on-board welder suggestions?

[ADrummond]

I'm planning on buying a pickup truck in the next week or so, and I'd like to put a welder in it - one of those powered by the alternator (a beefed-up alternator, that is) or an add-on unit, like the Zena sold on ebay and elsewhere. Does anyone out there have any experience with these, particularly the TIG-compatible units? Is AC wishful thinking? I guess that would take a heck of an inverter... Here are a couple of links, if you have no idea what I'm talking about.

http://www.mobi-arc.com/generalfaqs.htm#6
http://www.zena.net/

thanks,
Andrew

 

[Mike W]

Hi Andrew, I have not had any experience with either one. I have a 28v 100 amp alternator, hooked up to a 10 hp engine that I am going to use to power a mig wire feeder. The prices they charge would make me really want to see one in person.

 

[FarmallMan]

Here's a couple of DIY links for you:

http://www.trailhed.com/welding.html
http://www.geocities.com/damonfg/obweld.html
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/t.molnar/Obwelder1.htm

I was looking into it myself, I just haven't had time to build one up. You can run any motor that has brushes (AC or DC) from the weldernator, just ajust your throttle to get the appropriate voltage. Take care.

Nick

 

[ADrummond]

I have an engine-driven welder too, but it isn't as portable as I'd like - it weighs 700 lbs, and I don't want it in the back of the truck all the time. I'm just looking for something more convenient - would it make sense to simply install a second, higher output alternator (with a clutch) for use as a welder?

Andrew

 

[damonfg]

Gee, it sure is nice to see my webpage is getting some hits! Thanks Nick! I was linked by POR last week, this is a nicer place to find it! *lol*

Anyway, onboard Tig... It is simple enough to do, my weldernator will handle it - scractch start- but it's a bit of a bugger to get enough shielding gas outside. Maybe I live in a windy part of the world, but I've found the need to bump up cup sizes by a couple and flow rates increase too. Argon preferred over Helium, too.

 

[FarmallMan]

Damon, Good deal. I didn't even know this messageboard existed when I bookmarked your site. I came across your site when my alternator in my truck started going south. I was interested in the onboard welder concept just like Andrew was and I started poking around. I happened across your site (I can't remember if I found it with google or linked to it from another site) and I found it pretty helpful. I have also posted it on the Red Power tractor forum. It generated some interest over there too. Good work *back pat*! Take care.

Nick

 

[wilsoni]

Hi members
I am considering building a weldernator but I don't understand why diodes are needed in the welding circuit. As an AC welder of 40 yrs experience I am happy to use AC. I understand the frequency of an alternator should not be a problem at 400Hz according to Lincoln. Is there something I am missing? I know DC is required for Aluminium etc but that is not my focus. I only need to weld equipment that is away from home in order to get it back home for repairs. Presumably I could add a diode bank if needed for aluminium.
Thanks Ian

 

[DDoug]

Hi members
I am considering building a weldernator but I don't understand why diodes are needed in the welding circuit. As an AC welder of 40 yrs experience I am happy to use AC. I understand the frequency of an alternator should not be a problem at 400Hz according to Lincoln. Is there something I am missing? I know DC is required for Aluminium etc but that is not my focus. I only need to weld equipment that is away from home in order to get it back home for repairs. Presumably I could add a diode bank if needed for aluminium.
Thanks Ian

You really, really need to start a new thread.

However, the reason for the diodes, is because the output of the alternator is 3 phase, and you can't just tie all the leads together
for one welding lead.