The HERCULES HE78 is a 12" Dual-Bevel Compound Miter Saw designed for precision cutting of wood and wood-like products. This power tool is intended for users who have read and understand the Owner's Manual and all associated safety instructions.
Function Description:
The HERCULES HE78 is a versatile miter saw capable of making various cuts, including miter cuts (horizontal angles), bevel cuts (vertical angles), and compound cuts (a combination of miter and bevel angles). It features a powerful 120VAC/60Hz/15A motor with a no-load speed of 4,100 RPM, driving a 12" diameter blade with a 1" round arbor. The saw is equipped with a Precision Blade Guide System that projects a shadow of the blade onto the workpiece, aiding in accurate alignment of cuts. It also includes a dust collection system, with options for a dust collection bag or connection to an external dust extraction device, to help maintain a cleaner work area and reduce dust-related hazards.
The saw's design incorporates several features for user control and safety. The Head Lock-Down Pin allows the saw head to be secured in the down position for transport or storage. A Lower Blade Guard automatically covers the blade when the saw head is raised, retracting as the blade descends into the workpiece. The Miter Detent Lock Lever and Detent Latch Button facilitate quick and precise adjustment of miter angles, with pre-set detents for common angles like 15°, 22.5°, 30°, and 45° on both left and right sides. For fine adjustments, the detents can be overridden. Similarly, the Bevel Detent Lever and Bevel Lock Knob enable adjustment of bevel angles, with pre-set detents for 22.5°, 33.9°, and 45° on both left and right sides. The adjustable fence system, consisting of both stationary and sliding fences, provides support for the workpiece and can be adjusted to clear the blade during angled cuts.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model: HE78
- Blade Diameter: 12"
- Arbor Size: 1" Round
- Electrical Rating: 120VAC/60Hz/15A
- Spindle No Load Speed: 4,100 RPM
- Maximum Blade Kerf: 0.125"
- Miter Capacity: 50° Left and Right
- Bevel Capacity: 48° Left and Right
- Cutting Capacities (Height x Width):
- 0° Miter: 3-3/4" x 7-1/4" (Height x Width)
- 45° Miter: 3-3/4" x 5.13" (Height x Width)
- 45° Bevel Left: 2-3/8" x 8-3/16" (Height x Width)
- 45° Bevel Right: 1-5/8" x 8.1825" (Height x Width)
Usage Features:
The HERCULES HE78 emphasizes safe and accurate operation. Users are instructed to always wear eye protection and other personal protective equipment. The saw should be mounted securely to a stable work surface using the provided bolt holes in the base. Workpieces must be clamped or held firmly against both the fence and the table to prevent movement during cutting, especially for small pieces. The manual explicitly warns against "freehand" cutting and crossing hands over the cutting line.
For making a cut, the operator should raise the saw head, pull it out over the workpiece without cutting, start the motor, press the saw head down, and then push the saw through the workpiece. This "push stroke" method is crucial to prevent the blade from climbing on top of the workpiece. The Precision Blade Guide System can be activated to project a shadow of the blade, allowing for precise alignment of the cut line on the workpiece. Alternatively, the saw can be operated without the guide system by aligning the blade edge with the marked cut line, ensuring the waste side of the cut is maintained.
The saw's adjustable fence system allows for proper support of the workpiece, especially when making miter or bevel cuts. Users are advised to check and adjust both sides of the fence to be within 1/8" of the blade, ensuring it does not contact the blade during operation. Adequate support for wider or longer workpieces, such as table extensions or saw horses, is recommended to prevent tipping and ensure accurate cuts. The cut-off piece should not be jammed or pressed against the spinning blade to avoid violent ejection.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is essential for the safe and efficient operation of the HERCULES HE78. Before each use, a general inspection of the tool is required, checking for loose hardware, misalignment or binding of moving parts, damaged cord/electrical wiring, cracked or broken parts, and any other condition that might affect its safe operation. After use, external surfaces should be wiped clean, and the dust collection chute and the area around the Lower Blade Guard should be cleaned. The Lower Blade Guard's free movement should be verified.
The manual provides detailed instructions for calibrating both the miter and bevel angles to ensure accurate cuts. For miter angle calibration, the saw blade must be perpendicular to the fence at a 90° angle. This involves loosening screws on the Miter Scale, using a carpenter's square to align the blade and fence, and then tightening the screws. The Miter Angle Indicator should also be adjusted to point to zero. Bevel angle calibration involves adjusting the saw blade to be exactly vertical to the table, loosening adjustment hardware, setting the bevel angle to 0°, and then tightening. The Bevel Angle Indicators should then be adjusted to read 0°.
The Kerf Board, which can become damaged over time, is replaceable. Instructions are provided for removing the old board, installing a new one, and adjusting it to ensure the blade clears its edges during both 0° and 45° left bevel cuts. The manual also advises on proper saw blade selection, emphasizing the use of blades suitable for the material being cut, with the correct diameter and bore, and a speed rating equal to or higher than the tool's speed.
In the event of troubleshooting, the manual offers solutions for common issues such as the tool not starting, operating slowly, decreased performance, excessive noise or rattling, and overheating. These solutions range from checking power connections and circuit breakers to allowing the tool to work at its own rate, cleaning motor housing vents, and using appropriate extension cords. For internal damage or wear, or if the supply cord is damaged, the manual specifies that repairs must be performed by a qualified service technician. The importance of disconnecting the power supply before any service or diagnostic procedure is heavily emphasized.
To Next Page
General
