12v welding set up

mark
I saw an advert in a 4wd magazine recently for such a set up. Either in 4X4 monthly or Overlander mags.

Mark,
I did exactly this. You do not need much and you can get away with three high current jumper leads ie. a pair and one extra (Have two pairs they are handy - make sure the cables are very well connected to the handles - cheap ones generally have poor cable to clamp connections, use 200Amp or higher) If required you can replace one end of one red lead with a welding rod holder (I used the standard cable clamp). Hook the batteries as follows:Remove the batteries from the car (never weld with your batteries connected or installed in the car) Take a cable from the + of battery 1 over to the - of battery two, now take a cable from the - of battery 1 and connect it to the work piece, then connect your rod holder cable to the + of battery 2. You must use a welding glass (I carry some goggles and also a piece of welding glass (available from the hardware for about $5, this can be held in some cardboard to make a visor). You now have a welder which will start a 3.5mm electrod howvwer I had the best results with 2 or 2.5mm rods.
Good luck

Mark,

You will give your batteries a real hard time with this method.... I would recommend getting a second alternator built up for the task. Nothing worse than getting the welder out to fix a little problem, and ending up with a car that wont start and two stuffed batteries.

Steve

Mark,

You will give your batteries a real hard time with this method.... I would recommend getting a second alternator built up for the task. Nothing worse than getting the welder out to fix a little problem, and ending up with a car that wont start and two stuffed batteries.

Steve