Skil 6445 manual Operating Tips

SM 2610958551 09-08 9/18/08 8:33 AM Page 8

DRILL/HAMMER DRILL

SELECTION SWITCH

The selector switch allows the tool to be set for various drilling/hammer drilling applications. Move the selector switch right or left depending on the below applications (Fig. 1).

!Do not operate the CAUTION selection switch until the

tool come to a complete stop. Shifting during rotation of the chuck can cause damage to the tool.

Drill only action: For drilling in woods, metals, plastics or other non concrete materials.

Drill with hammer action: For drilling in masonry, asphalt, tile or other similar hard materials.

Operating Tips

You will extend the life of your bits and do neater work if you always put the bit in contact with the work before pulling the trigger. During the operation, hold the tool firmly and exert light, steady pressure. Too much pressure at low speed will stall the tool. Too little pressure will keep the bit from cutting and cause excess friction by sliding over the surface. This can be damaging to both tool and bit.

DRILLING WITH VARIABLE SPEED

The trigger controlled variable speed feature will eliminate the need for center punches in hard materials. The variable speed trigger allows you to slowly increase RPM. By using a slow starting speed, you are able to keep the bit from “wandering”. You can increase the speed as the bit “bites” into the work by squeezing the trigger.

DRILL BITS

Always inspect drill bits for excessive wear. Use only bits that are sharp and in good condition.

TWIST BITS: Available with straight and reduced shanks for wood and light duty metal drilling. High speed bits cut faster and last longer on hard materials.

CARBIDE TIPPED BITS: Used for drilling stone, concrete, plaster, cement and other unusually hard nonmetals. Use continuous heavy feed pressure when employing carbide tip bits.

DRILLING WOOD

Be certain workpiece is clamped or anchored firmly. Always apply pressure in a straight line

with the drill bit. Maintain enough pressure to keep the drill “biting”.

When drilling holes in wood, twist bits can be used. Twist bits may overheat unless pulled out frequently to clear chips from flutes.

Use a “back-up” block of wood for work that is likely to splinter, such as thin materials.

You will drill a cleaner hole if you ease up on the pressure just before the bit breaks through the wood. Then complete the hole from the back side.

DRILLING METAL

There are two rules for drilling hard materials. First, the harder the material, the greater the pressure you need to apply to the tool. Second, the harder the material, the slower the speed. Here are a couple of tips for drilling in metal. Lubricate the tip of the bit occasionally with cutting oil except when drilling soft metals such as aluminum, copper or cast iron. If the hole to be drilled is fairly large, drill a smaller hole first, then enlarge to the required size, it’s often faster in the long run. Maintain enough pressure to assure that the bit does not just spin in the hole. This will dull the bit and greatly shorten its life.

DRILLING MASONRY

Use carbide-tipped masonry bit for cinder block, mortar, common brick, soft stone and other materials. The amount of pressure to be used is dependent upon the type of material being drilled. Soft materials require less pressure while the hard materials need more pressure to prevent the drill bit from spinning.

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