I don't have a garage, but I'd like to be able to weld up some nerfs and bumpers, do an SAS, make a cage, etc.

It looks like I have two options to keep it cheap - a $225 rechargable 130 AMP flux core welder (http://www.sportsmansguide.com/showad.html?promo_code=WX1&item_id=52711&dc_id=48), or a pair of deep cycle batteries and some jumper cables.

I've taken a welding class before, so I feel comfortable stick welding, though I'm sure I need some practice. How close is "battery welding" to the "real thing"? Could I vary the current by using different size rods?

for bumpers and boulder bars either one will work fine, but for an SAS you better use a real welder. your talkin about your suspension here. if it fails on the highway you could be lookin at a major wreck. I'm using my Hobart 135 for my SAS and I'm overbuilding everything just cause i wanna make sure that if some of my welds are shitty it wont matter. however if all of your welds are crappy, your gonna have a problem.

Dallas

I won't be using either one for critical welds, like spring hangers, or parts of the bumper that may get pulled on. I'll just tack it, and then take it to have real welds done.

Any other comments?

its not listed but i have a ready welder, and it puts some of the smaller migs to shame, also with 3 batteries it will weld 1/2 on one pass

Originally posted by welndmn
its not listed but i have a ready welder, and it puts some of the smaller migs to shame, also with 3 batteries it will weld 1/2 on one pass

That looks like a nice unit, but it's $500 + gas etc.

I guess if I go the "2 deep cycle batteries" route, I can always use them for a Ready Welder later. I'm still wondering how welding with batteries is different than "normal"? Or is it really the same?

well for $225 you could probably pick up a small 110volt mig and just run an extention cord from the house:D

Originally posted by 97Taco
well for $225 you could probably pick up a small 110volt mig and just run an extention cord from the house:D

Nah, I want something I can take on the trail also. Also, the wiring where I live is kind of questionable, I wouldn't dare run a welder, even a small one.

I have a couple extra normal starting batteries around, maybe I should just try it with those first, see how I like it, weld on some junk. Then if it looks like it will work I can invest the $$ in some deep cycle batteries.

a re-furbished one from Ready welder is 350 and you get flux core wire

Originally posted by welndmn
a re-furbished one from Ready welder is 350 and you get flux core wire

Really?!? I'll have to go check that out......

I trail-welded up a split knuckle with 2 Optima red-tops. It works, but 3 would have been much better. Also, it toasted one of the battery posts, we're talking critical meltdown time. So watch the heat.

-xBabyJesus

Saw this in Mexico..... A guy had thrown a peice of Large Copper wire over one side of a Power Line, and ANother one over a different line. He was using it just like an arc welder. He was welding some serious thick steel with the arc he was getting. Don't know if this would work in the states, might blow one of the big transformers or breakers, but you might want to try it. Don't get caught though.

i hear wal mart has a good return policy even after it has been used for a few months...otherwise go for the batteries. ive yet to try that one.


Hunter

please avoid the powerline thing. phase to phase is 12000v and phase to ground is 7200v. that is some of the lower operating voltages. but i can light a cigarette with a small arc from a 12" crescent wrench, blows the apprentices minds:eek:
shon

Originally posted by black99
please avoid the powerline thing. phase to phase is 12000v and phase to ground is 7200v. that is some of the lower operating voltages. but i can light a cigarette with a small arc from a 12" crescent wrench, blows the apprentices minds:eek:
shon

:eek: That's Hardcore!!!!Damn!

Im looking for a small welder also...want to keep it under 300...what should I look at?....will never do over 1/4" usually 3/16":D OH yeah mig and or fulx core would be nice....already have 20# co2 tank

The ready welder is a good compact portable unit.

As for the price......

I got mine on ebay from a pawn shop for 270.00. It was described as new condition and as far as I could tell it was.
You can get a converter for the ready welder for shop use also.
You just have to take your time and let the unit cool since it does not have internal fans and such.

Now....I wonder why the welder was cheap and at a pawn shop?
hmmmmm......

"thrown a peice of Large Copper wire over one side of a Power Line, and ANother one over a different line. "

Thats incredible. A drill crew tried this at work, by accident, same effect, different result. Something else arced and got welded. No one was killed..............

Godzilla in Tokyo ?

You can pick up these setups at Home Depot, Harbor Freight, or Northern Tool for around $270. Not only will you be able to gas weld but you can use it to cut, heat/bend, and braise as well. Gas welding is a bit slower but I think you get a higher quality weld. Welding rod is reccomended but it a pinch just about anything will work (coat hanger). With the right tips you can easly gas weld 2" steel. Just my .02 and I think it is an option that most people over look.



I think everyone that welds should learn to gas weld since most of your welding pincepals are based on gas welding (puddle control, etc.).

Originally posted by Priest


I think everyone that welds should learn to gas weld since most of your welding pincepals are based on gas welding (puddle control, etc.).

That's what the teacher says in my welding class, but damned if I'm not having a hell of a time learning it. I just wanted to learn stick and mig but half of our grades are gas welding and brazing.

Originally posted by NH_Toy
How close is "battery welding" to the "real thing"?

110 and 220 machines convert AC power to DC for you to weld with anyway so your just cutting out the middle-man :D Also another vote for the Ready Welder, works as good or better than most AC machines I've used. Watch Ebay, I too paid under 300.00 for a new unit with case and wire :smokin: