C
AUTION
Please read this entire instruction manual carefully before first operation and keep it handy
for future reference. Pay special attention to the safety prompts and follow all guidelines
outlined herein to avoid damage to the tool, injury to yourself or others, or damage to
property.
VERY IMPORTANT
The Hercules SC-190 Hot-Knife Cutter is designed for intermittent use only, IT IS NOT DESIGNED FOR
CONTINUOUS USE. It is important that you use the unit no longer than 15 seconds and then let it
thoroughly cool for 45 seconds.
If you need a continuous-use hot-knife please check out the Hercules SC-590. The SC-590 is a styrofoam hot-
knife cutter with a built-in cooling fan so it can run continuously without overheating. The Hercules SC-590 is
available at www.herculescutters.com.
OTHER PRECAUTIONS
•
The SC-190 Hot-Knife blades have a sharpened razor edge. For the cleanest cut, always cut in the direction on
the sharpened edge.
•
Excessive power output and heat generation may cause the blade holders to overheat resulting in damage
to the unit. Use only the power output for proper cutting. The blade does not need to be red hot to move
through foamed plastics.
•
Consult foam manufacturer’s MSDS sheet for flash points and toxicity of material you will be cutting.
•
Always operate the SC-190 Hot-Knife in a well ventilated space.
•
Never burn off excess residue on the hot knife blade. The blades will overheat, warping the blade and
potentially overheating the cutter.
•
Only operate the SC-190 Hot-Knife when it is in contact with the fabric.
•
Keep hot blades away from skin, clothing and other flammables.
•
Allow blades to cool before handling. A hot blade may cause injury or burns to exposed surfaces.
handy
nes
o
O
PERATION
Put your temperature control knob at the midrange setting, place the
blade against the edge of the fabric and depress trigger. Optimum
cutting should be virtually smoke free.
When cutting, it is best to keep the temperature and speed consistent.
If smoke develops during the cut, you are cutting too slow or the blade
is too hot which could result in an oversized, uneven cut. This can be
remedied by lowering the temperature and intermittently releasing
the trigger during your cut. As the cutting resistance increases, depress the
trigger again. Your SC-190 Hot-Knife will reach the set temperature within seconds. You can accomplish your
cut with minimal smoke by using this process. Cutting in this manner will also prolong the life of the knife.
Releasing the trigger approximately one or two inches prior to the completion of the cut will help keep the
blade clean and free from buildup.
The selected cutting blade should not be longer than 3/4” past the thickness of your foam board. The foam
cools the blade as it cuts. The exposed portion can overheat and cause your blade to warp.
Never use a metal bar as a guide. If the blade touches the metal guide the heat from the blade will be
dissipated by the metal guide. This will lower the heat of the blade and affect its cutting quality.
