Chicago Electric MIG 170 owner manual Electrical Safety, Fire Safety, Safety Setup, Basic

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Electrical Safety

ELECTRIC SHOCK can KILL.

SAFETY

SETUP

1.Turn off, disconnect power, and

discharge electrode to ground before setting down torch/electrode holder and before service.

2.Do not touch energized electrical parts.

Wear dry, insulating gloves. Do not touch electrode holder, electrode, welding torch, or welding wire with bare hand. Do not wear wet or damaged gloves.

3.Connect to grounded, GFCI‑protected power supply only.

4.Do not use near water or damp objects.

5.People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic fields in close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure.

6.Do not expose welders to rain or wet conditions.

Water entering a welder will increase the risk of electric shock.

7.Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the welder. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.

8.Do not use outdoors.

9.Insulate yourself from the workpiece and ground.

Use nonflammable, dry insulating material if possible, or use dry rubber mats, dry wood or plywood, or other dry insulating material large enough to cover your full area of contact with the work or ground.

BASIC

Fire Safety

ARC AND HOT SLAG can cause fire.

WELDING

WELDING TIPS

MAINTENANCE

1.Clear away or protect flammable objects.

Remove or make safe all combustible materials for a radius of 35 feet (10 meters) around the work area. Use a fire resistant material to cover or block all open doorways, windows, cracks, and other openings.

2.Keep ABC-type fire extinguisher near work area and know how to use it.

3.Maintain a safe working environment.

Keep the work area well lit.

Make sure there is adequate surrounding workspace. Keep the work area free of obstructions,

grease, oil, trash, and other debris.

4.Do not operate welders in atmospheres containing dangerously reactive or flammable liquids, gases, vapors, or dust.

Provide adequate ventilation in work areas to prevent accumulation of such substances. Welders create sparks which may ignite flammable substances or make reactive fumes toxic.

5.If working on a metal wall, ceiling, 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 fire watch, equipped with a fire extinguisher, during the cutting process and for at least one half hour after the cutting is completed.

6.Do not weld or cut on materials having a combustible coating or combustible

internal structure, as in walls or ceilings, without an approved method for eliminating the hazard.

7.Do not dispose of hot slag in containers holding combustible materials.

8.After welding, make a thorough examination for evidence of fire. Be aware that easily visible smoke or flame may not be present

for some time after the fire has started.

9.Do not apply heat to a container that has held an unknown substance or a combustible material whose contents, when heated,

can produce flammable or explosive vapors.

Clean and purge containers before applying heat. Vent closed containers, including castings, before preheating, welding, or cutting.

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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 SafetyFume and Gas Safety Arc Ray SafetySafety Setup Basic Welding Welding Tips MaintenanceElectrical Safety Fire SafetySafety Setup Welding Welding Tips MaintenanceMaintenance Gas Shielded Welding Cylinder safetyWelding Maintenance Welder use and careReplacement Cords Setup Basic WeldingExtension Cords GroundingSymbology Basic Welding Welding Tips MaintenanceSpecifications Face Shield Assembly Tips MaintenanceSetup Plug AttachmentWire Spool Installation Dcen Setup BasicDcep Tensioner Arm Feed Roller Instructions8mm = .030 & 0.6mm = 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 OFFBasic Welding Safety Setup Basic Welding Welding Tips MaintenanceTo Prevent Serious Injury Wire Control Panel LayoutDial CordDuty Cycle Duration of Use Torch Concrete slabFlux Weld Settings MIG Weld SettingsMIN MAX MINDo not Switch the Current Setting Up The WeldWhile Welding From Asphyxiation Hold Torch ClearBasic Welding Technique Stringer beadClose shielding gas tank valve completely MIG onlyUp to 2 minutes Welding at rated output Strike Test Cleaning the WeldWelding Tips Example Weld Diagrams Workpiece Heat Control / Weld PenetrationWeld Diagnosis To CorrectWeld Problems Penetration Workpiece Heat ControlBend at Joint Coat of Slag Over WeldPorosity Excessive SpatterCrooked/Wavy Bead Burn-ThroughNozzle and Contact Tip Inspection and Cleaning MaintenanceFire and Burns Compressed air, blow out all dust from the interiorWire feed motor runs but wire does not feed properly Wire creates a bird’s nest during operationTroubleshooting Welding arc not stableTroubleshooting Power switch does not light when switched onWire Feeds, but arc does not ignite Safety Setup Basic Welding Welding TipsWiring Diagram Parts ListParts List and Diagrams Record Serial Number HereWelding Assembly Diagram3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 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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