Operating Instructions - Skil 1840 Operating/Safety Instructions Manual

SM 2610995799 3/03 3/3/03
Skil plunge routers are designed for speed,
accuracy and convenience in performing
cabinet work, routing, fluting, beading, cove-
cutting, dove tails, etc. It will enable you to
accomplish inlay work, decorative edges and
many types of special carving.
PLUNGING ACTION
The plunge feature simplifies depth
adjustments and will allow the cutting bit to
easily and accurately enter the workpiece. To
lower, loosen lock lever (Fig. 2), and apply
downward pressure until depth gauge makes
contact with the fine depth adjustment screw,
and tighten lock lever. Loosen lever and
release pressure and the router will
automatically retract the bit from the
workpiece. It is advisable to retract the bit
whenever it is not engaged in workpiece.
WRENCH AND STORAGE AREA
(Standard models only)
Your router is equipped with a double-ended
wrench. The large end is for removing or
installing bits. The small end is for securing
the nut on the fine depth adjustment screw.
Your router also has a convenient storage
area located on top of your tool where your
wrench may be stored by simply sliding it into
place as shown in (Fig. 1).
UPPER TRAVEL STOP (Model 1840 only)
The upper travel stop rod includes two nuts.
The lower nut is used to limit the distance the
motor unit is allowed to travel above the work
surface. The upper nut is tightened on top of
first to secure it. This stop is convenient when
making repeated plunge cuts. Always allow
sufficient travel for router bit to retract above
base. The upper travel stop will also serve as
DEPTH GAUGE
KNOB
FIG. 4
Counter-
Clockwise
clockwise
To Lower
To Raise
FINE DEPTH ADJUSTMENT HALF
TURN = 1/64"
3:55 PM Page 8

Operating Instructions

a fine height adjustment when mounting the
router in a router table accessory (Fig. 2).
Your router is equipped with a depth gauge
and a depth scale calibrated in inches and
millimeters. It also features a fine depth
adjustment screw that allows the depth
gauge to stop the router at desired depths of
cut.
1. Loosen knob so that the depth gauge
moves freely.
2. Loosen lock lever and push down on router
until the bit touches the work surface and the
depth gauge is resting on top of the fine
depth adjustment screw as shown in (Fig. 4),
and tighten lock lever.
3. Raise depth gauge desired amount on
scale and tighten knob. For example, if you
raise the depth gauge up 1/8" on scale you
will get a 1/8" depth of cut.
4. Loosen lock lever and lower router until
depth gauge stops on top of the fine depth
adjustment screw. Make a few practice cuts
on a piece of scrap wood to check if depth of
cut is correct. If depth of cut needs to be
changed slightly, loosen nut on fine depth
adjustment screw with the wrench provided
and rotate screw until you reach desired
depth. Half turn of the fine depth adjustment
screw equals 1/64 of an inch. Full turn equals
1/32".
5. After depth of cut is obtained securely
tighten nut on fine depth adjustment screw
with the wrench provided to maintain
adjustment.
SCALE
NUT
WORK SURFACE
-8-
DEPTH GAUGE
TO ADJUST DEPTH
BIT