Chicago Electric MIG 170 owner manual Safety Setup Basic Welding Welding Tips Maintenance

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Basic Welding

Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this manual including all text under subheadings therein before welding.

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:

Protective gear must be worn when using the Welder; minimum shade number 10 full face shield (or welding mask), ear protection, welding gloves, sleeves and apron, NIOSH-approved respirator, and fire resistant work clothes without pockets should be worn when welding.

Light from the arc can cause permanent damage to the eyes and skin. Do not breathe arc fumes.

Flux-core wire welding is used to weld sheet metal and low carbon steel without shielding gas. MIG welding uses solid-core wire and shielding gas, and is used to weld sheet metal and low carbon steel. MIG welding can also be used to weld thinner workpieces than flux-core welding can.

Good welding takes a degree of skill and experience. Practice a few sample welds on scrap before welding your first project. Additional practice periods are recommended whenever you weld:

a different thickness of material

a different type of material

a different type of connection

using a different technique (MIG vs. flux)

Make practice welds on pieces of scrap to practice technique before welding anything of value.

Practice your welding

technique on scrap

pieces before welding

anything of value.

SAFETY

SETUP

BASIC WELDING

WELDING TIPS

MAINTENANCE

SKU 68885

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

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Contents Save this Manual Email our technical support at tech@harborfreight.comGeneral Safety Table of ContentsSetup Basic Welding Welding Tips Maintenance Fume and Gas SafetyArc Ray Safety SafetyWelding Welding Tips Maintenance Electrical SafetyFire Safety Safety SetupWelder use and care MaintenanceGas Shielded Welding Cylinder safety Welding MaintenanceGrounding Replacement CordsSetup Basic Welding Extension CordsBasic Welding Welding Tips Maintenance SymbologySpecifications Plug Attachment Face Shield AssemblyTips Maintenance SetupWire Spool Installation Setup Basic DcenDcep Feed Roller Knob 030/.035 groove and stamp Groove and stamp Tensioner ArmFeed Roller Instructions 8mm = .030 & 0.6mm =Hold Wire welding Securely SafetyWelding Wire Setup Basic Welding Welding TipsTurn the Welder OFF Incrementally Increase tension Until wire bendsSafety Setup Basic Welding Welding Tips Maintenance Basic WeldingTo Prevent Serious Injury Cord WireControl Panel Layout DialTorch Concrete slab Duty Cycle Duration of UseMIN Flux Weld SettingsMIG Weld Settings MIN MAXSetting Up The Weld Do not Switch the CurrentWhile Welding Hold Torch Clear From AsphyxiationStringer bead Basic Welding TechniqueMIG only Close shielding gas tank valve completelyUp to 2 minutes Welding at rated output Cleaning the Weld Strike TestWelding Tips To Correct Example Weld DiagramsWorkpiece Heat Control / Weld Penetration Weld DiagnosisCoat of Slag Over Weld Weld ProblemsPenetration Workpiece Heat Control Bend at JointBurn-Through PorosityExcessive Spatter Crooked/Wavy BeadCompressed air, blow out all dust from the interior Nozzle and Contact Tip Inspection and CleaningMaintenance Fire and BurnsWelding arc not stable Wire feed motor runs but wire does not feed properlyWire creates a bird’s nest during operation TroubleshootingSafety Setup Basic Welding Welding Tips TroubleshootingPower switch does not light when switched on Wire Feeds, but arc does not igniteRecord Serial Number Here Wiring DiagramParts List Parts List and DiagramsAssembly Diagram Welding3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Mission Oaks Blvd. PO Box 6009 Camarillo, CA 93011 800 Limited 90 Day Warranty

MIG 170 specifications

The Chicago Electric MIG 170 is a versatile and powerful welding machine designed for both amateur and professional welders. This compact welder is particularly suited for those who frequently work on metal fabrication projects, automotive repairs, and home improvement tasks. With its impressive performance capabilities and a range of user-friendly features, the Chicago Electric MIG 170 has become a popular choice among welding enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of the Chicago Electric MIG 170 is its robust welding output. It operates on standard 220-volt power, allowing it to deliver a consistent output that ranges from 30 to 170 amps. This wide range provides users with the capability to weld various materials, including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Additionally, it is capable of welding materials up to 5/16 inches thick, making it a reliable choice for heavy-duty applications.

The MIG 170 utilizes a gasless flux-cored wire welding process, which makes it suitable for outdoor use without the necessity of shielding gas. This feature eliminates the need for additional gas tanks, making the welding experience simpler and more cost-effective. Users can also switch to MIG welding with a gas setup if desired, allowing for greater versatility in their projects.

Moreover, this welder is equipped with an adjustable wire feed speed control, permitting users to customize their welding settings for different thicknesses of material. The easy-to-read control panel enhances usability, giving welders the ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions and requirements. A built-in thermal overload protection system further ensures that the machine operates safely, preventing damage due to overheating during extended use.

The portability of the Chicago Electric MIG 170 is another key advantage. Weighing in at approximately 60 pounds, it can easily be transported to job sites or moved around a workshop. Its compact design does not compromise on performance, making it a great addition to any workspace.

Overall, the Chicago Electric MIG 170 is an excellent welding machine that blends power, efficiency, and ease of use. Its combination of features makes it suitable for beginners and seasoned welders alike, solidifying its reputation as a go-to option in the welding community. Whether for hobbyist projects or more serious applications, the MIG 170 remains a reliable and effective choice for various welding needs.