Skil HD55 Operating/safety Instructions Manual
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
HD5510
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!2610929488!
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Work area safety
Keep work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered or 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 children and bystanders away while
operating a power tool. Distractions can
cause you to lose control.
Electrical safety
Power tool plugs must match the outlet.
Never modify the plug in any way. Do not
use any adapter plugs with earthed
(grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs
and matching outlets will reduce risk of
electric shock.
Avoid body contact with earthed or
grounded surfaces such as pipes,
radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There
is an increased risk of electric shock if your
body is earthed or grounded.
Do not 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
for carrying, pulling or unplugging the
power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil,
sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or
entangled cords increase the risk of electric
shock.
When operating a power tool outdoors,
use an extension cord suitable for
outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for
outdoor use reduces the risk of electric
shock.
Do not use AC only rated tools with a DC
power supply. While the tool may appear to
work, the electrical components of the AC
rated tool are likely to fail and create a
hazard to the operator.
If operating the power tool in damp
locations is unavoidable a Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) must be used to
supply the power to your tool. GFCI and
personal protection devices like electrician’s
rubber gloves and footwear will further
enhance your personal safety.
Personal safety
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and
use common sense when operating a
power tool. Do not use a power tool while
you are tired or under the influence of
drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of
inattention while operating power tools may
result in serious personal injury.
Use safety equipment. Always wear eye
protection. Safety equipment such as dust
mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or
hearing protection used for appropriate
conditions will reduce personal injuries.
Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the
switch is in the off-position before
plugging in. Carrying power tools with your
finger on the switch or plugging in power
tools that have the switch on invites
accidents.
Remove any adjusting key or wrench
before turning the power tool on. A wrench
or a key left attached to a rotating part of the
power tool may result in personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing
and balance at all times. This enables
better control of the power tool in unexpected
situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose
clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair,
clothing and gloves away from moving
parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can
be caught in moving parts.
If devices are provided for the connection
of dust extraction and collection facilities,
ensure these are connected and properly
used. Use of these devices can reduce dust-
related hazards.
Read all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may
result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. The term “power tool” in
all of the warnings listed below refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or batteryoperated (cordless) power tool.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
!
WARNING
General Safety Rules
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Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil
and grease. Slippery hands cannot safely
control the power tool.
Power tool use and care
Do not force the power tool. Use the
correct power tool for your application.
The correct power tool will do the job better
and safer at the rate for which it was
designed.
Do not use the power tool if the switch
does not turn it on and off. Any power tool
that cannot be controlled with the switch is
dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power
source and/or the battery pack from the
power tool before making any
adjustments, changing accessories, or
storing power tools. Such preventive safety
measures reduce the risk of starting the
power tool accidentally.
Store idle power tools out of the reach of
children and do not allow persons
unfamiliar with the power tool or these
instructions to operate the power tool.
Power tools are dangerous in the hands of
untrained users.
Maintain power tools. Check for
misalignment or binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts and any other condition
that may affect the power tools operation.
If damaged, have the power tool repaired
before use. Many accidents are caused by
poorly maintained power tools.
Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.
Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp
cutting edges are less likely to bind and are
easier to control.
Use the power tool, accessories and tool
bits etc., in accordance with these
instructions and in the manner intended
for the particular type of power tool,
taking into account the working
conditions and the work to be performed.
Use of the power tool for operations different
from those intended could result in a
hazardous situation.
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.
Service
Have your power tool serviced by a
qualified repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that the
safety of the power tool is maintained.
Develop a periodic maintenance schedule
for your tool. When cleaning a tool be
careful not to disassemble any portion of
the tool since internal wires may be
misplaced or pinched or safety guard
return springs may be improperly
mounted. Certain cleaning agents such as
gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, ammonia, etc.
may damage plastic parts.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Safety Rules for Circular Saws
Read all safety warnings and all instructions.
!
WARNING
Cutting procedures
Keep hands away from
cutting area and blade. If
hands are holding the saw, they cannot be cut
by the blade.
Do not reach underneath the workpiece.
The guard cannot protect you from the blade
below the workpiece.
NEVER hold piece being cut in your hands
or across your leg. Secure the workpiece to
stable platform. It is important to support the
work properly to minimize body exposure,
blade binding, or loss of control.
Hold power tool by the insulated gripping
surfaces when performing an operation
where the cutting tool may contact hidden
wiring or it own cord. Contact with a "live" wire
will also make exposed metal parts of the tool
“live” and shock the operator.
When ripping always use a rip fence or
straight edge guide. This improves accuracy
DANGER
!
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of cut and reduces the chance for blade
binding.
Always use blades with correct size and
shape (diamond vs. round) of arbor holes.
Blades that do not match the mounting
hardware of the saw will run eccentrically,
causing loss of control.
Never use damaged or incorrect blade
washers or bolts. The blade washers and bolt
were specially designed for your saw, for
optimum performance and safety of operation.
Inspect the condition and quality of the
wood and remove all nails from lumber
before cutting. Wet lumber, green lumber or
pressure treated lumber require special
attention during cutting operation to prevent
kickback.
Hold the saw firmly to prevent loss of
control. Figures in this manual illustrate
typical hand support of the saw.
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. If either
occurs, unplug the saw immediately and do not
use until repaired.
This circular saw should not be mounted to
a table and converted to a table saw.
Circular saws are not designed or intended to
be used as table saws.
Kickback and related warnings
Causes and operator prevention of
kickback:
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
and can be avoided by taking proper
precautions as given below:
Maintain a firm grip on the saw and position
your body and arm to allow you to resist
kickback forces. Position your body to
either side of the blade, but not in line with
the blade. Kickback could cause the saw to
jump backwards, but 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.
Investigate and take corrective action to
eliminate the cause of blade binding.
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. If saw blade is binding, it may walk
up or kickback from the workpiece as the saw
is restarted.
Support large panels to minimize the risk of
blade pinching and kickback. Large panels
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.
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
levers must be tight and secure before
making cut. If blade adjustment shifts while
cutting, it may cause binding and kickback.
Use extra caution when making a “Plunge
Cut” into existing walls or other blind
areas. The protruding blade may cut objects
that can cause kickback.
The blade washers and the bolt on your
saw have been designed to work as a
clutch to reduce the intensity of a kickback.
Understand the operation and settings of
the VARI-TORQUE CLUTCH. The proper
setting of the clutch, combined with firm
handling of the saw will allow you to control
kickback.
Never place your hand behind the saw
blade. Kickback could cause the saw to jump
backwards over your hand.
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Do not use the saw with an excessive depth
of cut setting. Too much blade exposure
increases the likelihood of the blade twisting in
the kerf and increases the surface area of the
blade available for pinching that leads to
kickback.
Lower guard function
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. If saw is
accidentally dropped, 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
before use. Lower guard may operate
sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy
deposits, or a buildup of debris.
Lower guard should be retracted manually
only for special cuts such as “Plunge Cuts”
and “Compound Cuts”. Raise lower guard
by lower guard Lift lever and as soon as
blade enters the material, lower guard must
be released. For all other sawing, the lower
guard should operate automatically.
Always observe that the lower guard is
covering the blade before placing saw
down on bench or floor. An unprotected,
coasting 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.
Do not run the tool while carrying it at your
side. Lower guard may be opened by a
contact with your clothing. Accidental
contact with the spinning saw blade could
result in serious personal injury.
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. Preventive maintenance
and properly operating guard will reduce the
probability of an accident.
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.
VARI-TORQUE
CLUTCH
KICKBACK
!
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
Circular Saw
FIG. 1
Maximum Capacities
Blade 5-1/2"
Blade arbor hole Round
Depth of cut at 90° 1-3/4"
Depth of cut at 45° 1-5/16"
NOTE: For tool specifications refer to the nameplate on your tool.
BEVEL
ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
CALIBRATED
BEVEL
QUADRANT
FOOT
UPPER
GUARD
LOWER
GUARD
TRIGGER
SWITCH
LOWER GUARD
LIFT LEVER
DEPTH
ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
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-8-
Assembly
ATTACHING THE BLADE
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.
1. Turn blade stud CLOCKWISE with the
wrench provided and remove BLADE STUD
and OUTER WASHER. If the saw shaft moves
while attempting to move the blade stud, strike
the wrench clockwise to jar the wrench loose
(Fig. 2).
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 INNER
and OUTER washers lay flush against the
blade.
5. Reinstall OUTER WASHER and tighten
BLADE STUD finger tight. Place the blade on a
piece of scrap wood and hold the saw securely
by the upper guard (teeth imbedded in wood)
and TIGHTEN BLADE STUD 1/8 TURN (45°)
WITH THE WRENCH PROVIDED.
Do not use wrenches with longer handles,
since it may lead to over tightening of the
blade stud.
VARI-TORQUE CLUTCH
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 a fraction of a turn more
(less than 1/8 turn). OVERTIGHTENING THE
BLADE STUD NULLIFIES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CLUTCH.
!
WARNING
UPPER GUARD
LOWER GUARD SPRING
LOWER GUARD
BLADE STUD
BLADE
OUTER WASHER
Large Diameter
Faces Blade
Tighten
Loosen
FIG. 2
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DEPTH ADJUSTMENT
Disconnect plug from power source. Loosen
the depth adjustment lever located between
the guard and handle of saw. Hold the foot
down with one hand and raise or lower saw by
the handle. Tighten lever 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).
-9-
90° CUTTING ANGLE CHECK
Disconnect plug from power source. Set foot to
maximum depth of cut setting. Loosen bevel
adjustment lever, set to 0° on quadrant,
retighten lever and check for 90° angle
between the blade and bottom plane of foot
with a square (Fig. 6). Make adjustments by
turning the small alignment screw, if necessary
(Fig. 5).
BEVEL ADJUSTMENT
Disconnect plug from power source. The foot
can be adjusted up to 45° by loosening the
bevel adjustment lever at the front of the saw.
Align to desired angle on calibrated quadrant.
Then tighten bevel adjustment lever (Fig. 7).
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.
Operating Instructions
ADJUSTABLE LINE GUIDE
For a straight 90° cut you can use the left or
right side of notch in the foot. For 45° bevel
cuts, use the right side (Fig 8). The guide can
be adjusted to allow for variation in blade
thicknesses for whichever side of the blade
the user would prefer to cut the line on.
TO ADJUST: Disconnect plug from power
source. Loosen but don’t remove, the
adjustment screws enough so the guide can
move freely. Set a straightedge flat on the
preferred side of the blade, lining up both the
edge of the straightedge and the edge of the
guide where the 0° mark is located.
FOOT
DEPTH
ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
DEPTH
QUADRANT
FIG. 3
FIG. 4
ONE TOOTH LENGTH SHOULD
PENETRATE WOOD FOR
MINIMUM SPLINTERING
BEVEL
ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
ALIGNMENT SCREW
FIG. 6
FIG. 5
QUADRANT
BEVEL
ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
FIG. 7
90°
VERTICAL
CUTS
45°
BEVEL CUTS
GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
SCREWS
FIG. 8
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SWITCH
This tool is not
recommended for use with
abrasive masonry cut-off wheels.
When starting the tool,
hold the saw firmly to
prevent loss of control. The torque from the
motor can cause the tool to twist.
To turn tool “ON”, 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.
GENERAL CUTS
Always hold the saw handle with one hand
and keep the other away from blade and line
of cut.
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.
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.
CROSS CUTS
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.
PLUNGE CUTS
Disconnect the plug from the power source
before 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. (Fig. 9).
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.
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.
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.
-10-
!
WARNING
!
WARNING
LOWER
GUARD
LIFT LEVER
LINE
GUIDE
FOOT
FIG. 9
!
WARNING
!
WARNING
!
WARNING
!
WARNING
SM 2610929488 5-05 5/4/05 3:46 AM Page 10
CUTTING LARGE SHEETS
Large sheets and long boards sag or bend,
depending on support. If you attempt to cut
without leveling and properly supporting the
piece, the blade will tend to bind, causing KICKBACK and extra load on the motor (Fig. 10).
Support the panel or board close to the cut, as
shown in (Fig. 11). 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.
-11-
Service
Preventive maintenance
performed by unauthorized
personnel may result in misplacing of
internal wires and components which
could cause serious hazard. We
recommend that all tool service be performed
by a Skil Factory Service Center or
Authorized Skil Service Station.
TOOL LUBRICATION
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.
CARBON BRUSHES
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.
BEARINGS
After about 300-400 hours of operation, or at
every second brush change, the bearings
should be replaced at Skil Factory Service
Center or Authorized Skil Service Station.
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. 12). 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. 11
FIG. 10
WRONG
RIGHT
FIG. 12
DESIRED
WIDTH OF CUT
RIP FENCE
Maintenance
!
WARNING
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