Skil 4485 manual Plunge Cutting, Bevel or Angle Cutting, Metal Cutting

SM 1619X00516 10-04 10/11/04 8:36 AM Page 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. 13).

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. 13

TOE OF FOOT

BEVEL OR ANGLE CUTTING

!WARNING 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 of the tool.

Disconnect the cord from the power source. The foot can be adjusted to cut any angle from 0˚ to 45,˚ and is equipped with quick reference detent stops at 0˚, 15˚, 30˚, and 45˚.

TO ADJUST: Lift foot adjustment lever in the bottom of foot as shown, move foot slightly backward to disengage the locking tab (Fig. 14).

Position foot to desired angle, then push forward to engage locking tab and lower adjustment lever to maintain adjustment. After adjusting foot make a sample cut to check the angle, (Fig. 14).

Note: If the foot becomes loose you can use a screwdriver to tighten screw located on the foot adjustment lever, then re-adjust the foot adjustment lever.

FIG. 14		FOOT
		ADJUSTMENT
SCREW		LEVER
FOOT
45
30
15
0
15	30	45
LOCKING
TAB

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

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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