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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Posts
    601

    Homebrew welder

    Here is my prototype engine driven welder/air compressor/generator. The powerplant is a 13hp honda engine. The welding generator is a 150amp zena. Air compression comes via a york 210 refrige compressor, and should be good for 8cfm @ 90 psi. I will be adding a 5000kw 220v generator soon.

    I figure I will have enough power to run 2 out of the 3 items at full power at a time. I will also be running a ready welder in the future (mig).

    I'm probably going to make a run of 6 units in the spring, after I get all of the bugs out.

    The last picture is the original welder. I mounted it on a 2x8. Don't laugh too hard, as I needed a welder to make a steel frame.

    I've also uploaded the pics into the gallery.

    DSL PWR
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails welderfront.jpg   welderside.jpg   welderside2.jpg   welderv1.jpg  


  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Posts
    6
    good luck with that project. what do u plan on using it for. like a just portable personal work or like business work?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    190
    5000 KW soon? WoW, really does not sound portable to me... :¬)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Posts
    1238
    Quick Built Welder??
    Can you explain the elctrical connections/modifications made to the alternator welder?
    Thanks

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Posts
    601
    No mods, it is a Zena welder. http://www.zena.net
    On all equipment there are 2 levers...
    Lever "A", and Lever F'in "B"

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    37
    DSL POWER,
    Can you give us some updates..?
    I made one similar to yours, only I used a lawn mower engine from about 5 Hp, and used two normal alternators, one rated for 80 amps, the other for about 65 amps.

    Those two combined give me about 140 - 150 amps parallel. Only mods i made, was to strip off the limiters, and directly add power to the brushes in stead of trough the 12V limiters.

    As battery I use a simple motorbattery, holds up good till now. Will add photos within a couple of weeks.

    Regards,
    Erik

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Posts
    3215
    can you use an altinator/generator and hook it up to a bench grinder or similar fasion?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Posts
    1238

    Alternator Welder

    Erik
    I'll look forward to the photos. Can you post a sketch of the modifications or maybe the photos will show them?
    Thanks, WT

    (Those two combined give me about 140 - 150 amps parallel. Only mods i made, was to strip off the limiters, and directly add power to the brushes in stead of trough the 12V limiters.)

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Posts
    601
    I've made a new frame, added the generator, and put on wheels. This thing works sweet! Now all I need to do is find a source for a small air tank that will fit in the frame. A small tank that the low riders use for their suspension (mounts on a fraim rail, about a 6" tank) would be perfect. Anybody know where to get these in western Canada?

    I'm about due to post some pictures here, with my welder and 12'x30' "garden shed" (ha ha, no building permit required) Might have time this weekend...
    On all equipment there are 2 levers...
    Lever "A", and Lever F'in "B"

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Posts
    1238
    DSL-PWR
    A truck trailer supply/repair firm might have the air tank you are looking for.
    WT

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    37
    Quote Originally Posted by DSL PWR
    I've made a new frame, added the generator, and put on wheels. This thing works sweet! Now all I need to do is find a source for a small air tank that will fit in the frame. A small tank that the low riders use for their suspension (mounts on a fraim rail, about a 6" tank) would be perfect. Anybody know where to get these in western Canada?

    I'm about due to post some pictures here, with my welder and 12'x30' "garden shed" (ha ha, no building permit required) Might have time this weekend...
    Perhaps a old firedistinguisher will do the trick too.
    Or and old propane bottle, something like this can do the trick.

    I will sketch up some modifications for you Weldtutor.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    37
    Quote Originally Posted by joe2000che
    can you use an altinator/generator and hook it up to a bench grinder or similar fasion?
    Sure you can, make sure you'll have enough power, because something like this eats lots of HP.
    You'll have to add an battery to power the alternators before they give you power. An grinder will have something like 1/3 HP, which will not be enough i guess. Look for a strong old compressor motor or something similar.

    Regards,
    Erik

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Posts
    601
    I tried the truck supply houses, but they are all too big.
    On all equipment there are 2 levers...
    Lever "A", and Lever F'in "B"

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Posts
    361
    cheap appx 6" diameter tanks can 'sometimes' be found at your local fire department..used for oxygen tanks for firefighter backpack harness packs..
    had a few here, maybe two years ago, aluminum, maybe 14 or 16" long..
    the ones I got were retired due to age / exterior scuffing, etc..
    origionally rated up to [I think] 3500 psi...

    another source for small tanks is your local pepsi / coke bottler, they have similar sized postmix stainless tanks, maybe 14" x 8" ..good for 200 psi according to coke plant service guy..
    nice looking, already have a fitting for air in, and a relatively large clean out cap on the top..
    used one for a small hydraulic surge tank on project 1641? , a firewood processor...can send photo if you want to see what they look like..
    both tanks I picked up at the local scrap yard... love that place..

    I used to name, projects, easier to just number them
    enjoy..

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