Stitch welder
98753
Set up and Operating inStructiOnS
®
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. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein. Tools required for
assembly and service may not be included.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
c.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 entan-
gled cords increase the risk of electric
shock.
This enables better control of the
welder in unexpected situations.
e.dress properly. do not wear loose
clothing or jewelry. Keep your
hair, clothing and gloves away
from moving parts. Loose clothes,
jewelry or long hair can be caught in
moving parts.
d.when operating a welder outdoors,
use an extension cord suitable for
outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable
for outdoor use reduces the risk of
electric shock.
f. Only use safety equipment that
has been approved by an appropri-
ate standards agency. Unapproved
safety equipment may not provide
adequate protection. Eye protection
must be ANSI-approved and breath-
ing protection must be NIOSH-ap-
proved for the specific hazards in the
work area.
e.if operating a welder in a damp
location is unavoidable, use a
ground Fault circuit interrupter
(gFci) protected supply. Use of
a GFCI reduces the risk of electric
shock.
4. welder use and care
3. personal safety
a.do not force the welder. use the
correct welder for your application.
The correct welder will do the job bet-
ter and safer at the rate for which it
was designed.
a.Stay alert, watch what you are do-
ing and use common sense when
operating a welder. do not use a
welder while you are tired or under
the influence of drugs, alcohol or
medication. A moment of inattention
while operating welders may result in
serious personal injury.
b.Store idle welders out of the reach
of children and do not allow per-
sons unfamiliar with the welder or
these instructions to operate the
welder. Welders are dangerous in
the hands of untrained users.
b.use personal protective equip-
ment. always wear eye protection.
Safety equipment such as welding
mask, non-skid safety shoes, and
welding apron used for appropriate
conditions will reduce personal inju-
ries.
c.maintain welders. check for mis-
alignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts and any
other condition that may affect the
welder’s operation. if damaged,
have the welder repaired before
use. Many accidents are caused by
poorly maintained welders.
c.prevent unintentional starting. en-
sure the switch of the stick welder
is in the off-position before con-
necting to power source, picking
up or carrying the tool.
d.use the welder, accessories and
tool bits etc. in accordance with
these instructions, taking into ac-
count the working conditions and
the work to be performed. Use of
d.do not overreach. Keep proper
footing and balance at all times.
SKU 98753
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 3
the welder for operations different
from those intended could result in a
hazardous situation.
• Any power cord must be properly
grounded. Ground Fault Circuit Inter-
rupter (GFCI) should also be imple-
mented – it prevents sustained elec-
trical shock.
5. Service
a.have your welder serviced by a
qualified repair person using only
identical replacement parts. This
will ensure that the safety of the
welder is maintained.
7. WARNING: The brass components
of this product contain lead, a chemi-
cal known to the State of California
to cause birth defects (or other repro-
ductive harm). (California Health &
Safety code § 25249.5, et seq.)
Stitch welder Safety warnings
8. Some dust created by power sand-
ing, sawing, grinding, drilling, and
other construction activities, contains
chemicals known [to the State of Cali-
fornia] to cause cancer, birth defects
or other reproductive harm. Some
examples of these chemicals are:
• Lead from lead-based paints
1. Maintain labels and nameplates on
the tool. These carry important safety
information. If unreadable or miss-
ing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a
replacement.
2. Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare
to begin work before turning on the
tool.
• Crystalline silica from bricks and ce-
ment or other masonry products
• Arsenic and chromium from chemi-
cally treated lumber
3. Rest the tool and connection to the
electrode holder on a properly insu-
lated surface.
Your risk from these exposures var-
ies, depending on how often you do
this type of work. To reduce your
exposure to these chemicals: work in
a well ventilated area, and work with
approved safety equipment, such as
those dust masks that are specially
designed to filter out microscopic
particles. (California Health & Safety
Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
4. Do not leave the tool unattended
when it is plugged into an electrical
outlet. Turn off the tool, and unplug it
from the welder before leaving.
5. This product is not a toy. Keep it out
of reach of children.
6. People with pacemakers should
consult their physician(s) before use.
Electromagnetic fields in close prox-
imity to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemak-
er failure. In addition, people with
pacemakers should:
9. WARNING: Handling the cord on
this product will expose you to lead,
a chemical known to the State of
California to cause cancer, and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. (Califor-
nia Health & Safety Code § 25249.5,
et seq.)
• Avoid operating alone.
• Do not use with power switch locked
on.
• Properly maintain and inspect to
avoid electrical shock.
SKU 98753
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 4
10. Do not exceed input amperage of 50
Amps.
reach. Thoroughly clean the object
being welded of any paint, grease, or
other foreign material.
11. The warnings, precautions, and in-
structions discussed in this instruction 4. If working on a wall or ceiling prevent
manual cannot cover all possible con-
ditions 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.
ignition of combustibles on the other
side by moving them to a safe loca-
tion.
5. Industrial applications must follow
OSHA guidelines. Follow OSHA
guidelines for Permissible Exposure
Limits (PEL’s) for various fumes and
gases.
electrical Safety
6.
Prevent eye
injury and
burns. Wearing
and using
ANSI-approved
1. Avoid electrical shock. Do not per-
mit electrically live parts, cables, or
electrodes to contact skin, clothing, or
gloves. Wear ANSI-approved protec-
tive 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 screws,
and that all insulation is secure. Do
not weld unless you are insulated
from ground and the work piece.
personal safety clothing and safety
devices reduce the risk for injury.
7. Leather leggings, fire 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.
2. Avoid eye and body damage. Arc
rays and infrared radiation can injure
eyes and burn skin. Wear ANSI ap-
proved eye and body protection. Do
not allow viewing by visitors without
proper eye and body protection. Use
a welding helmet with #11 lens and
arc shaded filter plate.
8. Keep clothing and work surfaces free
of grease, oil, solvents, or any flam-
mable substances. Wear dry, insulat-
ing gloves and protective clothing.
9. Wear an approved head covering
to protect the head and neck. Use
aprons, cape, sleeves, shoulder cov-
ers, and bibs designed and approved
for welding and cutting procedures.
3.
Prevent accidental fires.
Remove any combustible
material from the work
10. When welding/cutting overhead or in
confined spaces, wear flame resistant
ear plugs or ear muffs to keep sparks
out of ears.
area. Move flammable
and explosive material 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
11. Do not use near degreasing or paint-
ing operations.
SKU 98753
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 5
12. Enclose the work area with portable
fire resistant screens. Protect com-
bustible walls, ceilings, floors, etc.,
from sparks and heat with fire resis-
tant covers.
3. Wear suitable gloves to reduce the
vibration effects on the user.
4. Use tools with the lowest vibration
when there is a choice between dif-
ferent processes.
13. Use a non-conductive safety mat on
the work surface to insulate the op-
erator from the work surface.
5. Include vibration-free periods each
day of work.
6. Grip tool as lightly as possible (while
still keeping safe control of it). Let
the tool do the work.
14. Read the manual for the ARC welder
that the Stitch Welder will be con-
nected to.
7. To reduce vibration, maintain the tool
as explained in this manual. If any
abnormal vibration occurs, stop use
immediately.
Vibration Safety
This tool vibrates during use. Re-
peated or long-term exposure to
vibration may cause temporary or
permanent physical injury, particularly
to the hands, arms and shoulders. To
reduce the risk of vibration-related
injury:
SaVe theSe
inStructiOnS.
1. Anyone using vibrating tools regu-
larly or for an extended period should
first be examined by a doctor and
then have regular medical check-
ups to ensure medical problems are
not being caused or worsened from
use. Pregnant women or people
who have impaired blood circulation
to the hand, past hand injuries, ner-
vous system disorders, diabetes, or
Raynaud’s Disease should not use
this tool. If you feel any medical or
physical symptoms related to vibra-
tion (such as tingling, numbness, and
white or blue fingers), seek medical
advice as soon as possible.
2. Do not smoke during use. Nico-
tine reduces the blood supply to the
hands and fingers, increasing the risk
of vibration-related injury.
SKU 98753
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 6
allow access by children or pets to
prevent injury and distraction.
SpeciFicatiOnS
Maximum Amperage
55 A
2. Route the power cord along a safe
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 al-
low free movement while working.
18 to 22 Gauge Sheet
Metal
Material Range
Welding Rods
1/16” Diameter, 6013 &
6014 (not included)
unpacKing
3. Secure loose work pieces using a
vise or clamps (not included) to pre-
vent movement while working.
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 possible.
4. There must not be hazardous ob-
jects, such as utility lines or foreign
objects, nearby that will present a
hazard while working.
Operating inStructiOnS
general 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
death Or
SeriOuS injurY:
do not touch any metal part of
the Stitch welder when it is in
use.
tool Set up
1. Read the manual for the ARC (stick)
welder being used with the Stitch
Welder.
tO preVent
SeriOuS injurY
FrOm accidental
OperatiOn:
2. If welding on a vehicle; disconnect
the negative terminal of the vehicle’s
battery.
turn the power Switch of the
arc welder to its “OFF”
position and unplug the tool
from its electrical outlet
before performing any
inspection, maintenance, or
cleaning procedures.
3. Clean the work area thoroughly be-
fore beginning operation. Remove
all grease, paint, or oil from the work-
piece.
4. Wear protective gear whenever weld-
ing.
work piece and work area Set up
5. Loosen the Rod Holder (15) and
1. Designate a work area that is clean
and well-lit. The work area must not
insert a 1/16” diameter 6013 or 6014
SKU 98753
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 7
welding rod into the tip of the Stitch
Welder. Secure the Rod Holder.
the electrode to ground and turn the
Welder off.
6. Clamp the electrode holder of the
ARC welder onto the Connection (11)
of the Stitch Welder.
14. Place the Stitch Welder down on a
nonflammable, nonconductive sur-
face to cool.
7. Adjust the output to no greater than
50 Amps.
15. Read the included Weld Diagnosis
pamphlet for directions and welding
guidelines.
8.
danger! to prevent serious
injury and death. if the operator
is not holding the Stitch welder, it
must be sitting on a nonconduc-
tive, nonflammable surface. The
Stitch welder will immediately
turn on when the power button
is turned on. the connection be-
tween the Stitch welder and the
electrode clamp of the arc welder
must also be sitting on a noncon-
ductive, nonflammable surface.
16. To prevent accidents, disconnect the
Stitch Welder from the ARC welder
after use. Clean, then store the tool
indoors out of children’s reach.
9. Turn on the ARC welder.
10. When turned on the Stitch Welder will
vibrate lightly; this is normal.
11. Using “tack welds” to secure two
metal sheets together will help en-
sure a better final product. Tack
welds are short welds intended to
secure the two workpieces together
before starting a longer final weld.
Tack welds should begin in the center
of the sheeting and work outward al-
ternately until the edges are reached.
All tack welds should be properly
cleaned up before continuing to the
final weld.
12. Apply the Stitch Welder to the sheet-
ing being welded; the arc will ignite.
Slowly draw the arc along the seam.
13. When finished welding; lift the elec-
trode from the workpiece, discharge
SKU 98753
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 8
replaced only by a qualified ser-
vice technician.
maintenance and
SerVicing
pleaSe read the FOllOwing
careFullY
Procedures not specifically
explained in this manual
must be performed only by a
qualified technician.
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.
tO preVent
SeriOuS injurY
FrOm accidental
OperatiOn:
turn the power Switch of the
arc welder to its “OFF”
position and unplug the tool
from the electrode clamp
before performing any
inspection, maintenance, or
cleaning procedures.
tO preVent SeriOuS
injurY FrOm tOOl
Failure:
do not use damaged
equipment. if abnormal noise
or vibration occurs, have the
problem corrected before
further use.
cleaning and lubrication
1. BeFOre each uSe, inspect the
general condition of the tool. Check
for loose screws, misalignment or
binding of moving parts, cracked or
broken parts, damaged electrical wir-
ing, and any other condition that may
affect its safe operation.
2. aFter uSe, when cool clean ex-
ternal surfaces of the tool with clean
cloth.
3.
warning! if the supply cord of
this welder is damaged, it must be
SKU 98753
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 9
partS liSt
partS liSt
part
description
Qty.
part
description
Qty.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Frame
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
11 Pig Tail
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
2
1
Front Cover
Back Cover
Solenoid
12 Guard
13 Handle
14 Insulator
15 Rod Holder
16 Screw M4x6
17 Nut M4
18 Lock Washer
19 Contact
Washer
Axis Assembly
Plug Assembly
Contact
Front Spring
10 Back Spring
diagram
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 avail-
able individually as replacement parts.
SKU 98753
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 10
limited 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 this prod-
uct is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days from
the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly,
to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities,
criminal activity, improper installation, 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 ExPRESS-
Ly 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 com-
plaint must accompany the merchandise. if our inspection verifies the defect, we will ei-
ther 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 re-
paired 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 specific 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
SKU 98753
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 11
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