Skil 4280, 4380, 4240 User Manual

SM 1619X02133 12-06 12/12/06 2:30 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

4240
4280
4380

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SM 1619X02133 12-06 12/12/06 2:30 PM Page 2

Power Tool Safety Rules

WARNING

!

Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions
listed below, may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

S

AVE 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

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.

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

of electric shock if your body is grounded.

. There is an increased risk

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

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.

the risk of electric shock.

When operating a power tool outside, use
an outdoor extension cord marked "W-A"

. Water entering a power tool will

Double Insulation

If

Damaged cords increase

or "W."

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

These cords are rated for outdoor 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.

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

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”

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 enables 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.

A moment of inattention while

Loose clothes, jewelry, or long

. Carrying tools

. A wrench or a key

. Proper footing and

. Dust mask, non-skid safety

Tool Use and Care

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

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.

-

2

-

Holding the work by hand or

. The correct tool will do the

SM 1619X02133 12-06 12/12/06 2:30 PM Page 3

Do not use tool if switch does not turn it
“ON” or “OFF”.

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.

dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

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

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.

caused by poorly maintained tools. Develop

Any tool that cannot be

Tools are

Properly maintained

Many accidents are

a periodic maintenance schedule for your
tool.

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

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

Accessories that may be

Service

Tool service must be performed only by
qualified repair personnel.

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.

Service or

Safety Rules for Jigsaws

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

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

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

Never leave the trigger locked "ON".
Before plugging the tool in, check that the
trigger lock is "OFF".

could cause injury.

Be aware of the location and setting of
the switch "Lock-ON" button.

is locked "ON" during the use, be ready for
emergency situations to switch it "OFF", by
first pulling the trigger then immediately
releasing it without pressing the "Lock-ON"
button.

Contact with a "live" wire will

Do not drill, fasten

Accidental start-ups

If the switch

Keep hands away from cutting area. Do
not reach under the material being cut.

The proximity of the blade to your hand is
hidden from your sight.

Keep hands from between the gear
housing and saw blade holder.

reciprocating blade holder can pinch your
fingers.

Do not use dull or damaged blades. Bent
blade can break easily or cause kickback.

Before starting to cut, turn tool "ON" and
allow the blade to come to full speed.

Tool can chatter or vibrate if blade speed is
too slow at beginning of cut and possibly
kickback.

Always wear safety goggles or eye
protection when using this tool. Use a
dust mask or respirator for applications
which generate dust.

Secure material before cutting. Never
hold it in your hand or across legs.

-3-

The

Small

SM 1619X02133 12-06 12/12/06 2:30 PM Page 4

or thin material may flex or vibrate with the
blade, causing loss of control.

Make certain all adjusting screws and the
blade holder are tight before making a
cut.

Loose adjusting screws and holders
can cause the tool or blade to slip and loss of
control may result.

When removing the blade from the tool
avoid contact with skin and use proper
protective gloves when grasping the
blade or accessory.

hot after prolonged use.

If your tool is equipped with a dust bag,
empty it frequently and after completion of
sawing.

time, result from mixture of oil or water with
dust particles. Be extremely careful of dust
disposal, materials in fine particle form may be
explosive. Do not throw contents on an open
fire.

Spontaneous combustion, may in

Accessories may be

!

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,

• 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.

Some dust created by
power sanding, sawing,

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4

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A

0

A

A

0

A

SM 1619X02133 12-06 12/12/06 2:30 PM Page 5

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.

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SM 1619X02133 12-06 12/12/06 2:30 PM Page 6

Functional Description and Specifications

WARNING

!

Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any
assembly, adjustments or changing accessories

measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

TRIGGER SWITCH

TOP OF FRONT

HOUSING

“LOCK-ON”

B

UTTON

FIG. 1

GEAR

HOUSING

PLUNGER

BLADE

HOLDER

TRIGGER

VARIABLE SPEED

CONTROL DIAL

SWITCH

. Such preventive safety

Jigsaws

VENTILATION

OPENINGS

FOOT

RELEASE

FOOT

TAB

“LOCK-ON”

BUTTON

FIG. 2

GEAR

HOUSING

PLUNGER

TOOL-LESS BLADE

CHANGE COVER

ORBIT CONTROL

LEVER

FOOT

VENTILATION

OPENINGS

FOOT

RELEASE

TAB

MAXIMUM CAPACITIES

Model Blade Blade Stroke

No. Thickness Action Length Wood Aluminium Steel

4240 Minimum .8mm - Maximum 1.5mm Standard 5/8" 2" 1/2" 1/4"
4280 Minimum .8mm - Maximum 1.5mm Standard 5/8" 2" 1/2" 1/4"
4380 Minimum .8mm - Maximum 1.5mm Orbital 5/8" 2" 1/2" 1/4"

NOTE: For tool specifications refer to the nameplate on your tool.

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6

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SM 1619X02133 12-06 12/12/06 2:30 PM Page 7

Assembly

Attaching the Blade

WARNING

!

power source before assembling parts, making
adjustments, or changing blades.

1. Loosen blade screw in the blade holder and
insert blade to full depth with teeth facing in
direction of cut as shown in (Fig. 3). For use
with both T or U shank jigsaw blades.

2. Securely tighten blade screw on the front of
blade holder with a flat tip screwdriver.

1. Insert the saw blade (teeth in cutting
direction) until it latches in the plunger
(Fig. 4).

When inserting the saw blade, the back of
the blade must rest in the groove of the
guide roller.

To prevent personal injury,
a

lways disconnect plug from

STANDARD MODELS

TOOL-LESS MODELS

Operating Instructions

VARIABLE SPEED CONTROLLED

TRIGGER SWITCH

Your tool is equipped with a variable speed trigger
switch. The tool can be turned "ON" or "OFF" by
squeezing or releasing the trigger. The speed
can be adjusted from the minimum to maximum
nameplate SPM by the pressure you apply to the
trigger. Apply more pressure to increase the
speed and release pressure to decrease speed
(Fig. 1).

"LOCK-ON" BUTTON

The "Lock-ON" button, located in the handle of
your tool allows for continuous operation at
maximum SPM without holding the trigger
(Fig. 1).

TO LOCK TRIGGER "ON": squeeze trigger,
depress button and release trigger.

TO UNLOCK THE TRIGGER: squeeze trigger
and release it without depressing the "Lock­ON" button.

(Model 4280 only)

2. To remove blade, lift tool-less blade change

cover up with index and middle fingers and
remove blade. For use with both T or U shank
jigsaw blades.

BLADE

BLADE

SCREW

ROLLER GUIDE

ROLLER GUIDE

WARNING

!

the trigger can not be released.

Your tool is equipped with a variable speed
dial. The blade stroke rate may
during cutting operation by presetting the dial
on or between any one of the six numbers.

Setting SPM rating (strokes per minute)

1-2
3-4 Medium stroke
5-6 High stroke

The stroke rate may be adjusted as described
earlier under “Variable Speed Dial”. The best
results for a particular application is determined
by experience, though as a general rule, slower
speeds are for denser materials and faster
speeds are for soft materials.

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

VARIABLE SPEED DIAL

(Models 4380 only)

Low stroke

PLUNGER SPEED

HOLDER

TOOL-LESS BLADE

CHANGE COVER

be adjusted

FIG. 3

FIG. 4

BLADE STORAGE COMPARTMENT

Your Jigsaw is equipped with a blade storage
area (Fig. 5) on the backside of your saw. To
open door, pull tab on door downward toward
the foot. To close door, lift door upward toward
the tool. Be sure door is closed to prevent
blades from falling out.

-7-

BLADE

STORAGE

DOOR

FIG. 5

SM 1619X02133 12-06 12/12/06 2:30 PM Page 8

Cutting Tips

f

F

ace the good side of the material down and
secure it in a bench vise or clamp it down.
Draw cutting lines or designs on the side of
the material facing up towards you. Then
place the front edge of the saw foot on the
work and line up the blade with the line to be
cut. Hold the jigsaw firmly, turn it on, and
press down (to keep the saw foot flat against
the work) as you slowly push the saw in the
direction of the cut.

Build up cutting rate gradually, cutting close to
the line (unless you want to leave stock for

inish sanding). As you cut you may have to
adjust or relocate the vise or clamps to keep
the work stable. Do not force the saw or the
blade teeth may rub and wear without cutting
and the blade may break. Let the saw do most
of the work. When following curves, cut slowly
so the blade can cut through cross grain. This
will give you an accurate cut and will prevent
the blade from wandering.

ORBITAL ACTION
(Model 4380 only)

Orbital Action models, have a lever (Fig. 6)
that will regulate the orbital action from
smooth cut position for normal up and down
motion to maximum orbital action for faster
more aggresive cutting in softer materials.

FIG. 6

ORBIT

CONTROL

LEVER

To activate, turn the lever to fast cut. To
deactivate orbital action turn lever to smooth
cut. When minimal splintering is desired we
recommend using smooth cut position.

CUTTING WITH A STRAIGHTEDGE

Always use a rough cut blade when possible.
Clamp a straightedge on the work parallel to
the line of cut and flush with the side of the
saw foot. (Either first mark the line of cut and
then position the straightedge parallel and at
the same distance as between the blade and
the side edge of the foot or first mark the side
edge of the foot and then clamp the
straightedge on the mark and parallel to the
cut line Fig. 7)

As you cut, keep the saw foot edge flush
against the straightedge and flat on the
workpiece (Fig. 7).

Note: In order to reach full orbital action, the
blade must be facing STRAIGHT FORWARD.
Orbital action is not observable when jigsaw
is free running. Jigsaw must be cutting for
orbital action to occur. The speed of cut is
much more apparent in thicker materials such
as 2 by lumber.

SMOOTH CUT

FAST CUT

MILD STEEL SOFT & HARD WOODS

SOFT METALS PLYWOOD

REDUCED SPLINTERING PLASTIC

FIG. 7

LINE

OF

CUT

CLAMPS

FOOT AGAINST

STRAIGHT-EDGE

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8

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SM 1619X02133 12-06 12/12/06 2:30 PM Page 9

Plunge cutting is useful and time-saving in

PLUNGE CUTTING

making rough openings in softer materials. It
is not necessary to drill a hole for an inside or
pocket cut. Draw lines for the opening, hold
the saw firmly, tilt it forward so that the toe of
the saw foot rests on the work, but with the
b

lade well clear of the work. Start the motor,
and then very gradually lower the blade.
When it touches, continue pressing down on
the toe of the saw foot slowly pivoting the saw
like a hinge until the blade cuts through and
the foot rests flat on the work. Then saw
ahead on the line of cut line. We do not
recommend plunge cutting with a scroll blade
(Fig. 8).

To make sharp corners, cut up to the corner,
then back up slightly before rounding the
corner. After the opening is complete, go back

BEVEL OR ANGLE CUTTING

Disconnect the cord from the power source
and remove the blade.

The foot can be adjusted to cut at 0˚ or 45˚
degrees only on the right side of the tool.

To Adjust foot to 45˚, depress and hold tab on

to each corner and cut it from the opposite
direction to square it off. Do not try to plunge
cut into hard materials such as steel.

FIG. 8

TOE OF

FOOT

backside of tool, slide foot firmly toward front
of tool and remove foot from 0˚ notched in
base (Fig. 9).

Align foot with 45˚ notches in base, and slide
foot firmly toward back of tool, and click into
place using the tab (Fig. 10).

FOOT

RELEASE

TAB

0˚ SLOT

FOOT

METAL CUTTING

When cutting metal clamp material down. Be
extra certain that you move the saw along
slowly. Use lower speeds. Do not twist, bend,
or force the blade. If the saw jumps or
bounces, use a blade with finer teeth. If the
blade seems clogged when cutting soft metal,
use a blade with coarser teeth.

For easier cutting, lubricate the blade with a
stick of cutting wax, if available, or cutting oil
when cutting steel. Thin metal should be

45˚

SLOT

FOOT

FIG. 10FIG. 9

sandwiched between two pieces of wood or
tightly clamped on a single piece of wood
(wood on top of the metal). Draw the cut lines
or design on the top piece of wood.

When cutting aluminum extrusion or angle
iron, clamp the work in a bench vise and saw
close to the vise jaws.

When sawing tubing and the diameter is
larger than the blade is deep, cut through the
wall of the tubing and then insert the blade
into the cut rotating the tube as you saw.

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SM 1619X02133 12-06 12/12/06 2:30 PM Page 10

RIP FENCE AND CIRCLE CUTTING GUIDE

This accessory is available at an extra cost. It
is used for fast and accurate straight and
circle cutting (Fig. 11).

A

1

. Insert bar of rip fence through the slots

TTACHING RIP FENCE

provided in foot, from either side of foot with
the edge guide facing down (Fig. 11).

2. Thread the clamp screw from under the
foot through the threaded hole in the clamp on
left side of foot, and securely tighten clamp
screw with a screwdriver, to clamp the rip
fence bar in place.

STRAIGHT CUTTING

Once the rip fence is attached, measure from
the edge of work to the line of cut, and set edge
guide of rip fence to the same distance and
then securely tighten clamp screw
(Fig. 12).

FIG. 11

CLAMP

CLAMP
SCREW

EDGE GUIDE DOWN

FIG. 12

LINE OF

CUT

S

LOT

BAR

1. Before attaching the rip fence, draw a circle

CIRCLE CUTTING

and drive a finishing nail in the center of circle.

2. Drill or plunge cut near the circles edge,
turn saw off and disconnect the plug from
power source (Fig. 13).

3. Attach rip fence to saw with the edge guide
facing UP. In order for the rip fence to cut a
circle, the nail must be in alignment with the
blade, as shown in (Fig. 14).

4. Measure the distance from the selected
hole to the blade to be equal to the circle
radius.

5. Insert plug into power source, hold the saw

10

-

CLAMP

SCREW

FIG. 13

WEDGE

EDGE

GUIDE UP

-

DESIRED

WIDTH

FINISHING

NAIL

SM 1619X02133 12-06 12/12/06 2:30 PM Page 11

firmly, squeeze trigger and slowly push the
saw forward. To make a hole, cut from inside
the circle; To make wheels or discs, cut from
t

he outside.

Cutting Tip: Cut slowly so the blade will stay
straight in the cut. Place small wedges in the
cut as shown in Fig. 13, to keep the inner
circle from spreading when near the end of the
cut.

Maintenance

Service

WARNING

!

orized personnel may result in misplacing
of internal wires and components which
could cause serious hazard.

recommend that all tool service be performed
by a Skil Factory Service Center or Autho­rized Skil Service Station.

Your Skil tool has been properly lubricated
and is ready to use. It is recommended that
tools with gears be regreased with a special
gear lubricant at every brush change.

The brushes and commutator in your tool
have been engineered for many hours of
dependable service. To maintain peak
efficiency of the motor, we recommend every
two to six months the brushes be examined.
Only genuine Skil replacement brushes
specially designed for your tool should be
used.

After about 300-400 hours of operation, or at
every second brush change, the bearings

Preventive maintenance
performed by unauth-

We

TOOL LUBRICATION

CARBON BRUSHES

BEARINGS

BLADE MUST BE IN

ALIGNMENT WITH NAIL

FIG. 14

should be replaced at Skil Factory Service
Center or Authorized Skil Service Station.
Bearings which become noisy (due to heavy
load or very abrasive material cutting) should
be replaced at once to avoid overheating or
motor failure.

NAIL

Cleaning

WARNING

!

the power supply before cleaning or
performing any maintenance.

be cleaned most effectively with compressed
dry air.

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 openings.

plastic parts.

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

Always wear safety goggles when

CAUTION

!

To avoid accidents always
disconnect the tool from

The tool may

Certain cleaning agents
and solvents damage

Some of these are: gasoline,

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11

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