Roto Zip SLS-01, SLS-02 User guide

Roto Zip Tool Corporation

1861 Ludden Drive, Cross Plains, Wisconsin 53528 • Phone [phone]

TOLL-FREE 1-877-768-6947 U.S. & CANADA

FAX: [phone] WEB SITE: www.rotozip.com

Customer Service Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm (CST) Monday-Friday

IMPORTANT: Read Before Using
IMPORTANT : Lire avant usage
IMPORTANTE: Leer antes de usar

Solaris Owner’s Manual
Le Manuel du Propriétaire de Solaris
El Manual del Dueño de Solaris

Parlez-vous français? Voir page 10

¿Habla español? Ver página 18

© 2001 Roto Zip Tool Corporation. All Rights Reserved. May be protected by pending patent applications and U.S. Patents:
5323823, 5143490, 5902080, 5813805, 6048260.
© 2001 Roto Zip Tool Corporation. Tous droits réservés. Peut être protégé par des brevets en instance et les brevets suivants
des États-Unis : 5323823, 5143490, 5902080, 5813805, 6048260.
© 2001 Roto Zip Tool Corporation. Todos los derechos reservados. Es producto puede estar protegido por solicitudes de
patente pendientes y las siguientes patentes de Estados Unidos : 5323823, 5143490, 5902080, 5813805, 6048260.

* The ZM101 Zip Mate Attachment is not recommended for use with the Solaris Spiral Saw power tool
* Le compagnon Zip Mate ZM101 n’est pas recommandé pour usage avec la Solaris Scie mécanique à spirale
* No se recomienda usar el accesorio Zip Mate ZM101 con la herramienta Solaris Herramienta Spiral Saw

Model: SLS-01 Model: SLS-02

Spiral Saw™ Power Tool Safety Rules

Store idle tools out of reach of children and
other untrained persons. Tools are dangerous

in the hands of untrained users.

Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools
sharp and clean. Properly maintained tools

with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind
and are easier to control. Any alteration or
modification is a misuse and may result in a
dangerous condition.

Check for misalignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition
that may affect the tools operation. If damaged,
have the tool serviced before using. Many accidents

are caused by poorly maintained tools. Develop
a periodic maintenance schedule for your tool.

Use only accessories that are recommended
by the manufacturer for your model.

Accessories that may be suitable for one tool, may
become hazardous when used on another tool.

Service

Tool service must be performed only by
qualified repair personnel. Service or maintenance

performed by unqualified personnel could result
in a risk of injury. For example: internal wires
may be misplaced or pinched, safety guard
return springs may be improperly mounted.

When servicing a tool, use only identical
replacement parts. Follow instructions in
the Maintenance section of this manual. Use

of unauthorized parts or failure to follow
Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of
electric shock or injury. Certain cleaning agents
such as gasoline, carbon tetrachloride,
ammonia, etc. may damage plastic parts.

-3-

Hold tool 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. If cutting into existing walls or
other blind areas where electrical wiring may
exist is unavoidable, disconnect all fuses or
circuit breakers feeding this worksite.

Always make sure the work surface is free
from nails and other foreign objects. Cutting

into a nail can cause the bit and the tool to jump
and damage the bit.

Never hold the workpiece in one hand and
the tool in the other hand when in use.
Never place hands near or below cutting
surface. Clamping the material and guiding the

tool with both hands is safer.

Never lay workpiece on top of hard surfaces,
like concrete, stone, etc... Protruding cutting

bit may cause tool to jump.

Always wear safety goggles and dust mask.
Use only in well ventilated area. Using

personal safety devices and working in safe
environment reduces risk of injury.

After changing the bits or making any
adjustments, make sure the collet nut and
any other adjustment devices are securely
tightened. Loose adjustment device can

unexpectedly shift, causing loss of control, loose
rotating components will be violently thrown.

Never start the tool when the bit is engaged
in the material. The bit cutting edge may grab

the material causing loss of control of the cutter.

Always hold the tool with two hands during
start-up. The reaction torque of the motor can

cause the tool to twist.

The direction of feeding the bit into the
material is very important and it relates to
the direction of bit rotation. When viewing
the tool from the top, the bit rotates

clockwise. Feed direction of cutting must be
counter-clockwise. NOTE: inside and outside

cuts will require different feed direction, refer to
section on feeding the router. Feeding the tool
in the wrong direction, causes the cutting edge
of the bit to climb out of the work and pull the
tool in the direction of this feed.

Always use the tool with the depth guide
securely attached and positioned flat against
material being cut. The guide securely

positioned on the material improves the stability
and control of your tool.

Never use dull or damaged bits. Sharp bits
must be handled with care. Damaged bits can

snap during use. Dull bits require more force to
push the tool, possibly causing the bit to break.

Never touch the bit during or immediately
after the use. After use the bit is too hot to be

touched by bare hands.

Never lay the tool down until the motor has come
to a complete standstill. The spinning bit can grab

the surface and pull the tool out of your control.

Do not use the tool for drilling purposes.

This tool is not intended to be used with drill bits.
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.

Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed

below, may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

-2-

Work Area

Keep your work area clean and well lit.

Cluttered benches and dark areas invite accidents.

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.

Keep by-standers, children, and visitors
away while operating a power tool.

Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical Safety

Double Insulated tools are equipped with a
polarized plug (one blade is wider than the
other.) This plug will fit in a polarized outlet
only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in
the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does
not fit, contact a qualified electrician to
install a polarized outlet. Do not change the
plug in any way. Double Insulation

eliminates the need for the three wire grounded
power cord and grounded power supply system.
Before plugging in the tool, be certain the outlet
voltage supplied is within 10% of the voltage
marked on the nameplate. Do not use “AC only”
rated tools with a DC power supply.

Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces
such as pipes, radiators, ranges and
refrigerators. There is an increased risk of

electric shock if your body is grounded. If
operating the power tool in damp locations is
unavoidable, a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
must be used to supply the power to your tool.
Electrician’s rubber gloves and footwear will
further enhance your personal safety.

Don't expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a power tool will

increase the risk of electric shock.

Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord
to carry the tools or pull the plug from an
outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp
edges or moving parts. Replace damaged
cords immediately. Damaged cords increase

the risk of electric shock.

When operating a power tool outside, use an
outdoor extension cord marked "W-A" or
"W." These cords are rated for outdoor use

and reduce the risk of electric shock. Refer to
“Recommended Sizes of Extension Cords” in
the Accessory section of this manual.

Personal Safety

Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use
common sense when operating a power
tool. Do not use tool while tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A

moment of inattention while operating power
tools may result in serious personal injury.

Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing
or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your
hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving
parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can

be caught in moving parts. Keep handles dry,
clean and free from oil and grease.

Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is
“OFF” before plugging in. Carrying tools with

your finger on the switch or plugging in tools
that have the switch “ON” invites accidents.

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.

Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. Proper footing and

balance enables better control of the tool in
unexpected situations.

Use safety equipment. Always wear eye
protection. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes,

hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for
appropriate conditions.

Tool Use and Care

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.

Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for
your application. The correct tool will do the

job better and safer at the rate for which it is
designed.

Do not use tool if switch does not turn it
“ON” or “OFF”. Any tool that cannot be

controlled with the switch is dangerous and
must be repaired.

Disconnect the plug from the power source
before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing the tool. Such

preventive safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the tool accidentally.

!

WARNING

Power Tool Safety Rules

-5-

Functional Description and Specifications

SHAFT LOCK
BUTTON

QUICK
RELEASE
HANDLE

WRENCH
STORAGE
AREA

INTAKE
AIR VENTS

BASE PLATE/
DEPTH GUIDE

EXHAUST
AIR VENTS

DEPTH GUIDE
BRACKET

COLLET NUT

Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any assembly,
adjustments or changing accessories. Such preventive safety measures

reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

!

WARNING

ON/OFF
SLIDE
SWITCH

DEPTH GUIDE
LOCKING KNOB

COLLET & ZIP
BIT STORAGE
AREA

-4-

IMPORTANT: Some of the following symbols may be used on your 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 (potential)
A Amperes Current

Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)

W Watt Power

kg Kilograms Weight

min Minutes Time

s Seconds Time

Diameter Size of drill bits, grinding wheels, etc.

n

0

No load speed Rotational speed, at no load

.../min Revolutions or reciprocation per minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed,

orbits etc. per minute

0 Off position Zero speed, zero torque...

1, 2, 3, ... Selector settings Speed, torque or position settings.

I, II, III, Higher number means greater speed

Infinitely variable selector with off Speed is increasing from 0 setting
Arrow Action in the direction of arrow
Alternating current Type or a characteristic of current
Direct current Type or a characteristic of current
Alternating or direct current Type or a characteristic of current
Class II construction Designates Double Insulated

Construction tools.
Earthing terminal Grounding terminal
Warning symbol Alerts user to warning messages
Ni-Cad RBRC™ seal Designates Ni-Cad battery recycling

program

Symbols

0

This product is listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Representatives samples of this product have been evaluated by
UL and meet the applicable U.S. and Canadian safety standards

SLS-01 model shown

-7-

DURING STORAGE of your

tool when there is no Zip Bit
in the collet, DO NOT tighten the collet nut
down onto an empty collet. Doing so will make
the collet hole smaller, preventing you from
inserting Zip Bits into it in the future.

Adjusting, removing and installing the depth
guide assembly.

Step 2:

The depth guide is used to adjust the depth of
the cut. The depth guide assembly consists of
the depth guide, locking knob, base screw, and
bracket in addition to the wrench. Loosen the
locking knob by turning it counter clockwise with
the flat end of the wrench and slide the depth
guide up or down to the desired depth of your
cut. Retighten the locking knob with the wrench
in a clockwise direction. For best results, set

the guide at about 1/8" greater than the material
thickness. For example, to cut 1/2" plywood,
set the Zip Bit end so it protrudes 5/8" below the
base guide.

Note: Zip Bits can cut materials up to 1" thick.
To remove the depth guide, loosen the base

screw located on the collar of the depth guide
with the wrench. Twist the depth guide counter
clockwise and pull the assembly straight off the
tool. To re-attach the assembly, push down and
twist the depth guide clockwise until it is flush
with the tool. Tighten the guide screw with the
wrench.

Make A Few Practice Cuts

After assembling the Zip Bit into the tool and
adjusting your depth guide, as described above,
you should make a few practice cuts with the
tool before attempting an actual job.

A few exercises will give you the necessary
practice to make clean, professional cuts.

Step 3:

Make certain that the collet nut is securely
tightened before turning the tool on.

Step 4:

Hold the Spiral Saw power tool firmly and turn
the tool ON.

Hold the tool with both hands
while starting, since torque

from the motor can cause the tool to twist.

Step 5:

While holding the tool firmly, insert the Zip Bit
into the material at a 45° angle.

!

CAUTION

!

WARNING

SYSTEM COMPLETE

COLLET

NUT

COLLET

SYSTEM SEPERATED

-6-

Operating Instructions

Disconnect the plug from the

power source before making
any assembly, adjustments or changing
accessories. Such preventive safety measures
reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

Slide "ON/OFF" Switch

This tool is switched "ON" by the slide switch
located on the front of the motor housing.

TO TURN THE TOOL "ON" slide the switch
button up.

TO TURN THE TOOL "OFF" slide the switch
button down or "0" position.

Hold the tool with both hands

while starting, since torque of
the motor can cause the tool to twist.

Installing Zip®Bits

The Zip Bits are held by a collet system. At the
time your tool was assembled, the 1/8" collet
(used for 1/8" Zip Bits) was installed for your
convenience. A 1/4" collet is required for 1/4"

inch diameter Zip Bits, sold separately.

Do not use .118" shank bits in the 1/8" collet, use
only Roto Zip Tool Corporation 1/8" Zip Bits.

Identify the different parts of your Zip Bits.

The Zip Bit flutes are sharp
and should be handled with

caution.

Step 1:

To insert a Zip Bit into the tool, first remove the
standard equipment wrench and locate the shaft
lock button. Depress and hold down the shaft
lock button with one hand and at the same time
loosen the collet nut with the other hand by
turning it counter clockwise with the wrench for
a couple rotations.

Remove the old Zip Bit (if there is one), insert
shank of Zip Bit into the collet so that 1/16" to
1/8" of smooth shank remains visible above the
collet.

Do not allow the flutes/cutting

edges of the Zip Bit to fall into
the collet, and do not tighten the collet around
the flutes; doing so will result in broken Zip Bits.

After properly placing the Zip Bit into the collet,
depress the shaft lock button and simultaneously
tighten the collet nut in a clockwise direction­first by hand and then with the wrench until Zip
Bit is held securely.

Changing the collet

As stated above, the 1/8" collet is used with 1/8"
diameter Zip Bits and the 1/4" collet is used with
1/4" diameter Zip Bits, sold separately. To
interchange collets, first remove the Zip Bit.
Continue to loosen and unscrew the collet nut
until you can remove it from the tool. Remove
the collet and replace it with another. (Each
collet is double-ended, and either end is
acceptable to use.) By hand, re-tighten the
collet nut around the collet in a clockwise
direction. You are now ready to insert a new
Zip Bit as instructed in step 1 above.

!

WARNING

!

WARNING

!

WARNING

!

CAUTION

ZIP BIT STORAGE

Sabrecut™ Zip Bit

-9-

Maintenance

Service

Preventive maintenance

performed by unauthorized
personnel may result in misplacing of
internal wires and components which could
cause serious hazard. Roto Zip Tool

Corporation is the only authorized repair center
for their tools. Contact the Customer Service
department, toll free in the U.S. and Canada, at
1-877-768-6947, Monday through Friday
between 8am-4:30pm CST, for further
instructions.

Cleaning

To avoid accidents always

disconnect the tool from the
power supply before cleaning or performing
any maintenance.

Ventilation openings and switch levers must be
kept clean and free of foreign matter. Do not
attempt to clean by inserting pointed objects
through openings.

Certain cleaning agents and
solvents damage plastic

parts. Some of these are: gasoline, carbon

tetrachloride, chlorinated cleaning solvents,
ammonia and household detergents that
contain ammonia.

!

WARNING

!

WARNING

!

CAUTION

Accessories

Use only Roto Zip Tool

Corporation’s recommended
accessories with this tool. Accessories that
may be suitable for one tool, may become
hazardous when used on another tool.

If an extension cord is

necessary, a cord with
adequate size conductors that is capable
of carrying the current necessary for your
tool must be used. This will prevent

excessive voltage drop, loss of power or
overheating. Grounded tools must use 3-wire
extension cords that have 3-prong plugs and
receptacles

.

RECOMMENDED SIZES OF EXTENSION CORDS

120 VOLT ALTERNATING CURRENT TOOLS

NOTE: The smaller the gauge number, the heavier

the cord.

!

WARNING

Tool’s

Ampere

Rating

Cord Size in A.W.G.

Wire Sizes in mm

2

3-6
6-8

8-10
10-12
12-16

18 16 16 14 .75 .75 1.5 2.5
18 16 14 12 .75 1.0 2.5 4.0
18 16 14 12 .75 1.0 2.5 4.0
16 16 14 12 1.0 2.5 4.0 —
14 12 — — — — — —

25 50 100 150 15 30 60 120

Cord Length in Feet Cord Length in Meters

!

WARNING

Zip®Bits

Roto Zip Tool Corporation's patented line of
versatile Zip Bits and accessories provide you
with the flexibility to quickly move from one
material to another and one job to another,
without the hassle of changing tools.

Where Can You Buy Accessories?

The location where you purchased your tool should also carry Roto Zip Tool Corporation’s full line of
accessories. Our products are available at most home improvement centers and hardware stores. If
you are looking for a source, please call our Customer Service representatives Monday through
Friday between 8am - 4:30pm (CST) at 1-877-768-6947 (toll free in the U.S. and Canada).

-8-

Step 6:

Slowly bring it to a 90° angle to begin the cut.
The base guide should be flush to the material
surface. For all materials (EXCEPT cutting
around outlet boxes in drywall*), steer the tool in
a clockwise direction with slow, steady pressure
to make the cut.

Step 7:

After completing your cut, turn off the tool and
carefully remove it from the material.

Do not attempt to use this tool

to make cut-outs around any
fixture or opening which has live electrical wires,
or any wall which may have live electrical wiring
behind it, as the Zip Bit could conduct current to
the tool, creating an electrocution hazard for the
operator. Shut off breakers or remove fuses to
disconnect the circuit. Always hold the tool by
its thermoplastic housing, and always wear eye
protection when operating a Spiral Saw™
power tool.

NOTE: Because of the rotating cutting action of
the Zip Bit, there will be a slight pull when
cutting. The slower you cut, the more control
you have. Excessive pressure or fast cutting
will cause excessive heat and may shorten the
life of the Zip Bit.

NOTE: When cutting on a vertical surface,
avoid ending your cut at the bottom of the hole.
If possible, start and end your cut at the top so
the scrap part will not drop onto the rotating Zip
Bit. Turn the tool off and remove it from the
material.

!

WARNING

ZBSC5
RZ125
RZ250
GP10
ZB10

ZBWD8

FBR250