Chicago Electric 97717 Users Manual
97717 to the manual 15a552f3-661d-4728-9976-da1cbd17aeab
2015-02-10
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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 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.
NOTICE
CAUTION
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
Page 4SKU 97717 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Do not touch exposed electrical b. 
parts.
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.
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.  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.
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.
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 
poorly maintained power tools.

Page 5SKU 97717 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
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: 
• 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 used 11. 
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 cut ting 
procedures. 
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.  
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.  
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 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 
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.  
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 
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
• 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.
  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 qualied 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 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.
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.
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 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 
FIGURE B
WARNING DANGER
Page 11SKU 97717 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
cycle (at 70 Amps), actual welding 
can occur for one minute and 
then the welder must cool for nine 
minutes.  At a 20% duty cycle (at 
50 Amps), welding can occur for 2 
minutes and then the welder must 
cool for 8 minutes.   
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.)
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.)
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 ANSI-
approved, 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. 
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 

Page 12SKU 97717 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Switch (13) to its “OFF” position and 
wait about 10 minutes.  Then restart 
the Welder.  (See Assy. Diagram.)
When the weld is complete, lift the 11. 
electrode clearly away from any 
grounded object.  Set the Welding 
Shield down, and turn the power 
Switch (13) to its “OFF” position. 
(See Assy. Diagram.)
Unplug the Power Cord (8) from the 12. 
electrical outlet. 
(See Assy. Diagram.)
Remove the clamped Ground Cable  13. 
from the object it is clamped onto.  
Then remove the electrode from the 
Electrode Holder (9). 
(See Assy. Diagram.)
Clean and store the Arc Welder 14. 
indoors out of reach of children and 
other unauthorized people.
IMPORTANT:  15.  Please read 
the included “Weld Diagnosis 
Pamphlet” for tips and suggestions 
concerning welding and proper 
usage. 
MAINTENANCE AND 
SERVICING
Procedures not specically 
explained in this manual 
must be performed only by a 
qualied technician.
  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 
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.
4.  WARNING!  If the supply cord 
of this Arc Welder is damaged, 
it must be replaced only by a 
qualied service technician.
WARNING

Page 13SKU 97717 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions
Welder does not “hum”
when turned on.
No power at electrical outlet.1. 
Broken or damaged Power Cord.2. 
Check circuit fuse or circuit breaker.1. 
Have Power Cord repaired or replaced by 2. 
a qualied electrician.
Welder “hums” but does 
not weld.
Inadequate current at electrode and/or poor 1. 
connections at Welder.
Check Ground Clamp, Cable, and 1. 
connection to workpiece.
Check Welding Cable and Electrode 2. 
Holder.
Check all Welder external connections.3. 
Arc difcult to strike. Electrode diameter too large.1. 
Workpiece not properly grounded.2. 
Heavy loads, making power line voltage low.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.
Welder gives trickle shots. Accidental contact with workpiece.1. 
Current leakage caused by damp work area.2. 
Avoid contact with workpiece.1. 
Make sure clothing and work area are dry.2. 
Welder overheats, blows 
fuses, trips circuit breaker. Use of extension cord.1. 
Electrode diameter too large.2. 
Overloaded circuit.3. 
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.
Bead is intermittently too 
thin or too thick.
Inconsistent travel speed.1. 
Output Amp setting too low.2. 
Decrease and maintain travel speed.1. 
Increase output Amp setting or change to 2. 
smaller diameter electrode.
Electrode sticks to work-
piece.
Arc length too short.1. 
Output Amp setting too low.2. 
Lift electrode to correct arc length as soon 1. 
as arc is struck.
Increase output Amp setting or change to 2. 
smaller diameter electrode.
Electrodes sputter and 
stick.
Damp electrodes.1.  Use dry electrodes and store in a dry 1. 
location.
Weld bead does not pen-
etrate base metal.
Travel speed too fast.1. 
Arc length too short.2. 
Output Amp setting too low.3. 
Decrease travel speed.1. 
Increase arc length.2. 
Increase output Amp setting.3. 
Ragged depressions at 
edge of weld.
Slow and/or inconsistent travel speed.1. 
Output Amp setting too high.2. 
Increase and maintain travel speed.1. 
Reduce output Amp setting.2. 
TROUBLESHOOTING
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.

Page 14SKU 97717 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
Part # Description Qty. Part # Description Qty.
1 Cord Strain Relief (1.0mm) 113 Power Switch (Yellow) 1
2 Screw (ST3.9x13) 18 14 Cord Strain Relief 
(3.0mm)
2
3 Case 115 Screw (M5 x 25) 3
4 Temperature Control 116 Spring Washer (#5) 3
5 Main Transformer 117 Large Washer (#5) 4
6Panel 118 Bottom Plate 1
7 Handle 119 Nut (M4) 2
8 Power Cord 120 Tooth Lock Washer (#4) 1
9 Welding Cable w/Electrode Holder 121 Screw (M4 x 16) 1
10 Ground Cable w/Clamp 122 Washer (#4) 1
11 Overload Indicator (Red) 123 Screw (M6 x 25) 4
12 MIN/MAX Switch 1

Page 15SKU 97717 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
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 
available individually as replacement parts.
LIMITED 1 YEAR / 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 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