Chicago Electric HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS 98753 Installation manual

STITCH WELDER
98753
SET UP AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
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. 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.

SKU 98753 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 2
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 Welder 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.
Work area safety1.
Keep work area clean and well lit.a.
Cluttered or dark areas invite acci-
dents.
Do not operate welders in explo-b.
sive atmospheres, such as in the
presence of ammable liquids,
gases or dust. Welders create
sparks which may ignite the dust or
fumes.
Keep children and bystandersc.
away while operating a welder.
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.
Do not expose welders to rain orb.
wet conditions. Water entering a
welder will increase the risk of electric
shock.

SKU 98753 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 3
Do not abuse the cord. Never usec.
the cord for carrying, pulling or
unplugging the welder. Keep cord
away from heat, oil, sharp edges or
moving parts. Damaged or entan-
gled cords increase the risk of electric
shock.
When operating a welder outdoors,d.
use an extension cord suitable for
outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable
for outdoor use reduces the risk of
electric shock.
If operating a welder in a dampe.
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 welder. Do not use a
welder while you are tired or under
the inuence of drugs, alcohol or
medication. A moment of inattention
while operating welders may result in
serious personal injury.
Use personal protective equip-b.
ment. Always wear eye protection.
Safety equipment such as welding
mask, non-skid safety shoes, and
welding apron used for appropriate
conditions will reduce personal inju-
ries.
Prevent unintentional starting. En-c.
sure the switch of the stick welder
is in the off-position before con-
necting to power source, picking
up or carrying the tool.
Do not overreach. Keep properd.
footing and balance at all times.
This enables better control of the
welder in unexpected situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loosee.
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.
Only use safety equipment thatf.
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-
proved for the specic hazards in the
work area.
Welder use and care4.
Do not force the welder. Use thea.
correct welder for your application.
The correct welder will do the job bet-
ter and safer at the rate for which it
was designed.
Store idle welders out of the reachb.
of children and do not allow per-
sons unfamiliar with the welder or
these instructions to operate the
welder. Welders are dangerous in
the hands of untrained users.
Maintain welders. Check for mis-c.
alignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts and any
other condition that may affect the
welder’s operation. If damaged,
have the welder repaired before
use. Many accidents are caused by
poorly maintained welders.
Use the welder, accessories andd.
tool bits etc. in accordance with
these instructions, taking into ac-
count the working conditions and
the work to be performed. Use of

SKU 98753 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 4
the welder for operations different
from those intended could result in a
hazardous situation.
Service5.
Have your welder serviced by aa.
qualied repair person using only
identical replacement parts. This
will ensure that the safety of the
welder is maintained.
Stitch Welder Safety Warnings
Maintain labels and nameplates on1.
the tool. These carry important safety
information. If unreadable or miss-
ing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a
replacement.
Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare2.
to begin work before turning on the
tool.
Rest the tool and connection to the3.
electrode holder on a properly insu-
lated surface.
Do not leave the tool unattended4.
when it is plugged into an electrical
outlet. Turn off the tool, and unplug it
from the welder before leaving.
This product is not a toy. Keep it out5.
of reach of children.
People with pacemakers should6.
consult their physician(s) before use.
-
imity to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemak-
er failure. In addition, people with
pacemakers should:


on.

avoid electrical shock.

grounded. Ground Fault Circuit Inter-
rupter (GFCI) should also be imple-
mented – it prevents sustained elec-
trical shock.
WARNING: The brass components7.
of this product contain lead, a chemi-
cal known to the State of California
to cause birth defects (or other repro-
ductive harm). (California Health &
Safety code § 25249.5, et seq.)
Some dust created by power sand-8.
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:

-
ment or other masonry products
-
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

particles. (California Health & Safety
Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
WARNING: Handling the cord on9.
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.)

SKU 98753 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 5
Do not exceed input amperage of 5010.
Amps.
The warnings, precautions, and in-11.
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
factors which cannot be built into this
product, but must be supplied by the
operator.
Electrical Safety
Avoid electrical shock. Do not per-1.
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. Arc2.
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 welding helmet with #11 lens and

3. 
Remove any combustible
material from the work

and explosive material at
least 35 feet from the welding arc to
prevent welding sparks or molten


reach. Thoroughly clean the object
being welded of any paint, grease, or
other foreign material.
If working on a wall or ceiling prevent4.
ignition of combustibles on the other
side by moving them to a safe loca-
tion.
Industrial applications must follow5.
OSHA guidelines. Follow OSHA
guidelines for Permissible Exposure

gases.
6. Prevent eye
injury and
burns. Wearing
and using
ANSI-approved
personal safety clothing and safety
devices reduce the risk for injury.
7.
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 free8.

mable substances. Wear dry, insulat-
ing gloves and protective clothing.
Wear an approved head covering9.
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 in10.

ear plugs or ear muffs to keep sparks
out of ears.
Do not use near degreasing or paint-11.
ing operations.

SKU 98753 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 6
Enclose the work area with portable12.



tant covers.
Use a non-conductive safety mat on13.
the work surface to insulate the op-
erator from the work surface.
Read the manual for the ARC welder14.
that the Stitch Welder will be con-
nected to.
Vibration Safety
This tool vibrates during use. Re-
peated 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:
Anyone using vibrating tools regu-1.
larly or for an extended period should

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, ner-
vous system disorders, diabetes, or
Raynaud’s Disease should not use
this tool. If you feel any medical or
physical symptoms related to vibra-
tion (such as tingling, numbness, and

advice as soon as possible.
Do not smoke during use. Nico-2.
tine reduces the blood supply to the

of vibration-related injury.
Wear suitable gloves to reduce the3.
vibration effects on the user.
Use tools with the lowest vibration4.
when there is a choice between dif-
ferent processes.
Include vibration-free periods each5.
day of work.
Grip tool as lightly as possible (while6.

the tool do the work.
To reduce vibration, maintain the tool7.
as explained in this manual. If any
abnormal vibration occurs, stop use
immediately.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS.

SKU 98753 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 7
SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum Amperage 55 A
Material Range 18 to 22 Gauge Sheet
Metal
Welding Rods 1/16” Diameter, 6013 &
6014 (not included)
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.
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.
Tool Set Up
TO PREVENT
SERIOUS INJURY
FROM ACCIDENTAL
OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch of the
ARC welder to its “OFF”
position and unplug the tool
from its electrical outlet
before performing any
inspection, maintenance, or
cleaning procedures.
Work Piece 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 al-
low free movement while working.
Secure loose work pieces using a3.
vise or clamps (not included) to pre-
vent movement while working.
There must not be hazardous ob-4.
jects, such as utility lines or foreign
objects, nearby that will present a
hazard while working.
General Operating Instructions
TO PREVENT
DEATH OR
SERIOUS INJURY:
Do not touch any metal part of
the Stitch welder when it is in
use.
Read the manual for the ARC (stick)1.
welder being used with the Stitch
Welder.
If welding on a vehicle; disconnect2.
the negative terminal of the vehicle’s
battery.
Clean the work area thoroughly be-3.
fore beginning operation. Remove
all grease, paint, or oil from the work-
piece.
Wear protective gear whenever weld-4.
ing.
5.
insert a 1/16” diameter 6013 or 6014

SKU 98753 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 8
welding rod into the tip of the Stitch
Welder. Secure the Rod Holder.
Clamp the electrode holder of the6.
ARC welder onto the Connection (11)
of the Stitch Welder.
Adjust the output to no greater than7.
50 Amps.
8. DANGER! To prevent serious
injury and death. If the operator
is not holding the Stitch Welder, it
must be sitting on a nonconduc-
tive, nonammable surface. The
Stitch Welder will immediately
turn on when the power button
is turned on. The connection be-
tween the Stitch Welder and the
electrode clamp of the ARC welder
must also be sitting on a noncon-
ductive, nonammable surface.
Turn on the ARC welder.9.
When turned on the Stitch Welder will10.
vibrate lightly; this is normal.
Using “tack welds” to secure two11.
metal sheets together will help en-

welds are short welds intended to
secure the two workpieces together

Tack welds should begin in the center
of the sheeting and work outward al-
ternately until the edges are reached.
All tack welds should be properly
cleaned up before continuing to the

Apply the Stitch Welder to the sheet-12.
ing being welded; the arc will ignite.
Slowly draw the arc along the seam.
13.
trode from the workpiece, discharge
the electrode to ground and turn the
Welder off.
Place the Stitch Welder down on a14.
-
face to cool.
Read the included Weld Diagnosis15.
pamphlet for directions and welding
guidelines.
To prevent accidents, disconnect the16.
Stitch Welder from the ARC welder
after use. Clean, then store the tool
indoors out of children’s reach.

SKU 98753 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 9
MAINTENANCE AND
SERVICING
Procedures not specically
explained in this manual
must be performed only by a
qualied technician.
TO PREVENT
SERIOUS INJURY
FROM ACCIDENTAL
OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch of the
ARC welder to its “OFF”
position and unplug the tool
from the electrode clamp
before performing any
inspection, maintenance, or
cleaning procedures.
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 and Lubrication
BEFORE EACH USE,1. inspect the
general condition of the tool. Check
for loose screws, misalignment or
binding of moving parts, cracked or
broken parts, damaged electrical wir-
ing, and any other condition that may
affect its safe operation.
AFTER USE,2. when cool clean ex-
ternal surfaces of the tool with clean
cloth.
3. WARNING! If the supply cord of
this welder is damaged, it must be
replaced only by a qualied ser-
vice technician.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING
CAREFULLY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR



MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES
ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF
ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE



IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR











SKU 98753 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 10
PARTS LIST
Part Description Qty.
1 Frame 1
2 Front Cover 1
3 Back Cover 1
4 Solenoid 1
5 Washer 1
6 Axis Assembly 1
7 Plug Assembly 1
8 Contact 1
9 Front Spring 1
10 Back Spring 1
PARTS LIST
Part Description Qty.
11 Pig Tail 1
12 Guard 1
13 Handle 1
14 Insulator 1
15 Rod Holder 1
16 Screw M4x6 1
17 Nut M4 3
18  2
19 Contact 1
DIAGRAM
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 avail-
able individually as replacement parts.

SKU 98753 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 11
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY
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 prod-
uct 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 EXPRESS-


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 com-
-
ther 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 re-
paired 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.

which vary from state to state.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • [phone]