convert clark 105en into battery powered welder

[robin osborne]

hello, I live in Portugal using a small solar array. there are many things I need to weld but haven't the power to use the welder. my generator wont power the welder. I have looked into battery powered machines like the hobbart and ready welder and feal that i am spending a lot of money just trying to solve the power issue. befor i do anything could any one conform whether transforming a 240v mig into battery is possible, advisable or even worth the effort . i would like to stay with mig and not stick. thanks for any advise rob

 

[rtbcomp]

Welcome to the forum.

I suppose you could have several batteries in series and take tappings off to get the required voltage. The contactor would have to be changed - suggest using a car starter solenoid. You would do away with the transformer and rectifier, maybe have a separate battery to power the feed motor.

 

[Rig Pig]

Shenion has some good portable welder plans on his website... No idea how to post a link?? But the welders he has made use an old lawnmower engine and a car alternator and some very clever electrickery to control it. I keep intending to have a go at building one but a lack of spare time and a million other projects has stopped me so far.

 

[rtbcomp]

Shenion's website

http://shdesigns.org/Welding/

 

[shenion]

My portable welder is described here: http://diy-welder.com/

An arc welder is easy. Right now mine is just an alternator and rheostat for control. Very similar to other "weldernator" designs.

MIG get more complicated.

Welding from batteries requires you design an inverter. Not an easy task and the parts get expensive.

 

[robin osborne]

hello, thanks for youre replys, looking into Shenion's website now. cheers