Hercules HE79 Assembly instructions

5″Deep Cut Variable Speed Band Saw
Model
HE79
Owner’s Manual &
Safety Instructions
21l
WARNING: To prevent serious injury, User must read and
understand Owner’s Manual. SAVE THIS MANUAL.
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact and undamaged.
If any parts are missing or broken, please call 1-888-866-5797
as soon as possible. Reference 193175460592.

Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 59229
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.
1. Work area safety
a. Keep work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
b. 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.
c. Keep children and bystanders away
while operating a power tool. Distractions
can cause you to lose control.
2. Electrical safety
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a power tool
will increase the risk of electric shock.
d. 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.
e. 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.
f. 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.
3. Personal safety
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure
the switch is in the off-position before
connecting to power source, 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.
d. 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.
e. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. This enables better control
of the power tool in unexpected situations.
f. 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.
g. 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.
h. 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.
i. 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.
4. Power tool use and care
a. 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.
b. 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.

Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 59229
c. Disconnect the plug from the power
source 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.
d. 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.
e. 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.
f. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges
are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
g. 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.
5. 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.
6. Band Saw Safety Warnings
a. Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces,
when performing an operation where the
cutting accessory may contact hidden
wiring or its own cord. Cutting accessory
contacting a ″live″wire may make exposed
metal parts of the power tool ″live″and could
give the operator an electric shock.
b. 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.
c. Do not leave power tool unattended
while it is running.
d. Before each use, move the Tension Handle to
the tightened position (making the blade taut).
e. Work slowly and carefully to avoid
snagging when cutting near corners,
sharp edges, ragged welds, etc.
f. Cutting material and the motor housing can get
very hot during operation. Stop work until tool
and blade both cool down to safe temperature.
g. Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool.
These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
h. Avoid unintentional starting.
Prepare to begin work before turning on the tool.
i. 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.
j. When using a handheld power tool,
maintain a firm grip on the tool with both
hands to resist starting torque.
k. 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.
l. This product is not a toy.
Keep it out of reach of children.
m. 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 Trigger 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.
n. 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.
7. 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:
a. 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.
b. Do not smoke during use. Nicotine reduces
the blood supply to the hands and fingers,
increasing the risk of vibration-related injury.
c. Wear suitable gloves to reduce the
vibration effects on the user.
d. Use tools with the lowest vibration
when there is a choice.
e. Include vibration-free periods each day of work.
f. Grip tool as lightly as possible (while still keeping
safe control of it). Let the tool do the work.
g. To reduce vibration, maintain the tool as
explained in this manual. If any abnormal
vibration occurs, stop use immediately.

Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 59229
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
3-Prong Plug and Outlet
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.)
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.
TABLE A: RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE
GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS* (120/240 VOLT)
NAMEPLATE
AMPERES
(at full load)
EXTENSION CORD
LENGTH
25´ 50´ 75´ 100´ 150´
0 – 2.0 18 18 18 18 16
2.1 – 3.4 18 18 18 16 14
3.5 – 5.0 18 18 16 14 12
5.1 – 7.0 18 16 14 12 12
7.1 – 12.0 18 14 12 10 -
12.1 – 16.0 14 12 10 - -
16.1 – 20.0 12 10 - - -
* Based on limiting the line voltage drop to five volts at
150% of the rated amperes.

Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 59229
Symbology
VVolts
~Alternating Current
AAmperes
n0xxxx/min. No Load Revolutions per Minute (RPM)
WARNING marking concerning Risk
of Eye Injury. Wear ANSI-approved
safety goggles with side shields.
Read the manual before
set-up and/or use.
WARNING marking
concerning Risk of Fire.
Do not cover ventilation ducts.
Keep flammable objects away.
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Electric Shock.
Properly connect power cord
to appropriate outlet.
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.
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
Addresses practices not
related to personal injury.
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical Rating 120V / 60Hz / 11A
No Load Speed 0 - 420 SFPM
Blade Size 44-7/8″x 1/2″x .025″Thick

Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 59229
Functions
Tension
Handle
Speed
Dial
Auxiliary
Handle
Power
Switch
Guide Plate Blade
Wheel Cover

Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 59229
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.
Note: For additional information regarding the
parts listed in the following pages, refer to the
Assembly Diagram near the end of this manual.
Guide Plate Adjustment
Press in the Plate Adjustment Button to move
Guide Plate up or down as needed.
Plate Adjustment
Button
Guide Plate
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 Set Up
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Trigger is in the off-position
and unplug the tool from its electrical outlet before
performing any procedure in this section.
TO PREVENT
SERIOUS INJURY:
Wear ANSI-approved
safety goggles, heavy-duty
work gloves, and heavy-duty
long-sleeved shirt or coat
whenever handling or working near the Blade.
The Blade can suddenly spring out during service.
Blade Selection
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY
FROM BLADE COMING LOOSE, ONLY USE
BLADES OF THE SPECIFIED SIZE.
Select the proper Blade according to the cutting
material and the diameter of the workpiece.
This Band Saw accepts 44-7/8″x 1/2″x .025″Blades.
(Blade sold separately.)
14 TPI - Soft/Thick Material
(aluminum, lead, rubber-like material, wood)
24 TPI - Hard/Thin Material
(cast iron, soft steel, hard steel)
Blade Installation and Replacement
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Trigger is in the off-position
and unplug the tool from its electrical outlet
before installing or removing a saw Blade.
1. Set the Frame so that the edge of the used
Blade is pointing away from you. (Once Blade
tension is released, it may spring off quickly.)
2. Turn the Tension Handle away from the body
of the Bandsaw to release Blade tension.
Slide old Blade off Gear Wheels.
Note: Install Blade with teeth
pointing upward, facing you.
3. Set the Blade into both Guide
Bearings and center it on them.
Guide
Bearing
Blade Tensioning
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:
BEFORE EACH USE, PUT THE TENSION HANDLE
IN THE TIGHTENED POSITION (MAKING THE
BLADE TAUT), AS FOLLOWS:
1. Make sure the Blade is centered on the
Guide Bearings and fits evenly around the wheels.
2. Turn the Tension Handle toward the body of the
Bandsaw until the Blade is taut and the handle tight.
3. Put on eye and hearing protection, then stay clear
of the blade while plugging in and turning on the
tool. Inspect the Blade and make sure it runs
steadily and evenly around the Wheels, and that
the teeth are pointed in the correct direction.

Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 59229
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. 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.
3. Secure loose workpieces using a vise or clamps
(not included) to prevent movement while working.
4. There must not be objects, such as utility lines,
nearby that will present a hazard while working.
General Instructions for Use
1. Make sure that the Trigger is in the
off-position, then plug in the tool.
2. Secure your workpiece to a workbench
or other solid surface.
3. Make sure the cord is out of the way.
4. Set the Guide Plate against the workpiece, keeping
blade at a 90° angle compared to the workpiece.
5. Turn on the Bandsaw and allow it to come
up to full speed before starting the cut.
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:
Exposed Blade in Bandsaw underside.
Hold Bandsaw away from body.
6. Adjust speed by turning the Speed Dial.
7. Tilt the unit so that the blade is vertical. To start
a cut, use minimal force to start a groove. Once
groove is started, allow the rest of the blade to
cut into workpiece. Doing this will prevent blade
from moving from side-to-side during cutting.
CAUTION! TO PREVENT INJURY: Do not apply
force to the tool by pressing too hard with your
hands or leaning into it. The weight of the tool itself
creates enough force to make a clean cut. Forcing
or leaning on the tool may twist or break the blade,
damaging the saw and possibly causing injury.
8. As you reach the end of your workpiece,
finish off the cut by slightly raising the
unit slowly, bringing the blade up.
9. 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: Turn tool off 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
• damaged cord/electrical wiring,
• cracked or broken parts
• damaged electrical wiring
• any other condition that may
affect its safe operation.
2. AFTER USE, wipe external surfaces
of the tool with clean cloth.
3. If not using the tool for long periods
of time, remove the Blade.
4. For blade changing instructions see Blade
Installation and Replacement on page 7.
5. Store tool in dry, indoor area out of reach of children.
6. If not using the tool for long periods
of time, remove the Blade.
7. CAUTION! If the plug or the supply cord of
this power tool is damaged, it must be replaced
only by a qualified service technician.

Page 9For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 59229
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions
Tool will not start. 1. Cord not connected.
2. No power at outlet.
3. Tool’s thermal reset breaker
tripped (if equipped).
4. Internal damage or wear.
(Carbon brushes or
Trigger, for example.)
1. Check that cord is plugged in.
2. Check power at outlet. If outlet is unpowered,
turn off tool and check circuit breaker.
If breaker is tripped, make sure circuit is right
capacity for tool and circuit has no other loads.
3. Turn off tool and allow to cool.
Press reset button on tool.
4. Have technician service tool.
Tool operates slowly. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
2. Extension cord too long or cord
diameter too small.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Eliminate use of extension cord. If an
extension cord is needed, use one with
the proper diameter for its length and load.
See Extension Cords on page 4.
Performance
decreases over time.
1. Carbon brushes worn
or damaged.
2. Blade dull or damaged.
1. Have qualified technician replace brushes.
2. Keep blades sharp. Replace as needed.
Excessive noise
or rattling.
Internal damage or wear. (Carbon
brushes or bearings, for example.)
Have technician service tool.
Overheating. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
2. Blade dull or damaged.
3. Blocked motor housing vents.
4. Motor being strained by long or
small diameter extension cord.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Keep blades sharp. Replace as needed.
3. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles and
NIOSH-approved dust mask/respirator while
blowing dust out of motor using compressed air.
4. Eliminate use of extension cord. If an
extension cord is needed, use one with
the proper diameter for its length and load.
See Extension Cords on page 4.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.
Disconnect power supply before service.

Page 10 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 59229
Record Product’s Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Replacement parts are not available for this item. Refer to UPC 193175460592.

Page 11For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 59229
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.

26677 Agoura Road • Calabasas, CA 91302 • 1-888-866-5797
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Email our technical support at: [email protected]
For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797
Copyright©2021 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.