Ironton 45984 User manual

150 WATT HEAVY-DUTY HOT KNIFE
OWNER’S MANUAL
WARNING:
Read carefully and understand all ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION
INSTRUCTIONS before operating. Failure to follow the safety rules and other
basic safety precautions may result in serious personal injury.
Item# 45984

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Thank you very much for choosing an Ironton product! For future reference, please complete
the owner’s record below:
Model: _______________ Purchase Date: _______________
Save the receipt, warranty and these instructions. It is important that you read the entire manual
to become familiar with this product before you begin using it.
This machine is designed for certain applications only. The distributor cannot be responsible for
issues arising from modification. We strongly recommend this machine not be modified and/or
used for any application other than that for which it was designed. If you have any questions
relative to a particular application, DO NOT use the machine until you have first contacted the
distributor to determine if it can or should be performed on the product.
For technical questions please call 1-800-222-5381.
INTENDED USE
Ideal for cutting foam nylon rope or other craft materials.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Voltage:
120V
Frequency:
60Hz
Input power:
150 Watts
Blade length:
5 7/16 in.
Max. temperature:
842°F (450°C)
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING: Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed
below may result in serious injury.
CAUTION: Do not allow persons to operate or assemble this Hot Knife until they
have read this manual and have developed a thorough understanding of how the Hot Knife
works.
WARNING: The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction
manual cannot cover all possible conditions or situations that could 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.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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!
!IMPORTANT SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
WORK AREA
• Keep work area clean, free of clutter and well lit. Cluttered and dark work areas can cause
accidents.
• Do not use your tool where there is a risk of causing a fire or an explosion; e.g. in the
presence of flammable liquids, gasses, or dust. Power tools create sparks, which may ignite the
dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a Hot Knife. Distractions can cause you to
lose control, so visitors should remain at a safe distance from the work area.
• Be aware of all power lines, electrical circuits, water pipes and other mechanical hazards in
your work area, particularly those hazards below the work surface hidden from the operator's
view that may be unintentionally contacted and may cause personal harm or property damage.
• Be alert of your surroundings. Using power tools in confined work areas may put you
dangerously close to cutting tools and rotating parts.
Electrical safety
WARNING: Always check to ensure the power supply corresponds to the voltage on the
rating plate.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never carry a portable tool by its power cord, or yank tool or
extension cords from the receptacle. Keep power and extension cords away from heat, oil,
sharp edges or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords may
cause a fire and increase the risk of electric shock.
• Grounded tools must be plugged into an outlet properly installed and grounded in accordance
with all codes and ordinances. Never remove the grounding prong or modify the plug in any way.
Do not use any adapter plugs. Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether
the outlet is properly grounded.
• Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other).
This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse
the plug. If it still doesn't fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet. Do not change
the plug in any way.
• Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators.
There is an increase risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
• When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor extension cord marked “W-A” or “W.”
These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Extension Cord Use:
A. Use only 'Listed' extension cords. If used outdoors, they must be marked “For Outdoor Use.”
Those cords having 3-prong grounding type plugs and mating receptacles are to be used with
grounded tools.
B. Replace damaged or worn cords immediately.

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C. Check the nameplate rating of your tool. Use of improper size or gauge of extension cord may
cause unsafe or inefficient operation of your tool. Be sure your extension cord is rated to allow
sufficient current flow to the motor. For the proper wire gauge for your tool, see chart.
CHART FOR MINIMUM WIRE SIZE OF EXTENSION CORD:
Nameplate AMPS
CORD LENGTH
25’
50’
100’
150’
0-6
18 AWG
16 AWG
16 AWG
14 AWG
6-10
18 AWG
16 AWG
14 AWG
12 AWG
10-12
16 AWG
16 AWG
14 AWG
12 AWG
12-16
14 AWG
12 AWG
(NOT RECOMMENDED)
If in doubt, use larger cord. Be sure to check voltage requirements of the tool to your incoming
power source.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
• Do not let your fingers touch the terminals of plug when installing to or removing from the
outlet.
• Ground fault circuit interrupters. If work area is not equipped with a permanently installed
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlet (GFCI), use a plug-in GFCI between power tool or
extension cord and power receptacle.
Personal Safety:
• 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.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects, or jewelry. Keep your hair,
clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in
moving parts.
• Use safety apparel and equipment. Use safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields
which comply with current national standards, or when needed, a face shield. Use as dust mask
in dusty work conditions. This applies to all persons in the work area. Also use non-skid safety
shoes, hardhat, gloves, dust collection systems, and hearing protection when appropriate.
• Avoid accidental starting. Do not carry the power tool with your finger on the switch. Ensure
the switch is in the off position before plugging tool into power outlet. In the event of a power
failure, while a tool is being used, turn the switch off to prevent surprise starting when power is
restored.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before connecting to the power supply or turning on the
tool. A wrench or key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal
injury.

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HOT KNIFE USE AND CARE
•Do not modify the Hot Knife in any way. Unauthorized modification may impair the function
and/or safety and could affect the life of the equipment. There are specific applications for which
the Hot Knife was designed.
•Always check of damaged or worn out parts before using the Hot Knife. Broken parts will
affect the Hot Knife operation. Replace or repair damaged or worn parts immediately.
•Store idle Hot Knife. When Hot Knife is not in use, store it in a secure place out of the reach of
children. Inspect it for good working condition prior to storage and before reuse.
•Maintain labels and nameplates on the Hot Knife. These carry important safety information. If
unreadable or missing, contact the distributor for a replacement.
•This Hot Knife can create heat up to approximately 840° Fahrenheit. Always keep fingers,
hands, body, and clothing away from the heated components of this tool.
•Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare to begin work before turning on the Hot Knife. Do not allow
any objects (liquid or metal) to fall into the Heat Block holes of the tool. Doing so can cause
short-circuiting and/or electric shock.
•Do not lay the Hot Knife down on a flammable surface. Use and lay this tool on a fireproof work
surface only.
•Always keep multiple class ABC fire extinguishers nearby.
•Use the Hot Knife in a well-ventilated area only.
•Do not leave the Hot Knife unattended when it is plugged into an electrical outlet. Turn off the
tool, and unplug it from its electrical outlet before leaving.
•Allow the Hot Knife to completely cool before storing.
•This product is not a toy. Keep it out of reach of children.
•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 (19) locked on.
•Properly maintain and inspect to avoid electrical shock.
•Any Power Cord (21) must be properly grounded. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) should
also be implemented – it prevents sustained electrical shock.
WARNING: Handling the Power Cord on this product will expose you to lead, a chemical
known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. (California Health & Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
•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 that cannot be built into this product, but must be
supplied by the operator.

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OPERATION
Product Features:
When unpacking, check to make sure that the item is intact and undamaged. If any parts are
missing or broken, please call the distributor at 1-800-222-5381 as soon as possible.
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 of this product.
WARNING: TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch (19) of the tool to its “OFF” position and unplug the tool from its electrical
outlet before performing any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.
Adjust The Cutting Depth:
• The cutting depth of the Hot Knife may be adjusted up to 3-3/4in. when using the Scale
Bracket. To adjust the depth, loosen the two Clamping Screws (3). Pull out or retract the Scale
Bracket to the desired cutting depth. Then retighten the two Clamping Screws. (See Figure A.)
Work Area and Workpiece Set Up:
• Designate a well-ventilated work area that is clean and well lit. The work area must not allow
access by children or pets to prevent injury and distraction.

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• Route the Power Cord (21) 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.
• Avoid hazardous objects, such as nearb utility lines or foreign objects, that will present a
hazard while working.
General Operating Instructions
• Plug the Power Cord Plug (21) into the nearest 120 Volt, grounded, electrical outlet.
• Turn the Temperature Selector Knob (9) to the desired temperature. (See Figure A.)
• 1-Level = 212° Fahrenheit
• 2-Level = 302° Fahrenheit
• 3-Level = 446° Fahrenheit
• 4-Level = 680° Fahrenheit
• 5-Level = 842° Fahrenheit
• Press and hold the Power Switch (19) to heat up the Blade (2). The Blade will reach the
pre-set operating temperature in about one minute and will remain at the temperature selected.
Also, the Power ON Light (22) will illuminate during operation. (See Figure A.)
• When the Blade (2) has reached the pre-set temperature, you may use the sharp edge of the
Blade for line cutting or use the side of the Blade for wide groove cutting.
• When pressure on the Power Switch (19) is released, power to the Blade (2) is cut off and the
Blade will cool down gradually. (See Figure A.)
WARNING: The residual heat on the Blade (2) takes several minutes to dissipate. Use caution
while the Blade is still hot.
• Unplug the Hot Knife from its electrical outlet.
• Once the Hot Knife has completely cooled, store the tool in a clean, dry, and safe location out
of reach of children and other unauthorized persons.
MAINTENANCE
Maintain your Hot Knife. It is recommended that the general condition of any Hot Knife be
examined before it is used. Keep your Hot Knife in good repair by adopting a program of
conscientious repair and maintenance. Have necessary repairs made by qualified service
personnel.
WARNING: TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch (19) of the Hot Knife to its “OFF” position and unplug the tool from its
electrical outlet before performing any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.

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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.
• BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general condition of the Hot Knife. Check for loose screws,
misalignment or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken parts, damaged electrical wiring, and
any other condition that may affect its safe operation.
• AFTER USE, clean external surfaces of the tool with clean cloth.
WARNING: If the Power Cord (21) of this power tool is damaged, it must be replaced
only by a qualified service technician.

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DIAGRAM AND PARTS LIST

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WARNING
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Some examples of these chemicals are:
• lead from lead-based paints,
• crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
• arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your
exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment,
such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
NO.
Part Name
QT
NO.
Part Name
QT
1
Scale Bracket
1
12
Self Tapping Screw (ST3 x 14)
3
2
Blade
1
13
Housing (B)
1
3
Clamping Screw (M4 x 8)
2
14
Sheath
1
4
Blade Bracket
1
15
Electric Wire
1
5
Nut with Cover (M4)
2
16
Rubber Grip
1
6
Nut (M4)
2
17
On/Off Switch
1
7
Insulating Patch
1
18
Housing (A)
1
8
Heating Assembly
1
19
Power Switch
1
9
Temperature Selector Knob
1
20
Rating Label
2
10
Circuit Board
1
21
Power Cord/Plug
1
11
Pan Head Screw (M4 x 15)
2
22
Power ON Light
1

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Distributed by
Northern Tool + Equipment Co., Inc.
Burnsville, Minnesota 55306
NorthernTool.com
Made in China