Keep th i s manual for the safety
warnings and precautions, assembly,
operating, inspection, maintenance and
cleaning procedures. Write the product’s
serial number in the back of the manual near
the assembly diagram (or month and year of
purchase if product has no number). Keep
this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry
place for future reference.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION
In this manual, on the labeling,
and all other information
provided with this product:
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.
DANGER
situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING
hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION
alert symbol, indicates a
hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury.
DANGER indicates
a hazardous
WARNING
indicates a
CAUTION, used
with the safety
NOTICE
not related to personal injury.
CAUTION
symbol, is used to address
practices not related to
personal injury.
NOTICE is used to
address practices
CAUTION, without
the safety alert
General Safety Rules
WARNING! Read all instructions
Failure to follow all instructions
listed below may result in
electric shock, re, and/or
serious injury. The term “power
tool” in all of the warnings listed
below refers to your line-operated
(corded) Arc Welder.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Work area safety1.
Keep work area clean and well a.
lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite
accidents.
Do not operate power tools in b.
explosive atmospheres, such as in
the presence of ammable liquids,
gases or dust. Power tools create
sparks which may ignite the dust or
fumes.
Keep children and bystanders c.
away while operating a power
tool. Distractions can cause you
to lose control.
Electrical safety2.
Avoid body contact with grounded a.
surfaces such as pipes, radiators,
ranges and refrigerators. There is
an increased risk of electric shock if
your body is grounded.
Do not expose power tools to rain c.
or wet conditions. Water entering a
power tool will increase the risk of
electric shock.
Do not abuse the cord. Never use d.
the cord for 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.
When operating a power tool e.
outdoors, use an extension cord
suitable for outdoor use. Use of
a cord suitable for outdoor use
reduces the risk of electric shock.
Personal safety3.
Stay alert, watch what you are a.
doing and use common sense
when operating a power tool. Do
not use a power tool while you are
tired or under the inuence of drugs,
alcohol or medication. A moment
of inattention while operating power
tools may result in serious personal
injury.
Remove any adjusting key or wrench d.
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.
Do not overreach. Keep proper e.
footing and balance at all times.
This enables better control of the
power tool in unexpected situations.
Power tool use and care4.
Do not force the power tool. Use a.
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.
Do not use the power tool if the b.
switch does not turn it on and
off. Any power tool that cannot
be controlled with the switch is
dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the c.
power source before making any
adjustments, changing accessories,
or storing power tools. Such
preventive safety measures reduce
the risk of starting the power tool
accidentally.
Use safety equipment. Always wear b.
ANSI-approved safety glasses and
arc shaded, impact safety full face
shield. Safety equipment such as
NIOSH-approved respirator, heavyduty work gloves, non-skid safety
shoes, or hearing protection used
for appropriate conditions will reduce
personal injuries.
Avoid accidental starting. Ensure c.
the switch is in the off-position
before plugging in. Carrying power
tools with your nger on the switch
or plugging in power tools that have
the switch on invites accidents.
Store idle power tools out of the d.
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.
Maintain power tools. Check for e.
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
Use the power tool, accessories and f.
tool bits etc., in accordance with
these instructions and in the manner
intended for the particular type of
power tool, 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.
Service5.
Have your power tool serviced by a.
a qualied repair person using only
identical replacement parts. This will
ensure that the safety of the power
tool is maintained.
Specic Safety Rules
Maintain labels and nameplates on 1.
the tool. These carry important safety
information. If unreadable or missing,
contact Harbor Freight Tools for a
replacement.
Avoid electrical shock. Do not permit 2.
electrically live parts, cables, or
electrodes to contact skin, clothing,
or gloves. Wear ANSI-approved
protective clothing. This unit draws
enough current to cause serious
injury or death. Before turning the
welder on, check the electrode
holder to be sure that there are no
protruding screw heads, and that
all insulation is secure. Do not weld
unless you are insulated from ground
and the work piece.
Avoid eye and body damage. Arc 3.
rays and infrared radiation can
injure eyes and burn skin. Wear
ANSI approved eye and body
protection. Do not allow viewing by
visitors without proper eye and body
protection. Use a Face Shield with
arc shaded lter plate.
Move ammable and explosive 4.
material at least 35 feet from the
welding arc to prevent welding sparks
or molten metal from starting a re.
Keep a type ABC re extinguisher
within easy reach. Thoroughly clean
the object being welded of any paint,
grease, or other foreign material.
Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare 5.
to begin work before turning on the
tool.
Do not leave the tool unattended 6.
when it is plugged into an electrical
outlet. Turn off the tool, and unplug
it from its electrical outlet before
leaving.
Use clamps (not included) or other 7.
practical ways to secure and support
the work piece to a stable platform.
Holding the work by hand or against
your body is unstable and may lead
to loss of control.
This product is not a toy. Keep it out 8.
of reach of children.
Industrial applications must follow 9.
OSHA guidelines.
People with pacemakers should 10.
consult their physician(s) before
use. Electromagnetic elds in close
proximity to heart pacemaker could
cause pacemaker interference or
pacemaker failure. In addition,
people with pacemakers should:
ANSI-approved
personal safety clothing and safety
devices reduce the risk for injury.
Wear ANSI-approved safety impact •
eye goggles underneath welding
eye protection featuring at least a
Number 10 shade lens rating.
Leather leggings, re resistant •
shoes or boots should be worn
when using this product. Do not
wear pants with cuffs, shirts with
open pockets, or any clothing that
can catch and hold molten metal or
sparks.
Keep clothing free of grease, •
oil, solvents, or any ammable
substances. Wear dry, insulating
gloves and protective clothing.
When welding/cutting overhead •
or in conned spaces, wear ame
resistant ear plugs or ear muffs to
keep sparks out of ears.
13. Prevent accidental res.
Remove any combustible
material from the work
area.
When possible, move the work to a 14.
location well away from combustible
materials. If relocation is not
possible, protect the combustibles
with a cover made of re resistant
material.
Remove or make safe all combustible 15.
materials for a radius of 35 feet (10
meters) around the work area.
Do not use near degreasing or 16.
painting operations.
Enclose the work area with portable 17.
re resistant screens. Protect
combustible walls, ceilings, oors,
etc., from sparks and heat with re
resistant covers.
If working on a metal wall, ceiling, 18.
etc., prevent ignition of combustibles
on the other side by moving the
combustibles to a safe location. If
relocation of combustibles is not
possible, designate someone to
serve as a re watch, equipped with
a re extinguisher, during the cutting
process and for at least one half hour
after the cutting is completed.
Wear an approved head covering •
to protect the head and neck. Use
aprons, cape, sleeves, shoulder
covers, and bibs designed and
approved for welding and cut ting
procedures.
Do not weld or cut on materials 19.
having a combustible coating or
combustible internal structure, as in
walls or ceilings, without an approved
method for eliminating the hazard.
Do not dispose of hot slag in •
containers holding combustible
materials. Keep a re extinguisher
nearby and know how to use it.
After spot welding, make a •
thorough examination for evidence
of re. Be aware that easilyvisible smoke or ame may not
be present for some time after
the re has started. Do not weld
or cut in atmospheres containing
dangerously reactive or ammable
gases, vapors, liquids, and dust.
Provide adequate ventilation in
work areas to prevent accumulation
of ammable gases, vapors, and
dust. Do not apply heat to a
container that has held an unknown
substance or a combustible
material whose contents, when
heated, can produce ammable or
explosive vapors. Clean and purge
containers before applying heat.
Vent closed containers, including
castings, before preheating,
welding, or cutting.
falls while plugged in, severe injury,
electric shock, or re may result.
Avoid overexposure to fumes and 23.
gases. Always keep your head out
of the fumes. Do not breathe the
fumes. Use enough ventilation or
exhaust, or both, to keep fumes and
gases from your breathing zone and
general area.
Where ventilation is questionable, 24.
have a qualied technician take
an air sampling to determine the
need for corrective measures. Use
mechanical ventilation to improve
air quality. If engineering controls
are not feasible, use an approved
respirator.
Follow OSHA guidelines for 25.
Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL’s)
for various fumes and gases.
Follow the American Conference of 26.
Governmental Industrial Hygienists
recommendations for Threshold Limit
Values (TLV’s) for fumes and gases.
Do not touch live electrical parts. 20.
Wear dry, insulating gloves. Do not
touch electrode or conductor tong
with bare hand. Do not wear wet or
damaged gloves.
Protect yourself from electric shock. 21.
Do not use outdoors. Insulate
yourself from the work piece and
ground. Use nonammable, dry
insulating material if possible, or
use dry rubber mats, dry wood or
plywood, or other dry insulating
material big enough to cover your
full area of contact with the work or
ground.
Ensure that the unit is placed on a 22.
stable location before use. If this unit
Have a recognized specialist in 27.
Industrial Hygiene or Environmental
Services check the operation and air
quality and make recommendations
for the specic welding or cutting
Exposure to welding or cutting
exhaust fumes can increase the risk
of developing certain cancers, such as
cancer of the larynx and lung cancer.
Also, some diseases that may be linked
to exposure to welding or plasma cutting
exhaust fumes are:
• Early onset of Parkinson’s Disease
• Heart disease • Ulcers
• Damage to the reproductive organs
• Inammation of the small intestine or
stomach • Kidney damage
• Respiratory diseases such as
emphysema, bronchitis, or pneumonia
Use natural or forced air ventilation and
wear a respirator approved by NIOSH to
protect against the fumes produced to
reduce the risk of developing the above
illnesses.
The warnings, precautions, 28.
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.
SERIOUS
INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL
OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch of the
tool to its “OFF” position
and unplug the tool from
its electrical outlet before
assembling or making any
adjustments to the tool.
Note: For additional information regarding
the parts listed in the following pages,
refer to the Assembly Diagram near
the end of this manual.
Assembly
TO PREVENT
UNPACKING
When unpacking, check to make sure
that the item is intact and undamaged. If
any parts are missing or broken, please call
Harbor Freight Tools at the number shown
on the cover of this manual as soon as possible.
INITIAL SET UP
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.
To assemble the Welding Shield, 1.
place the Shield on a at surface.
Press the Handle into place. Then
insert the Filter Lens.
(See Figure A.)
FIGURE A
This Arc Welder is equipped with a 2.
120 volt, 20 Amp, 3-prong, grounded
Power Plug (8). If this Plug does not
t your existing 120 volt electrical
outlet, have a qualied electrician
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.
Secure loose workpieces using a vise 3.
or clamps (not included) to prevent
movement while working. The work-
pieces should be held together rmly
while welding. The distance (if any)
between the two workpieces must
be controlled properly to allow the
weld to hold both sides securely while
allowing the weld to penetrate fully
into the joint.
There must not be hazardous objects, 4.
such as utility lines or foreign objects,
nearby that will present a hazard
while working.
A barrier, such as a welding curtain 5.
or welding shroud should be put up
to protect others in the work area and
limit the spray of sparks.
WARNING
INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL
OPERATION:
Turn the switch to its off
position before performing
any inspection, maintenance,
or cleaning procedures.
TO PREVENT
SERIOUS
Workpiece and Work Area Set Up
Designate a work area that is clean 1.
and well-lit. The work area must not
allow access by children or pets to
prevent injury and distraction.
Route the power cord along a safe 2.
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.
General Operating Instructions
Protective gear
DANGER
using the Arc Welder; ANSIapproved, arc shaded, eye
protection, a full face shield,
welding gloves and welding
apron, NIOSH-approved
respirator, and re resistant
work clothes without pockets
should be worn when using
this product. Do not look at
the ignited arc without eye
protection. Light from the arc
can cause permanent damage
to the eyes. Light from the
arc can burn the skin. Do not
breathe arc fumes.
The duty cycle denes the number of 1.
minutes, within a 10 minute period,
during which a given Welder can
safely produce a particular welding
current. For example, at a 10% duty
Failure to carefully observe duty •
cycle limitations can stress a
Welder’s power generation system,
contributing to premature Welder
failure.
This Welder is equipped with an •
internal thermal protection system
to help prevent damage to the unit.
When the Arc Welder overheats a
red light is illuminated on the control
panel and the unit automatically
shuts down. Then the unit returns
to service when it cools down and
the red light turns off.
Once the unit returns to service, •
follow a more conservative duty
cycle routine to help prevent excess
wear to the Welder.
Attach the Ground Cable with Clamp 2.
(10) as close as possible to the
intended welding location.
(See Assy. Diagram.)
Make sure the Power Switch (13) is 5.
off, then plug the Arc Welder’s Power
Cord (8) into a dedicated, 120 VAC,
20 amp line with delayed action type
circuit breaker or fuses.
(See Assy. Diagram.)
While grasping the handle of 6.
the Electrode Holder (9), with
the electrode clear of grounded
objects, turn the Power Switch (13)
to its “ON” position. (See Assy.
Diagram.)
Hold the Welding Shield in front 7.
of your eyes. WARNING! Never
look at the ignited arc without ANSIapproved, arc shaded, eye protection
in a full face shield. Permanent eye
damage or blindness can occur.
Skin burns can occur. Wear a
NIOSH-approved respirator to avoid
breathing arc fumes.
Stroke8. the area to be welded with the
electrode to ignite the arc. Never tap
the electrode into the welding surface
to ignite the arc. This damages its
external coating on the electrode
which prevents oxygen in the air from
coming into contact with the molten
metal, causing it to oxidize.
Place the bare end of the electrode 3.
(not included) in the Electrode Holder
(9). NOTE: Always keep the jaws of
the Electrode Holder clean to ensure
proper electrical contact with the
electrode. (See Assy. Diagram.)
Set the desired current (50~70 Amps) 4.
for the type of metal being welded
with the MIN/MAX Switch (12). Thin
metals use low current and heavy
metals use high current.
(See Assy. Diagram.)
Once the arc is ignited, tilt the 9.
electrode backward at an angle
of approximately 30° and hold it
at a distance from the welding
object equal to the diameter of the
electrode.
NOTE: 10. If too much current is drawn
from the Arc Welder, the Thermal
Overload Protector will activate.
The red light on the Control Panel
will illuminate, and the Welder will
automatically shut off until it cools
down. If this happens, turn the Power
SERIOUS INJURY
FROM ACCIDENTAL
OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch of the
tool to its “OFF” position and
unplug the tool from its
electrical outlet before
performing any inspection,
maintenance, cleaning, or
storage procedures.
BEFORE EACH USE,1. inspect the
general condition of the Arc Welder.
Check for cracked or missing
insulators, damaged electrical wiring,
and any other condition that may
affect its safe operation. If abnormal
noise or vibration occurs, have the
problem corrected before further use.
Do not use damaged equipment.
AFTER USE,2. clean external surfaces
of the Arc Welder with a clean cloth.
Use compressed air to blow all
dust and debris from the ventilation
openings. Do not hold the air nozzle
too close to the ventilation openings.
AFTER USE, 3. store the Arc Welder
in a clean, dry, safe location out of
reach of children and unauthorized
people.
MAINTENANCE AND
SERVICING
Procedures not specically
explained in this manual
must be performed only by a
qualied technician.
4. WARNING! If the supply cord
of this Arc Welder is damaged,
it must be replaced only by a
Inadequate current at electrode and/or poor 1.
connections at Welder.
Workpiece not properly grounded.2.
Heavy loads, making power line voltage low.3.
Current leakage caused by damp work area.2.
Use of extension cord.1.
Electrode diameter too large.2.
Overloaded circuit.3.
Inconsistent travel speed.1.
Output Amp setting too low.2.
Arc length too short.1.
Output Amp setting too low.2.
Damp electrodes.1. Use dry electrodes and store in a dry 1.
Travel speed too fast.1.
Arc length too short.2.
Output Amp setting too low.3.
Slow and/or inconsistent travel speed.1.
Output Amp setting too high.2.
Check circuit fuse or circuit breaker.1.
Have Power Cord repaired or replaced by 2.
a qualied electrician.
Check Ground Clamp, Cable, and 1.
connection to workpiece.
Check Welding Cable and Electrode 2.
Holder.
Check all Welder external connections.3.
Use smaller diameter electrode.1.
Verify proper grounding (no paint, varnish, 2.
or corrosion).
Run Arc Welder on dedicated 120 volt, 20 3.
Amp circuit.
Avoid contact with workpiece.1.
Make sure clothing and work area are dry.2.
Relocate Arc Welder to avoid use of 1.
extension cord. If relocation of Welder
is not possible, use thicker (lower gauge
number) extension cord.
Use smaller diameter electrode.2.
Run Arc Welder on dedicated 120 volt, 20 3.
Amp circuit.
Decrease and maintain travel speed.1.
Increase output Amp setting or change to 2.
smaller diameter electrode.
Lift electrode to correct arc length as soon 1.
as arc is struck.
Increase output Amp setting or change to 2.
smaller diameter electrode.
location.
Decrease travel speed.1.
Increase arc length.2.
Increase output Amp setting.3.
Increase and maintain travel speed.1.
Reduce output Amp setting.2.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY
DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR
DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT
HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS
QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR
DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE
UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER
ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL
PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION
OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.
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 for a period of
ninety days from date of purchase that the torch, liner, wire feed mechanism (if applicable),
welding clamps, electrode holders, cables and accessories packed with the welder are
free of defects in materials and workmanship. This Limited 90 Day/1 Year Warranty shall not apply to consumable parts such as tips, welding wire, and gas nozzles.
Harbor Freight Tools also warrants to the original purchaser, for a period of one year from
date of purchase, that the transformer and rectier are free from defects in materials and
workmanship (90 days if used by a professional contractor or if used as rental equipment).
This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly to misuse, abuse,
negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, 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 veries 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 specic legal rights and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • (800) 444-3353
Record Product’s Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not