Skil 1840, 1845 User guide

Operating/Safety Instructions

Consignes de fonctionnement/sécurité Instrucciones de funcionamiento

y seguridad

1840 1845

IMPORTANT: IMPORTANT : IMPORTANTE:

Read Before Using Lire avant usage Leer antes de usar

Consumer Information

Renseignement des consommateurs

Información para el consumidor

Toll Free Number: Appel gratuit : Número de teléfono gratuito:

1-877-SKIL999 (1-877-754-5999) http://www.skil.com

For English Parlez-vous français? ¿Habla español? See page 2 Voir page 13 Ver página 24

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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 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.

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

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WARNING

Power Tool Safety Rules

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Safety Rules for Routers

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.

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.

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.

When routing or cutting, the direction of feed with the bit’s cutting edge into the material is very important. Always feed the bit into the material in the same

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direction as the cutting edge is exiting from the material (which is the same direction as the chips are thrown). 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.

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.

Never use bits that have a cutting diameter greater than the opening in the base.

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.

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WARNING

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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.

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

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards Association.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed to Canadian Standards by Underwriters Laboratories.

This symbol

designates that this tool complies to NOM Mexican Standards.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories, and listed to Canadian Standards by Underwriters Laboratories.

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Functional Description and Specifications

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

FIG. 1

FIG. 2

DEPTH SCALE

VENTS

FINE ADJUSTMENT KNOB

(Model 1845 only)

SPEED CONTROL DIAL

(Model 1845 only)

WRENCH & STORAGE AREA

(Standard models only)

BASE

RIGHT

HANDLE

DIRECTION OF BIT

ROTATION

LEFT

HANDLE

FINE DEPTH

ADJUSTMENT

KNOB

NUT

TAB

DEPTH

GAUGE

CHIP DEFLECTOR

“LOCK-ON”

BUTTON

ON/OFF

TRIGGER

SWITCH

ON/OFF TRIGGER

SWITCH

LOCK

LEVER

UPPER TRAVEL STOP (HEX NUTS) (Model 1840 only)

COLLET LOCK

(Standard models only)

BACK VIEW

COLLET NUT

Routers

Model number 1840 1845 Voltage rating 120 V 50 - 60Hz 120 V 50 - 60Hz Amperage rating 9 A 10 A No load speed n

25,000/min n0 8,000-25,000/min

Collet capacities 1/4" 1/4"

WRENCH & STORAGE AREA

(Standard models only)

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Assembly

SELECTING BITS

A wide assortment of router bits with different profiles are available as accessories.

To prevent personal injury.

Always remove the plug from power source before removing or installing bits or accessories.

INSTALLING AND REMOVING BITS

(Standard models only)

1. Place router upside down as shown in (Fig.

3), or lay router on its side with the flat side of base resting on the bench.

2. Press collet lock to stop rotation of collet

nut. NOTE: it may be necessary to rotate collet nut to engage collet lock.

3. With the wrench provided, turn collet nut counterclockwise to loosen.

4. Insert bit three fourths into the collet, and securely tighten collet nut clockwise with the wrench provided.

To prevent damage to tool, do not tighten collet nut

without a bit.

REMOVING BITS

Repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 of above and remove bit.

WARNING

CAUTION

FIG. 3

BIT

COLLET NUT

COLLET LOCK

(Standard models only)

BIT

SHANK

WRENCH (Standard models only)

BASE

COLLET

INSTALLING AND REMOVING BITS

(Wrenchless models only)

1. Place router upside down on bench.

2. Pull chuck sleeve up (away from tool) firmly to release collet, and insert a bit as far as it will go. If cutting edges touch the collet, retract the bit until the cutters are about 1/16" from the face of the collet.

3. Push the collet sleeve down firmly (towards the tool) to fasten bit in place.

REMOVING BITS

To remove bit, place the router upside down on the bench, pull up on the collet sleeve to release the bit, and carefully remove it.

ATTENTION: Be sure that the diameter of the bit shank is the same size as the inside diameter of the collet — your router is equipped with a 1/4" collet.

CHIP DEFLECTOR

The chip deflector helps keep dust and chips out of your face. To remove, press inward on center of deflector until it releases from tab in base and lift out. To attach, place deflector into position as shown in (Fig. 1). Then flex sides of deflector while pushing down until tab on base snaps into slot on deflector.

Safety glasses must always be worn.

WARNING

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Operating Instructions

Skil plunge routers are designed for speed, accuracy and convenience in performing cabinet work, routing, fluting, beading, covecutting, dove tails, etc. It will enable you to accomplish inlay work, decorative edges and many types of special carving.

PLUNGING ACTION

The plunge feature simplifies depth adjustments and will allow the cutting bit to easily and accurately enter the workpiece. To lower, loosen lock lever (Fig. 2), and apply downward pressure until depth gauge makes contact with the fine depth adjustment screw, and tighten lock lever. Loosen lever and release pressure and the router will automatically retract the bit from the workpiece. It is advisable to retract the bit whenever it is not engaged in workpiece.

WRENCH AND STORAGE AREA

(Standard models only)

Your router is equipped with a double-ended wrench. The large end is for removing or installing bits. The small end is for securing the nut on the fine depth adjustment screw. Your router also has a convenient storage area located on top of your tool where your wrench may be stored by simply sliding it into place as shown in (Fig. 1).

UPPER TRAVEL STOP (Model 1840 only)

The upper travel stop rod includes two nuts. The lower nut is used to limit the distance the motor unit is allowed to travel above the work surface. The upper nut is tightened on top of first to secure it. This stop is convenient when making repeated plunge cuts. Always allow sufficient travel for router bit to retract above base. The upper travel stop will also serve as

a fine height adjustment when mounting the router in a router table accessory (Fig. 2).

DEPTH GAUGE

Your router is equipped with a depth gauge and a depth scale calibrated in inches and millimeters. It also features a fine depth adjustment screw that allows the depth gauge to stop the router at desired depths of cut.

TO ADJUST DEPTH

1. Loosen knob so that the depth gauge moves freely.

2. Loosen lock lever and push down on router until the bit touches the work surface and the depth gauge is resting on top of the fine depth adjustment screw as shown in (Fig. 4), and tighten lock lever.

3. Raise depth gauge desired amount on scale and tighten knob. For example, if you raise the depth gauge up 1/8" on scale you will get a 1/8" depth of cut.

4. Loosen lock lever and lower router until depth gauge stops on top of the fine depth adjustment screw. Make a few practice cuts on a piece of scrap wood to check if depth of cut is correct. If depth of cut needs to be changed slightly, loosen nut on fine depth adjustment screw with the wrench provided and rotate screw until you reach desired depth. Half turn of the fine depth adjustment screw equals 1/64 of an inch. Full turn equals 1/32".

5. After depth of cut is obtained securely tighten nut on fine depth adjustment screw with the wrench provided to maintain adjustment.

FIG. 4

NUT

KNOB

SCALE

DEPTH GAUGE

BIT

WORK SURFACE

FINE DEPTH ADJUSTMENT HALF

TURN = 1/64"

Clockwise

To Lower

Counter-

clockwise

To Raise

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FINE ADJUSTMENT KNOB

(Model 1845 only)

The fine depth adjustment knob allows precise bit height adjustments on your router.

NOTE: When using the fine adjustment feature it is important to note that it restricts the movement of the router motor on the plunge base and effectively replaces the normal plunge action with a threaded feed.

To use the fine adjustment feature, release the lock lever and turn the knob clockwise to lower, or counterclockwise to raise the bit.

(Note that one full turn of the knob will raise or lower the bit approximately .060", or 1.5mm.) It may be necessary to exert slight pressure on the router handle opposite the knob, to avoid cocking the motor on the posts (Fig. 1).

TRIGGER SWITCH AND

“LOCK-ON” BUTTON

Your router can be turned ON of OFF by squeezing or releasing the trigger. Your router is also equipped with “Lock-ON” button located to the left of trigger that allows continous operation without holding the trigger.

TO LOCK SWITCH ON: Squeeze trigger, depress button and release trigger (Fig. 2).

TO UNLOCK THE SWITCH: Squeeze trigger and release it without depressing the “LockON” button.

If the “Lock-ON” button is continuously being depressed,

the trigger cannot be released.

Always hold the router off the work when turning the switch on or off. Contact the work with the router after the router has reached full speed, and remove it from the work before turning the switch off. Operating in this manner will prolong switch and motor life and will greatly increase the quality of your work (Fig. 2).

SOFT START FEATURE (Model 1845 only)

Electronic Control prevents torque twist customary in larger routers by limiting speed at which motor starts.

ELECTRONIC VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL

(Model 1845 only)

The electronic speed control feature allows motor speed to be matched to cutter size and material hardness for improved finish, extended bit life, and higher performance. Speed changes are achieved by rotating Control Dial LEFT to increase speed, RIGHT to decrease as indicated on housing (Fig. 1). Speed may be changed while tool is on. The reference numbers on the dial facilitate resetting control to desired speed.

The speed chart indicates the relationship between settings and application, exact settings are determined by operator experience and preference.

DIAL RPM APPLICATION

SETTING

1-3 8,000 Large diameter bits (Raised

13,500 Panel) Hardwood, 16,500 Non-ferrous metals, soft Plastics

3-5 20,000 Softwoods, counter tops

21,500 Smaller diameter router bits 25,000 Hard plastics, Decorative Edges

FEEDING THE ROUTER

As seen from the top of the router, the bit turns clockwise and the cutting edges face accordingly. Therefore, the most efficient cut is made by feeding the router so that the bit turns into the work, not away. Figure 5 shows proper feed for various cuts. How fast you feed depends on the hardness of the wood and the size of the cut. For some materials, several cuts of increasing depth are required. As a general rule, it is best to pull the router — not push. You get greater visibility, cleaner cut, more control and less flying sawdust.

If the router is hard to control, heats up, runs very slowly or leaves an imperfect cut, consider these causes:

1. Wrong direction of feed — hard to control.

2. Feeding too fast — overloads motor.

3. Dull bit -— overloads motor.

4. Cut is too large for one pass — overloads motor.

5. Feeding too slow — leaves friction burns on work.

Feed smoothly and steadily (do not force). You will soon learn how the router sounds and feels when it is working best.

WARNING

FIG. 5

CUTTER

WORK

DIRECTION OF ROUTER FEED

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GUIDING ROUTER

The router can be guided through the work in any of several ways. The method you use depends, of course, on the demands of the particular job and on convenience.

STRAIGHT AND CIRCULAR EDGE GUIDE

(Not included, available as accessory)

Use this handy accessory for ease and accuracy in making curved and straight cuts.

ATTACHING GUIDE

Insert edge guide rods through holes in base, slide edge guide to desired width as shown in

(Fig. 6), and secure in place with the two wing screws provided.

One method of locating the guide is to mark the center of groove to be cut, set the router flat on the work with the bit just touching and aligned over the center of groove. Bring the guide to the edge of the work, and securely tighten screws. Whenever in doubt about dimensions, make a trial cut on scrap material. For guiding along a circular edge, the notch in the center of the edge guide will contact the material at the two points shown (Fig. 7).

BOARD GUIDES

Clamp a straight or curved board onto the work to form a guide as shown in (Fig. 8). This is particularly handy for panels or any large surface area.

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FIG. 6

DESIRED

WIDTH

CUT

BASE

EDGE GUIDE

WORK

WING

SCREWS

EDGE

GUIDE

RODS

CUT

WORK

EDGE GUIDE

POINTS OF

CONTACT

FIG. 7

FIG. 8

BOARD

GUIDE

SECURELY CLAMP

BOARD GUIDE

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FIG. 10

ADAPTER PLATE

ALIGNMENT SCREWS

ADAPTER PLATE

BIT

GUIDE

BUSHING

BASE

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PILOT TIPPED AND BEARING GUIDE BITS

The lower portion of a pilot tipped bit, as shown in (Fig. 9), is a shaft with no cutting edges. Bearing guide bits have a ball bearing to pilot the bit.

This pilot slides along the edge of the work as the rotating blades make the cut, forming molding or decorative edges. The edge on which the pilot slides should be perfectly smooth since any irregularities are transferred to the shaped surface.

TEMPLATES

Using a template lets you duplicate designs or letters uniformly time after time. This technique requires the use of an adapter plate and a guide bushing.

ADAPTER PLATE

Your router is equipped with an adapter plate (Fig. 10). The adapter plate will allow you to use a variety of guide bushings available by Skil, Craftsman, Milwaukee, Porter Cable, Rockwell and Black & Decker.

GUIDE BUSHINGS

(Not included, available as accessory)

The guide bushing shown in (Fig. 10), is essentially a plate with a collar which is inserted through the hole in adapter plate from below and fastened with a knurled retaining nut. The guide rides along the edge of the template while the router bit, protruding below, cuts into the work.

ATTENTION: Be sure the thickness of the template is the same or larger than the guide surface of the collar.

Do not use a bit that may touch the inside of the collar. Select a bit that is about 1/16" less in diameter.

After attaching any guide bushing, always turn the router upside down and lower base to check if the bit is protruding through the center of the collar. If adjustment is necessary loosen the three screws that secure the adapter plate to the base and move adapter plate until bit is in the center of collar (Fig. 10).

FREEHAND ROUTING

Many effects are gained by using the router free-hand with a small diameter bit. Usually the craftsman pencils the outline or script he desires onto the work and uses the pencil line as a guide.

BITS

For fast smooth cutting, keep bits sharp. A dull bit slows cutting speed, makes rougher cuts, discolors or burns the work through excessive heat and overloads the motor.

ROUTER DUST COLLECTION

If you have a shop vacuum system you may want to purchase the Skil 91812 Dust Collection Hood for improved accuracy and utility, particularly in freehand routing.

FIG. 9

PILOT SLIDES

ALONG EDGE OF

WORK

CUTTER PART OF

PILOT TIPPED BIT

CUT

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