Skil 2575, 2875 Instruction Manual

SM 1619X00484 8-04 8/11/04 4:20 PM Page 1

IMPORTANT: IMPORTANT : IMPORTANTE:

Read Before Using Lire avant usage Leer antes de usar

Operating/Safety Instructions
Consignes de fonctionnement/sécurité

Instrucciones de funcionamiento y seguridad

2575
2875

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SM 1619X00484 8-04 8/11/04 4:20 PM Page 2

General Safety Rules

For All Battery Operated Tools

!

WARNING

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

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.

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.

Power

Electrical Safety

A battery operated tool with integral
batteries or a separate battery pack must
be recharged only with the specified
charger for the battery.

be suitable for one type of battery may create
a risk of fire when used with another battery.

Use battery operated tool only with
specifically designated battery pack.

of any other batteries may create a risk of
fire.

A charger that may

Use

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.

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.

or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch
is in the locked or off position before
inserting battery pack.

your finger on the switch or inserting the
battery pack into a tool with the switch on
invites accidents.

Remove adjusting keys or wrenches
before turning the tool on.

A moment of inattention while

Loose clothes, jewelry,

Carrying tools with

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.

balance enable better control of the tool in
unexpected situations.

Use safety equipment. Always wear eye
protection.

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

Dust mask, non-skid safety

Proper footing and

Tool Use and Care

Use clamps or other practical way to
secure and support the workpiece to a
stable platform.

or against your body is unstable and may
lead to loss of control.

Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for
your application.

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.

with the switch is dangerous and must be
repaired.

Disconnect battery pack from tool or
place the switch in the locked or off
position before making any adjustments,
changing accessories, or storing the tool.

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

idle tools out of reach of children and
other untrained persons.

dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

When battery pack is not in use, keep it
away from other metal objects like: paper
clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, or other
small metal objects that can make a
connection from one terminal to another.

Shorting the battery terminals together may
cause sparks, burns, or a fire.

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

tools with sharp cutting edge are less likely to
bind and are easier to control.

-2-

Holding the work by hand

The correct tool will do the

A tool that cannot be controlled

Tools are

Properly maintained

Store

SM 1619X00484 8-04 8/11/04 4:20 PM Page 3

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

caused by poorly maintained tools.

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

suitable for one tool may create a risk of
injury when used on another tool.

Accessories that may be

Many accidents are

Safety Rules for Circular Saws

!

DANGER

your second hand on auxiliary handle, or
motor housing.

saw, they cannot be cut by the blade.

saw firmly to prevent loss of control. Figures in
this manual illustrate typical hand support of the
saw. NEVER place your hand behind the saw
blade since kickback could cause the saw to
jump backwards over your hand.

Keep your body positioned to either side of
the saw blade, but not in line with the saw

KICKBACK could cause the saw to jump

blade.

backwards. (See “Causes and Operator
Prevention of Kickback.”)

Do not reach underneath the work. The
guard cannot protect you from the blade below
the work.

when blade is moving.

Check lower guard for proper closing before
each use. Do not operate saw if lower guard
does not move freely and close instantly.
Never clamp or tie the lower guard into the
open position.

lower guard may be bent. Raise the lower guard
only with the Lower Guard Lift Lever and make
sure it moves freely and does not touch the
blade or any other part, in all angles and depths
of cut.

Check the operation of the lower guard
spring. If the guard and the spring are not
operating properly, they must be serviced

Keep hands away from
cutting area and blade. Keep

If both hands are holding the

Hold the

Do not attempt to remove cut material

If saw is accidentally dropped,

Tool service must be performed only by

Service

qualified repair personnel.

maintenance performed by unqualified
personnel may result in a risk of injury.

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 shock or injury.

before use.

sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy
deposits, or a buildup of debris.

battery pack from tool. Periodically remove the
blade, clean the upper, lower guards and the
hub area with kerosene and wipe it dry, or blow
it clean with compressed air.

Lower guard should be retracted manually
only for special cuts such as “Pocket Cuts”
and “Compound Cuts”. Raise lower guard
by Lower Guard Lift Lever. As soon as blade
enters the material, lower guard must be
released.

should operate automatically.

Always observe that the lower guard is
covering the blade before placing saw down
on bench or floor.

blade will cause the saw to walk backwards,
cutting whatever is in its path. Be aware of the
time it takes for the blade to stop after switch is
released.

NEVER hold piece being cut in your hands
or across your leg.

the work properly to minimize body exposure,
blade binding, or loss of control.

Hold tool by the insulated gripping surfaces
when performing an operation where the
cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or it
own cord.

make exposed metal parts of the tool “live” and
shock the operator.

Lower guard may operate

For all other sawing, the lower guard

An unprotected, coasting

It is important to support

Contact with a "live" wire will also

Service or

Disconnect

-3-

SM 1619X00484 8-04 8/11/04 4:20 PM Page 4

When ripping always use a rip fence or
straight edge guide.

of cut and reduces the chance for blade binding.

Always use blades with correct size and
shape (diamond vs. round) arbor holes.

Blades that do not match the mounting
hardware of the saw will run eccentrically,
causing loss of control and will not allow proper
vari-torque engagement.

Never use damaged or incorrect blade
washers or bolts.

were specially designed for your saw, for
optimum performance and safety of operation.

The blade washers and the bolt on your saw
have been designed to work as a “VARI­TORQUE CLUTCH”. Understand the operation
and settings of the VARI-TORQUE CLUTCH,
because the proper setting of the CLUTCH,
combined with firm handling of the saw will
allow you to control KICKBACK.

Do not run the saw while carrying it at your
side. Lower guard may be opened by a
contact with your clothing.

with the spinning saw blade could result in
serious personal injury.

Depending upon use, the switch may not
last the life of the saw. If the switch should
fail in the “OFF” position, the saw may not
start. If it should fail while the saw is
running, the saw may not shut off.

occurs, remove battery pack from saw
immediately and do not use until repaired.

This circular saw should not be mounted to
a table and converted to a table saw.

saws are not designed or intended to be used
as table saws.

CAUSES AND OPERATOR PREVENTION

Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched,
bound or misaligned saw blade, causing an
uncontrolled saw to lift up and out of the
workpiece toward the operator.

When the blade is pinched or bound tightly by
the kerf closing down, the blade stalls and the
motor reaction drives the unit rapidly back
toward the operator.

If the blade becomes twisted or misaligned in
the cut, the teeth at the back edge of the blade
can dig into the top surface of the wood causing
the blade to climb out of the kerf and jump back
toward the operator.

Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or
incorrect operating procedures or conditions

This improves accuracy

The blade washers and bolt

Accidental contact

If either

Circular

OF KICKBACK:

and can be avoided by taking proper
precautions as given below:

KICKBACK

Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the
saw and position your body and arm to
allow you to resist KICKBACK forces.

KICKBACK forces can be controlled by the
operator, if proper precautions are taken.

When blade is binding, or when interrupting
a cut for any reason, release the trigger and
hold the saw motionless in the material until
the blade comes to a complete stop. Never
attempt to remove the saw from the work or
pull the saw backward while the blade is in
motion or KICKBACK may occur.

and take corrective action to eliminate the
cause of blade binding.

lumber or pressure treated lumber require
special attention during cutting operation to
prevent KICKBACK. Avoid cutting nails. Inspect
for and remove all nails from lumber before
cutting.

When restarting a saw in a workpiece,
center the saw blade in the kerf and check
that saw teeth are not engaged into the
material.

or KICKBACK from the workpiece as the saw is
restarted.

Support large panels to minimize the risk of
blade pinching and KICKBACK.

tend to sag under their own weight. Supports
must be placed under the panel on both sides,
near the line of cut and near the edge of the
panel.

manual.

Do not use dull or damaged blade.

Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce
narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade
binding and KICKBACK.

Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking
knobs must be tight and secure before
making cut.

If saw blade is binding, it may walk up

See “Cutting Large Sheets” in this

If blade adjustment shifts while

Wet lumber, green

Investigate

Large panels

-4-

SM 1619X00484 8-04 8/11/04 4:20 PM Page 5

cutting, it may cause binding and KICKBACK.

Using the saw with an excessive depth of cut
setting increases loading on the unit and
susceptibility to twisting of the blade in the kerf.
It also increases the surface area of the blade
available for pinching under conditions of kerf
close down.

Use extra caution when making a “Pocket
Cut” into existing walls or other blind areas.

The protruding blade may cut objects that can
cause KICKBACK.

!

WARNING

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,

Some dust created by
power sanding, sawing,

Battery/Charger

Before using battery charger, read all
instructions and cautionary markings on
(1) battery charger, (2) battery pack, and
(3) product using battery.

Use only the charger which accompanied
your product or direct replacement as
listed in the catalog or this manual.

substitute any other charger. Use only Skil
approved chargers with your product. See
Functional Description and Specifications.

Do not disassemble charger or operate
the charger if it has received a sharp
blow, been dropped or otherwise
damaged in any way. Replace damaged
cord or plugs immediately.

reassembly or damage may result in electric
shock or fire.

Do not recharge battery in damp or wet
environment. Do not expose charger to
rain or snow. If battery case is cracked or
otherwise damaged, do not insert into
charger.

Charge only Skil approved rechargeable
batteries.

Specifications. Other types of batteries may
burst causing personal injury and damage.

Charge battery pack in temperatures
above +40 degrees F (4 degrees C) and
below +105 degrees F (41 degrees C).
Store tool and battery pack in locations

Battery short or fire may result.

See Functional Description and

Do not

Incorrect

• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement
and other masonry products, and

• Arsenic and chromium from chemically­treated 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.

This product is intended to cut wood and
wood-like products only

around the lower guard and hub from other
materials (plastic, masonry or metal) may
disable the lower guard operation.

where temperatures do not go below 40
degrees F (4 degrees C) or will no exceed
120 degrees F (49 degrees C). Allow
battery pack to return to room
temperature before attempting to
charge.

damage to the battery cells.

Battery leakage may occur under extreme
usage or temperature conditions. Avoid
contact with skin and eyes.

liquid is caustic and could cause chemical
burns to tissues. If liquid comes in contact
with skin, wash quickly with soap and water,
then with lemon juice or vinegar. If the liquid
contacts your eyes, flush them with water for
a minimum of 10 minutes and seek medical
attention.

Place charger on flat non-flammable
surfaces and away from flammable
materials when re-charging battery pack.

The charger and battery pack heat during
charging. Carpeting and other heat insulating
surfaces block proper air circulation which
may cause overheating of the charger and
battery pack. If smoke or melting of the case
are observed unplug the charger
immediately and do not use the battery pack
or charger.

Use of an attachment not recommended
or sold by Skil may result in a risk of fire,
electric shock or injury to persons.

This is important to prevent serious

. Dust build up

The battery

-5-

SM 1619X00484 8-04 8/11/04 4:20 PM Page 6

Battery Care

!

WARNING

away from metal objects.

protect terminals from shorting
place batteries in a tool box or pocket with

When batteries are not in
tool or charger, keep them

For example, to

DO NOT

nails, screws, keys, etc. Fire or injury may
result.

DO NOT PUT BATTERIES INTO FIRE OR
EXPOSE TO HIGH HEAT.

explode.

Battery Disposal

!

WARNING

remove any component projecting from
the battery terminals.

result. Prior to disposal, protect exposed
terminals with heavy insulating tape to
prevent shorting.

NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES

If equipped with a nickel-cadmium battery,
the battery must be collected, recycled or
disposed of in an environmentally sound
manner.

industry program to collect and recycle these
batteries at the end of their useful life, when

Do not attempt to
disassemble the battery or

Fire or injury may

“The EPA certified RBRC
Battery Recycling Seal on
the nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd)
battery indicates Robert
Bosch Tool Corporation is
voluntarily participating in an

taken out of service in the United States or
Canada. The RBRC program provides a
convenient alterative to placing used Ni-Cd
batteries into the trash or the municipal
waste stream, which may be illegal in your
area.

Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information
on Ni-Cd battery recycling and disposal
bans/restrictions in your area, or return your
batteries to a Skil/Bosch/Dremel Service
Center for recycling. Robert Bosch Tool
Corporation’s involvement in this program is
part of our commitment to preserving our
environment and conserving our natural
resources.”

If equipped with a nickel-metal hydride
battery, the battery can be disposed of in a
municipal solid waste stream.

They may

NICKEL-METAL HYDRIDE BATTERIES

-6-

A

0

A

A

0

A

SM 1619X00484 8-04 8/11/04 4:20 PM Page 7

Symbols

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

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

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

No load speed Rotational speed, at no load

0

orbits etc. per minute

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

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 is listed by
Underwriters Laboratories,
and listed to Canadian
Standards by Underwriters
Laboratories.

This symbol

designates
that
this tool
complies
to NOM
Mexican
Standards.

-7-

SM 1619X00484 8-04 8/11/04 4:20 PM Page 8

Functional Description and Specifications

!

WARNING

accessories

accidentally.

FIG. 1

CALIBRATED

BEVEL QUADRANT

BEVEL

ADJUSTMENT

KNOB

UPPER GUARD

Disconnect battery pack from tool or place the switch in the locked or
off position before making any assembly, adjustments or changing

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

BEGINNING OF

CUT ARROW

AUXILIARY

HANDLE

SAFETY SWITCH RELEASE

BUTTON

TRIGGER

END OF CUT ARROW

LOWER GUARD

Cordless

Circular Saw

DUST PORT PLUG

(Model 2875 only)

DUST PORT

(Model 2875 only)

LOWER GUARD

LIFT LEVER

FOOT

BATTERY

PACK

BATTERY

PACK

RELEASE

TABS

DEPTH ADJUSTMENT KNOB

BLADE WRENCH &

STORAGE AREA

VENTILATION

OPENINGS

Tool Maximum Capacities

Model number 2575 2875 Blade 5-3/8"
Voltage rating 14.4 V 18 V Depth of cut at 90° 1-5/8"

4,000

0

min

/

No load speed

n

Charge time 3 hr 1 hr

Charger 92590
Voltage rating

120 V 60 Hz

n

0

92991
120 V 60 Hz blades designed for Cordless

3,700

min

/

Depth of cut at 45° 1-1/4"

ATTENTION: Use only thin kerf

Amperage rating 0.38 A 1.5 A Circular Saws.
Battery pack

92994 or 144BAT

92995 or 180BAT

For replacement blades we recommend Skil Cordless Circular saw blades. Their thin kerf and
tooth design deliver the best speed, quality of cut, and reduce battery drain. Use of standard
blades will substantially affect the performance and reduce run-time.

-8-

SM 1619X00484 8-04 8/11/04 4:20 PM Page 9

Assembly

ATTACHING THE BLADE

!

WARNING

Disconnect battery pack

from tool or place the
switch in the locked or off position before
making any assembly, adjustments or
changing accessories

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

1. Turn BLADE STUD with wrench provided
clockwise and remove BLADE STUD and
OUTER WASHER (Fig. 2). If the shaft moves
while attempting to loosen the blade stud, strike
the wrench counter-clockwise to jar BLADE
STUD loose.

2. Retract the lower guard all the way up into
the upper guard. While retracting the lower
guard, check operation and condition of the
LOWER GUARD SPRING.

3. Make sure the saw teeth and arrow on the
blade point in the same direction as the arrow
on the lower guard.

4. Slide blade through slot in the foot and
mount it against the INNER WASHER on the
shaft. Be sure the large diameter of the OUTER
washer lays flush against the blade.

5. Reinstall OUTER WASHER and tighten
BLADE STUD finger tight. The face of outer
washer has marks around it that will help you
properly adjust the blade stud. To lock shaft
hold the saw securely by the upper guard with
blade teeth imbedded in scrap wood and
TIGHTEN BLADE STUD COUNTER­CLOCKWISE ONE MARK ON BLADE

LOWER GUARD

FIG. 2

SPRING

WASHER WITH THE WRENCH PROVIDED.
Do not use wrenches with longer handles,

since it may lead to over tightening of the blade
stud.

This clutching action is provided by the friction
of the OUTER WASHER against the BLADE
and permits the blade shaft to turn when the
blade encounters excessive resistance. When
the BLADE STUD is properly tightened (as
described in No. 5 of Attaching The Blade), the
blade will slip when it encounters excessive
resistance, thus reducing saw’s tendency to
KICKBACK.

One setting may not be sufficient for cutting all
materials. If excessive blade slippage occurs,
tighten the blade stud 1/2 mark more.
OVERTIGHTENING THE BLADE STUD
NULLIFIES THE EFFECTIVE-NESS OF THE
CLUTCH.

Your tool is equipped is with a dust port for dust
and chip extraction. To use this feature,
remove dust port plug and attach vacuum hose
(optional accessory) to the dust port, and
connect opposite end the hose to a shop
vacuum cleaner.

hose so that it does not interfere with the
lower guard, or the cutting operation at all
settings.

VARI-TORQUE CLUTCH

DUST EXTRACTION (Model 2875 only)

WARNING

!

To prevent personal injury,
always position vacuum

WRENCH

MARK

UPPER
GUARD

LOWER
GUARD

BLADE
SHAFT

INNER WASHER

Large Diameter

Faces Blade

-9-

DUST PORT

(Model 2875 only)

DUST PORT PLUG

(Model 2875 only)

BLADE

OUTER WASHER

OUTER WASHER

Large Diameter

Faces Blade

LOOSEN

BLADE

STUD

TIGHTEN

90°

SM 1619X00484 8-04 8/11/04 4:20 PM Page 10

Operating Instructions

DEPTH ADJUSTMENT

Disconnect battery pack from tool. Loosen the
depth adjustment knob located on the right
side of the tool. Hold the foot down with one
hand and raise or lower saw by the handle.

Tighten knob at the depth setting desired.
Check desired depth (Fig. 3).

Not more than one tooth length of the blade
should extend below the material to be cut, for
minimum splintering (Fig. 4).

DEPTH

KNOB

CALIBRATED

DEPTH

BRACKET

BLADE

WRENCH &

STORAGE

AREA

FIG. 3

ADJUSTMENT

SAFETY SWITCH

The safety switch is designed to prevent
accidental starts. To operate safety switch,
press the release button with your thumb on
either side of handle to disengage the lock,
then pull the trigger (Fig. 5). When the trigger
is released the button will engage the safety
switch automatically, and the trigger will no
longer operate. (See Switch & General Cuts
on page 11.)

FIG. 5

SAFETY SWITCH

RELEASE

BUTTON

FIG. 4

ONE TOOTH LENGTH SHOULD

PENETRATE WOOD FOR

MINIMUM SPLINTERING

90° CUTTING ANGLE CHECK

Disconnect battery pack from tool. Set foot to
maximum depth of cut setting. Loosen bevel
adjustment knob, set to 0° on quadrant,
retighten knob and check for 90° angle
between the blade and bottom plane of foot
with a square (Fig. 6). If adjustment is
necessary, tilt foot to 45°, tighten bevel
adjustment knob and bend "TAB" with an
adjustable wrench or pliers (Fig. 7).

FIG. 6

BEVEL

ADJUSTMENT

KNOB

FIG. 7

TRIGGER

-10-

FOOT

BLADE

TAB

SM 1619X00484 8-04 8/11/04 4:20 PM Page 11

Disconnect battery pack from tool. The foot

BEVEL ADJUSTMENT

can be adjusted up to 45° by loosening the
bevel adjustment knob at the front of the saw.
Align to desired angle on calibrated quadrant.
Then tighten bevel adjustment knob (Fig. 8).
For 50° loosen bevel adjustment knob, depress
45° stop spring (Fig. 9), align foot to 50 mark
on quadrant and tighten knob. Because of the
increased amount of blade engagement in the
work and decreased stability of the foot, blade
binding may occur. Keep the saw steady and
the foot firmly on the workpiece.

LINE GUIDE

For a straight 90° cut, use right side of notch
in the foot. For 45° bevel cuts, use the left side
(Fig. 9). The cutting guide notch will give an
approximate line of cut. Make sample cuts in
scrap lumber to verify actual line of cut. This
will be helpful because of the number of
different blade types and thicknesses
available. To ensure minimum splintering on
the good side of the material to be cut, face
the good side down.

FIG. 8

QUADRANT

90°

VERTICAL

CUTS

ADJUSTMENT

45°

BEVEL

CUTS

BEVEL

KNOB

FIG. 9

To turn tool “ON”, press the release button

SWITCH

with your thumb on either side of handle to
disengage the lock, then squeeze the trigger
switch. To turn the tool “OFF”, release the
trigger switch, which is spring loaded and will
return to the off position automatically.

Your saw should be running at full speed
BEFORE starting the cut, and turned off only
AFTER completing the cut. To increase switch
life, do not turn switch on and off while cutting.

BRAKE (Model 2875 only)

When the trigger is released it activates the
electrical brake to stop the blade quickly. This
feature is especially useful when making
repetitive cuts.

GENERAL CUTS

Always hold the saw handle with one hand
and the auxiliary handle or housing with the
other.

Always make sure saw foot rests on portion of
work surface that does not drop off.

!

WARNING

Always be sure either hand
does not interfere with the

free movement of the lower guard.

Maintain a firm grip and operate the switch
with a decisive action. Never force the saw.
Use light and continuous pressure.

!

WARNING

After completing a cut and

the trigger has been
released, be aware of the necessary time it
takes for the blade to come to a complete
stop during coast down. Do not allow the
saw to brush against your leg or side,
since the lower guard is retractable, it
could catch on your clothing and expose
the blade. Be aware of the necessary blade
exposures that exist in both the upper and
lower guard areas.

When cutting is interrupted, to resume cutting:
squeeze the trigger and allow the blade to
reach full speed, re-enter the cut slowly and
resume cutting.

When cutting across the grain, the fibers of
the wood have a tendency to tear and lift.
Advancing the saw slowly minimizes this
effect. For a finished cut, a cross cut blade or
miter blade is recommended.

-11-

SM 1619X00484 8-04 8/11/04 4:20 PM Page 12

Disconnect battery pack from tool before

POCKET CUTS

making adjustments. Set depth adjustment
according to material to be cut. Tilt saw forward
with cutting guide notch lined up with the line
you’ve drawn. Raise the lower guard, using lift
lever and hold the saw by the front and rear
handles (Fig. 10).

With the blade just clearing the material to be
cut, start the motor. Gradually lower the back
end of saw using the front end of the foot as the
hinge point.

WARNING: As blade starts
cutting the material, release the lower guard
immediately.

When the foot rests flat on the
surface being cut, proceed cutting in forward
direction to end of cut.

WARNING: Allow blade
to come to a complete stop before lifting the
saw from cut. Also, never pull the saw
backward since blade will climb out of the
material and KICKBACK will occur.

Turn saw
around and finish the cut in the normal manner,
sawing forward. If corners of your pocket cut are
not completely cut through, use a jigsaw or
hand saw to finish the corners.

LOWER

FIG. 10

GUARD

LIFT

LEVER

Large sheets and long boards sag or bend,

CUTTING LARGE SHEETS

depending on support. If you attempt to cut
without leveling and properly supporting the
piece, the blade will tend to bind, causing

KICK-

BACK and extra load on the motor (Fig. 11).
Support the panel or board close to the cut, as

shown in (Fig. 12). Be sure to set the depth of
the cut so that you cut through the sheet or
board only and not the table or work bench. The
two-by-fours used to raise and support the work
should be positioned so that the broadest sides
support the work and rest on the table or bench.
Do not support the work with the narrow sides
as this is an unsteady arrangement. If the sheet
or board to be cut is too large for a table or work
bench, use the supporting two-by-fours on the
floor and secure.

FIG. 11

WRONG

FOOT

RIP CUTS

The combination blade provided with your saw
is for both cross cuts and rip cuts. Ripping is
cutting lengthwise with the grain of the wood.
Rip cuts are easy to do with a rip fence (Fig.

13). Rip Fence is available as an accessory (not
included). To attach fence, insert fence through
slots in foot to desired width as shown and
secure with the wing nut (not included).

FIG. 13

RIP

FENCE

WING

NUT

DESIRED

WIDTH

OF CUT

When rip cutting large sheets, the rip fence

RIP BOARD GUIDE

may not allow the desired width of cut. Clamp
or nail a straight piece of 1" (25 mm) lumber to
the sheet as a guide (Fig. 14). Use the right
side of the foot against the board guide.

DESIRED

OF CUT

RIP

BOARD

GUIDE

-12-

FIG. 12

RIGHT

FIG. 14

LINE

SM 1619X00484 8-04 8/11/04 4:20 PM Page 13

Plug charger cord into your standard power

CHARGING BATTERY PACK (1 HOUR CHARGER)

outlet, then insert battery pack into
charger.The charger’s green indicator will
begin to “BLINK”. This indicates that the
battery is receiving a fast charge. Fast­charging will automatically stop when the
battery pack is fully charged.

When the indicator light stops “BLINKING”
(and becomes a steady green light) fast
charging is complete.

When you begin the charging process of the
battery pack, a steady green light could also

mean the battery pack is too hot or too cold.
The purpose of the light is to indicate that the

battery pack is fast-charging. It does not
indicate the exact point of full charge. The
light will stop blinking in less time if the
battery pack was not completely discharged.

When the battery pack is fully charged,
unplug the charger (unless you're charging
another battery pack) and slip the battery
pack back into the tool handle (Fig.15).

FIG. 15

BATTERY PACK

CHARGER

INDICATOR

LIGHT

CHARGING BATTERY PACK (3 HOUR CHARGER)

Plug charger cord into your standard power
outlet, then insert battery pack into charger.
The charger’s green light (Fig. 16), will turn
“ON”. The green light remains ‘‘ON’’ as long as
charger is plugged in, and does not shut off.

After normal usage, the battery pack requires
approximately 3 hours or less charging time
to become fully charged. If the battery pack
is run-down completely, it may require up to
5 hours charging time to become fully
charged.

When the battery pack is fully charged,
unplug the charger (unless you're charging
another battery pack) and slip the battery
pack back into the tool handle.

INDICATOR

-13-

LIGHT

BATTERY PACK

CHARGER

FIG. 16

SM 1619X00484 8-04 8/11/04 4:20 PM Page 14

IMPORTANT CHARGING NOTES

1. The battery pack accepts only about 80%
of its maximum capacity with its first few
charge cycles. However, after the first few
charge cycles, the battery will charge to full
capacity.

2. The charger was designed to fast charge
the battery only when the battery
temperature is between 40˚F (4˚C) and
105˚F (41˚C).

3. A substantial drop in operating time per
charge may mean that the battery pack is
nearing the end of its life and should be
replaced.

4. If you anticipate long periods (i.e. a month
or more) of non-use of your tool, it is best to
run your tool down until it is fully discharged
before storing your battery pack. After a long
period of storage, the capacity at first recharge
will be lower. Normal capacity will be restored

in two or three charge/discharge cycles.
Remember to unplug charger during storage
period.

5. If battery does not charge properly:

in some other electrical device.

light switch which turns power “off” when
lights are turned off.

Clean with cotton swab and alcohol if
necessary.

take or send tool, battery pack and charger
to your local Skil Service Center. See “Tools,
Electric” in the Yellow Pages for names and
addresses.

Note: Use of chargers or battery packs not
sold by Skil will void the warranty.

Maintenance

a. Check for voltage at outlet by plugging

b. Check to see if outlet is connected to a

c. Check battery pack terminals for dirt.

d. If you still do not get proper charging,

Service

!

WARNING

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

mend that all tool service be performed by a
Skil Factory Service Center or Authorized
Skil Service Station. SERVICEMEN:
Disconnect tool and/or charger from power
source before servicing.

Be alert for battery packs that are nearing
their end of life.

tool performance or significantly shorter
running time between charges then it is time
to replace the battery pack. Failure to do so
can cause the tool to operate improperly or
damage the charger.

Long term battery storage should be in
the discharged state.

longer and re-charge better when they are
stored discharged. Remember to fully re­charge battery packs before using after
prolonged storage.

Your Skil tool has been properly lubricated
and is ready for use.

NO USER SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. Preventive

We recom-

BATTERIES

If you notice decreased

Battery packs last

TOOL LUBRICATION

The motor in your tool has been engineered
for many hours of dependable service. To
maintain peak efficiency of the motor, we
recommend it be examined every six months.
Only a genuine Skil replacement motor
specially designed for your tool should be
used.

Bearings which become noisy (due to heavy
load or very abrasive material cutting) should
be replaced at once to avoid overheating and
motor failure.

D.C. MOTORS

BEARINGS

Cleaning

!

WARNING

charger from the power supply before
cleaning.

effectively with compressed dry air.

wear safety goggles when cleaning tools
with compressed air.

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

!

CAUTION

plastic parts.

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

-14-

To avoid accidents, always
disconnect the tool and/or

The tool may be cleaned most

Certain cleaning agents
and solvents damage

Some of these are: gasoline,

Always