Hercules SC-190 User manual

herculescutters.com
SC-190
Hot-Knife Cutter
for Styrofoam
Designed for intermittent-use cutting of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Extruded
Polystyrene (XPS), Polyethylene, Cross-Linked Polyethylene, Polypropylene, and many
other foamed plastics and materials can be easily cut with the SC-190 Hot-Knife
Styrofoam Cutter. Always check with the foam manufacturer for safe and proper cutting

CAUTION
Please read this entire instruction manual carefully before rst 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 ash points and toxicity of material you will be cutting.
• Always operate the SC-190 Hot-Knife in a well ventilated space.
• Never burn o 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 ammables.
• Allow blades to cool before handling. A hot blade may cause injury or burns to exposed surfaces.
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OPERATION
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 aect its cutting quality.

CUTTING ACCESSORIES
Part # 7726
This hot-knife sled enables you to make thousands of dierent shapes
and elaborate cuts by using our at 12”blade (Part# 7729) that can be
custom shaped with our wire bending pliers (Part# 7740). Built-in guide
helps you make a smooth and accurate cut every time.
This hot-knife cutting guide allows
you to set the exact angle you desire.
Helps you make a smooth and accu-
rate cut every time.
Part # 7725
The 1.5” groover plate accommodates hot knife
blades 1.5”, 2” and 2 3/8” wide. Make your own
hot knife U, Square and V blades from our at 12”
blade (Part# 7729). Excellent for cutting grooves in
foam located in tight areas!
Part # 7727
Also known as a German adapter, this 2-piece
accessory allows you to adapt your hot-knife to use
post-mount style blades.
Part # 7730
SLED
CUTTING GUIDE
GROOVER PLATE POST-MOUNT ADAPTER

LIMITED WARRANTY
The SC-190 Hot Knife Styrofoam Cutter is warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship under
normal use for a period of 60 days from the date of purchase.
Liability is limited to repair or replacement of material found defective, free of charge F.O.B. St. Louis, MO.
Unauthorized repairs, modications, or replacements will not be subject to factory warranty.
Except as contrary to State or Federal laws, Universal Sewing Supply shall not be liable to any party for
loss, injury or damage, whether direct, indirect or consequential arising out of or the inability to use the
equipment or other products made, repaired or sold by Universal Sewing Supply or any of its distributors.
BLADE INSTALLATION
IMPORTANT: Always unplug the power cord of the SC-190 Hot-Knife Cutter before installing or removing the blades.
Allow sucient cooling time for blades, blade holders and mounting screws before handling.
Straight Blade:
1. Loosen the screws on the blade holders with the wrench.
2. Slide the blade under the square pressure plates until snug.
3. Securely tighten screws to assure the proper electrical connection. Do not over-tighten.
4. Once the blade is rmly in place, plug your SC-190 Hot-Knife Cutter unit into a standard 110 volt AC power
supply.
5. The temperature control knob has 16 click setting stops that correspond to the graduated ridges on the
surface. The smaller the ridge the lower the power setting.
SPECIFICATIONS MAINTENANCE
Input: 110 Volts AC
Output: 190 Watts
Weight: 10 Ounces
Length: 10¼ Inches
Width: 2 Inches
Temperature: 600°+
Regular use of the SC-190 Hot-Knife Synthetic
Materials Cutter may result in material buildup on
blades and the brass holders. This excess material
interferes with the proper heating and impairs the
performance of the blades. The blade holders and
blades can be thoroughly cleaned with a wire brush.
BLADES & BLADE ACCESSORIES
Our stainless steel BLADE PLIERS
make it easy to form our 12”Flat
Blade (Part# 7729) for any custom
cut or pattern.
Part # 7740
Flat Blade 12 Inches (200 mm) Part # 7729
8 Inches
(200 mm)
Part # 7724
6 Inches
(150 mm)
Part # 7723
4 Inches
(100 mm)
Part # 7722
3 Inches
(75 mm)
Part # 7721
Size and bend blade to the shape you desire using our stainless steel blade pliers (Part# 7740)
BLADE HOLDER for at blade (Part#7729).
Size and shape blade to your desired cut.
Part # 7728