.

Fig. 11

13
 MAINTENANCE

WARNING:
When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause
product damage.

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: Fig. 12
Failure to unplug the planer could result in accidental
starting causing serious injury.
LUBRICATION
GENERAL MAINTENANCE All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with a sufficient
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the unit under
plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of normal operating conditions. Therefore, no further lubrica-
commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use tion is required.
clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc. CLEANING THE EXHAUST PORT AND
EMPTYING THE DUST BAG
WARNING: See Figure 12.
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum- After using the planer for an extended period of time or
based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact when planing wet or green lumber, chips may build-up in the
with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or exhaust port and require cleaning. Chip build-up restricts air
destroy plastic which may result in serious personal flow and causes the motor to overheat. Clean the exhaust
injury. port and empty the dust bag regularly.
 Unplug the planer.
Electric tools used on fiberglass material, wallboard, spackling  Remove the dust bag from the exhaust port.
compounds, or plaster are subject to accelerated wear and  Clean the chip or dust build-up from the exhaust port of
possible premature failure because the fiberglass chips and the planer with a small piece of wood. Do not use your
grindings are highly abrasive to bearings, brushes, commuta- hands or fingers.
tors, etc. Consequently, we do not recommended using this
tool for extended work on these types of materials. However,  Empty all debris from the dust bag and ensure that the
if you do work with any of these materials, it is extremely collar is free of debris.
important to clean the tool using compressed air.  Replace the dust bag.

14
 MAINTENANCE

REPLACING BLADES
See Figures 13 - 15.
The planer blades are reversible. When one edge becomes
dull, the blade can be reversed so that the other side can
be used. SCREW
Always replace or reverse blades in pairs. Do not attempt BLADE
to sharpen blades. If the blades in the planer show signs WRENCH
of becoming dull, chipped, or damaged in any way, replace
them.
When replacing the blades, use recommended replacement
blade only, Ryobi part number 6986101.

WARNING:
The blades are sharp. Use extreme caution when
replacing blades. Failure to heed this warning can result
in serious personal injury.
BLADE
 Unplug the planer. HOLDER
 Secure the planer in an upside-down position.
Fig. 13
 Loosen the three screws securing the blade on the blade
holder using the blade wrench provided.
BLADE
NOTE: Do not over-loosen the screws. If screws are too
loose, alignment of the new blade will not be accurate.
NOTE: Before removing the old blades, take notice of
the direction of cut as well as how the tapered edge of
the old blades are oriented. The tapered edge of the new
blades must be in the same orientation as the original
blades, with the tapered edge on the same side as the
screw heads and the flat edge facing the cutter block.
 Push the blade (to the right) out of the blade holder using
the tip of a screwdriver.
 Remove the old blade from the blade holder.
NOTE: If blade cannot be easily pushed out of blade SCREWDRIVER
holder after loosening blade securing screws, use a
block of wood to break the blade loose from the blade Fig. 14
holder with a short sharp blow. Then push the blade with
a screwdriver to remove. If necessary, tap the block of
wood sharply with a small hammer to break the blade
loose.
 Clean any sawdust or wood chips from around the blade
area.
 Slide the new blade into the slot of the blade holder.
 Use a screwdriver to push the blade into the blade holder
until it is centered into position.
 Retighten the three blade securing screws using the blade
wrench.
 Repeat the above procedure to change the other blade.

Fig. 15

15
 MAINTENANCE
REPLACING THE BELT
See Figures 16 - 17.
When replacing the belt, use the recommended replacement
belt only, Ryobi part number 5695001.
 Unplug the planer.
 Remove belt cover screws.
 Remove the belt cover.
 Force the old belt from the small pulley by turning in the
direction shown. As you turn the belt, pull and work it
off the small pulley until it has been completely removed
from both pulleys.
 Install the new belt over the large pulley. As you turn the
BELT
belt, push and work it onto the small pulley until it is in COVER SCREW
place.
 Replace the belt cover. Fig. 16
 Install belt cover screws and tighten securely.
NOTE: Do not overtighten the screws.

BELT
SMALL PULLEY
LARGE PULLEY

Fig. 17

16
NOTES

17
 OPERATOR’S MANUAL
POWER PLANER
DOUBLE INSULATED
HPL51

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.

• SERVICE
Now that you have purchased your tool, should a need ever exist for repair parts or service,
simply contact your nearest Authorized Service Center. Be sure to provide all pertinent
facts when you call or visit. Please call 1-800-525-2579 for your nearest Authorized
Service Center. You can also check our web site at www.ryobitools.com for a complete
list of Authorized Service Centers.

• MODEL NO. AND SERIAL NO.

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

• HOW TO ORDER REPAIR PARTS

When ordering repair parts, always give the following information:

• MODEL NUMBER HPL51

• SERIAL NUMBER

Ryobi® is a registered trademark of Ryobi Limited used under license.

ONE WORLD TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

1428 Pearman Dairy Road, Anderson, SC 29625
Phone 1-800-525-2579
www.ryobitools.com

983000-285
1-20-06 (REV:01)