Author |
Message |
Joe (Frtnkr)
Registered Member Username: Frtnkr
Post Number: 54 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 69.27.77.146
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Tuesday, June 03, 2008 - 6:32 pm: | |
My question is not exactly related to my bus but I figgured that a few of you had a lot of experience with generators and welders... I have no access to power where I am working other than a generator, and was wondering if any of you all know of any mig welders that will do 3/8 in steel with gas that will work with this limited power supply. The generator is a Yamaha YG 450 D. It will safely put out 3600W at 110V/30A at 110V or 15A at 220V (according to yamaha tech support). Thanks, Joe |
George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member Username: George_mc6
Post Number: 460 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 207.231.75.253
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Tuesday, June 03, 2008 - 11:47 pm: | |
3/8 of steel is quite a bit for a small wire welder... Sashay down to your nearest Home Depot, or Harbor Freight, etc, and read the labels. G |
joe padberg (Joemc7ab)
Registered Member Username: Joemc7ab
Post Number: 268 Registered: 6-2004 Posted From: 66.38.159.33
Rating: Votes: 1 (Vote!) | Posted on Wednesday, June 04, 2008 - 12:37 pm: | |
Joe A welder that can handle 3/8 would require 5.5 kw. I am looking at the millar catalog for the 210 millarmatic. To handle 5/16 you would need 4.1 kw, which is the maximimum draw of the 180 series, which makes it close to your powersupply capability. Last year I looked at buying the 210 but settled for the 180 and spent a thousand less in the process. Joe. |
Joe (Frtnkr)
Registered Member Username: Frtnkr
Post Number: 55 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 75.139.7.183
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Wednesday, June 04, 2008 - 6:05 pm: | |
Well I did some more looking around and this is what I found, The Ready Welder II. Best part is...No generator required! Check it out... http://www.readywelder.com/ I may order it next week, if so, I'll let you all know how it turns out. Joe |
joe padberg (Joemc7ab)
Registered Member Username: Joemc7ab
Post Number: 269 Registered: 6-2004 Posted From: 66.38.159.33
Rating: Votes: 1 (Vote!) | Posted on Thursday, June 05, 2008 - 3:41 pm: | |
Joe But how are you going to recharge the batteries, once they are run down? Joe. |
Tom Caffrey (Pvcces)
Registered Member Username: Pvcces
Post Number: 1208 Registered: 5-2001 Posted From: 65.74.72.93
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Thursday, June 05, 2008 - 9:47 pm: | |
We can provide batteries and recharging for these, but I would like to know if these welders work very well. Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 Suncatcher Ketchikan, Alaska |
George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member Username: George_mc6
Post Number: 462 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 76.91.197.153
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Thursday, June 05, 2008 - 11:54 pm: | |
Thanks Joe for saying it first! According to what I read, 3/8 steel will require 36 Volts, which of course is three 12 Volt batteries in SERIES. I think it also required about 300 amps for that thickness? Pulling 300 amps out of 400 amp hour batteries, is going to run them down in about half an hour. Recharging them in parallel with a 100 amp charger, will take over 12 hours. I know, you don't have shore power, I read the posts, I just haven't quite figured this out yet. Where's the free lunch? George |
Kyle Brandt (Kyle4501)
Registered Member Username: Kyle4501
Post Number: 428 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 65.23.106.193
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Friday, June 06, 2008 - 11:54 am: | |
I'd suggest finding an old (gas, propane or diesel) welder that's still serviceable. The new welders are much smaller than the old stuff - which makes the price on old stuff a little easier for us occasional users These welders usually can generate plenty of extra electricity for running air compressors & lights When you're done with the project, you can always sell it & recoop some of your $$. BTW, a good welder isn't cheap. When I bought my Millermatic 172 (new & it plugs in to 220V), I had ~$1000 in it after buying the gas bottle, ground clamp, gloves, consumeables, helment, etc. The little things added up! |
Joe (Frtnkr)
Registered Member Username: Frtnkr
Post Number: 56 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 75.139.7.183
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - 12:59 pm: | |
George, You need 36V to weld 1/2". Guys, We got the welder Monday, and only had a few minutes to use it. With two old deep cycles, we had no problem welding 3/8 material with 24V. We are going to pick up two gel core deep cycles and a 24V 100A alternator for the truck today. I'll keep you posted. |