Black & Decker Firestorm FSS5500JS Scrolling Jigsaw Instruction Manual

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Black & Decker Firestorm FSS5500JS Scrolling Jigsaw

Black & Decker Firestorm FSS5500JS Scrolling Jigsaw product

Introduction

For accurate cutting in plastic, metal, and wood, the Black & Decker Firestorm FSS5500JS Scrolling Jigsaw is a strong and adaptable instrument. This jigsaw’s orbital motion, variable speed control, and 5.0-amp motor provide precise and seamless cuts for a range of tasks. The dust blower maintains your cutting line clear, and the ergonomic design and tool-free blade change system make it simple to use. The FSS5500JS is a dependable option for delicate and detailed cuts, regardless of your level of experience.

Specification

  • 5.0 amps.
  • 0–3,000 strokes per minute (SPM) can be controlled with variable speed.
  • Four orbital settings are available for more aggressive and quick cutting.
  • T-shank blades (a tool-free blade change method) are the type of blade.
  • Up to 2.5 inches (65 mm).
  • Up to 0.25 inches, or 6 mm.
  • A dust blower keeps material off the cutting line.
  • Designed to be lightweight for effortless handling.
  • The length of the cord is 2.5 meters (8.2 feet).

Features

  • A 5.0-Amp motor can cut plastic, metal, and wood with great power.
  • For precise cutting, the speed can be changed between 0 and 3,000 SPM.
  • Enables more aggressive and rapid cutting.
  • Changing a blade quickly and easily without the need for extra tools.
  • Improves sight by removing particles from the cutting line.
  • A cozy hold for prolonged use.
  • Stability and control are provided while cutting using an adjustable shoe.
  • Simple to move around in confined areas.
  • Fits well with complex patterns, curves, and straight cuts.
  • Made to survive challenging circumstances on the job site.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTION

Work Area

  • Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and 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 bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating a power tool.
  • Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical Safety

  • Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other.) This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any way. Double Insulation eliminates the need for the three wire grounded power cord and grounded power supply system.
  • Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
  • Don’t 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 to carry the tools or pull the plug from an outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords increase the risk of electric shock.
  • When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor extension cord marked “W-A” or “W.” These cords are rated for outdoor use and 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 tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
  • Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothing, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts. Air vents cover moving parts and should be avoided.
  • Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is off before plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger on the switch or plugging in tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
  • Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the tool on. A wrench or key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.
  • Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better control of the tool in unexpected situations.
  • Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.

Tool Use and Care

  • Use clamps or other practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body is unstable and may lead to loss of control.
  • Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your application. The correct tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.
  • Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on or off. Any tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
  • Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventative safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
  • Store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
  • Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained tools, with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
  • Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect the tools operation. If damaged, have the tool serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools.

Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your model.
Accessories that may be suitable for one tool, may become hazardous when used on
another tool.

Service

  • Tool service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.
  • When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of electric shock or injury.

Specific Safety Rules

  • Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a “live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool “live” and shock the operator.
  • Keep hands away from cutting area. Never reach underneath the material for any reason. Hold front of saw by grasping the contoured gripping area. Do not insert fingers or thumb into the vicinity of the reciprocating blade and blade clamp. Do not stabilize the saw by gripping the shoe.
  • Keep blades sharp. Dull blades may cause the saw to swerve or stall under pressure.
  • When cutting pipe or conduit ensure that they are free from water, electrical wiring, etc.

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 (CCA). 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.
  • Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas with soap and water. Allowing dust to get into your mouth, eyes, or lay on the skin may promote absorption of harmful chemicals.

WARNING: Use of this tool can generate and/or disperse dust, which may cause serious and permanent respiratory or other injury. Always use NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory protection appropriate for the dust exposure. Direct particles away from face and body.

CAUTION: Wear appropriate hearing protection during use. Under some conditions and duration of use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.

The label on your tool may include the following symbols

  • V…………….volts A …………amperes
  • Hz…………..hertz W …………watts
  • min …………minutes alternating current ……….direct current no ……….no load speed
  • …………Class II Construction ……….earthing terminal
  • …………..safety alert symbol …/min ……..revolutions or reciprocations per minute

Features

  • On/Off switch
  • Lock-on button
  • Variable Speed control knob
  • Saw blade locking lever
  • AccuCutTM saw blade support roller
  • Support roller adjustment screw
  • Saw blade
  • Scroller knob
  • Mode selector
  • Shoe plate
  • Shoe plate locking knob
  • Saw blade storage compartment
  • Dust blower
  • Dust extraction adaptor

Black & Decker Firestorm FSS5500JS Scrolling Jigsaw FIG 1

Use of Extension Cords
Make sure the extension cord is in good condition before using. Always use the proper size extension cords with the tool – that is, proper wire size for various lengths of cord and heavy enough to carry the current the tool will draw. Use of an undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. For proper size cords see chart.

Motor
Be sure your power supply agrees with nameplate marking. 120 Volts AC only means your tool will operate on standard 60 Hz household power. Do not operate AC tools on DC. A rating of 120 volts AC/DC means that you tool will operate on standard 60 Hz AC or DC power. This information is printed on the nameplate. Lower voltage will cause loss of power and can result in over-heating. All Black & Decker tools are factory-tested; if this tool does not operate, check the power supply.

Assembly

WARNING: Sharp blade. To prevent accidental operation, turn off and unplug saw before performing the following operations. Failure to do this could result in serious personal injury.

  • Fitting the saw blade

Black & Decker Firestorm FSS5500JS Scrolling Jigsaw FIG 2

  • Hold the saw blade (7) as shown, with teeth facing forward.
  • Push the lever (4) downwards.
  • Insert the shank of the saw blade into the blade holder (15) as far as it will go.
  • Release the lever.
  • Adjust the blade support roller as described below.
  • AccuCutTM blade support roller

Black & Decker Firestorm FSS5500JS Scrolling Jigsaw FIG 3

  • After fitting the blade, you need to adjust the blade support roller (5).

Screwdriver Method

  • Turn the slotted blade support adjustment screw (6) in direction A.
  • Slide the blade support roller against the rear of the blade. The blade must locate in the central recess of the roller.
  • Turn the blade support adjustment screw in direction B to lock the blade support in place.

Tool Free Method

  • The blade support roller can be adjusted in a “tool free” manner, by turning the scroll ing knob (8) so that the adjustment screw is rotated around to the front of the unit where it can be turned by hand.
  • Connecting a vacuum cleaner to the tool

Black & Decker Firestorm FSS5500JS Scrolling Jigsaw FIG 4

Black & Decker Firestorm FSS5500JS Scrolling Jigsaw FIG 5

  • Align the dust extraction adaptor (14) with the saw shoe as shown.
  • Insert the ribs (16) into the slots (17).
  • Pull the adaptor towards the rear of the jigsaw to secure.
  • Connect the vacuum cleaner hose (18) (not supplied) to the adaptor.
  • Dust extraction is not possible when making bevel cuts.

WARNING: Fire Hazard. Do not use vacuum adapter when cutting metal. Metal filings will be hot and could cause a fire in the vacuum container.

Operation

WARNING: Laceration Hazard. To prevent loss of control, never use the tool when the saw shoe is loose or removed. Failure to do this could result in serious personal injury.

  • Adjusting the shoe plate for bevel cuts

Black & Decker Firestorm FSS5500JS Scrolling Jigsaw FIG 7

  • The shoe plate can be set to a left or right bevel angle of up to 45°.
  • Turn the locking knob (11) in direction A to release the shoe plate (10).
  • Pull the shoe plate (10) backwards and set it to the required angle. You can use the scale or a protractor to check the angle.
  • Turn the locking knob (11) in direction B to lock the shoe plate in place.

To reset the shoe plate for straight cuts:

  • Turn the locking knob (11) in direction A to release the shoe plate (10).
  • Pull the shoe plate backwards and set it to an angle of approximately 0.
  • Push the shoe plate forward.
  • Turn the locking knob (11) in direction B to lock the shoe plate in place. Make sure that the shoe plate is supported by the guide ribs.

Variable speed control
Set the variable speed control knob (3) to the required speed range. Use a high speed for wood, medium speed for aluminum and PVC and low speed for metals other than aluminum.

Switching On and Off

  • To switch the tool on, press the on/off switch (1).
  • For continuous operation, press the lock-on button (2) and release the on/off switch.
  • To switch the tool off, release the on/off switch.
  • To switch the tool off, when in continuous operation, press the on/off switch once more and release it.

Using the mode selector

The mode selector (9) can set in 3 positions

  • Scrolling position  this position allows the scroller knob (8) to be rotated for intricate and accurate sawing. (In this position there is no orbital action.) It is recommended to use scroller blades when in this mode.

Black & Decker Firestorm FSS5500JS Scrolling Jigsaw FIG 7

  • Straight cutting position this position turns off orbital action and locks the scroller knob to prevent its rotation. The scroller knob can be locked in any of 4 positions for straight cutting.

Black & Decker Firestorm FSS5500JS Scrolling Jigsaw FIG 8

Method of engagement:

  • Turn the Mode Selector to the scrolling position.
  • Rotate the scroller knob to the desired position (this can be any of 4 positions – the blade can point forwards, reverse, left or right).
  • Turn the Mode Selector to the neutral position. (In this position the Scroller Knob cannot be turned).
  • Orbital Action Position this position switches on the orbital action for fast and efficient straight cuts. This mode can only be selected with the blade pointing forwards.

Method of engagement:

  • Turn the mode selector to the scrolling position.
  • Rotate the scroller knob to point the blade forwards.
  • Turn the Mode Selector to the orbital position. (In this position the Scroller Knob cannot be turned).

How to Use the Sightline® Feature

  • Use a pencil to mark the cutting line.
  • Position the jigsaw over the line (19).

Black & Decker Firestorm FSS5500JS Scrolling Jigsaw FIG 10

Viewing from directly above the jigsaw the line of cut can be easily followed. Should this view be restricted for any reason, the indent (20) can be used as an alternate cutting guide.

Hints for Optimum Use

General
Use a high speed for wood, a medium speed for aluminum and PVC and a low speed for metals other than aluminum.

Sawing laminates
As the saw blade cuts on the upward stroke, splintering may occur on the surface closest to the shoe plate.

  • Use a fine-tooth saw blade.
  • Saw from the back surface of the workpiece.
  • To minimize splintering, clamp a piece of scrap wood or hardboard to both sides of the workpiece and saw through this sandwich.

Sawing metal

  • Be aware that sawing metal takes much more time than sawing wood.
  • Use a saw blade suitable for sawing metal.
  • When cutting thin metal, clamp a piece of scrap wood to the back surface of the workpiece and cut through this sandwich.
  • Spread a film of oil along the intended line of cut.

WARNING: Fire Hazard. Do not use vacuum adapter when cutting metal. Metal filings will be hot and could cause a fire in the vacuum container.

Maintenance
Use only mild soap and damp cloth to clean the tool. Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any part of the tool into a liquid.

IMPORTANT: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and adjustment should be performed by authorized service centers or other qualified service personnel, always using identical replacement parts.

Accessories
Recommended accessories for use with your tool are available from your local dealer or authorized service center. If you need assistance regarding accessories, please call: 1-800-544-6986.

WARNING: The use of any accessory not recommended for use with this tool could be hazardous.

Service Information
Black & Decker offers a full network of company-owned and authorized service locations throughout North America. All Black & Decker Service Centers are staffed with trained personnel to provide customers with efficient and reliable power tool service. Whether you need technical advice, repair, or genuine factory replacement parts, contact the Black & Decker location nearest you. To find your local service location, refer to the yellow page directory under “Tools—Electric” or call: 1-800-544-6986.

Warranty

Full Two-Year Home Use Warranty
Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. warrants this product for two years against any defects in material or workmanship. The defective product will be replaced or repaired at no charge in either of two ways. The first, which will result in exchanges only, is to return the product to the retailer from whom it was purchased (provided that the store is a participating retailer). Returns should be made within the time period of the retailer’s policy for exchanges (usually 30 to 90 days after the sale). Proof of purchase may be required. Please check with the retailer for their specific return policy regarding returns that are beyond the time set for exchanges. The second option is to take or send the product (prepaid) to a Black & Decker owned or authorized Service Center for repair or replacement at our option. Proof of purchase may be required. Black & Decker owned and authorized Service Centers are listed under “Tools–Electric” in the yellow pages of the phone directory. This warranty does not apply to accessories. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state. Should you have any questions, contact the manager of your nearest Black & Decker Service Center. This product is not intended for commercial use. Free Warning Label Replacement: If your warning labels become illegible or are missing, call 1-800-544-6986 for a free replacement

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Black & Decker Firestorm FSS5500JS Scrolling Jigsaw Instruction manual

FAQs

What is the FSS5500JS jigsaw’s power rating?

With a 5.0-amp motor, it can handle most cutting jobs with ease.

Is there variable speed control on the FSS5500JS?

Yes, you may change the speed from 0 to 3,000 strokes per minute (SPM) thanks to its variable speed control feature.

Which kind of blades are used by the FSS5500JS?

Standard T-shank jigsaw blades, which are commonly accessible, are used in it.

Does orbital action exist in the FSS5500JS?

Indeed, it has four orbital settings for more aggressive and quick cutting.

Is it simple to swap out the blades on the FSS5500JS?

Yes, it features a tool-free blade change technology that makes changing the blades quick and simple.