Chicago Electric 97717 Installation manual

ARC STICK WELDER - 70 AMP
Model 97717
SET UP AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally.
Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
Distributed exclusively by Harbor Freight Tools®.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
Copyright©2008 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this
manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form
without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 2SKU 97717 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.....................................................3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES....................................................................................3
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES.....................................................................................5
SPECIFICATIONS .....................................................................................9
UNPACKING..............................................................................................9
INITIAL SET UP
INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................9
ASSEMBLY..............................................................................................................9
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................10
WORK PIECE AND WORK AREA SET UP ......................................................... 10
GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS........................................................... 10
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING .........................................................12
TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................................................13
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY .................................13
PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM .............................................14
LIMITED 1 YEAR / 90 DAY WARRANTY................................................15

Page 3SKU 97717 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SAVE THIS MANUAL
Keep this 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 indicates
a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING
indicates a
hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION, used
with the safety
alert symbol, indicates a
hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE is used to
address practices
not related to personal injury.
CAUTION, without
the safety alert
symbol, is used to address
practices not related to
personal injury.
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 wella.
lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite
accidents.
Do not operate power tools inb.
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 bystandersc.
away while operating a power
tool. Distractions can cause you
to lose control.
Electrical safety2.
Avoid body contact with groundeda.
surfaces such as pipes, radiators,
ranges and refrigerators. There is
an increased risk of electric shock if
your body is grounded.
NOTICE
CAUTION
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION

Page 4SKU 97717 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Do not touch exposed electricalb.
parts.
Do not expose power tools to rainc.
or wet conditions. Water entering a
power tool will increase the risk of
electric shock.
Do not abuse the cord. Never used.
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 toole.
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 area.
doing and use common sense
when operating a power tool. Do
not use a power tool while you are
tired or under the inuence of drugs,
alcohol or medication. A moment
of inattention while operating power
tools may result in serious personal
injury.
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, heavy-
duty work gloves, non-skid safety
shoes, or hearing protection used
for appropriate conditions will reduce
personal injuries.
Avoid accidental starting. Ensurec.
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.
Remove any adjusting key or wrenchd.
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 propere.
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. Usea.
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 theb.
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 thec.
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.
Store idle power tools out of thed.
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 fore.
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.

Page 5SKU 97717 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Use the power tool, accessories andf.
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 bya.
a qualied repair person using only
identical replacement parts. This will
ensure that the safety of the power
tool is maintained.
Specic Safety Rules
Maintain labels and nameplates on1.
the tool. These carry important safety
information. If unreadable or missing,
contact Harbor Freight Tools for a
replacement.
Avoid electrical shock. Do not permit2.
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. Arc3.
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. Prepare5.
to begin work before turning on the
tool.
Do not leave the tool unattended6.
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 other7.
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 out8.
of reach of children.
Industrial applications must follow9.
OSHA guidelines.
People with pacemakers should10.
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:
• Avoid operating alone.
• Do not use with power switch locked
on.
• Properly maintain and inspect to

Page 6SKU 97717 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
avoid electrical shock.
• Any power cord must be properly
grounded. Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) should also be
implemented – it prevents sustained
electrical shock.
WARNING: This product, when used11.
for welding, plasma cutting, soldering,
or 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.)
12. Prevent eye
injury and
burns. Wearing
and using
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.
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 cutting
procedures.
When welding/cutting overhead•
or in conned 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 a14.
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 combustible15.
materials for a radius of 35 feet (10
meters) around the work area.
Do not use near degreasing or16.
painting operations.
Enclose the work area with portable17.
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.
Do not weld or cut on materials19.
having a combustible coating or
combustible internal structure, as in
walls or ceilings, without an approved
method for eliminating the hazard.

Page 7SKU 97717 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
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 easily-
visible 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.
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 nonammable, 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 a22.
stable location before use. If this unit
falls while plugged in, severe injury,
electric shock, or re may result.
Avoid overexposure to fumes and23.
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 qualied 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 for25.
Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL’s)
for various fumes and gases.
Follow the American Conference of26.
Governmental Industrial Hygienists
recommendations for Threshold Limit
Values (TLV’s) for fumes and gases.
Have a recognized specialist in27.
Industrial Hygiene or Environmental
Services check the operation and air
quality and make recommendations
for the specic welding or cutting
situation.

Page 8SKU 97717 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
WARNING
INHALATION HAZARD:
Welding and Plasma Cutting Produce
TOXIC FUMES.
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
• Inammation 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.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS.

Page 9SKU 97717 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical
Requirements
120 V~ / 60 Hz
Power Plug: 20 Amp/3 Prong / Grounded
Input Current 20 Amps
Power Switch
Type Rocker with Light (Yellow)
Indicators Thermal Overload Light (Red)
Settings Minimum: 50 Amp
Maximum: 70 Amp
Welding
Capacity Up to 1/8” Thick Steel in a Single Pass
Recommended
Electrode Size
1/16” Diameter for 15 Amp Circuits
Up to 5/64” Diameter for 20 Amp Circuits
Duty Cycle 10% @ 70 Amps / 20% @ 50 Amps
Accessories
Welding Shield (Qty. 1)
Hammer/Brush (Qty. 1)
Electrode Holder (Qty. 1)
Ground Clamp (Qty. 1)
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 pos-
sible.
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 PREVENT
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 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.)
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 qualied electrician
FIGURE A
WARNING

Page 10SKU 97717 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
install a 120 volt, 20 Amp, 3-hole,
grounded electrical outlet. (See
Figure B.)
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.
TO PREVENT
SERIOUS
INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL
OPERATION:
Turn the switch to its off
position before performing
any inspection, maintenance,
or cleaning procedures.
Workpiece and Work Area Set Up
Designate a work area that is clean1.
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 safe2.
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.
Secure loose workpieces using a vise3.
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 curtain5.
or welding shroud should be put up
to protect others in the work area and
limit the spray of sparks.
General Operating Instructions
Protective gear
must be worn when
using the Arc Welder; ANSI-
approved, 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 denes 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
FIGURE B
WARNING DANGER