Chicago Electric MIG 170 owner manual Porosity, Excessive Spatter, Crooked/Wavy Bead, Burn-Through

Page 26

Porosity

SAFETY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small cavities or holes in the bead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOP

 

 

 

 

VIEW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

 

1.

Incorrect polarity:

 

 

 

 

Check that polarity is set correctly

 

 

 

for type of welding.

SETUP

2.

Insufficient shielding gas (MIG only):

 

 

Increase flow of gas.

 

 

 

Clean nozzle.

 

 

 

Maintain proper stickout.

 

3.

Incorrect shielding gas (MIG only):

 

 

 

Use shielding gas recommended by wire supplier.

 

4.

Dirty workpiece or welding wire:

 

 

 

Clean workpiece down to bare metal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make certain that wire is clean and free

BASIC

 

 

from oil, coatings, and other residues.

5.

Inconsistent welding speed:

 

 

 

Maintain steady weld speed.

 

6.

Stickout too long:

WELDING

 

 

Reduce stickout.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excessive Spatter

Fine spatter is normal.

Spatter that is grainy and large is a problem.

TOP

VIEW

POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

1.Dirty workpiece or welding wire: Clean workpiece down to bare metal. Make certain that wire is clean and free from oil, coatings, and other residues.

2.Incorrect polarity:

Check that polarity is set correctly for type of welding.

3.Insufficient shielding gas (MIG only):

Increase flow of gas. Clean nozzle.

Maintain proper stickout.

4.Wire feeding too fast:

Reduce wire feed speed.

5.Stickout too long:

Reduce stickout.

WELDING TIPS

MAINTENANCE

Crooked/Wavy Bead

TOP

VIEW

POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

1.Inaccurate welding:

Use two hands or rest hand on steady surface.

2.Inconsistent welding speed: Maintain steady weld speed.

3.Stickout too long:

Reduce stickout.

Burn-Through

Base material melts away, leaving a hole in the weld.

TOP

VIEW

POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

1.Workpiece overheating:

Reduce current and/or wire feed speed.

2.Welding speed too slow: Increase welding speed and ensure that welding speed is kept steady.

3.Excessive material at weld:

Reduce wire feed speed.

Page 26

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

SKU 68885

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Contents Email our technical support at tech@harborfreight.com Save this ManualTable of Contents General SafetySafety Fume and Gas SafetyArc Ray Safety Setup Basic Welding Welding Tips MaintenanceSafety Setup Electrical SafetyFire Safety Welding Welding Tips MaintenanceWelding Maintenance MaintenanceGas Shielded Welding Cylinder safety Welder use and careExtension Cords Replacement CordsSetup Basic Welding GroundingSpecifications Basic Welding Welding Tips MaintenanceSymbology Setup Face Shield AssemblyTips Maintenance Plug AttachmentWire Spool Installation Dcep Setup BasicDcen 8mm = .030 & 0.6mm = Tensioner ArmFeed Roller Instructions Feed Roller Knob 030/.035 groove and stamp Groove and stampSafety Hold Wire welding SecurelySetup Basic Welding Welding Tips Welding WireIncrementally Increase tension Until wire bends Turn the Welder OFFTo Prevent Serious Injury Safety Setup Basic Welding Welding Tips MaintenanceBasic Welding Dial WireControl Panel Layout CordDuty Cycle Duration of Use Torch Concrete slabMIN MAX Flux Weld SettingsMIG Weld Settings MINWhile Welding Setting Up The WeldDo not Switch the Current From Asphyxiation Hold Torch ClearBasic Welding Technique Stringer beadUp to 2 minutes Welding at rated output MIG onlyClose shielding gas tank valve completely Welding Tips Cleaning the WeldStrike Test Weld Diagnosis Example Weld DiagramsWorkpiece Heat Control / Weld Penetration To CorrectBend at Joint Weld ProblemsPenetration Workpiece Heat Control Coat of Slag Over WeldCrooked/Wavy Bead PorosityExcessive Spatter Burn-ThroughFire and Burns Nozzle and Contact Tip Inspection and CleaningMaintenance Compressed air, blow out all dust from the interiorTroubleshooting Wire feed motor runs but wire does not feed properlyWire creates a bird’s nest during operation Welding arc not stableWire Feeds, but arc does not ignite TroubleshootingPower switch does not light when switched on Safety Setup Basic Welding Welding TipsParts List and Diagrams Wiring DiagramParts List Record Serial Number Here3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Assembly DiagramWelding Limited 90 Day Warranty Mission Oaks Blvd. PO Box 6009 Camarillo, CA 93011 800

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.
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