Homebrew welder

[DSL PWR]

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

[Possum]

good luck with that project. what do u plan on using it for. like a just portable personal work or like business work?

[Ferenczyg]

5000 KW soon? WoW, really does not sound portable to me... :¬)

[Weldtutor]

Quick Built Welder??
Can you explain the elctrical connections/modifications made to the alternator welder?
Thanks

[DSL PWR]

No mods, it is a Zena welder. http://www.zena.net

[erikkate]

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

[joecnc2006]

can you use an altinator/generator and hook it up to a bench grinder or similar fasion?

[Weldtutor]

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.)

[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...

[Weldtutor]

DSL-PWR
A truck trailer supply/repair firm might have the air tank you are looking for.
WT

[erikkate]

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.

[erikkate]

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