I got this planer from a friend (who's never used it).
Here's two picture of a blade lock. It is spring loaded and the dumbfounding part is that in the default position it is *locked*. One need to press (and, theoretically, hold) the button down for the lock to go down to let the blade spin freely.
It sounds like the cutter lock lever described below. Perhaps something is missing that holds it away from the locked position? You may also want to try asking on rec.wodworking I'm sure someone there has the same machine.
? Depress the cutter lock lever and begin to rotate the cutter
head to the next blade. Release the lock lever once
the cutter head begins to rotate and continue to rotate
until the lock engages and the second blade is in correct
Knowing HD they might give you a new one if its defective since it seems a bit dangerous and looks like a new unit, get the reciept or say you paid cash and lost it
a) Find parts diagram for the model you have and see what it shows. b) Go to whichever box store it is that has Ryobi (HD istr???) and look at one on the floor. c) Contact Ryobi service/support directly.
My bet from the picture is the lock assembly is intended to be removed when not replacing/honing blades. Even if not, it's what I'd do in all likelihood unless it became patently clear there is a holddown somewhere. It (the lock) looks in the depressed position still uncomfortably close to the shaft during actual operation I'd not trust it.
I found the following text ing the online manual at the link Ed posted:
NOTE: With the dust hood removed, the cutter head lock will engage when the head is rotated. Do not operate the planer without the dust hood in place or the planer will be damaged.
It sounds like some part of the "dust hood" is supposed to disengage the lock when installed. The lock is to help keep you from accidentally doing an imitation of hamburger while working on the thing (if you forgot to unplug it or remove the key)..
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