Welding capable vehicle alternators
Submitted: Monday, Sep 06, 2004 at 10:16
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Mario
Hi out there
Where would I find a vehicle alternator capable of supply current for welding? I'm looking at replacing my Troopie alternator with one that can run the vehicle as normal, but has the modifications/grunt to supply enough current for emergency welding in the field.
I have heard that farmers/pastoralists have had this sort of set up for years, but I haven't been able to track down a supplier. The closest I've got is an alternator and "black box" designed for marine use that costs between $3000 and 4000! If I spent that, "She-who-holds-the-purse-strings" would kill me!
I've tried 2 x 12V batteries in series and haven't been impressed with the results (Probably I'm a lousy welder!) and I"d like a more permanent setup in my vehicle as I need to be able to weld on the job as
well as an my trips.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Lou
Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Monday, Sep 06, 2004 at 10:20
Monday, Sep 06, 2004 at 10:20
Since its only for an emergency, go with the 2x12V batteries, thats what 99% of others do. Was given a demo at club property one day, it was only scrap metal, but showed it can work (I was a doubter!). It only has to get you to next town or property, if its birdshi+ welding whocares..
When you get to next town, get it welded properly for a slab...
$3-4k, I wouldnt consider it, let alone try and get approval from the other 1/2!
if your welding isnt the best, do a few night welding course at TAFE!
AnswerID:
75296
Reply By: Utemad - Monday, Sep 06, 2004 at 10:36
Monday, Sep 06, 2004 at 10:36
I've never tried it myself however you said you put the batteries in series which would give you 24v with no gain in current.
If you put the batteries in parallel that would give you 12v with lots of current.
Give that a go and see what happens.
AnswerID:
75300
Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Monday, Sep 06, 2004 at 14:42
Monday, Sep 06, 2004 at 14:42
was thinking the same thing Ute, parallel more grunt for longer. Maybe you need the 24v to strike the arc? Up at teh OBC they had a MIG type setup running off the vehicle on 24v. email Kym Bolton and ask what he has. Regards
FollowupID:
335103
Follow Up By: Mick - Monday, Sep 06, 2004 at 20:40
Monday, Sep 06, 2004 at 20:40
If you have a few people travelling with you, steal another battery and hook up 36 volts.
You get a better arc to strike, and can get a better weld.
70 amps at 36 volt is much better than 210 amps at 12 volt.
We experimented with this on a trip up to the gulf, as a
water pump bracket broke.
4 years later, the weld we made hasn't failed.
FollowupID:
335137
Follow Up By: V8troopie - Tuesday, Sep 07, 2004 at 01:12
Tuesday, Sep 07, 2004 at 01:12
Mick mentioned the correct method. Batteries in parallel is a recipe for cooking one of them as they would never equally share the current.
It would be wise to make up the required two short copper bridging straps to connect three batteries together beforehand. They take little room in the gear box and extra heavy duty jumper leads can be used for the welding cables.
You only get the max current that the weakest connection will allow to pass from such a set up, the better the connections the easier to get a decent welding job done.
Klaus
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Member - Jack - Monday, Sep 06, 2004 at 11:05
Monday, Sep 06, 2004 at 11:05
There is a crowd who advertise on various 4WD mags (why not here??) that may be able to assist you. Rotronics Link
I don't know anything about them, just passing it on. Another avenue may be one of the Christie Engineering battery chargers, but at close to a grand each, you really wanna be keen on welding. Not sure if th is is an opton, just a thought.
Jack
AnswerID:
75304
Follow Up By: Mick - Monday, Sep 06, 2004 at 21:22
Monday, Sep 06, 2004 at 21:22
Unfortunately to use our alternators, or any alternators in that case, it has to be totally modified to use it for welding only, which means you would need 2 different alternators to be able to charge your batteries as
well.
The only option is to use a device such as the mobi-arc control box which runs off 14 volts on the alternator.
Ive played around lots with this type of thing and is difficult to market a large number of them due to hand rewiring each alternator to work.
Still working on it though!!
Mick Christie
Christie Engineering P/L
FollowupID:
335140
Reply By: GO_OFFROAD - Monday, Sep 06, 2004 at 11:52
Monday, Sep 06, 2004 at 11:52
These are now available in Aus, vis the dist network only, but are around the 1k mark.
alternator converted for welding,
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Mario - Thursday, Sep 09, 2004 at 09:07
Thursday, Sep 09, 2004 at 09:07
Do you have the details of who the distributers are for the Mobi-arc in Australia?
I've had a look at the web site and it looks like their product is just what I'm after. As I can use it for work, I can (
well, sort of) justify the expense
Thanks
Mario
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: GO_OFFROAD - Thursday, Sep 09, 2004 at 09:12
Thursday, Sep 09, 2004 at 09:12
Email me darrenm@bigpond.net.au
I can send you some more information.
FollowupID:
335564
Reply By: Eric Experience. - Tuesday, Sep 07, 2004 at 22:43
Tuesday, Sep 07, 2004 at 22:43
Mario.
There has been 2 different alternator welders on the market, both do very good welds. I have one that used a bosh 55 amp alternator with some extra windings. The unit has some electronic controls which have failed. The unit was made in WA the manifacturer refuses to repair the units and the markings on the ICs have been sanded of so replacing the ICs is not an option. What you can do is run a mig from 24 volt, this is a lot simpler and can use any vehicle battery as the current is lower. Eric.
AnswerID:
75602
Reply By: Mario - Thursday, Sep 09, 2004 at 09:08
Thursday, Sep 09, 2004 at 09:08
My sincere thanks to all who replied. Thank you for taking the time to help me.
Cheers
AnswerID:
75754