Chicago Electric 98233 Installation manual

TIG INVERTER WELDER
Model 98233
SET UP AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
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. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein. Tools required for
assembly and service may not be included.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Revised Manual 09j

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CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION ............................ 3
GENERAL POWER TOOL
SAFETY WARNINGS.......................3
TIG WELDER SAFETY WARNINGS..5
GROUNDING ................................. 9
GROUNDED TOOLS..........................9
EXTENSION CORDS .........................9
SYMBOLOGY...................................10
SPECIFICATIONS........................ 11
UNPACKING ................................ 11
LIST OF CONTENTS........................ 11
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .... 11
TOOL SET UP .................................. 11
WORK PIECE AND WORK AREA
SET UP .......................................... 11
GENERAL OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS ........................ 13
MAINTENANCE AND
SERVICING ............................... 15
CLEANING, MAINTENANCE, AND
LUBRICATION...............................15
TROUBLESHOOTING......................16
MAIN UNIT PARTS LIST ............. 17
MAIN UNIT DIAGRAM................. 17
TORCH PARTS LIST ................... 18
TORCH PARTS DIAGRAM.......... 18
ELECTRICAL DIAGRAM............. 19
LIMITED 1 YEAR / 90 DAY
WARRANTY .............................. 20

SKU 98233 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 3
SAVE THIS MANUAL
Keep this manual for the safety warn-
ings and precautions, assembly, operat-
ing, 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 provid-
ed 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 Power Tool Safety
Warnings
WARNING Read all safety
warnings and instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings and
instructions may result in electric
shock, re 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.
Work area safety1.
Keep work area clean and well lit.a.
Cluttered or dark areas invite acci-
dents.
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.
Power tool plugs must match thea.
outlet. Never modify the plug in
any way. Do not use any adapter
plugs with grounded power tools.

SKU 98233 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 4
Unmodied plugs and matching out-
lets will reduce risk of electric shock.
Avoid body contact with groundedb.
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 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 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.
When operating a power tool out-e.
doors, use an extension cord suit-
able for outdoor use. Use of a cord
suitable for outdoor use reduces the
risk of electric shock.
If operating a power tool in a dampf.
location is unavoidable, use a
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI) protected supply. Use of
a GFCI reduces the risk of electric
shock.
Personal safety3.
Stay alert, watch what you are do-a.
ing 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.b. Always
wear 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.
Prevent unintentional starting.c.
Ensure the switch is in the off-po-
sition before connecting to power
source or moving the tool. Carry-
ing power tools with your nger on
the switch or energizing power tools
that have the switch on invites acci-
dents.
Remove any adjusting key ord.
wrench before turning the power
tool on. A wrench or a key left at-
tached 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.
Dress properly. Do not wear loosef.
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.
If devices are provided for the con-g.
nection of dust extraction and col-
lection facilities, ensure these are
connected and properly used. Use
of these devices can reduce dust-
related hazards.
Only use safety equipment thath.
has been approved by an appropri-
ate standards agency. Unapproved
safety equipment may not provide
adequate protection. Eye protection
must be ANSI-approved and breath-
ing protection must be NIOSH-ap-

SKU 98233 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 5
proved for the specic hazards in the
work area.
Power tool use and care4.
Do not force the power tool. Usea.
the correct power tool for your ap-
plication. 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 con-
trolled with the switch is dangerous
and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from thec.
power source 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.
Store idle power tools out of thed.
reach of children and do not allow
persons unfamiliar with the power
tool or these instructions to oper-
ate 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 dam-
aged, have the power tool repaired
before use. Many accidents are
caused by poorly maintained power
tools.
Keep cutting tools sharp andf.
clean. Properly maintained cutting
tools with sharp cutting edges are
less likely to bind and are easier to
control.
Use the power tool, accessoriesg.
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 differ-
ent 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.
TIG Welder Safety Warnings
Connection of a plug to this unit1.
must only be performed by a certi-
ed electrician.
Do not exceed 20 PSI for shielding2.
gas; 10 PSI is recommended.
Avoid electrical shock. Do not per-3.
mit electrically live parts, cables, or
electrodes to contact skin, clothing, or
gloves. Wear ANSI-approved protec-
tive 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 screws,
and that all insulation is secure. Do
not weld unless you are insulated
from ground and the work piece.
Avoid eye and body damage. Arc4.
rays and infrared radiation can injure
eyes and burn skin. Wear ANSI ap-
proved 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.

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Move ammable and explosive mate-5.
rial at least 35 feet from the welding
arc to prevent welding sparks or mol-
ten 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.
If working on a wall or ceiling prevent6.
ignition of combustibles on the other
side by moving them to a safe loca-
tion.
Industrial applications must follow7.
OSHA guidelines.
8. Prevent eye
injury and
burns. Wearing
and using
ANSI-approved personal safety
clothing and safety devices reduce
the risk for injury.
Leather leggings, re resistant shoes 9.
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 and work surfaces free10.
of grease, oil, solvents, or any am-
mable substances. Wear dry, insulat-
ing gloves and protective clothing.
Wear an approved head covering11.
to protect the head and neck. Use
aprons, cape, sleeves, shoulder cov-
ers, and bibs designed and approved
for welding and cutting procedures.
When welding/cutting overhead or in12.
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 pos-
sible, protect the combustibles with a
cover made of re resistant material.
Do not use near degreasing or paint-15.
ing operations.
Enclose the work area with portable16.
re resistant screens. Protect com-
bustible walls, ceilings, oors, etc.,
from sparks and heat with re resis-
tant covers.
Do not weld or cut on materials hav-17.
ing a combustible coating or combus-
tible internal structure, as in walls or
ceilings, without an approved method
for eliminating the hazard.
After spot welding, make a thorough18.
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. Pro-
vide 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 am-
mable or explosive vapors. Clean
and purge containers before applying
heat. Vent closed containers, includ-
ing castings, before preheating, weld-
ing, or cutting.
Do not touch live electrical parts.19.
Wear dry, insulating gloves. Do not
touch electrode or conductor tong

SKU 98233 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 7
with bare hand. Do not wear wet or
damaged gloves.
Ensure that the unit is placed on a20.
stable location before use. If this unit
falls while plugged in, severe injury,
electric shock, or re may result.
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.
Avoid overexposure to fumes and21.
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,22.
have a qualied technician take an air
sampling to determine the need for
corrective measures. Use mechani-
cal ventilation to improve air quality.
If engineering controls are not fea-
sible, use an approved respirator.
Follow OSHA guidelines for Permis-23.
sible Exposure Limits (PEL’s) for vari-
ous fumes and gases.
Follow the American Conference of24.
Governmental Industrial Hygienists
recommendations for Threshold Limit
Values (TLV’s) for fumes and gases.
Have a recognized specialist in25.
Industrial Hygiene or Environmental
Services check the operation and air
quality and make recommendations
for the specic welding or cutting situ-
ation.
Maintain labels and nameplates on26.
the tool. These carry important safety
information. If unreadable or miss-
ing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a
replacement.
Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare27.
to begin work before turning on the
tool.
Do not leave the tool unattended28.
when it is plugged into an electrical
outlet. Turn off the tool, and unplug it
from its electrical outlet before leav-
ing.
Do not splice welding cables.29.
Do not weld sealed containers. All30.
containers should be considered un-
safe unless they have been rendered
safe or declared safe by a qualied
person.

SKU 98233 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 8
This product is not a toy. Keep it out31.
of reach of children.
People with pacemakers should32.
consult their physician(s) before use.
Electromagnetic elds in close prox-
imity to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemak-
er 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.
• Any power cord must be properly
grounded. Ground Fault Circuit Inter-
rupter (GFCI) should also be imple-
mented – it prevents sustained elec-
trical shock.
A GFCI may provide protection from33.
the “wall to the welder”, but a GFCI
will not protect you from faults be-
tween the “welder and the work”.
Because a GFCI cannot protect
you from faults between the “welder
and the work” using proper welding
technique and personal protection
equipment while welding is crucial.
Ground the workpiece as well as the
welder.
Use a non-conductive safety mat on34.
the work surface to insulate the op-
erator from the work surface.
Turn off, unplug, and discharge elec-35.
trodes after use and before service.
Do not attempt to cool the welding tip36.
with uids. Allow the tip to cool down
gradually.
Secure cylinders upright to prevent37.
them from falling. All cylinders should
be used and stored in an upright po-
sition. Never drop or strike a cylinder.
Do not use cylinders that have been
dented. Cylinder caps should be used
when moving or storing cylinders.
Empty cylinders should be kept in
specied areas and clearly marked
“empty.”
Some dust created by power sand-38.
ing, sawing, grinding, drilling, and
other construction activities, contains
chemicals known [to the State of Cali-
fornia] to cause cancer, birth defects
or other reproductive harm. Some
examples of these chemicals are:
• Lead from lead-based paints
• Crystalline silica from bricks and ce-
ment or other masonry products
• Arsenic and chromium from chemi-
cally treated lumber
Your risk from these exposures var-
ies, depending on how often you do
this type of work. To reduce your
exposure to these chemicals: work in
a well ventilated area, and work with
approved safety equipment, such as
those dust masks that are specially
designed to lter out microscopic
particles. (California Health & Safety
Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
WARNING: Handling the cord on39.
this product will expose you to lead,
a chemical known to the State of
California to cause cancer, and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. (Califor-
nia Health & Safety Code § 25249.5,
et seq.)
The warnings, precautions, and in-40.
structions discussed in this instruction
manual cannot cover all possible con-
ditions and situations that may occur.
It must be understood by the operator
that common sense and caution are

SKU 98233 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 9
factors which cannot be built into this
product, but must be supplied by the
operator.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS.
GROUNDING
TO PREVENT
ELECTRIC SHOCK
AND DEATH FROM
INCORRECT GROUNDING
WIRE CONNECTION:
Check with a qualied
electrician if you are in doubt
as to whether the outlet is
properly grounded. Have a
plug installed by a certied
electrician. 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
t the outlet, have a proper
outlet installed by a qualied
electrician.
Grounded Tools
The grounding prong in the plug is1.
connected through the green wire in-
side 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.
The tool must be plugged into an2.
appropriate outlet, properly installed
and grounded in accordance with all
codes and ordinances.
Extension Cords
As the distance from the supply outlet1.
increases, you must use a heavier
gauge extension cord. Using exten-
sion cords with inadequately sized
wire causes a serious drop in voltage,
resulting in loss of power and pos-
sible tool damage.
(See Table A.)
The smaller the gauge number of the2.
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.)
When using more than one exten-3.
sion cord to make up the total length,
make sure each cord contains at
least the minimum wire size required.
(See Table A.)
If you are using one extension cord4.
for more than one tool, add the
nameplate amperes and use the sum
to determine the required minimum
cord size. (See Table A.)
If you are using an extension cord5.
outdoors, make sure it is marked with
the sufx “W-A” (“W” in Canada) to
indicate it is acceptable for outdoor
use.
Make sure the extension cord is prop-6.
erly wired and in good electrical con-
dition. Always replace a damaged
extension cord or have it repaired by
a qualied electrician before using it.
Protect the extension cords from7.
sharp objects, excessive heat, and
damp or wet areas.

SKU 98233 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 10
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE
GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS*
(120/240 VOLT)
NAMEPLATE
AMPERES
(at full load)
EXTENSION CORD
LENGTH
25’ 50’ 75’
100’ 150’
0 – 2.0 18 18 18 18 16
2.1 – 3.4 18 18 18 16 14
3.5 – 5.0 18 18 16 14 12
5.1 – 7.0 18 16 14 12 12
7.1 – 12.0 18 14 12 10 -
12.1 – 16.0 14 12 10 - -
16.1 – 20.0 12 10 - - -
TABLE A
* Based on limiting the line
voltage drop to ve volts at
150% of the rated amperes.
Symbology
Double Insulated
Canadian Standards Association
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
V~ Volts Alternating Current
AAmperes
n0xxxx/min. No Load Revolutions per Minute
(RPM)