HERCULES HE042 Compact Trim Router Owner’s Manual

HERCULES HE042 Compact Trim Router Owner's Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

General Power Tool Safety

⚠ Warnings

Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below 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

1. Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
2. 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.
3. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical safety

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

Personal safety

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
6.  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.
7. 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.
8. Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.
9. Only use safety equipment that has been approved by an appropriate standards agency. Unapproved safety equipment may not provide adequate protection. Eye protection must be ANSI-approved and breathing protection must be NIOSH-approved for the specific hazards in the work area.
10. Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare to begin work before turning on the tool.
11. Do not lay the tool down until it has come to a complete stop. Moving parts can grab the surface and pull the tool out of your control.
12. When using a handheld power tool, maintain a firm grip on the tool with both hands to resist starting torque.
13. Do not depress the spindle lock when starting or during operation.
14. Do not leave the tool unattended when it is plugged into an electrical outlet. Turn off the tool, and unplug it from its electrical outlet before leaving.
15. This product is not a toy. Keep it out of reach of children.
16. People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic fields in close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure. In addition, people with pacemakers should: · Avoid operating alone. · Do not use with Power Switch locked on. · Properly maintain and inspect to avoid electrical shock. · Properly ground power cord. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) should also be implemented ­ it prevents sustained electrical shock.
17. The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.

Power tool use and care

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/ or remove the battery pack, if detachable, 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.
4. 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.
5. Maintain power tools and accessories. 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.
6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
7. 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.
8. Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

Service

1. 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.
2. Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool. These carry important safety information. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.

Safety instructions for routers

1. Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the cutter may contact its own cord. Cutting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
2. Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by your hand or against the body leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of control.
3. Let bit cool before touching, changing or adjusting it. Bits heat up dramatically while in use, and can burn you.
4. Verify that the work surface has no hidden utility lines before cutting.

Vibration Safety

This tool vibrates during use. Repeated or long-term exposure to vibration may cause temporary or permanent physical injury, particularly to the hands, arms and shoulders. To reduce the risk of vibration-related injury:

1. Anyone using vibrating tools regularly or for an extended period should first be examined by a doctor and then have regular medical check-ups to ensure medical problems are not being caused or worsened from use. Pregnant women or people who have impaired blood circulation to the hand, past hand injuries, nervous system disorders, diabetes, or Raynaud’s Disease should not use this tool. If you feel any symptoms related to vibration (such as tingling, numbness, and white or blue fingers), seek medical advice as soon as possible.
2. Do not smoke during use. Nicotine reduces the blood supply to the hands and fingers, increasing the risk of vibration-related injury.
3. Wear suitable gloves to reduce the vibration effects on the user.
4. Use tools with the lowest vibration when there is a choice.
5. Include vibration-free periods each day of work.
6. Grip tool as lightly as possible (while still keeping safe control of it). Let the tool do the work.
7. To reduce vibration, maintain the tool as explained in this manual. If any abnormal vibration occurs, stop use immediately.

Grounding

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK AND DEATH FROM INCORRECT GROUNDING WIRE CONNECTION: Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. Do not modify the power cord plug provided with the tool. Never remove the grounding prong from the plug. Do not use the tool if the power cord or plug is damaged. If damaged, have it repaired by a service facility before use. If the plug will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.

Grounded Tools: Tools with Three Prong Plugs

1. Tools marked with “Grounding Required” have a three wire cord and three prong grounding plug. The plug must be connected to a properly grounded outlet. If the tool should electrically malfunction or break down, grounding provides a low resistance path to carry electricity away from the user, reducing the risk of electric shock. (See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
2. The grounding prong in the plug is connected through the green wire inside the cord to the grounding system in the tool. The green wire in the cord must be the only wire connected to the tool’s grounding system and must never be attached to an electrically “live” terminal. (See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
3. The tool must be plugged into an appropriate outlet, properly installed and grounded in accordance with all codes and ordinances. The plug and outlet should look like those in the preceding illustration. (See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)

Double Insulated Tools: Tools with Two Prong Plugs

1. Tools marked “Double Insulated” do not require grounding. They have a special double insulation system which satisfies OSHA requirements and complies with the applicable standards of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., the Canadian Standard Association, and the National Electrical Code.
2. Double insulated tools may be used in either of the 120 volt outlets shown in the preceding illustration. (See Outlets for 2-Prong Plug.)

Extension Cords

1. Grounded tools require a three wire extension cord. Double Insulated tools can use either a two or three wire extension cord.
2. As the distance from the supply outlet increases, you must use a heavier gauge extension cord. Using extension cords with inadequately sized wire causes a serious drop in voltage, resulting in loss of power and possible tool damage. (See Table A.)
3. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the greater the capacity of the cord. For example, a 14 gauge cord can carry a higher current than a 16 gauge cord. (See Table A.)
4. When using more than one extension cord to make up the total length, make sure each cord contains at least the minimum wire size required. (See Table A.)
5. If you are using one extension cord for more than one tool, add the nameplate amperes and use the sum to determine the required minimum cord size. (See Table A.)
6. If you are using an extension cord outdoors, make sure it is marked with the suffix “W-A” (“W” in Canada) to indicate it is acceptable for outdoor use.
7. Make sure the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition. Always replace a damaged extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified electrician before using it.
8. Protect the extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat, and damp or wet areas.

Warning Symbols and Definitions

⚠ This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
⚠ DANGER Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
⚠ WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
⚠ CAUTON Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE Addresses practices not related to personal injury.

Symbology

SPECIFICATIONS

SET UP – BEFORE USE

⚠ Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.

Assembly

Dust Port Attachment

1. Attach Dust Port to Base.
2. Secure with Knob.

Dust Extraction Setup

Connect a 1-1/4 dust collection hose from the Dust Port to dust collector (hose and dust collector not included).

Functional Description

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

⚠ Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use.

Tool Changing

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION: Make sure that the Power Switch is in the off-position and unplug the tool from its electrical outlet before performing any procedure in this section.

Bit Installation

WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: Use only rotary cutting bits of the correct shank diameter for the collet mounted. Use only rotary cutting bits suitable for the speed of the tool.
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: Carefully inspect router bits for cracks, chips, or other damage before installing. Do not use bits that have been dropped, cracked, or damaged. The bit may shatter causing serious injury.

1. Use only bits (sold separately) with 1/4 shank size, that are marked as suitable for the type of material being cut, and are marked with a speed equal or higher than the maximum speed marked on the tool. Do not use a bit with a cutting diameter larger than the opening in the base.
2. Turn Router upside down, open Lock Lever and remove Base.
3. Press and hold Spindle Lock.
4. Using Large Wrench, turn Collet counterclockwise to loosen, but do not remove.
5. Insert shank end into Collet as far as it will go, then pull up slightly so there is a minimum 1/16 gap at bottom of bit.
6. Place Small Wrench on Spindle and Large Wrench on Collet Nut, then tighten Collet Nut.
7. Replace Base on Motor and close Lock Lever.

Edge Guide Installation

1. Loosen Edge Guide Knob, then install Edge Guide with Fence facing inward and down.
2. Tighten Edge Guide Knob securely.
3. Loosen Fence Knob, adjust Fence, then tighten Knob.

Set Up Temporary Guide

Clamp a temporary guide to workpiece to make a straight cut which is not parallel to edge of workpiece.

1. Clamp a suitable straight board across workpiece parallel to desired location of cut.
2. Loosen Edge Guide Knob, then install Edge Guide with Fence facing outward and up.
3. Tighten Edge Guide Knob securely.
4. Measure proper distance from bit to Fence.
5. Loosen Fence Knob, adjust Fence, then tighten Knob.

Template Guide Installation

Note: Template guide (sold separately) is for use with a template on the workpiece only. Remove the Template Guide when using this product for any other application.

1. Turn Router upside down, then remove four screws from Base Plate, then remove Base Plate.

2. Install template guide in Base’s opening with its collar facing away from the Base.

3. Replace Base Plate and secure with four screws.

4. Secure template (not included) to workpiece:
   a. Determine template offset by subtracting bit diameter from Template Guide outside diameter and divide by two. Example: Template Guide outside diameter is 5/8, minus the bit diameter of 3/8 equals 1/4, divide by two equals 1/8 offset.
   b. Secure template to workpiece using appropriate offset from desired cut line.
   Note: If clamps are used to secure workpiece, make sure they do not interfere with Router while cutting.

5. Place Router on template with collar of template guide against edge of template. Apply light pressure to keep template guide flat against template edge. Cut material along desired cut line.

Circle Cutting

Use center hole in Fence as a pivot point when cutting circles.

1. Install Fence according to Set Up Temporary Guide.
2. Loosen Fence Knob, set distance from center hole in Fence to far edge of bit, equal to radius of circle.
3. Tighten Fence Knob.
4. Align center hole in Fence with center point of circle.
5. Drive a nail through center hole to secure Fence in place.

Adjusting Cutting Depth

1. Open Lock Lever, then turn Depth Adjustment Knob until bit is retracted within Base.
2. Place Base on a flat surface, then slide Motor down in Base until tip of bit contacts workpiece. Close Lock Lever.
3. The Depth Scale indicates starting position. Starting position will vary depending on bit used.
4. Add desired depth of cut to starting position. Example: If starting position is 1/2 and desired depth of cut is 1/4, correct adjustment on the scale is 3/4.
5. Open Lock Lever, then use Depth Adjustment Knob to move Motor up until scale shows correct reading; in this example 3/4. Close Lock Lever.

Workpiece and Work Area Set Up

1. Designate a work area that is clean and well lit. The work area must not allow access by children or pets to prevent distraction and injury.
2. There must not be objects, such as utility lines, nearby that will present a hazard while working.
3. Route the power cord along a safe route to reach the work area without creating a tripping hazard or exposing the power cord to possible damage. The power cord must reach the work area with enough extra length to allow free movement while working.
4. Secure loose workpieces using a vise or clamps (not included) to prevent movement while working.
5. Make sure there are no metal objects in the wood which might make contact with the bit.
6. Refer to maximum cutting depth in the Specifications Table on page 5.

General Instructions for Use

1. Mark cut line on workpiece.

2. Turn Power Switch off, then plug Power Cord into the nearest 120VAC, grounded electrical outlet.
   WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: Verify that workpiece has no hidden utility lines before cutting.

3. Turn Power Switch on.

4.  Adjust speed to suit workpiece and bit diameter. To adjust speed, turn Speed Control Dial from 1 (the slowest speed) to 6 (the fastest speed). Use lower settings for large diameter bits and higher settings for small diameter bits.

5. Run the tool for about 10 seconds before routing to ensure all moving parts are running smoothly, and there are no loose parts, rattles, or sparking that would indicate damage.
   Note: Determine optimum speed by testing on scrap material until you are able to produce a smooth cut with no burnishing or burn marks. Burn marks are caused by moving too slowly through wood. Feeding Router too quickly, or trying to remove too much material in a single pass creates a rough cut and can overload the motor.

6. Allow bit to reach full speed before contacting workpiece.

7. Slowly engage workpiece, do not force Router down into workpiece.

8. The bit rotates clockwise. Adjust for this while cutting:
   c. On vertical surfaces, start and end cut at the top to prevent waste material from falling onto the rotating bit.

9. When using the Fence: Cut parallel to edge of workpiece with Fence following edge.

10. When using a Temporary Guide: Cut with Fence following edge of temporary guide.

11. When making a Circle Cut: With nail in place through center hole of Fence , plunge the bit into workpiece and rotate Router in a circle around the nail.

12. When using a Template Guide: Cut with Guide following edge of template.
    Note: Use two or more passes for deep cuts, especially in the case of hardwood. When cutting grooves depth of cut should be limited to 1/8 per pass. WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: The tool will restart automatically if stalled.

13. After completing cut, raise Router so the bit is clear of workpiece, and Power Switch is off. Do not set the Router down until the bit has come to a complete stop.

14. To prevent accidents, turn off the tool and unplug it after use. Clean, then store the tool indoors out of children’s reach.

MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING

Procedures not specifically explained in this manual must be performed only by a qualified technician.

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION: Make sure that the Power Switch is in the Off-position and unplug the tool from its electrical outlet before performing any procedure in this section.

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM TOOL FAILURE: Do not use damaged equipment. If abnormal noise or vibration occurs, have the problem corrected before further use.

Cleaning, Maintenance, and Lubrication

1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general condition of the tool. Check for:
   · loose hardware
   · misalignment or binding of moving parts
   · cracked or broken parts
   · damaged cord/electrical wiring
   · any other condition that may affect its safe operation.

2. AFTER USE, wipe external surfaces of the tool with clean cloth.

3. Periodically, wear ANSI-approved safety goggles and NIOSH-approved breathing protection and blow dust out of the motor vents using dry compressed air.

4. Periodically wipe the Collet and bits with light oil to prevent rust.

5. Over time, if the performance of the tool diminishes, or it stops working completely, it may be necessary to replace the Carbon Brushes. This procedure must be completed by a qualified technician.

6. ⚠ WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: If the supply cord of this power tool is damaged, it must be replaced only by a qualified service technician.

Troubleshooting

Record Product’s Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Replacement parts may be available for this item.
Visit harborfreight.com/parts for a list of in-stock parts. Reference UPC 193175470966.

LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY

Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty is expressly in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness. To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection verifies the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Email our technical support at: productsupport@harborfreight.com
For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797
Copyright© 2022 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein. Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.

26677 Agoura Road · Calabasas, CA 91302 · 1-888-866-5797

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