Ryobi P503 - Manual (Page 11)

11 - English
OPERATION
OPERATING THE SAW
See Figures 12- 14, page 16.
It is important to understand the correct method for operat-
ing the saw. Refer to the figures in this section to learn the
correct and incorrect ways for handling the saw.
WARNING:
To make sawing easier and safer, always maintain proper
control of the saw. Loss of control could cause an acci-
dent resulting in possible serious injury.
DANGER:
When lifting the saw from the workpiece, the blade is
exposed on the underside of the saw until the lower blade
guard closes. Make sure the lower blade guard is closed
before setting the saw down.
To make the best possible cut, follow these helpful hints.

Hold the saw firmly with both hands.
 Avoid placing your hand on the workpiece while making
a cut.
 Support the workpiece so that the cut (kerf) is always to
your side.
 Support the workpiece near the cut.
 Clamp the workpiece securely so that the workpiece will
not move during the cut.
 Always place the saw on the workpiece that is supported,
not the “cut off” piece.
 Place the workpiece with the “good” side down.
 Draw a guideline along the desired line of cut before
beginning your cut.
CROSS CUTTING/RIP CUTTING
See Figure 15, page 17.
When making a cross cut or rip cut, align the line of cut with
the outer blade guide notch on the base.
Since blade thicknesses vary, always make a trial cut in scrap
material along a guideline to determine how much, if any, you
must offset the guideline to produce an accurate cut.
NOTE: The distance from the line of cut to the guideline is
the amount you should offset the guide.
RIP CUTTING
See Figure 16, page 17.
Use a guide when making long or wide rip cuts with the
saw.

Secure the workpiece.
 Clamp a straight edge to the workpiece using
C-clamps.
 Saw along the straight edge to achieve a straight rip
cut.
NOTE: Do not bind the blade in the cut.
WIDTH OF CUT SCALE
See Figure 17, page 17.
A width of cut scale has been provided on the base of
the
saw. When making straight cross cuts or rip cuts, the scale
can be used to measure up to 4-1/2 in. on the right side of
the blade, and up to 1 in. on the left side of the blade.
BEVEL CUTTING
See Figures 18 - 19, page 17.

Align the line of cut with the inner blade guide notch on
the base when making 45° bevel cuts.
 Make a trial cut in scrap material along a guideline to
determine how much you should offset the guideline on
the cutting material.
 Adjust the angle of the cut to any desired setting between
zero and 50°. Refer to Adjusting the Bevel Setting
next.
ADJUSTING THE BEVEL SETTING
See Figure 19, page 17.

Loosen the bevel adjustment knob.
 Raise the motor housing end of the saw until you reach
the desired angle setting on the bevel scale.
 Tighten the bevel adjustment knob securely.
WARNING:
Attempting a bevel cut without having the bevel adjust-
ment knob securely tightened can result in serious
injury.
MAKING A BEVEL CUT
See Figure 19, page 17.

Hold the saw firmly with both hands as shown.
 Rest the front edge of the base on the workpiece.
 Start the saw and let the blade reach full speed.
 Guide the saw into the workpiece and make the cut.
 Release the trigger and allow the blade to come to a
complete stop.
 Lift the saw from the workpiece.