portable welding

There have been numerous posts on this subject over the years and so without repeating it all I suggest you do a search on this site and you will find all you need in some good posts and blogs

Using two batteries is the cheapest option and works a treat if you have some welding experience........the more expensive option is a portable MIG but very versatile

I have used both over the years in break down situations

There are several alternator/welders that are available to replace the standard alternator on your vehicle.

G'day Rona,
The method I find best for me is using 3 batteries, spare jumper leads with terminals, a welding mask lens and 2.5mm rods. 36vdc is a bit too much unless welding vertical up, so I use a piece of flat bar, say 10mm x 1mm in series bolted to one of the jumper leads clamps, and can regulate the voltage. Some have used loops of fencing wire for this, but it glows red hot and can sag and touch the ground.
As an electrode holder I have drilled a set screw to fit the welding rod and tighten the rod up with the nut. This set screw with rod can now be held firmly in the jumper lead clamp without moving when striking an arc.
I have used this set up for a few repairs in the bush, and the welding mask can be made up of carboard from a slab and tape the lens in.
Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Bill

Gday,
The power source is up to you, but I would just use batteries.
Dont forget a helmet, gloves and a few different rods.

WIA 12p are a good out of position GP
Weldal's are expensive but a very good dissimilar metals rod.
WIA 16TCLow Hydrogen for the heavier duty stuff.
WIA Supercast Ni for any soft cast jobs.

Cheers

G'day Gitsho,

I like the inverter welder and generator approach. Have a look at thread 75552 about half way down to view the set up.

Kind regards

Hi
This may be considered a bit of a hijack, but it is related.
But if is a hijack , I apologise.
My query is regarding welding rods.
In the recommended 2.5 diameter rods, are there better quality rods, or easier to use rods for amateurs?
I have a small stick arc welder, but spend more time with the rod stuck to the steel, tripping the power circuit.
Using car batteries, there wouldn't be a circuit breaker, so I was hoping there is some safety in improved rod quality.
Does anyone with welding experience know this?
Are SuperCheap rods (and the like) the same as trade quality?
Are there different colour codes or brands or something else to help differentiate?
Cheers
Ian

hi rona g
have a look at the site for ready welder
www.readywelder.com.au
might suit your needs or maybe not
cheers

Hey Gitsho,

I have made up a portable stick rig that I carry with me. It's a bit hit and miss and works best with three batteries (36V). I have done a blog on our major episode out on the Sandy Blight 2 years back. Here is the link;

A day of bush welding

There have been a couple of good threads around trhe subject on the site of which this is one.

Bush Welding - Thread 60700

I have secured one of the Ready-welders mentioned above from the USA where it is less than half the cost that it is here. While I hope I don't have need of it this trip, I will be using it to gain some level of proficiency so will no doubt give a report later on.

Hope this helps.

Mick