Harbor Freight Tools Welder 6098 User Manual

MIG WELDER 131  
06098  
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS  
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011  
Copyright © 2003 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 and replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353  
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4.  
5.  
6.  
Store idle equipment. When not in use, tools must be stored in a dry location to inhibit  
rust. Always lock up tools and keep out of reach of children.  
Do not force tool. It will do the job better and more safely at the rate for which it was  
intended. Do not use inappropriate attachments in an attempt to exceed the tool capacity.  
Use the right tool for the job. Do not attempt to force a small tool or attachment to do  
the work of a larger industrial tool.There are certain applications for which this tool was  
designed. Do not modify this tool and do not use this tool for a purpose for which it was  
not intended.  
7.  
8.  
9.  
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as they can be caught in moving  
parts. Protective, electrically non-conductive clothes and non-skid footwear are  
recommended when working. Wear restrictive hair covering to contain long hair.  
Use eye and ear protection. Always wear ANSI approved, arc shaded, impact safety  
full face shield when arc welding.Wear an ANSI approved dust mask or respirator when  
working around metal, chemical dusts, fumes and mists.  
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Do not reach over or  
across running machines.  
10. Maintain tools with care. Keep tools sharp and clean for better and safer performance.  
Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Inspect tool cords  
periodically and, if damaged, have them repaired by an authorized technician. The  
handles must be kept clean, dry, and free from oil and grease at all times.  
11. Disconnect power. Unplug tool when not in use.  
12. Remove adjusting keys and wrenches. Check that keys and adjusting wrenches are  
removed from the tool or machine work surface before plugging it in.  
13. Avoid unintentional starting. Be sure the switch is in the Off position when not in use  
and before plugging in. Do not carry any tool with your finger on the trigger, whether it is  
plugged in or not.  
14. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing, use common sense.Do not operate any tool when  
you are tired.  
15. Check for damaged parts. Before using any tool, any part that appears damaged should  
be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended  
function. Check for alignment and binding of moving parts;any broken parts or mounting  
fixtures;and any other condition that may affect proper operation.Any part that is damaged  
should be properly repaired or replaced by a qualified technician. Do not use the tool if  
any switch does not turn On and Off properly.  
16. Guard against electric shock. Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces such as  
pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerator enclosures.  
17. Replacement parts and accessories. When servicing, use only identical replacement  
parts. Use of any other parts will void the warranty. Only use accessories intended for  
use with this tool. Approved accessories are available from Harbor Freight Tools.  
18. Do not operate tool if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Read warning labels  
on prescriptions to determine if your judgment or reflexes are impaired while taking drugs.  
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If there is any doubt, do not operate the tool.  
19. Maintenance. For your safety, service and maintenance should be performed regularly  
by a qualified technician.  
20. Use proper size and type extension cord. If an extension cord is required, it must be of  
the proper size and type to supply the correct current to the tool without heating up.  
Otherwise, the extension cord could melt and catch fire, or cause electrical damage to  
the tool. This tool requires use of an 120 VAC extension cord of 20 amps minimum  
capability (up to 30 feet), with wire size rated at 10 AWG.Longer extension cords require  
larger size wire. If you are using the tool outdoors, use an extension cord rated for outdoor  
use (signified by “WA” on the jacket).  
21. Pacemaker safety warning. People with pacemakers should consult with their  
physician(s) before using this product; operation of equipment in close proximity to a  
heart pacemaker could cause interference or failure of the pacemaker.  
Note: Performance of this tool may vary depending on variations in local line voltage. Exten-  
sion cord usage may also affect tool performance.  
Warning:The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual  
cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be under-  
stood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which cannot be  
built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.  
Arc Welding Safety Warnings and Precautions  
Warning:This product,when used for welding and similar applications, produces chemi-  
cals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects (or other repro-  
ductive harm). California Health & Safety Code 25249.5, et seq.  
1.  
Avoid electrical shock. Do not permit electrically live parts, cables, or electrodes to  
contact skin, clothing, or gloves. Protective clothing should be free of holes, dry, and  
ANSI approved.  
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.  
2.  
3.  
Avoid breathing fumes or gases. They can cause serious health problems. Use an  
active ventilation system directly above the welding area. Keep your head out of the  
fumes.  
Avoid eye and body damage. Arc 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 filter plate.  
4.  
5.  
Know proper arc welding practices. Read and understand this instruction manual, as  
well as your employer’s safety practices for arc welding.  
Connect only to a code approved power source. Connect only to a grounding power  
source conforming to the National Electrical Code and Local Codes.  
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6.  
Avoid fire and explosion. Remove flammable and explosive material from at least 35  
feet from the welding arc to prevent welding sparks or molten metal from starting a fire.  
Keep a type ABC fire extinguisher within easy reach.Thoroughly clean the object being  
welded of any paint, grease, or other foreign material.  
7.  
8.  
Avoid being burned. Always wear ANSI approved welding gear:leather gloves, leather  
apron, and shoes.  
Wear proper clothing when welding. Use flameproof, welding type gloves.Wear cuffless  
pants and pocketless shirt.Both must be free of oil and grease.Wear high-topped, safety  
to shoes with rubber soles.  
Unpacking  
When unpacking, check to make sure the following parts are included.  
Line Cord (13)  
Brush Hammer  
Handheld Shaded  
Face Shield  
WeldingTorch (15)  
Ground Cable with Clamp  
If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor FreightTools at the number on the cover  
of this manual as soon as possible.  
REV 05/04  
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Assembly  
MIGWelder Unit  
1.  
Insert the Handle (4) into the Handle Sockets (3) and mount the Handle Sockets to the  
Side Panel B (1) top using supplied hardware.  
2.  
Lift Side Panel B (1) all the way to expose the wire spool and Wire Feed Mechanism  
(10).  
Side Panel B (1)  
(C)  
(29)  
+
(D)  
Wire Feed Mechanism (10)  
Wire Spool  
Wire Spool Axle (9)  
3.  
Remove the Nut from the Wire Spool Axle (9). Place the Wire Spool over the Axle with  
the wire exiting the spool over the top. Refer to photos above. Replace the Spool Axle  
Nut.  
4.  
5.  
Open the Wire Feed Mechanism (10) as shown in the photo (top-right).  
Feed and guide the spool wire into the Wire Feed Mechanism, past the feed wheels  
(C), and into the Welding Torch / Cable (15).  
It will help if the Welding Torch / Cable (15) is straightened out as much as possible.  
Push in until the wire comes out the Welding Torch head. If it cannot be fed manually  
all the way out, it can be fed automatically when the welding unit is powered up.  
6.  
7.  
Close the Feed Mechanism (10) over the wire, and adjust the feed tension (D) if  
necessary.  
Check that +/– cables to connection Knobs (29) are correct. See photo (top-left).  
When using non-flux wire and protective gas, connect wire cables as shown in photo.  
For 0.9 flux cored wire, no gas is required. Reverse cable connections.  
8.  
Close the Side Panel B (1).  
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Handheld Shaded Face Shield  
Assemble the Handheld Shaded Face Shield as illustrated in its Assembly Drawing at the  
end of this manual.  
Operation  
Controls and Indicators  
Overload-shutdown  
Indicator Lamp  
Min / Max Switch  
On / Off Switch  
1 / 2 Power Level Switch  
Wire Feed Speed Control  
Line Cord  
Ground Cable with Clamp (14)  
WeldingTorch Cable (15)  
Welding  
Caution: Before arc welding, read and understand all safety precautions and warnings  
listed on pages 2 through 5.  
1.  
If using non-flux core wire, connect and secure the Argon / CO2 gas hose to the rear of  
the MIG Welder. (If using flux core wire, protective gas is not required.)  
2.  
Attach the Ground Cable with Clamp (14) as close as possible  
to the metal object to be welded, or to the metal work bench  
where the object is mounted and electrically connected.  
3.  
4.  
Set the desired welding current (30~120 amps) for the type of  
metal being welded using the Min/Max Switch and 1/2 Power  
Level Switch.  
Refer to the power setting table on the next page. Thinner metals use lower current.  
Heavier metals use higher current.  
Verify that the On/Off Switch is in the OFF position, then plug the MIG Welder Line  
Cord into a dedicated, 120 VAC, 20 amp line with delayed action type circuit breaker  
or fuses. If an extension cord is used, it must have the following wire size: up to 30 feet,  
use 10 AWG size wire; 30 to 50 feet, 8 AWG wire; Over 50 feet, 6 AWG wire.  
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Rated DC Output  
Set Power Switches Amps Duty Cycle Volts  
Min. -- 1  
Min. -- 2  
Max. -- 1  
Max. -- 2  
25  
35  
50  
75  
100%  
90%  
45%  
20%  
15.2  
15.7  
16.5  
17.7  
Maximum OCV 28V  
5.  
6.  
While holding the Welding Torch handle, with the electrode wire clearly out of the way  
of any grounded objects, turn the On/Off Switch to the ON position.  
Momentarily press the Welding Torch trigger switch to test the wire feed speed.  
Adjust the speed by turning the Wire Feed Speed Control knob.  
7.  
Orient yourself on the area to be welded, then hold the Arc Shaded Face Shield over  
your eyes.  
Warning: Never look at the ignited arc without ANSI approved, arc shaded, eye protec-  
tion in a full face shield. Permanent eye damage or blindness can occur. Skin burns can  
occur. Never breath arc fumes.  
8.  
Press (and hold) the Torch Trigger Switch and stroke the area to be welded with the  
electrode wire to ignite the arc.  
Never tap the electrode wire 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.  
9.  
Once the arc is ignited, tilt the electrode wire forward at an  
angle of about 35°. Refer to the illustration at right.  
The wire feeds automatically at a speed dependent on the  
Min. or Max. current setting.The wire speed can also be  
adjusted using the Wire Feed Speed Control.  
Note: If too much current is drawn from the MIGWelder, theTher-  
mal Overload protector will activate, the red Overload indicator  
will light, and the Arc Welder will turn off until it cools down. If this  
happens, turn the On/Off Switch to the OFF position and wait about 3 ~ 5 minutes.  
10. When the weld is complete, lift the Welding Torch handle electrode wire clearly away  
from any grounded object, remove your Face Shield, and turn the On/Off Switch to the  
OFF position.  
11. Unplug the power Line Cord from the electrical outlet.  
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Troubleshooting  
Symptom  
Possible Cause  
No power to MIG Welder.  
Checks and Remedies  
MIG Welder does not  
work when turned on.  
Check Line Cord and plug. Check facility circuit  
breaker.  
Overheated during use.  
In overload mode; Allow to cool down.  
Wire does not feed  
properly.  
Insufficient wire feed spring tension.  
Tighten spring tension knob. See photo on page 6.  
Wire guide sheath blocked.  
Wire spool axle nut too tight.  
Braking on wire reel excessive.  
Clean or replace wire sheath.  
Loosen nut so reel moves freely.  
Loosen brake using adjusting screw.  
Wire reel has oxidized, poorly wound  
or quality wire.  
Replace wire reel.  
Reduced welding  
power.  
Ground Cable not connected or poor  
connection.  
Check that the Ground Cable Clamp is securely  
attached to the metal being welded. This area should  
be cleaned down to the metal and free of paint, dirt  
and grease.  
A qualified technician should open the unit and check  
and tighten any loose connectors.  
Internal connection loose on switches.  
Faulty contactor.  
Check the state of the contacts and the mechanical  
operation of the contactors.  
One or more rectifiers failed.  
A qualified technician should open the unit and check  
for burnt rectifiers and replace.  
Porous or spongy  
welds.  
No gas; Little gas.  
Check presence of gas and supply line and pressure.  
Clear clogged holes using compressed air.  
Clogged holes in Welding Torch head  
diffuser.  
Solenoid valve blocked.  
A qualified technician should open the unit and check  
solenoid operation and electrical connection.  
Poor quality gas or wire.  
Gas must be very dry. Use a moisture filter. Use a  
different type of wire.  
Gas supply does not  
switch off.  
Worn or dirty solenoid valve.  
A qualified technician should open the unit and  
dismantle valve, clean orifice and seating element.  
Pressing Welding Torch Faulty Welding Torch trigger;  
A qualified technician should open the unit and  
remove the torch connection plug and short-circuit  
the poles. Check and repair control cables.  
trigger produces no  
result.  
Disconnected or broken control  
cables.  
A qualified technician should open the unit and  
replace the overload controller.  
Overload controller defective.  
Maintenance  
Caution: Before performing any maintenance on the MIGWelder, unplug the power Line  
Cord from the electrical outlet.  
1.  
Periodically using compressed air, open the top and side panels and blow out all dust  
from the interior.  
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2.  
3.  
Store the unit in a clean and dry location.  
Periodically clean out the Torch Head.  
Replacing the Wire Reel  
When the wire on the Feed Reel is used up, you will need to replace it as described on  
page 6, step 5 through step 9.  
NOTE: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only and are not available  
individually as replacement parts.  
PLEASE READTHE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY  
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS DIAGRAM IN THIS  
MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR DISTRIBUTOR  
MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KINDTOTHE BUYERTHAT HE OR SHE IS  
QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO  
REPLACE ANY PARTS OFTHE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR  
EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDER-  
TAKEN 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 INSTALLA-  
TION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.  
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Wire Feed Mechanism Assembly Drawing  
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MIG Welder 131 Schematic Diagram  
MIG Welder 131 Assembly Drawing  
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Hand Held Shield Assembly Drawing  
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