Trail stick welder: Cambell Hausfeld 70 amp and 12V inverter

[JamesD]

I was wondering what your input would be on a small stick welder I picked up. It is the Cambell Hausfeld 70A 115v stick welder:

http://www.chpower.com/chimages/ProductLarge/WS097000AV_large.jpg

Specs:

Input Power: 115 Volt - 20 Amp
Output Power: 70 Amps / AC
Duty Cycle: 10% @ 70 Amps / 20% @ 50 Amps
Use Rod Size: 1/16" to 5/64"
Welds: 18 Gauge to 1/8" Steel

I would like to keep this in my truck for a trail repair. I know 70 amps is not much but at least it is better than nothing. I was wondering if I can use a power inverter, actually something like this:

http://www.dcacpowerinverters.com/mmDCACPOWERINVERTERS/Images/products/PW2300-12/main_PW2300-12.jpg

Specifications:

2300 watts continuous power
4600 watts peak power
Provides 19.2 Amps
Anodized aluminum case provides durability
Built-in Cooling Fan
Internal, Replaceable 30 Amp spade-type Fuses
12 volt Input
Dual 3 Prong 120 volt AC outlet
Overload Indicator
Power ON/OFF Switch
Optimum efficiency up to 90%
No-load draw < 0.2 amp
Output Wave Form Modified Sinewave
Input voltage range 10-15 VDC
Over voltage shutdown over 15 VDC
Under voltage shutdown under 10 VDC
Low voltage alarm Audible
Overload shutdown Yes
Thermal shutdown Yes
Short circuit shutdown Yes
AC receptacle 2 - 3-prong receptacle
Warranty 1 year
Inverter weight 14.50 lbs
NSN# 53401000000765
Dimensions (W x H x D) 10.25 x 3.5 x 13.8 in.
http://www.dcacpowerinverters.com/customkititems.asp?kc=PW2300-2AWG

Now the maximum input is 20amps at 115v which equals 2300 watts. Would this setup work? Any info would be great. I put it in this section because I figured it basically is talking about tools.

James

[kf4zht]

Yes, it would probably work, but it is not that efficent.

You would be better off either adding another alternator hacked to be a welder or just add a second battery and make a set of cables to wire them into series and weld off them. Otherwise you are stepping the voltage up to take it back down and losing at both sides.

[JamesD]

Yes, it would probably work, but it is not that efficent.

You would be better off either adding another alternator hacked to be a welder or just add a second battery and make a set of cables to wire them into series and weld off them. Otherwise you are stepping the voltage up to take it back down and losing at both sides.

I'm trying to keep the cost down if possible. Adding a second battery and using that to weld with? Is that what you are saying? If I did the alternator, then I would have to make a bracket, run another belt, have more wiring to do and probably would cost more. I know that would be the best solution but if I was wondering if my way would work.

James

[Wyoming9]

Just what sort of electrodes do you plan to use with this welder.

How do you plan to do the prep work to clean anything to be welded in the woods. Anything that breaks that halts your ability to move will be more than likely be beyond the capacity of that unit to weld.

Just like anything else when you are trying to save money, it more often than not comes back to bite you in the butt and ends up costing lots more.:homer:

[DRM]

I think you'd be better off with 2 car batteries and a set of series cables and leads... cheaper, too.

[OlMan]

Did you see this review?

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Readywelder/

[ChiScouter]

Return all that stuff and get a ready welder or follow DRM's advice and do the jumper cable thing. Your painting yourself in a corner buying that cheap stuff

[JamesD]

I think you'd be better off with 2 car batteries and a set of series cables and leads... cheaper, too.

How can you do this with the batteries? I would assume the current draw would overheat the batteries and explode? How do you regulate the current and voltage?

Did you see this review?

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Readywelder/

No I did not!! That is cool but expensive. I do like it though but again the issue with the batteries like I mentioned above. It does not state in the writeup about it.

Return all that stuff and get a ready welder or follow DRM's advice and do the jumper cable thing. Your painting yourself in a corner buying that cheap stuff

Remember I'm just trying to build one on a budget just enough for it to lay a small bead. Granted I'm not saying my idea is better or even if it works.

The Ready Welder is nice but expensive. With the cold switch option it is roughly $550. Then you would have to buy two batteries which is roughly another $150+. Then you got to buy battery cables $20, then you need the space to mount to batteries. So the minimum for the investment would be roughly $720. Now I bought the little welder used for $50. I can also buy the inverter for roughly $250 so a total of $300. The welder is small and can fit easily behind my seat (extended cab) and the inverter can fit under my seat or just about anywhere. Granted I can weld better and thicker stuff with the Ready Welder which I'm not contesting. I willing to try my method and see how it works unless someone on here already tried this method, in which I searched and did not find anything. Remember I'm not contesting the Ready Welder's performance just it's value for what I'm trying to do.

James

[Chopperman]

100+ amp GM 1W alts can be had / built all day long for around 100.00.

A secondary alt / welder is the way to go... I've welded 3/4 plate on the trail with these set-ups that look as good as a mig...:smokin:

[philadelphia]

Get a ready welder.If you cant then weld with batteries..hell one shouldnt weld alone so you should always have a buddy to borrow his battery..Use 6013 rods and have at it..I will be building a set of cables soon complete with 300 amp stinger and ground clamp..It can be done for under 100 bucks.Just use the trucks batteries.