Skil 4339, 4340, 4445, 4455, 4470 User guide

Operating/Safety Instructions

Consignes de fonctionnement/sécurité
Instrucciones de funcionamiento

y seguridad

4339

4340

4445

4455

4470

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.

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.

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

!

WARNING

Power Tool Safety Rules

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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. Contact with a "live" wire will

make exposed metal parts of the tool "live"
and shock the operator. Do not drill, fasten

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". Accidental start-ups

could cause injury.

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

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.

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. The

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. Small

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.

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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. Accessories may be

hot after prolonged use.

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

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.

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.

!

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.

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 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

* SCROLLING

KNOB

VARIABLE SPEED

CONTROL DIAL

“LOCK-ON”

BUTTON

VENTILATION

OPENINGS

DUST
PORT

FOOT

VENTILATION

OPENINGS

* VARI-ORBIT

& SCROLLING

CONTROL

LEVER

CHIP

DEFLECTOR

PLUNGER

BLADE

HOLDER

TRIGGER

SWITCH

* NOT AVAILABLE ON

ALL MODELS

VARIABLE SPEED

CONTROL DIAL

“LOCK-ON”

BUTTON

VENTILATION

OPENINGS

DUST
PORT

FOOT

VENTILATION

OPENINGS

CHIP

DEFLECTOR

PLUNGER

BLADE

HOLDER

TRIGGER

SWITCH

STANDARD MODELS

VARI-ORBIT & SCROLLING MODELS

GEAR

HOUSING

FIG. 1

FIG. 2

TOP OF FRONT

HOUSING

GEAR

HOUSING

* BLADE ROLLER GUIDE

Jigsaws

MAXIMUM CAPACITIES

Model Amperage No load Blade Stroke

No. Voltage rating rating speed Action Length Wood Aluminium Steel

4339 120 V 50 - 60Hz 4.0 A n0 800-3,200/min Standard 5/8" 2-1/4" 1/2" 1/4"
4340 120 V 50 - 60Hz 4.0 A n0 800-3,200/min Standard 5/8" 2-1/4" 1/2" 1/4"
4445 120 V 50 - 60Hz 4.0 A n0 800-3,200/min Orbital 5/8" 2-1/4" 1/2" 1/4"
4455 120 V 50 - 60Hz 4.0 A n0 800-3,200/min Scroller 5/8" 2-1/4" 1/2" 1/4"
4470 120 V 50 - 60Hz 4.0 A n0800-3,200/min Orbital/scroller 5/8" 2-1/4" 1/2" 1/4"

COLLAR

RING

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Assembly

TRIGGER SWITCH WITH

"LOCK-ON" BUTTON

Your jigsaw can be turned "ON" or "OFF" by
squeezing or releasing the trigger. Your jigsaw
is also equipped with "Lock-ON" button
located just above the trigger that allows
continuous operation without holding the
trigger.

TO LOCK SWITCH ON: Squeeze trigger fully,
depress button and release trigger.

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.

VARIABLE SPEED DIAL

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

Setting SPM rating (strokes per minute)

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

!

WARNING

Attaching the Blade

To prevent personal injury,

always disconnect plug from
power source before assembling parts, making
adjustments, or changing blades.

STANDARD MODELS

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).

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

TOOLLESS MODELS

1. Press collar ring down with index and
middle fingers.

2. Insert blade to full depth with teeth facing in
direction of cut as shown in (Fig. 4).

3. Release collar ring to secure the blade.

AUTO-SCROLL CUTTING MODELS

1. For Auto-Scrolling insert the blade to full
depth, with blade in the rear position of blade
holder as shown in (Fig. 5).

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

1. For Manual Scrolling and non scrolling
use, insert the blade to full depth, with blade
in the center position of blade holder directly
under the plunger as shown (Fig. 6).

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

CHIP DEFLECTOR

The chip deflector helps keep dust and chips
off the workpiece. The chip deflector simply
slides up and down for easy access to the
blade holder. For maximim visibility and blow
out, the chip deflector must be in the UP
position.

DUST EXTRACTION

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

BLADE

HOLDER

BLADE

HOLDER

BLADE

SCREW

BLADE

SCREW

BLADE

SCREW

BLADE

HOLDER

!

WARNING

FIG. 3

FIG. 6

FIG. 5

Operating Instructions

COLLAR

RING

BLADE

HOLDER

FIG. 4

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* ORBITAL ACTION MODELS

Orbital Action models, have a lever (Fig. 2)
that will regulate the orbital action from "0"
position for normal up and down motion to
maximum orbital action for faster cutting in
softer materials.

To increase orbital action, turn the lever to a
higher number. To decrease orbital action
turn lever to a lower number. When minimal
splintering is desired we recommend using
"0" position.

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.

0-1 RANGE 2-3 RANGE FULL ORBIT

MILD STEEL HARD WOODS SOFT WOODS

SOFT METALS PLASTIC PLYWOOD

Face 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
finish 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 he
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.

REDUCED SPLINTER CUTTING

NOT AVAILABLE ON MODEL 4470

WITH TOOL-LESS BLADE HOLDER

Reduced splinter cutting is used when cutting
through plywood or a similar material. The
foot must be horizontal 0˚ (Fig. 7), and the use
of a hollow ground or smooth cutting blade is
recommended during reduced splinter
cutting.

Always disconnect the plug from power
source before making adjustments. Your saw
has an adjustable foot for doing reduced
splinter cutting. To adjust: loosen the foot
adjustment screw in the bottom of foot with a

flat tip screwdriver, and slide the foot forward
so the slot in foot surrounds the blade on
both sides and securely tighten foot
adjustment screw.

Note: On auto-scrolling models, the blade
must be the REAR position of the blade
holder as shown in Fig. 5, in order for the slot
to surround the blade.

The foot must be moved

backward when auto-scroll
cutting, using the bevel adjustment, or any
other blade than hollow or smooth cutting
blades.

If finished materials must be cut face up, use
splinter free setting and reverse tooth blade
available at your dealer. Note: Do not use the
blade provided with your jigsaw during
reduced cutting since it is not hollow ground
or smooth cutting blade. These blades can be
purchased from your dealer.

FIG. 7

HORIZONTAL

0˚

FOOT

ADJUSTMENT

SCREW

FOOT

SLOT

BLADE

!

CAUTION

FIG. 8

Cutting Tips

PLUNGER SPEED

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.

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* SCROLL/AUTO-SCROLL MODELS

Scrolling saws permit 360˚ rotation of the saw
blade without turning the saw, so intricate
designs may be cut with minimum effort. To
permit rotation of plunger turn lever, (Fig. 9)
to unlock. The plunger of your scrolling saw
can also be locked in (4) positions, 90˚ apart.

Note: If may be necessary to turn scrolling
knob slightly back and forth a to be sure the
plunger is locked in the desired position.

When manually scroll cutting, operate saw by
holding the handle with one hand and rotating
the scrolling knob manually with your free
hand. When auto scroll cutting, operate saw
by guiding the saw in the direction of cut with
applied pressure on the handle only (Fig. 9).

Excessive side pressure to
the blade could result in

broken blades and/or damage to the material
being cut.

Note: When scroll cutting intricate designs,
we recommend using a scroll cutting blade.
However, a standard blade can be used.

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. 10)

On models with the scroll feature, it is advised
to unlock scroller knob and cut with the blade
in the REAR position of the blade holder. As
you cut, keep the saw foot edge flush against
the straightedge and flat on th work (Fig. 10).

PLUNGE CUTTING

Plunge cutting is useful and time-saving in
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
blade 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. 11).

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

back 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. 9

FIG. 10

FIG. 11

LEVER

HANDLE

PLUNGER

SCROLLING

KNOB

LINE

OF

CUT

TOE

OF

FOOT

FOOT AGAINST

STRAIGHTEDGE

CLAMPS

!

CAUTION

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BEVEL OR ANGLE CUTTING

To prevent damage to the

tool when bevel or angle
cutting, the scroll mechanism must be locked
in place with the cutting edge of the blade
facing the front or rear of tool.

Disconnect the cord from the power source.
The foot can be adjusted to cut any angle
from 0˚ to 45˚. TO ADJUST: Loosen the foot
adjustment screw in the bottom of foot with a
flat tip screwdriver. Position foot to desired
angle and securely tighten screw. After
adjusting foot make a sample cut to check
the angle, the foot has lock notchs at 0˚ and
45˚ (Fig. 12).

To lock in a notch, push the saw forward in
the foot, then tighten the screw.

FIG. 12

BACK VIEW

BOTTOM VIEW

FOOT

ADJUSTMENT

SCREW

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 with
kerosene when cutting aluminum or cutting
oil when cutting steel. Thin metal should be

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.

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. 13).

ATTACHING RIP FENCE

1. Insert bar of rip fence through the slots
provided in foot, from either side of foot with
the edge guide facing down (Fig. 13).

2. Thread the clamp screw from under the of
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.

FIG. 13

EDGE
GUIDE
DOWN

BAR

CLAMP

SCREW

SLOT

CLAMP

!

CAUTION

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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.

14).

FIG. 14

DESIRED

WIDTH

CLAMP
SCREW

LINE OF

CUT

CIRCLE CUTTING

1. Before attaching the rip fence, draw a
circle 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. 16).

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. 15).

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
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
the outside.

Cutting Tip: Cut slowly so the blade will stay
straight in the cut. Place small wedges in the
cut as shown in Fig. 16, to keep the inner
circle from spreading when near the end of
the cut.

NOTE: On orbital models we recommend
using the “0” position.

FIG. 15

FIG. 16

BLADE MUST BE IN ALIGNMENT

WITH NAIL

WEDGE

FINISHING

NAIL

EDGE

GUIDE

UP

NAIL

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