Skil 1400 Multi-Tasker™ Oscillating Power Tool

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

⚠ WARNING Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings 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

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical safety

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
• If operating the power tool in damp locations is unavoidable, use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of an GFCI reduce the risk of electric shock.

Personal safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and / or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.

Power tool use and care

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

General Safety Rules (Continued)

• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool's operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

Service

Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

Safety Rules for Oscillating Tools

• Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the cutting tools may contact hidden wiring. Contact with a "live" wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool "live" and shock the operator. Do not drill, fasten or break into existing walls or other blind areas where electrical wiring may exist. If this situation is unavoidable, disconnect all fuses or circuit breakers feeding this worksite.
• Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of control.
• Use a metal detector to determine if there are gas or water pipes hidden in the work area or call the local utility company for assistance before beginning the operation. Striking or cutting into a gas line will result in explosion. Water entering an electrical device may cause electrocution.
• Always hold the tool firmly with both hands for maximum control. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• Keep hands away from cutting area. Do not reach under the material being cut. The proximity of the blade to your hand is hidden from your sight.
• Do not use dull or damaged blades. Bent blade can break easily or cause kickback.
• Exercise extreme caution when handling the accessories. The accessories are very sharp.
• Wear protective gloves when changing cutting accessories. Accessories become hot after prolonged usage.
• Use thick cushioned gloves and limit the exposure time by taking frequent rest periods. Vibration caused by the tool may be harmful to the hands and arms.
• Before scraping, check workpiece for nails. If there are nails, either remove them or set them well below intended finished surface. Striking a nail with accessory edge could cause the tool to jump.
• Do not wet sand with this tool. Liquids entering the motor housing is an electrical shock hazard.
• Never work in area which is soaked with a liquid, such as a solvent or water, or dampened such as newly applied wallpaper. There is an electrical shock hazard when working in such conditions with a power tool and heating of the liquid caused by scraping action may cause harmful vapors to be emitted from workpiece.
• Always wear eye protection and a dust mask for dusty applications and when sanding overhead. Sanding particles can be absorbed by your eyes and inhaled easily and may cause health complications.
• Use special precautions when sanding chemically pressure treated lumber, paint that may be lead based, or any other materials that may contain carcinogens. A suitable breathing respirator and protective clothing must be worn by all persons entering the work area. Work area should be sealed by plastic sheeting and persons not protected should be kept out until work area is thoroughly cleaned.
• Do not use sandpaper intended for larger sanding pads. Larger sandpaper will extend beyond the sanding pad causing snagging, tearing of the paper or kick-back. Extra paper extending beyond the sanding pad can also cause serious lacerations.

Additional Safety Warnings

• GFCI and personal protection devices like electrician's rubber gloves and footwear will further enhance your personal safety.
• Do not use AC only rated tools with a DC power supply. While the tool may appear to work, the electrical components of the AC rated tool are likely to fail and create a hazard to the operator.
• Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery hands cannot safely control the power tool.
• Develop a periodic maintenance schedule for your tool. When cleaning a tool be careful not to disassemble any portion of the tool since internal wires may be misplaced or pinched or safety guard return springs may be improperly mounted. Certain cleaning agents such as gasoline, 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.

⚠ WARNING Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:

• Lead from lead-based paints,
• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.

Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

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.

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.

• UL This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories.
• CULUS This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories, to United States and Canadian Standards.
• SP This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards Association.
• CSAUS This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards Association, to United States and Canadian Standards.
• ETLIntertekUS This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Intertek Testing Services, to United States and Canadian Standards.
• NOM-ANCE This symbol designates that this tool complies to NOM Mexican Standards.

Conforms to

• UL Standard 60745-1
• UL Standard 60745-2-4

Certified to

• CAN/CSA Standard C22.2 No. 60745-1
• CAN/CSA Standard C22.2 No. 60745-2-4

Functional Description and Specifications

⚠ WARNING 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.

Model 1400 Multi-Tasker™ Oscillating Power Tool

FIG. 1: Diagram of the Skil 1400 Multi-Tasker showing the ON/OFF SWITCH, VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL DIAL, ACCESSORY HOLDER, VENTILATION OPENINGS, DUST PORT, VACUUM HOSE (not included), and POWER CORD.

Model number: 1400

No load speed: n₀ 12,000-22,000/min

Voltage rating: 120 V~ 60 Hz

Oscillating Angle: R/L 1.4°

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

Assembly

⚠ WARNING 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.

⚠ WARNING For all work or when changing accessories always wear protective gloves. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of injury from sharp edges of the accessories. Application tools can become very hot while working. Danger of burns!

Installing and Removing Accessories

1. To install accessories, align holes in accessory with locating pins on accessory holder in desired position. Assure that pin in holder are engaged into holes in accessory and securely tighten with hex bolt provided (FIG. 2). Your accessories can be engaged into accessory holder 12 positions 30 degrees apart.
2. For intermediate position an adapter is provided that will allow you to attach the accessory in any position. Use of adapter will also allow you to use most competitor accessories.
3. To remove accessory, loosen and remove hex bolt and remove accessory from holder (FIG. 2).

Installing Sanding Sheets

First install rubber backing pad to tool. Your tool uses hook-and-loop backed sandpaper, which firmly grips the backing pad when applied with moderate pressure.

To change, merely peel off the old sandpaper, remove dust from the backing pad if necessary, and press the new sandpaper in place (FIG. 2).

After considerable use the backing pad surface will become worn, and the backing pad must be replaced when it no longer offers a firm grip. If you are experiencing premature wear of the backing pad facing, decrease the amount of pressure you are applying during operation of the tool.

FIG. 2: Diagram illustrating accessory installation and sanding sheet attachment, showing ACCESSORY HOLDER, ADAPTER, RUBBER BACKING PAD, PLUNGE CUT BLADE, HEX BOLT, 5 MM HEX WRENCH, and SANDING SHEET.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Skil Multi-Tasker. This tool was designed to tackle a wide variety of Skil Multi-Tasker projects. The Skil Multi-Tasker tackles tasks that are tedious, time consuming or simply next to impossible to achieve with any other tool. The ergonomic housing is designed for you to hold and control in a comfortable manner during operation.

It comes with an assortment of accessories that are specifically designed for remodeling work where you need precision and control. Your Skil Multi-Tasker has a robust electric motor, is comfortable in the hand, and is made to accept a large variety of accessories including flush cut blades, scraper blades, grout removal wheels and sanding pads.

Accessories come in a variety of shapes and permit you to do a number of different jobs. As you become familiar with the range of accessories and their uses, you will learn just how versatile your Skil Multi-Tasker.

Visit www.Skil.com to learn more about what you can do with your Skil Multi-Tasker.

Intended Use

This Skil Multi-Tasker Tool is intended for dry sanding of surfaces, corners, edges, for scraping, for sawing soft metals, wood and plastic components, and for grout removal using the applicable tools and accessories recommended by Skil (See page 13).

Operating Instructions

Learning to Use the Tool

Getting the most out of your oscillating tool is a matter of learning how to let the speed and the feel of the tool in your hands work for you.

The first step in learning to use the tool is to get the "feel" of it. Hold it in your hand and feel its weight and balance (FIG. 3). Depending on the application, you will need to adjust your hand position to achieve optimum comfort and control. The unique comfort grip on the body of the tool allows for added comfort and control during use.

When holding tool, do not cover the air vents with your hand. Blocking the air vents could cause the motor to overheat.

IMPORTANT! Practice on scrap material first to see how the tool's high-speed action performs. Keep in mind that your tool will perform best by allowing the speed, along with the correct accessory, do the work for you. Be careful not to apply too much pressure.

Instead, lower the oscillating accessory lightly to the work surface and allow it to touch the point at which you want to begin. Concentrate on guiding the tool over the work using very little pressure from your hand. Allow the accessory to do the work.

Usually it is better to make a series of passes with the tool rather than to do the entire job with one pass. To make a cut, for example, pass the tool back and forth over the work. Cut a little material on each pass until you reach the desired depth.

FIG. 3: Illustration demonstrating the correct grip and hand position for operating the tool.

Slide "ON/OFF" Switch

The tool is switched "ON" by the slide switch located on the topside of the motor housing (FIG. 1).

• TO TURN THE TOOL "ON" slide the switch button forward to the "I".
• TO TURN THE TOOL "OFF" slide the switch button backward the "O".

⚠ WARNING Hold the tool with both hands while starting the tool, since torque from the motor can cause the tool to twist.

Variable Speed Control Dial

The Skil Multi-Tasker is equipped with a variable speed control dial (FIG. 4). The speed may be controlled during operation by presetting the dial in any one of six positions.

FIG. 4: Close-up view of the VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL DIAL.

Dust Extraction

Your tool is equipped with a dust port for dust extraction. To use this feature, attach vacuum hose (optional accessory) to the dust port, and connect the opposite end of the hose to a shop vacuum cleaner (FIG. 5).

FIG. 5: Diagram showing the DUSTPORT and VACUUM HOSE connection.

Operating Speeds

The Skil Multi-Tasker consists of an AC universal motor and oscillating mechanism to perform applications such as cutting, grout removal, scraping, sanding and more.

The Skil Multi-Tasker has a high oscillating motion of 12,000 - 22,000 /min (OPM). The high speed motion allows the Skil Multi-Tasker to achieve excellent results. The oscillating motion allows the dust to fall to the surface rather than slinging particles into the air.

NOTE: Speed is affected by voltages changes. A reduced incoming voltage will slow the OPM of the tool, especially at the lowest setting. If your tool appears to be running slowly, increase the speed setting accordingly. The tool may not start at the lowest switch setting in areas where outlet voltage is less than 120 volts. Simply move the speed setting to a higher position to begin operation.

Operating Applications

Application

Your Skil Multi-Tasker Tool is intended for sanding and cutting wooden materials, plastic, plaster and non-ferrous metals. It is especially suitable for working close to edges, in tight spaces, and for flush cutting.

Depending on the accessory used, your tool is suitable for work that arises during renovation of new buildings, cleaning of new buildings as well as for hobby carving.

Below are some typical uses for your Oscillating Multi Tool:

• Removal work: e.g. carpets & backing, old tile adhesives, caulking on masonry, wood and other surfaces.
• Cleaning work: e.g. cleaning of tiles, wood surfaces, skis etc.
• Removal of excess materials: e.g. plaster, mortar splatters, concrete on tiles, sills.
• Preparation of surfaces: e.g. for new floors and tiles.
• Detail sanding: e.g. for sanding in extremely tight areas, such as louvered panels, crafts, otherwise difficult to reach and require hand sanding.

Scraping

Scrapers are suitable for removing old coats of varnish or adhesives, removing bonded carpeting, e.g. on stairs/steps and other small/medium size surfaces.

Wide scrapers are for large area removal, narrow for use in hard-to-reach areas.

Select a medium to high speed.

Turn the tool on and place desired accessory on the area where material is to be removed. Begin with a flat angle and light pressure. The stroke motion of accessory only occurs when pressure is applied to the material to be removed.

Excessive pressure can gouge or damage the background surfaces (e.g,. wood, plaster).

Work with the accessory away from the body. Never position hand near or directly in front of working area. Always hold the tool with both hands and wear protective gloves.

Sanding

Sanding accessories are suitable for dry sanding of wood, metal, smaller surfaces, corners and edges and hard to reach areas.

Profiles and grooves may be finished using the tip or edge of the selected accessory, which should occasionally be rotated during use to distribute the wear on the accessory and backing pad surface.

Always be certain that smaller workpieces are securely fastened to a bench or other support. Larger panels may be held in place by hand on a bench or sawhorses.

SANDING: Open-coat aluminum oxide sanding sheets are recommended for most wood or metal sanding applications, as this synthetic material cuts quickly and wears well.

The following suggestions may be used as a general guide for abrasive selection, but the best results will be obtained by sanding a test sample of the workpiece first.

With the workpiece firmly secured, turn tool on as described above. Contact the work with the tool after the tool has reached its full speed, and remove it from the work before switching the tool off. Operating your tool in this manner will prolong switch and motor life, and greatly increase the quality of your work.

Move the tool in long steady strokes parallel to the grain using some lateral motion to overlap the strokes by as much as 75%. DO NOT apply excessive pressure - let the tool do the work. Excessive pressure will result in poor handling, vibration, and unwanted sanding marks.

Sawing

Sawing accessories are suitable for sawing thin sheet steel, wood and plastics.

Select a high oscillating speed.

Maintenance

Service

⚠ WARNING Preventive maintenance performed by unauthorized personnel may result in misplacing of internal wires and components which could cause serious hazard. We recommend that all tool service be performed by a Skil Factory Service Center or Authorized Skil Service Station.

Tool Lubrication

Your Skil tool has been properly lubricated and is ready to use. It is recommended that tools with gears be regreased with a special gear lubricant at every brush change.

Carbon Brushes

The brushes and commutator in your tool have been engineered for many hours of dependable service. To maintain peak efficiency of the motor, we recommend every two to six months the brushes be examined. Only genuine Skil replacement brushes specially designed for your tool should be used.

Bearings

Bearings which become noisy (due to heavy load or very abrasive material cutting) should be replaced at once to avoid overheating or motor failure.

Cleaning

⚠ WARNING To avoid accidents always disconnect the tool from the power supply before cleaning or performing any maintenance. The tool may be cleaned most effectively with compressed dry air. Always wear safety goggles when cleaning tools with compressed air.

Ventilation openings and switch levers must be kept clean and free of foreign matter. Do not attempt to clean by inserting pointed objects through openings.

⚠ CAUTION Certain cleaning agents and solvents damage plastic parts. Some of these are: gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, chlorinated cleaning solvents, ammonia and household detergents that contain ammonia.

Extension Cords

⚠ WARNING If an extension cord is necessary, a cord with adequate size conductors that is capable of carrying the current necessary for your tool must be used. This will prevent excessive voltage drop, loss of power or overheating. Grounded tools must use 3-wire extension cords that have 3-prong plugs and receptacles.

NOTE: The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.

Recommended Sizes of Extension Cords (120 Volt Alternating Current Tools)

Accessories

Trouble Shooting

⚠ WARNING Read instruction manual first! Remove plug from the power source before making adjustments or assembling accessories.

Trouble: Tool Will Not Start

Problem

• Power cord is not plugged in.
• Power source fuse or circuit breaker tripped.
• Cord damaged.
• Burned out switch.

Remedy

1. Plug tool into power source.
2. Replace fuse or reset tripped circuit breaker. (If the product repeatedly causes the circuit or fuse to trip/blow, discontinue use immediately and have it serviced by an Authorized Skil Service Center or Service Station.)
3. Inspect cord for damage. If damaged, have cord replaced by an Authorized Skil Service Center or Service Station.
4. Have switch replaced by an Authorized Skil Service Center or Service Station.

Trouble: Tool Does Not Come Up To Speed

Problem

• Extension cord has insufficient gauge or is too long.
• Low house voltage.

Remedy

1. Replace with adequate extension cord (Page 12).
2. Contact your electric company.