Skil 5300 Operating Instructions Manual page 18

gummy deposits, or a build-up of debris.
• Assure that the guide plate of the saw will not shift
while performing the "plunge cut" when the blade
bevel setting is not at 90°. Blade shifting sideways will
cause binding and likely kick back.
• Always observe that the guard is covering the blade
before placing saw down on bench or floor. An un-
protected, 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 re-
leased.
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 with wrench provided counter-clock-
wise and remove BLADE STUD and OUTER WASHER.
If the shaft moves while attempting to loosen the blade
stud press the lock button.
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 di-
ameter of the OUTER washer lays flush against the
blade.
5. Reinstall OUTER WASHER and tighten BLADE STUD
finger tight. Press lock button to lock shaft. For all mod-
els 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 OUT-
ER WASHER against the BLADE and permits the blade
shaft to turn when the blade encounters excessive resis-
tance. When the BLADE STUD is properly tightened (as de-
scribed in Attaching The Blade), the blade will slip when it
encounters excessive resistance, thus reducing saw's ten-
dency 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). OVERTIGHT-
ENING THE BLADE STUD NULLIFIES THE EFFECTIVE-
NESS OF THE CLUTCH.
Depth adjustment
Disconnect plug from power source. Loosen the depth ad-
justment 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 de-
sired.
18
manual skil 5300 18
Not more than one tooth length of the blade should extend
below the material to be cut, for minimum splintering.
One tooth length should
penetrate wood for
minimum splintering
90° cutting angle check
Disconnect plug from power source. Set foot to maximum
depth of cut setting. Loosen bevel adjustment knob, set to
0° on quadrant, retighten knob and check for 90° angle be-
tween the blade and bottom plane of foot with a square.
Foot
90 °
Blade
If adjustment is necessary, tilt foot to 45°, tighten bevel ad-
justment knob and bend "TAB" with an adjustable wrench
or pliers.
Tab
Bevel adjustment
Disconnect plug from power source. The foot can be ad-
justed up to 45° by loosening the bevel adjustment knob
at the front of the saw. Align to desired angle on calibrated
quadrant.
Then tighten bevel adjustment knob. Because of the in-
creased amount of blade engagement in the work and de-
creased stability of the foot, blade binding may occur. Keep
the saw steady and the foot firmly on the workpiece.
11.02.04, 07:54
Depth
scale
Depth
adjustment
lever
Blade wrench &
storage area
Bevel
adjustment
knob