Ready Welder II (sorta) questions

[coachgeo]

More Info Here (http://www.benzworld.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1218086&posts=1&fid=35)

http://i19.ebayimg.com/04/i/04/58/86/c8_1_b.JPG

Anyone out there used a Ready Welder type unit often enough to give any hints/suggestions?

For example is there anything special about charging two 12v batteries when you consider that you'll be using them linked into a 24v configuration all the time?

What limitations might I suspect?

[Benny]

nothing special about charging batteries. Just dont try to use them when they are hooked up to the truck.

[rusted]

That looks like it might be fun, trying to weld with a drill in one hand. Probably give a natural weave action to it.

[pmurf1]

Using that thing with a drill would be such a pain in the ass it wouldn't be funny. It's hard enough to get a ready welder into some spots as is, let alone with a drill attached. The spool holder and long handle really get in the way compared to a regular wire feed trigger. If you want a ready welder, just pop for one. Plus you now have to have a fully charged cordless drill with you on the trail, or a 110v power source for a corded one. You just added more weight and took up more space than it was worth IMO.
I had to weld my steering arm to my knuckle up in Moab this year for EJS. If someone handed me that POS, I would have just dragged it onto the trailer rather removing batteries for that contraption. As far as the batteries, the hardest part is often finding two people who are willing to remove their batteries from the vehicle. Most buggy's are built with no intention of taking out the battery, so it's always fun trying to talk someone to pull theirs out. The ready welders are easy to hook up, just throw a couple spare spring clamps in the box to clip the cables onto the posts faster. They have an idiot light on it, so it won't weld if you hook it up wrong.

[tacomamike]

Anyone out there used a Ready Welder type unit often enough to give any hints/suggestions?

For example is there anything special about charging two 12v batteries when you consider that you'll be using them linked into a 24v configuration all the time?

What limitations might I suspect?

I love my Ready Welder II. Four other rigs were very happy to use it out on the Rubicon last week. I wouldn't mess with that drill thing, like Pmurf said it will just get in the way.

If you have two good batteries you can weld for quite awhile and still be able to start the rigs on them. It does draw a lot of current though, and it will kill marginal batteries quickly.

At first glance it looks like a bit of a toy, until you weld with it! Those things get it!

Also, the tip is always hot, so you gotta pay attention when you are waving it around.

Later,
....Mike