Hey Bluenose, the Type 4A or 5 is the best version and also the last one produced. The blades are double-sided and reversible, and not sharpened. To replace the blades, just get the 3-1/4" Bosch Woodrazor Blades (2) # PA1202 and grind 1/8" off each end to fit the 3" Skil. Be careful not to get these overheated when grinding. The blades are fitted in the holders and then installed into cutter drum. There are two set screws on each holder which are used to adjust the blades up and down on each side. The same Skil blade adjustment jig is used for alignment. The Type 4A or 5 can be converted to a Type 4 (solid blades) by swapping the cutter head as everything else is the same. I have an exploded parts view (pdf is too big to attach), but it doesn’t show much. I’ve never seen a 4A / 5 manual as they made so few it’s pretty rare.
Hi Pete,
That is some useful information. I was able to find an electronic pdf manual for the type 5 at the site skil100.com. It is also too large for me to attach the file for others. It is pretty basic but still helps to have as a reference. I took the blades out and and just put them back in for now as they are still pretty sharp. I wish I was a bit closer to you Pete. I would get you to tweak my planers. Bluenose…Great White North
It really does not cost all that much to ship by US Mail, I bought a 7.5 from a guy in Connecticut. He sent it to me in one of those if it fits it ships boxes and cost around $20 as I recall.
Reviving an old thread…
I just picked up a skil 100 7.5 Amp Type 4.
My first thought was to sell it and use the cash for board materials as I think my Makita is fine for my limited abilities…
But, I started taking the thing apart and it seems to be in fantastic shape. Bearings are sealed and spin easily, brushes look good, switch is nice and tight…
It’s such a cool tool!
I’ve got it almost all the way apart. Just going to take pictures of the wiring before taking the switch and motor out.
I kinda got the bug now to get it bead blasted, and hotrod it.
Thanks for all the info PeteC and others.
how do you get the pieces out that the brushes fit into?
That’s the only thing left before I can sandblast it.