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 59436.
Page 2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
General Power Tool Safety Warnings
Personal safety
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.
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
Double Insulated Tools: Tools
with Two Prong Plugs
Outlets for 2-Prong Plug
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.)
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.
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)
0 – 2.01818181816
2.1 – 3.41818181614
3.5 – 5.01818161412
5.1 – 7.01816141212
7.1 – 12.018141210-
12.1 – 16.0141210--
16.1 – 20.01210---
* Based on limiting the line voltage drop to five volts at
150% of the rated amperes.
EXTENSION CORD
LENGTH
25´50´75´100´ 150´
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.
Symbology
Double Insulated
V
~
A
n0 xxxx/min.
Volts
Alternating Current
Amperes
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.
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
Port
Dust Extraction Setup
Connect a 1-1/4″ dust collection hose from the Dust Port
to dust collector (hose and dust collector not included).
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.
Router Bit
Collet Nut
Spindle
Lock
Spindle
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.
Edge
Guide
Knob
Edge
Guide
Fence
Fence
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.
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.
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.
Nail
Center
Hole
Adjusting Cutting Depth
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.
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.
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.
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.
SpeedRPM
115,000
218,000
321,000
424,000
527,000
632,000
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:
a. For most materials it is best to move Router
from left to right as facing the workpiece.
✔
✘
b. When cutting outside edges, move Router
counterclockwise. When cutting inside
edges, move Router clockwise.
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.
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.
4. Internal damage or wear.
(Carbon brushes or
Power Switch, for example.)
1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
2. Extension cord too long or
cord diameter too small.
1. Carbon brushes worn
or damaged.
2. Router bit dull or damaged.
Internal damage or wear. (Carbon
brushes or bearings, for example.)
2. Router bit dull or damaged.
3. Blocked motor housing vents.
4. Motor being strained by long or
small diameter extension cord
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 qualified technician service tool.
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 5.
1. Have qualified technician replace brushes.
2. Use sharp bits. Replace as needed.
Have qualified technician service tool.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Use sharp bits. 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 5.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.
Disconnect power supply before service.
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.
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.