Model 557
Model 557
FRANÇAISE : PAGE 43
Instruction
manual
Double Insulated
Plate Joiner
MODEL
557
IMPORTANT
To learn more about Porter-Cable Please make certain that the person who is
visit our website at: to use this equipment carefully reads and
understands these instructions before
http://www.porter-cable.com
starting operations.
Type ___________________________________________
American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, 4 floor, New York,
NY 10036 www.ansi.org ANSI 01.1Safety Requirements for Woodworking
Machines, and the U.S. Department of Labor regulations www.osha.gov
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
2
SAFETY GUIDELINES - DEFINITIONS
It is important for you to read and understand this manual. The
information it contains relates to protecting YOUR SAFETY and
PREVENTING PROBLEMS. The symbols below are used to help
you recognize this information.
indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided,could result in death or serious injury.
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided,may result in minor or moderate injury.
used without the safety alert symbol indicates potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
property damage.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling,
and other construction activities contains chemicals known (to the
State of California) 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
● 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, always wear NIOSH/OSHA
approved, properly fitting face mask or respirator when using such tools.
3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
Read all instructions. Failure to follow all
instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or
serious injury. The term "power tool" in all of the warnings listed
below refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or
battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
a) Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite
accidents.
b) Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the
presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create
sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
c) Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
2) Electrical safety
a) Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any
way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power
tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric
shock.
b) Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as
pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of
electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
c) Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a
power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
d) Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or
unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp
edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk
of electric shock.
e) When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord
suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces
the risk of electric shock.
3) Personal safety
a) Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when
operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired
or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of
inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal
injury.
b) Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Safety equipment
such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing
protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
c) Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position
before plugging in. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch
or plugging in power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
4
GENERAL SAFETY RULES continued
d) Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool
on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool
may result in personal injury.
e) Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This
enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
f) Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your
hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes,
jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
g) If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and
collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used.
Use of these devices can reduce dust-related hazards.
4) Power tool use and care
a) Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your
application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the
rate for which it was designed.
b) Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off.
Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous
and must be repaired.
c) Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any
adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such
preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool
accidentally.
d) Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow
persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to
operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of
untrained users.
e) Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the
power tools operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired
before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power
tools.
f) Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools
with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
g) Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc., in accordance
with these instructions and in the manner intended for the
particular type of power tool, taking into account the working
conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for
operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous
situation.
5) Service
a) Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only
identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the
power tool is maintained.
5
ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
1. Hold power tools by insulated gripping surfaces when performing
an operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its
own cord. Contact with a "live" wire will make exposed metal parts of
the tool "live" and shock the operator.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Keep blades sharp. Sharp blades will do the job better and safer.
5. When you have finished a cut be careful not to come into contact with the
blade. Turn off the motor immediately.
6. Never hold work in your hand, lap, or against other parts of your body.
7. Keep guards in working order. Check operation before each use. Do not
use if guard does not close briskly over blade.
If tool is dropped, guard may distort restricting operation.
Keep slide mechanism free of wood chips. Occasionally lubricate with light
tool oil. DO NOT OVER LUBRICATE as this creates excessive sawdust
buildup.
8. Keep hands away from cutting area. Keep hands away
from blade. Do not reach underneath work while blade is rotating.
9. Avoid cutting nails and knots. Inspect for and remove all nails from
lumber before cutting. Try to layout cuts between knots.
10. Wear eye and hearing protection. Always use safety glasses. Everyday
eyeglasses are NOT safety glasses. USE CERTIFIED SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
Eye protection equipment should comply with ANSI Z87.1 standards.
Hearing equipment should comply with ANSI S3.19 standards.
11. Use of this tool can generate and disburse dust or other
airborne particles, including wood dust, crystalline silica dust and
asbestos dust. Direct particles away from face and body. Always operate
tool in well ventilated area and provide for proper dust removal. Use dust
collection system wherever possible. Exposure to the dust may cause
serious and permanent respiratory or other injury, including silicosis (a
serious lung disease), cancer, and death. Avoid breathing the dust, and
avoid prolonged contact with dust. Allowing dust to get into your mouth or
eyes, or lay on your skin may promote absorption of harmful material.
Always use properly fitting NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory protection
appropriate for the dust exposure, and wash exposed areas with soap and
water.
3-4 18 18 16 14 12 12 10 10 8
4-5 18 18 14 12 12 10 10 8 8
5-6 18 16 14 12 10 10 8 8 6
6-8 18 16 12 10 10 8 6 6 6
8-10 18 14 12 10 8 8 6 6 4
10-12 16 14 10 8 8 6 6 4 4
12-14 16 12 10 8 6 6 6 4 2
14-16 16 12 10 8 6 6 4 4 2
16-18 14 12 8 8 6 4 4 2 2
18-20 14 12 8 6 6 4 4 2 2
CARTON CONTENTS
1) Plate Joiner
2) Dust Bag
3) Carrying Case
4) Instruction Manual
5) Replacement Parts List
6) Combination Package
8
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
FOREWORD
Model 557 is designed to cut the grooves required for Porter-Cable biscuit
sizes “FF”, “0”, “10”, and “20”. Adjustments are also provided which allow
the tool to cut grooves for the following plate joiner accessories sold by
other manufacturers: #6 biscuits, Duplex accessories, and Simplex
accessories.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: This tool is shipped completely assembled. No assembly time or
tools are required.
SELECTING THE BISCUIT
Biscuits are 5/32" thick. They are available from Porter-Cable in four sizes as
shown below. Choose the largest biscuit that will accommodate the type of
joint being made.
#FF #0
#10 #20
OPERATION
TO START AND STOP TOOL
Make sure switch is OFF and power circuit
voltage is the same as that shown on the specification plate.
1. Connect tool to power circuit.
2. Grip tool firmly to resist starting torque, and squeeze trigger switch (A)
Fig. 1, to START tool.
3. Release trigger switch to STOP tool.
4. Switch Lock: the trigger switch may be locked in the “ON” position as
follows:
• Squeeze trigger switch to START motor and depress lock button (B)
Fig. 1, while releasing trigger switch. Release lock button.
• To STOP tool: squeeze trigger switch and release, while leaving lock
button free to spring out.
9
B
A
Fig. 1
A B
Fig. 3
10
3. While holding adjustment knob in desired position: tighten lock-nut
firmly.
ADJUSTABLE FENCE
Model 557 is equipped with an integral, adjustable fence which:
• Provides micro height adjustment, distance scale includes indexes
to top of cut, to center of cut, and to bottom of cut.
• Tilts 0° through 135°, with an adjustable stop at 90°.
• Does not have to be removed to make “flush” cuts.
Height Adjustment (see Figs. 4 & 5)
1. Loosen locking knob (A), and rotate knob (B) to position the fence as
desired, (rotate knob clockwise to raise fence, rotate knob
counterclockwise to lower fence).
2. The depth scale (C), indicates the distance from the top edge of the
workpiece to the blade: NOTE: The bottom line on scale (C) begins at
1
/4" and all lines are in 1/16" increments.
• The line across the center of the index block (D), indicates the
distance to the center of the blade.
• The top edge of the index block (D), indicates the distance to the
bottom of the blade.
• The bottom edge of the index block (D), indicates the distance to the
top of the blade.
• The width of the index block (D), is equal to the thickness of the blade.
3. Once fence is in desired position, tighten knob (A), to secure in place.
Fig. 4 Fig. 5
C A
F
B
A
B
E
E
Fig. 6 Fig. 7
A
A
E E
Fig. 8 Fig. 9
Fig. 10 Fig. 11
8. Continue to hold spindle lock button while using the hex wrench
(furnished with tool), to tighten blade retaining bolt securely, (by rotating
clockwise).
9. Rotate the “quick set” depth adjusting turret (A) Fig. 12, to the “FF”
position.
10. Lift safety lever (A) Fig. 13, fully retract the plunge mechanism, and
reposition the safety lever as shown in Fig. 14. Slowly release pressure
on plunge mechanism.
11. Reposition blade cover plate to tool, and secure in place with the four
retaining screws (removed in step 1).
DO NOT OPERATE TOOL WITHOUT BLADE COVER INSTALLED.
Fig. 12
A A
Fig. 13 Fig. 14
13
ALIGNMENT PLATE (For Narrow Stock)
When joining narrow material, it will be necessary to install the alignment
plate (A) Fig. 15, (furnished with tool). The alignment plate provides added
support for narrow material, and has index marks to aid in centering the cut
in the narrow material. Index marks are provided for 11/2" wide, and 2" wide
material. Install alignment plate as follows:
DISCONNECT TOOL FROM POWER SOURCE.
1. Align alignment plate with fence (see Fig. 15).
2. Slide alignment plate onto fence until it is seated (see Fig. 16).
NOTE: When alignment plate is installed: increase tool depth setting
by 5/32" (to allow for thickness of the alignment plate).
3. To remove alignment plate: lift lightly on the alignment plate and slide off
fence.
Fig. 15 Fig. 16
“DOUBLE” BISCUITS
The alignment plate may also be used as a spacer to produce a groove that
is wide enough to accept two biscuits. After cutting a groove (or a group of
grooves), in the normal fashion: install the alignment plate and repeat the
cuts. This will double the width of each groove so that two biscuits can be
installed in each groove.
DUST PORT
The tool is equipped with a dust port
(A) Fig. 17. A large volume of sawdust
and chips will be exhausted from this
port during tool operation. A dust bag
(B) Fig. 18 and a dust/chip deflector
nozzle (C) Fig. 17 are furnished. A
standard 1" vacuum hose can be
connected to the dust port to
facilitate dust collection.
Do not operate the
tool without a dust/chip deflector C A
nozzle and dust bag, or a vacuum
hose, attached to the dust port. Fig. 17
14
A
B C
Fig. 18 Fig. 18A
POSITIONING GROOVES
The number of grooves (biscuits) used in a joint may be varied to provide the
strength required for the particular application. Typically, the center of the
first groove is positioned approximately two inches from the edge of the
work with additional grooves spaced at three to six inches on centers.
In most cases, one line of grooves (biscuits) positioned approximately along
the centerline of the material is used. On thicker material, an additional row(s)
of biscuits may be used for added strength. The possibilities are almost
endless.
Position the two workpieces (to be joined) in the relationship desired after
joining. Mark the centerline of each groove required as shown in Fig. 19. Use
a square to assure accuracy.
15
CORNER
JOINT
M
I
T
E
R
J
SURFACE O
JOINT I
N
T
Fig. 22
3 8"
/
B
Fig. 23 Fig. 24
17
8. At a slow, steady pace, push tool forward in base as far as depth stop
allows.
9. Release trigger switch to stop tool and remove tool from work.
10. Repeat steps 5 through 8 until all the grooves in workpiece “A” are
completed.
11. Follow steps 3 through 10 of CORNER JOINTS Section to complete
required grooves in workpiece “B” Fig. 23.
NOTE: Assemble all joints and verify alignments before applying
glue (see Fig. 26).
Fig. 25 Fig. 26
BUTT JOINTS
Tool adjustment and operation for producing butt joints (see Fig. 19), is the
same as for CORNER JOINTS.
MITER JOINTS
C
1. Layout groove positions as
described in POSITIONING
GROOVES.
2. Set depth stop turret to
desired biscuit (or other
accessory), size.
3. Set the tilt fence to desired
angle (see Angle Adjustment
Section of this manual).
4. Set fence height adjustment A
to desired height (see Height
Adjustment Section of this
manual).
5. Clamp workpiece securely. B
6. Position tool to workpiece
utilizing either guide notch
(A) or (B) Fig. 27, to align tool Fig. 27
with a groove centerline.
Apply pressure to auxiliary handle (C) Fig. 27, to hold tool firmly in place.
18
7. Hold tool firmly as shown in Fig. 28, and squeeze trigger switch to start
tool.
8. At a slow, steady pace, push tool forward in base as far as depth stop
allows.
9. Release trigger switch to stop tool and remove tool from work.
10. Repeat Steps 5 through 8 until all the grooves for this joint are
completed.
NOTE: Assemble all joints and verify alignments before applying
glue (see Fig. 29).
Fig. 29
Fig. 28
19
TROUBLESHOOTING
For assistance with your tool, visit our website at www.porter-cable.com for a
list of service centers or call the Porter-Cable help line at 1-800-487-8665.
MAINTENANCE
KEEP TOOL CLEAN
Periodically blow out all air passages with dry compressed air. All plastic parts
should be cleaned with a soft damp cloth. NEVER use solvents to clean plastic
parts. They could possibly dissolve or otherwise damage the material.
Wear ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses while using compressed air.
FAILURE TO START
Should your tool fail to start, check to make sure the prongs on the cord plug are
making good contact in the outlet. Also, check for blown fuses or open circuit
breakers in the line.
LUBRICATION
This tool has been lubricated with a sufficient amount of high grade lubricant for
the life of the unit under normal operating conditions. No further lubrication is
necessary.
20
SERVICE
REPLACEMENT PARTS
When servicing use only identical replacement parts. For a service parts list or to
learn more about Porter-Cable visit our website at www.porter-cable.com
ACCESSORIES
A complete line of accessories is available from your Porter-Cable • Delta
Supplier, Porter-Cable • Delta Factory Service Centers, and Porter-Cable
Authorized Service Stations. Please visit our Web Site www.porter-cable.com
for a catalog or for the name of your nearest supplier.
21
WARRANTY
PORTER-CABLE LIMITED
ONE YEAR WARRANTY
Porter-Cable warrants its Professional Power Tools for a period of one year from the date of original
purchase. We will repair or replace at our option, any part or parts of the product and accessories
covered under this warranty which, after examination, proves to be defective in workmanship or
material during the warranty period. For repair or replacement return the complete tool or accessory,
transportation prepaid, to your nearest Porter-Cable Service Center or Authorized Service Station.
Proof of purchase may be required. This warranty does not apply to repair or replacement required
due to misuse, abuse, normal wear and tear or repairs attempted or made by other than our Service
Centers or Authorized Service Stations.
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WILL LAST ONLY FOR ONE (1) YEAR FROM THE DATE
OF PURCHASE.
To obtain information on warranty performance please write to: PORTER-CABLE CORPORATION,
4825 Highway 45 North, Jackson, Tennessee 38305; Attention: Product Service. THE FOREGOING
OBLIGATION IS PORTER-CABLE’S SOLE LIABILITY UNDER THIS OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL PORTER-CABLE BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied
warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other legal rights which vary
from state to state.
22
PORTER-CABLE • DELTA SERVICE CENTERS
(CENTROS DE SERVICIO DE PORTER-CABLE • DELTA)
(CENTRE DE SERVICE PORTER-CABLE • DELTA)
Parts and Repair Service for Porter-Cable • Delta Power Tools are Available at These Locations
(Obtenga Refaccion de Partes o Servicio para su Herramienta en los Siguientes Centros de Porter-Cable • Delta)
(Locations où vous trouverez les pièces de rechange nécessaires ainsi qu’un service d’entretien)
ARIZONA GEORGIA MICHIGAN Cleveland 44125
Phoenix 85013-2906 Forest Park 30297 (Atlanta) Madison Heights 48071 (Detroit) 8001 Sweet Valley Drive Unit #19
4501 N. 7th Ave. 5442 Frontage Road, 30475 Stephenson Highway Phone: (216) 447-9030
Phone: (602) 279-6414 Suite 112 Phone: (248) 597-5000 Fax: (216) 447-3097
Fax: (602) 279-5470 Phone: (404) 608-0006 Fax: (248) 597-5004
Fax: (404) 608-1123 MINNESOTA OREGON
CALIFORNIA Eden Prairie 55344 Portland 97230
Ontario 91761 (Los Angeles) ILLINOIS 9709 Valley View Road 14811 North East Airport Way
3949A East Guasti Road Addison 60101 (Chicago) Phone: (952) 884-9191 Phone: (503) 255-6556
Phone: (909) 390-5555 400 South Rohlwing Rd. Fax: (952) 884-3750 Fax: (503) 255-6543
Fax: (909) 390-5554 Phone: (630) 424-8805
Fax: (630) 424-8895 MISSOURI PENNSYLVANIA
San Diego 92111 St. Louis 63146 Willow Grove 19090 (Philadelphia)
7290 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Woodridge 60517 (Chicago) 11477 Page Service Drive 520 North York Road
Phone: (858) 279-2011 2033 West 75th Street Phone: (314) 997-9100 Phone: (215) 658-1430
Fax: (858) 279-0362 Phone: (630) 910-9200 Fax: (314) 997-9183 Fax: (215) 658-1433
Fax: (630) 910-0360
San Leandro 94577 (Oakland) NEW YORK TEXAS
3039 Teagarden Street KANSAS Flushing 11365-1595 (N.Y.C.) Carrollton 75006 (Dallas)
Phone: (510) 357-9762 Overland Park 66214 175-25 Horace Harding Expwy. 1300 Interstate 35 N, Suite 112
Fax: (510) 357-7939 9201 Quivira Road Phone: (718) 225-2040 Phone: (972) 446-2996
Phone: (913) 495-4330 Fax: (718) 423-9619 Fax: (972) 446-8157
COLORADO Fax: (913) 495-4378
Denver 80223 NORTH CAROLINA Houston 77022-2122
700 West Mississippi Ave. MARYLAND Charlotte 28270 536 East Tidwell Rd.
Phone: (303) 922-8325 Elkridge 21075 (Baltimore) 9129 Monroe Road, Suite 115 Phone: (713) 692-7111
Fax: (303) 922-0245 7397-102 Washington Blvd. Phone: (704) 841-1176 Fax: (713) 692-1107
Phone: (410) 799-9394 Fax: (704) 708-4625
FLORIDA Fax: (410) 799-9398 WASHINGTON
Davie 33314 (Miami) OHIO Auburn 98001(Seattle)
4343 South State Rd. 7 (441) MASSACHUSETTS Columbus 43229 3320 West Valley HWY, North
Unit #107 Franklin 02038 (Boston) 1948 Schrock Road Building D, Suite 111
Phone: (954) 321-6635 Franklin Industrial Park Phone: (614) 895-3112 Phone: (253) 333-8353
Fax: (954) 321-6638 101E Constitution Blvd. Fax: (614) 895-3187 Fax: (253) 333-9613
Phone: (508) 520-8802
Tampa 33634 Fax: (508) 528-8089
4909 West Waters Ave.
Phone: (813) 884-0434
Fax: (813) 888-5997
Authorized Service Stations are located in many large cities. Telephone 800-487-8665 or 731-541-6042 for assistance locating one. Parts and
accessories for Porter-Cable • Delta products should be obtained by contacting any Porter-Cable • Delta Distributor, Authorized Service
Center, or Porter-Cable • Delta Factory Service Center. If you do not have access to any of these, call 888-848-5175 and you will be directed to
the nearest Porter-Cable • Delta Factory Service Center. Las Estaciones de Servicio Autorizadas están ubicadas en muchas grandes ciudades.
Llame al 800-487-8665 ó al 731-541-6042 para obtener asistencia a fin de localizar una. Las piezas y los accesorios para los productos Porter-
Cable • Delta deben obtenerse poniéndose en contacto con cualquier distribuidor Porter-Cable • Delta, Centro de Servicio Autorizado o Centro
de Servicio de Fábrica Porter-Cable • Delta. Si no tiene acceso a ninguna de estas opciones, llame al 888-848-5175 y le dirigirán al Centro de
Servicio de Fábrica Porter-Cable • Delta más cercano. Des centres de service agréés sont situés dans beaucoup de grandes villes. Appelez au
800-487-8665 ou au 731-541-6042 pour obtenir de l’aide pour en repérer un. Pour obtenir des pièces et accessoires pour les produits Porter-
Cable • Delta, s’adresser à tout distributeur Porter-Cable • Delta, centre de service agréé ou centre de service d’usine Porter-Cable • Delta. Si
vous n’avez accès à aucun de ces centres, appeler le 888-848-5175 et on vous dirigera vers le centre de service d’usine Porter-Cable • Delta le
plus proche.