You will need the manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly instructions,
operating and maintenance procedures, parts list and diagram. Keep your invoice with this
manual. Write the invoice number on the inside of the front co ver. Keep the man ual and
invoice in a safe and dry place for future reference.
Safety Warnings and Precautions
WARNING: When using tool, basic safety precautions should alwa ys be f ollowed to reduce the risk of personal injury and damage to equipment.
Read all instructions before using this tool!
1.Keep work area clean. Cluttered areas invite injuries.
2.Observe work area conditions. Do not use machines or power tools in damp or wet
locations. Don’t expose to rain. Keep work area well lighted. Do not use electrically
powered tools in the presence of flammable gases or liquids.
3.Keep children away . Children must ne ver be allow ed in the work area. Do not let them
handle machines, tools, or extension cords.
4.Store idle equipment. When not in use , tools must be stored in a dry location to inhibit
rust. Always lock up tools and keep out of reach of children.
5.Do not force tool. It will do the job better and more safely at the rate for which it was
intended. Do not use inappropriate attachments in an attempt to e xceed the tool capacity .
6.Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Do not reach over or
across running machines.
7.Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as they can be caught in moving
parts. Protective, electrically non-conductive clothes and non-skid footwear are
recommended when working. Wear restrictive hair cov ering to contain long hair.
8.Use the right tool for the job. Do not attempt to force a small tool or attachment to do
the work of a larger industrial tool. There are certain applications for which this tool was
designed. Do not modify this tool and do not use this tool for a purpose for which it was
not intended.
9.Use eye and ear protection. Always wear ANSI approved, arc shaded, impact safety
full face shield (not included) when arc welding. Wear an ANSI approved dust mask or
respirator when working around metal, chemical dusts, fumes and mists.
10.Maintain tools with care. Keep tools sharp and clean for better and saf er performance.
Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Inspect tool cords
periodically and, if damaged, have them repaired by an authorized technician. The
handles must be kept clean, dry, and free from oil and grease at all times.
11.Disconnect power. Unplug tool when not in use.
12.Remove adjusting keys and wrenches. Check that keys and adjusting wrenches are
removed from the tool or machine work surface before plugging it in.
13.Av oid unintentional starting. Be sure the switch is in the Off position when not in use
and before plugging in. Do not carry any tool with y our finger on the trigger , whether it is
plugged in or not.
14.Stay alert. Watch what y ou are doing, use common sense. Do not operate any tool when
you are tired.
15.Check for damaged parts. Before using any tool, an y part that appears damaged should
be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended
function. Chec k for alignment and binding of moving parts; any brok en parts or mounting
fixtures; and any other condition that ma y affect proper operation. Any part that is damaged
should be properly repaired or replaced by a qualified technician. Do not use the tool if
any switch does not turn On and Off properly.
16.Guard against electric shock. Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces such as
pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerator enclosures.
17.Replacement parts and accessories. When servicing, use only identical replacement
parts. Use of any other parts will void the warranty. Only use accessories intended for
use with this tool. Approved accessories are available from Harbor Freight Tools.
18.Do not operate tool if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Read warning labels
on prescriptions to determine if your judgment or reflexes are impaired while taking drugs.
If there is any doubt, do not operate the tool.
19.Maintenance. For your saf ety, service and maintenance should be performed regularly
by a qualified technician.
20.Use proper size and type extension cord. If an extension cord is required, it must be of
the proper size and type to supply the correct current to the tool without heating up.
Otherwise, the extension cord could melt and catch fire, or cause electrical damage to
the tool. This tool requires use of an 220 VAC extension cord of 20 amps minimum
capability (up to 30 feet), with wire size r ated at 10 AWG. Longer e xtension cords require
larger size wire. If you are using the tool outdoors, use an extension cord rated for outdoor
use (signified by “WA” on the jacket).
21.Pacemaker safety warning. People with pacemakers should consult with their
physician(s) before using this product; operation of equipment in close proximity to a
heart pacemaker could cause interference or failure of the pacemak er.
22.Use tools with both hands when required. Many tools such as chain saws, drills,
routers, and welders, etc., require the use of both hands when operating. This helps
maintain tool stability and keeps hands away from the working area of the tool.
Note: Performance of this tool may vary depending on variations in local line voltage. Extension cord usage may also affect tool performance.
Warning: The warnings, cautions, 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, b ut m ust be supplied b y the operator.
Arc Welding Safety Warnings and Precautions
Warning: This product, when used for welding and similar applications, produces chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects (or other reproductive harm). California Health & Safety Code 25249.5, et seq.
1.Avoid electrical shock. Do not permit electrically live par ts, cables, or electrodes to
contact skin, clothing, or gloves. Protective clothing should be free of holes, dry, and
ANSI approved.
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.
2.Avoid breathing fumes or gases. They can cause serious health problems. Use an
active ventilation system directly above the welding area. Keep your head out of the
fumes.
Inhalation Hazard
Welding Pr oduces T O XIC FUMES and GASSES.
Exposure to welding gasses 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 gasses or
fumes are:
• Early onset of Parkinson’s Disease• Heart Disease
• Damage to the reproductive organs• Ulcers
• Inflammation of the small intestine or stomach• Kidney damage
• Respiratory diseases such as emphysema, bronchitis or pneumonia
Safety precautions, such as using natural or forced air ventilation and
wearing an ANSI approved respirator , are ESSENTIAL to reduce the risk
of developing the above illnesses.
3.Av oid e ye and body damage. Arc rays and infrared radiation can injure ey es and burn
skin. Wear ANSI appro ved arc shaded, impact safety full f ace shield and body protection.
Do not allow viewing by visitors without proper eye and body protection.
4.Know proper arc welding practices. Read and understand the manufacturer’s
instructions, and well as your employer’s safety practices for arc welding.
5.Connect only to a code approved power source. Connect only to a grounding power
source conforming to the National Electrical Code and Local Codes.
6.Avoid fire and explosion. Remove flammable and explosive material from at least 35
feet from the welding arc to pre vent welding sparks or molten metal from starting a fire.
Keep a type ABC fire e xtinguisher within easy reach. Thoroughly clean the object being
welded of any paint, grease, or other foreign material.
7.Av oid being burned. Alwa ys wear ANSI approved welding gear: leather gloves , leather
apron, and shoes.
Unpacking
When unpacking, check to make sure the following parts are included.
MIG 200 Amp W elder
Wire Spool (1) not shown
220 V AC Power Cord
Torch Cable and Handle (2)
Ground Cable and Clamp (3)
If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the number on the
cover of this manual as soon as possible.
Assembly
1.Insert the Torch Cable (connection end) into the cable strain relief on the end of the
unit. Refer to the photos on the next page.
3.Attach the Current Collector (with Wire Routing Housing) to Bracket “A” and tighten.
Refer to photos above.
4.Press the white Gas Tube onto the black outlet “B”.
5.Plug the white tube Square Connector “C” into the matching receptacle “D”.
6.Wind (or place) the welding wire onto the Wire Spool (not shown), and mount the Wire
Spool onto the Wire Feed Axis Mechanism. See photo on next page.
7.Guide the welding wire into the Wire Routing Housing until it passes the Feed Control
Wheel, and into the Torch Cable.
8.Connect a 220 VAC plug (not supplied) to the line cord. This step must be done by a
licensed electrician.
9.Plug the line cord into a 220 VAC electrical outlet.
10.Flip the Power Switch on the front of the unit to the ON (I) position. The blower will
start.
Warning: The Torch Handle is now active. Do not touch anything grounded while performing the next step.
11.While holding the Torch Handle away from any grounding points, press and hold the
Trigger Switch to begin feeding the welding wire through the Torch Cable until it
reaches the Torch Head.
Turn the Wire Feed Speed Control clockwise to increase the wire feed. If the wire is
not feeding properly, It may also be necessary to increase the tension of the Wire
Tension Control knob by turning it clockwise.
12.Release the Trigger Switch and flip the Power Switch to the OFF (0) position.
13.Close all unit compartment doors. The unit is now ready for welding.
Wire Routing
Housing
Wire Feed Axis
Mechanism
Argon/CO2 Gas
Hose Connector
Controls and Indicators
Wire Spool
Welding Current
Adjustment Knob:
30~200 Amps
Operation
Nozzle
Trigger Switch
Torch Handle
Wire Feed Speed Control
Overheating Indicator - Red
Welding
Warning: Before ar c welding, read and under stand all safety precautions and warnings
listed on pages 2 through 5.
1.Connect and secure the Argon/CO2 gas hose to the rear of the MIG Welder.
2.Securely clamp the Ground Cable Clamp as close as possible to the metal object to
be welded, or to the metal work bench where the object is mounted and electrically
connected.
3.Set the Welding Current Adjustment Knob ( 30~200 Amps) to the desired current
setting for the type of metal being welded.Thinner metals use lower current. Heavier
metals use higher current.
4.Verify that the Power Switch is in the OFF (0) position, then plug the MIG Welder plug
into a dedicated, 220 VAC, 20 amp line with delayed action type circuit breaker or
fuses. If an extension cord is used, it must have the following wire size: up to 30 feet,
use 10 AWG size wire; 30 to 50 feet, use 8 AWG wire; Over 50 feet, use 6 AWG wire.
5.While holding the Torch Handle with electrode wire clearly out of the way of any
grounded objects, turn the Power Switch to the ON (I) position.
6.Momentar ily press the Torch Trigger Switch to test the wire feed speed.
Adjust the speed by turning the Wire Feed Speed Control knob.
7.Orient yourself on the area to be welded, then place the Arc Shaded Face Shield over
your eyes.
Warning: Never look at the ignited arc without ANSI approved, arc shaded, eye protection in a full face shield. P ermanent eye damage or blindness can occur . Skin burns can
occur. Never breath arc fumes.
8.Press (and hold) the Torch Trigger Switch and stroke the area to be welded with the
electrode wire to ignite the arc.
Never tap the electrode wire 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.
9.Once the arc is ignited, tilt the electrode wire forward at an angle of about 35°. Refer
to the illustration below.
The wire feeds automatically at a speed dependent on the Min. or Max. current
setting. The wire speed can also be adjusted using the Wire Feed Speed Control.
Note: If too much current is dra wn from the MIG Welder, the Thermal Overload protector will
activate, the red Overheating indicator will light, and the Arc Welder will turn off until it cools
down. If this happens, turn the Power Switch to the OFF (0) position and wait about 3 ~ 5
minutes.
10.When the weld is complete, lift the Torch Handle electrode wire clearly away from any
grounded object, lift your Face Shield, and turn the Power Switch to the OFF (0)
position.
11.Unplug the Power Cord from the electrical outlet.
Maintenance
Warning: Before performing an y maintenance on the MIG Welder , unplug the P ower Cord
from the electrical outlet.
1.Periodically using compressed air, open the top and side panels and blow out all dust
from the interior.
2.Store the unit in a clean and dry location.
3.Periodically clean out the Torch Head.
Replacing the Wire Reel
When the wire on the Feed Reel is used up, you will need to replace it as described on
page 6, step 6 through step 13.
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS DIAGRAM IN THIS
MANUAL AS A REFERENCE T OOL ONLY . NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES
ANY REPRESENT ATION OR W ARRANTY OF ANY KIND T O 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
P AR TS OF THE PR ODUCT . IN F ACT, THE MANUF A CTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY ST A TES
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 INST ALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERET O.