IMPORTANT:

Read Before Using

Operating/Safety Instructions

4295 R
 General Power Tool Safety Warnings

Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings
! WARNING and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or
battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

Work area safety power tool. Do not use a power tool while
Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered you are tired or under the influence of drugs,
or dark areas invite accidents. alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention
while operating power tools may result in
Do not operate power tools in explosive serious personal injury.
atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power Use personal protective equipment. Always
tools create sparks which may ignite the dust wear eye protection. Protective equipment
or fumes. such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard
hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate
Keep children and bystanders away while conditions will reduce personal injuries.
operating a power tool. Distractions can
cause you to lose control. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the
switch is in the off-position before
Electrical safety connecting to power source and / or battery
Power tool plugs must match the outlet. pack, picking up or carrying the tool.
Never modify the plug in any way. Do not Carrying power tools with your finger on the
use any adapter plugs with earthed switch or energizing power tools that have the
(grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs switch on invites accidents.
and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric Remove any adjusting key or wrench before
shock. turning the power tool on. A wrench or a
Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded key left attached to a rotating part of the
surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges power tool may result in personal injury.
and refrigerators. There is an increased risk Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
of electric shock if your body is earthed or balance at all times. This enables better
grounded. control of the power tool in unexpected
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet situations.
conditions. Water entering a power tool will Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing
increase the risk of electric shock. or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord gloves away from moving parts. Loose
for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in
tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp moving parts.
edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled If devices are provided for the connection
cords increase the risk of electric shock. of dust extraction and collection facilities,
When operating a power tool outdoors, ensure these are connected and properly
use an extension cord suitable for outdoor used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-
use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use related hazards.
reduces the risk of electric shock.
Power tool use and care
If operating a power tool in a damp location Do not force the power tool. Use the
is unavoidable, use a Ground Fault Circuit correct power tool for your application. The
Interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of correct power tool will do the job better and
an GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock. safer at the rate for which it was designed.
Personal safety Do not use the power tool if the switch does
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and not turn it on and off. Any power tool that
use common sense when operating a cannot be controlled with the switch is
dangerous and must be repaired.
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Disconnect the plug from the power source Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
and/or the battery pack from the power tool maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting
before making any adjustments, changing edges are less likely to bind and are easier to
accessories, or storing power tools. Such control.
preventive safety measures reduce the risk of Use the power tool, accessories and tool
starting the power tool accidentally. bits etc. in accordance with these instructions,
Store idle power tools out of the reach of taking into account the working conditions
children and do not allow persons unfamiliar and the work to be performed. Use of the
with the power tool or these instructions to power tool for operations different from those
operate the power tool. Power tools are intended could result in a hazardous situation.
dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Service
Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment
or binding of moving parts, breakage of Have your power tool serviced by a qualified
parts and any other condition that may repair person using only identical
affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, replacement parts. This will ensure that the
have the power tool repaired before use. safety of the power tool is maintained.
Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained power tools.

Safety Rules for Jigsaws

Hold power tool by insulated gripping first pulling the trigger then immediately
surfaces, when performing an operation releasing it without pressing the "Lock-ON"
where the cutting accessory may contact button.
hidden wiring or its own cord. Cutting
Keep hands away from cutting area. Do
accessory contacting a "live" wire may make
not reach under the material being cut.
exposed metal parts of the power tool "live"
The proximity of the blade to your hand is
and could give the operator an electric shock.
hidden from your sight.
Use clamps or another practical way to
Keep hands from between the gear
secure and support the workpiece to a
housing and saw blade holder. The
stable platform. Holding the work by your
reciprocating blade holder can pinch your
hand or against the body leaves it unstable
fingers.
and may lead to loss of control.
Do not drill, fasten or break into existing Do not use dull or damaged blades. Bent
walls or other blind areas where electrical blade can break easily or cause kickback.
wiring may exist. If this situation is Before starting to cut, turn tool "ON" and
unavoidable, disconnect all fuses or circuit allow the blade to come to full speed.
breakers feeding this worksite. Tool can chatter or vibrate if blade speed is
Never leave the trigger locked "ON". too slow at beginning of cut and possibly
Before plugging the tool in, check that the kickback.
trigger lock is "OFF". Accidental start-ups Always wear safety goggles or eye
could cause injury. protection when using this tool. Use a
Be aware of the location and setting of dust mask or respirator for applications
the switch "Lock-ON" button. If the switch which generate dust.
is locked "ON" during the use, be ready for Secure material before cutting. Never
emergency situations to switch it "OFF", by hold it in your hand or across legs. Small

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or thin material may flex or vibrate with the When removing the blade from the tool
blade, causing loss of control. avoid contact with skin and use proper
protective gloves when grasping the
Make certain all adjusting screws and the
blade or accessory. Accessories may be
blade holder are tight before making a
hot after prolonged use.
cut. Loose adjusting screws and holders
can cause the tool or blade to slip and loss of
control may result.

Additional Safety Warnings

GFCI and personal protection devices like Some dust created by power
electrician’s rubber gloves and footwear will ! WARNING sanding, sawing, grinding,
further enhance your personal safety. drilling, and other construction activities
Do not use AC only rated tools with a DC contains chemicals known to cause cancer,
power supply. While the tool may appear to birth defects or other reproductive harm.
work, the electrical components of the AC Some examples of these chemicals are:
rated tool are likely to fail and create a hazard • Lead from lead-based paints,
to the operator. • Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and
Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil other masonry products, and
and grease. Slippery hands cannot safely • Arsenic and chromium from chemically-
control the power tool. treated lumber.
Develop a periodic maintenance schedule Your risk from these exposures varies,
for your tool. When cleaning a tool be depending on how often you do this type of
careful not to disassemble any portion of work. To reduce your exposure to these
the tool since internal wires may be chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and
misplaced or pinched or safety guard return work with approved safety equipment, such as
springs may be improperly mounted. those dust masks that are specially designed
Certain cleaning agents such as gasoline, to filter out microscopic particles.
carbon tetrachloride, ammonia, etc. may
damage plastic parts.
Risk of injury to user. The power cord must
only be serviced by a Skil Factory Service
Center or Authorized Skil Service Station.

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 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.
n0 No load speed Rotational speed, at no load
n Rated speed Maximum attainable speed
.../min Revolutions or reciprocation Revolutions, strokes, surface speed,
per minute 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
0 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

Li-ion RBRC seal Designates Li-ion battery recycling

program

Ni-Cad RBRC seal Designates Ni-Cad battery recycling

program

Read manual symbol Alerts user to read manual

Wear eye protection symbol Alerts user to wear eye protection

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 Symbols (continued)
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.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories.

This symbol designates that this component is recognized by Underwriters

Laboratories.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories,

to United States and Canadian Standards.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards
Association.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards
Association, to United States and Canadian Standards.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Intertek Testing
Services, to United States and Canadian Standards.

This symbol designates that this tool complies to NOM Mexican Standards.

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 Functional Description and Specifications
Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any
! WARNING assembly, adjustments or changing accessories. Such preventive safety
measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

Jigsaw
FIG. 1

VARIABLE SPEED CONTROLLED

TRIGGER SWITCH

HANDLE

“LOCK-ON”
BUTTON

VENTILATION
R
OPENINGS

BLADE STORAGE
COMPARTMENT

FOOT

TOOL-LESS BLADE
CHANGE HOLDER

MAXIMUM CAPACITIES
Model Blade
No. Thickness Stroke Length Wood Aluminum Steel
4295 Minimum .7mm - Maximum 1.7mm 0.7" (18 mm) 2-1/4" 1/2" 1/4"

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

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 Assembly
BLADE INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL When inserting the saw blade, the back of the
To prevent personal injury, blade must rest in the groove of the guide roller
! WARNING always disconnect plug (Fig. 3).
from power source before assembling
2. To remove blade, lift tool-less blade change
parts, making adjustments, or changing
holder up with index finger and thumb and
blades.
remove blade.
1. To insert the saw blade (teeth in cutting For use with both T or U shank jigsaw blades.
direction) lift tool-less blade change holder up
with index finger and thumb until it latches in FIG. 3
the plunger (Fig. 2).

FIG. 2 BLADE

TOOL-LESS
BLADE CHANGE
HOLDER
ROLLER
GUIDE

Operating Instructions
PLUNGER SPEED maximum SPM without holding the trigger
The jigsaw cutting speed or stroke rate (Fig. 1).
required depends on the material being cut,
TO LOCK TRIGGER "ON": squeeze trigger,
the type of blade being used, and the feed rate
depress button and release trigger.
preferred by the operator.
TO UNLOCK THE TRIGGER: squeeze trigger
The best speed for a particular application is
and release it without depressing the "Lock-
largely determined by experience though as a
ON" button.
general rule, slower speeds are for denser
materials and faster speeds for softer materials. If the “Lock-ON” button is
! WARNING continuously being
Note that when the jigsaw is used at low speed
settings for an extended length of time, the depressed, the trigger can not be released.
motor temperature will rise due to slower BLADE STORAGE COMPARTMENT
speeds of the internal cooling fan. In such Your tool is equipped with a blade storage
cases, it is necessary to occasionally run the compartment on the backside of your saw
tool at full speed for a few minutes to keep the (Fig. 4). To remove, pull compartment in
motor running at high efficiency. direction of arrow.
VARIABLE SPEED CONTROLLED Always make sure the blade storage
TRIGGER SWITCH compartment is securely in housing to prevent
Your tool is equipped with a variable speed trigger blades from falling out.
switch. The tool can be turned "ON" or "OFF" by FIG. 4
squeezing or releasing the trigger. The speed
can be adjusted from the minimum to maximum
nameplate SPM by the pressure you apply to the BLADE
STORAGE
trigger. Apply more pressure to increase the
COMPARTMENT
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
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 To prevent personal injury, FIG. 5
! WARNING
always disconnect plug
from power source before assembling
parts, making adjustments, or changing
blades.
BEVEL OR ANGLE CUTTING
The foot can be adjusted to cut angles at 0˚ or FOOT
45˚ in either direction.
To adjust, push foot forward and pivot foot to
45˚. To lock, slide foot backward (Fig. 5).
To return to 90˚, push foot forward and pivot
foot to 90˚. To lock, slide foot backward (Fig. 5).

Cutting Tips
Face the good side of the material down and and the blade may break. Let the saw do most
secure it in a bench vise or clamp it down. of the work. When following curves, cut slowly
Draw cutting lines or designs on the side of the so the blade can cut through cross grain. This
material facing up towards you. Then place the will give you an accurate cut and will prevent
front edge of the saw foot on the work and line the blade from wandering.
up the blade with the line to be cut. Hold the Choose blades carefully, as the ability of the
jigsaw firmly, turn it on, and press down (to jigsaw to follow curves, provide smoother
keep the saw foot flat against the work) as you finishes, or faster cutting is directly related to
slowly push the saw in the direction of the cut. the type of blade used (See your Skil Dealer).
Build up cutting rate gradually, cutting close to For tight curves it is best to use a narrow or
the line (unless you want to leave stock for scroll blade.
finish sanding). As you cut you may have to
adjust or relocate the vise or clamps to keep When sawing metal or similar materials, shut
the work stable. Do not force the saw or the off chip blower and apply coolant/lubricant
blade teeth may rub and wear without cutting alongside the cutting line. Don’t use extraction.

PLUNGE CUTTING hinge until the blade cuts through and the foot
Plunge cutting is useful and time-saving in rests flat on the work. Then saw ahead on the
making rough openings in softer materials. It is line of cut line. We do not recommend plunge
not necessary to drill a hole for an inside or cutting with a scroll blade (Fig. 6).
pocket cut. Draw lines for the opening, hold the To make sharp corners, cut up to the corner,
saw firmly, tilt it forward so that the toe of the then back up slightly before rounding the
saw foot rests on the work, but with the blade corner. After the opening is complete, go back
well clear of the work. Start the motor, and to each corner and cut it from the opposite
then very gradually lower the blade. When it direction to square it off. Do not try to plunge
touches, continue pressing down on the toe of cut into hard materials such as steel.
the saw foot slowly pivoting the saw like a

FIG. 6

2
1

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 METAL CUTTING when cutting steel. Thin metal should be
Be sure to use the correct metal cutting blade sandwiched between two pieces of wood or
to match the cutting application. tightly clamped on a single piece of wood
When cutting metal clamp material down. Be (wood on top of the metal). Draw the cut lines
extra certain that you move the saw along or design on the top piece of wood.
slowly. Use lower speeds. Do not twist, bend, When cutting aluminum extrusion or angle
or force the blade. If the saw jumps or iron, clamp the work in a bench vise and saw
bounces, use a blade with finer teeth. If the close to the vise jaws.
blade seems clogged when cutting soft metal, When sawing tubing and the diameter is
use a blade with coarser teeth. larger than the blade is deep, cut through the
For easier cutting, lubricate the blade with a wall of the tubing and then insert the blade
stick of cutting wax, if available, or cutting oil into the cut rotating the tube as you saw.

CUTTING WITH A STRAIGHTEDGE FIG. 7

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 FOOT AGAINST
saw foot. (Either first mark the line of cut and STRAIGHTEDGE
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
LINE OF
edge of the foot and then clamp the
CUT
straightedge on the mark and parallel to the
R

cut line Fig. 7).

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

CLAMPS

RIP FENCE AND CIRCLE CUTTING GUIDE FIG. 8

This accessory is an optional accessory not
sold with tool. It is used for fast and accurate
straight and circle cutting (Fig. 8).
SCREW
ATTACHING RIP FENCE CLAMP
1. Insert bar of rip fence through the slots
provided in foot, from either side of foot with
SLOT
the edge guide facing down (Fig. 8).
2. Thread the clamp screw through threaded BAR
hole in tab on either the left or right side of
foot, and securely tighten clamp screw with a
screwdriver against rip fence bar (Fig. 8).

EDGE GUIDE DOWN

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 STRAIGHT CUTTING FIG. 9
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 CLAMP
then securely tighten clamp screw (Fig. 9). SCREW

LINE OF
R

CUT

DESIRED
WIDTH

CIRCLE CUTTING FIG. 11

1. Before attaching the rip fence, draw a circle
and drive a finishing nail in the center of circle. BLADE MUST BE IN
2. Drill or plunge cut near the circles edge, ALIGNMENT WITH NAIL
turn saw off and disconnect the plug from
power source (Fig. 10).

FIG. 10

NAIL
R

WEDGE 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 on the
EDGE outside of the circle.
FINISHING
GUIDE UP Cutting Tip: Cut slowly so the blade will stay
NAIL
straight in the cut. Place small wedges in the
3. Attach rip fence to saw with the edge guide cut as shown in Fig. 10, to keep the inner
facing “up”. In order for the rip fence to cut a circle from spreading when near the end of
circle, the nail must be in alignment with the the cut.
blade, as shown in (Fig. 11).

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 Maintenance
Service specially designed for your tool should be
Preventive maintenance used.
! WARNING performed by unauth-
orized personnel may result in misplacing Cleaning
of internal wires and components which To avoid accidents always
could cause serious hazard. We
! WARNING dis connect the tool from
recommend that all tool service be performed the power supply before cleaning or
by a Skil Factory Service Center or Autho- performing any maintenance. The tool may
rized Skil Service Station. be cleaned most effectively with compressed
dry air. Always wear safety goggles when
TOOL LUBRICATION cleaning tools with compressed air.
Your Skil tool has been properly lubricated
and is ready to use. It is recommended that Ventilation openings and switch levers must
tools with gears be regreased with a special be kept clean and free of foreign matter. Do
gear lubricant at every brush change. not at tempt to clean by inserting pointed
objects through openings.
CARBON BRUSHES
The brushes and commutator in your tool Certain cleaning agents
! CAUTION and sol vents damage
have been engineered for many hours of
dependable service. To maintain peak plastic parts. Some of these are: gasoline,
efficiency of the motor, we recommend every carbon tetrachlo ride, chlo rinated cleaning
two to six months the brushes be examined. solvents, ammonia and house hold
Only genuine Skil replace ment brushes detergents that contain ammonia.

Extension Cords
If an extension cord is RECOMMENDED SIZES OF EXTENSION CORDS
! WARNING necessary, a cord with 120 VOLT ALTERNATING CURRENT TOOLS
adequate size conductors that is capable Wire Sizes in mm2
Tool’s Cord Size in A.W.G.
of carrying the current necessary for your
Ampere
tool must be used. This will prevent Rating
Cord Length in Feet Cord Length in Meters
excessive voltage drop, loss of power or 25 50 100 150 15 30 60 120
overheating. Grounded tools must use 3- 3-6 18 16 16 14 0.75 0.75 1.5 2.5
wire extension cords that have 3-prong plugs 6-8 18 16 14 12 0.75 1.0 2.5 4.0
and receptacles. 8-10 18 16 14 12 0.75 1.0 2.5 4.0
10-12 16 16 14 12 1.0 2.5 4.0 —
NOTE: The smaller the gauge number, the
12-16 14 12 — — — — — —
heavier the cord.

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