1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe operation, maintenance, and parts identification for your Ryobi 12-5/16" x 6" Wood Planer, Model AP-12. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the planer to ensure proper use and to prevent injury or damage to the machine. Keep this manual accessible for future reference.
Figure 1: Ryobi 12-5/16" x 6" Wood Planer Model AP-12. This image illustrates the general appearance of the planer.
2. Safety Instructions
Always follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury when operating power tools. Familiarize yourself with all safety warnings and instructions.
- Wear Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or goggles that comply with applicable standards.
- Hearing Protection: Use hearing protection during extended operation.
- Respiratory Protection: Wear a dust mask, especially when planing wood that produces fine dust.
- Keep Work Area Clean: Cluttered areas invite accidents. Ensure your work area is well-lit.
- Avoid Dangerous Environments: Do not use power tools in damp or wet locations, or expose them to rain.
- Keep Children Away: All visitors should be kept a safe distance from the work area.
- Secure Workpiece: Always ensure the workpiece is properly supported and secured before planing.
- Do Not Force Tool: Allow the planer to work at its intended speed.
- Disconnect Power: Always disconnect the planer from the power source before making adjustments, changing accessories, or performing maintenance.
- Inspect Blades: Regularly check planer blades for sharpness and damage. Replace dull or damaged blades promptly.
3. Setup
3.1 Unpacking
Carefully remove the planer and all accessories from the packaging. Inspect the unit for any damage that may have occurred during shipping. Report any damage to your dealer immediately. Retain packaging materials for future transport or storage.
3.2 Work Area and Mounting
Place the planer on a stable, level workbench or stand capable of supporting its weight. Ensure adequate space around the planer for feeding and receiving workpieces. The planer should be securely bolted down to prevent movement during operation.
3.3 Power Connection
Connect the planer to a grounded electrical outlet. Ensure the power supply matches the voltage requirements specified on the planer's nameplate. Avoid using extension cords unless absolutely necessary, and if used, ensure they are rated for the tool's power requirements and are in good condition.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Basic Planing Operation
- Prepare Workpiece: Ensure the wood is free of nails, screws, or other foreign objects.
- Set Depth of Cut: Use the depth adjustment crank to set the desired material removal. Make light passes for best results and to avoid overloading the motor.
- Start Planer: Turn on the planer and allow the cutterhead to reach full speed.
- Feed Material: Feed the workpiece into the infeed roller smoothly and consistently. Maintain firm, even pressure.
- Receive Material: Support the workpiece as it exits the outfeed roller to prevent it from dropping.
4.2 Adjusting Roller Height
The roller height can be adjusted to accommodate different material thicknesses. Refer to the specific instructions in your manual for the exact procedure, typically involving a crank or lever mechanism. Ensure the adjustment is locked before operation.
4.3 Replacing Knives
Dull or damaged knives will result in poor finish and increased motor strain. To replace knives:
- Disconnect Power: Always unplug the planer.
- Access Cutterhead: Follow instructions to open the planer housing and expose the cutterhead.
- Remove Old Knives: Loosen the knife clamping screws and carefully remove the old knives. Use gloves to protect your hands.
- Install New Knives: Insert new knives, ensuring they are properly seated and aligned. Tighten clamping screws evenly.
- Test: Manually rotate the cutterhead to ensure knives clear all components before reconnecting power and testing.
4.4 Avoiding Snipe
Snipe is a common issue where the ends of a board are planed deeper than the middle. To minimize snipe:
- Support Workpiece: Use infeed and outfeed supports to keep the board level with the planer bed.
- Maintain Even Pressure: Apply slight upward pressure on the leading end as it enters the planer, and slight upward pressure on the trailing end as it exits.
- Take Shallow Cuts: Multiple shallow passes are better than one deep pass.
- Use a Sled: For very short or thin pieces, use a planer sled.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your planer.
- Cleaning: After each use, disconnect power and clean the planer thoroughly. Remove sawdust and chips from the cutterhead, rollers, and dust chute using a brush or compressed air.
- Lubrication: Periodically lubricate moving parts as indicated in the full manual. Use appropriate lubricants.
- Blade Inspection: Inspect knives before each use for nicks, dullness, or damage. Replace or sharpen as needed.
- Belt Inspection: Check drive belts for wear, cracks, or tension. Replace if necessary.
6. Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Planer does not start | No power; tripped circuit breaker; faulty switch | Check power connection; reset breaker; inspect switch |
| Poor surface finish (tear-out, chatter) | Dull or damaged knives; too deep a cut; feeding too fast; grain direction issues | Replace/sharpen knives; reduce depth of cut; slow feed rate; adjust grain direction |
| Snipe at ends of board | Lack of proper workpiece support; uneven feeding pressure | Use infeed/outfeed supports; apply even pressure; take shallower cuts |
| Motor overheats or stalls | Overloading (too deep a cut); dull knives; poor ventilation | Reduce depth of cut; replace/sharpen knives; clear dust vents |
7. Specifications
- Model: AP-12
- Planing Width Capacity: 12-5/16 inches
- Planing Thickness Capacity: 6 inches
- Maximum Depth of Cut: 1/8 inch (3.2 mm)
- Motor: 15 Amp, 120V, 60 Hz
- Cutterhead Speed: Approximately 10,000 RPM
- Feed Rate: Approximately 26 FPM (feet per minute)
- Number of Knives: 2 (double-edged, reversible)
- Weight: Approximately 65 lbs (29.5 kg)
8. Parts Information
This manual includes detailed explosive view diagrams of all components, along with a comprehensive parts list and descriptions. When ordering replacement parts, always refer to these diagrams and use the correct part numbers to ensure compatibility and proper function. Contact your authorized Ryobi service center for genuine replacement parts.
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Ryobi website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims. Do not attempt to repair the planer yourself if it is under warranty, as this may void the warranty.
