diy mig

[wotan]

hey guys
I am trying to build a homemade MIG
I found a nice MIG dewinder and now I am trying to find a power source for it
I only have single phase power at my shop
I was thinking about a simple basic inverter then a buddy told me it would not work
ideas, suggestions ?
thanks

 

[shenion]

An inverter (switching power supply) will work if you can build one that can output the voltage and current (not easy.)

Or you would have to wind a transformer with taps for 15-20V or so.

Only other way is a motor driving an alternator with an adjustable voltage regulator. I have built one of these (with capacitors and a reactor coil) and it works well.

 

[wotan]

when I mentionned "inverter" I meant a standard low cost arc box

your page on single phase conversion is very interesting...I wish I could do that, find an old 3 phase MIG with a busted wire feed is simple and cheap enough...