DIY welder ?

[uxhamby]

Hi,

A welding newbe here. I have some O/A, ARC, MIG and TIG experience, but not much and its not recent.

Apologies if this is an old saw here but a quick search didn't turn up any discussion of it in these forums. Expert opinions would be appreciated.

This diy welder project (http://www.diy-welder.com/) appeals to me. What are the likely short comings of the resulting welder ? My personal preference would be to set it up for TIG welding but am not confident I know enough about doing this.

Would I wind up kicking myself for cheeping out and not buying a commercial unit? Likely it will see use to build / repair small trailer frames and other 1/4" steel weld projects as yet TBA. I like the portability and independence from electrical power sources that the gas engine offers. I have a whacky notion of setting the thing up as a small towable trailer which I could tow with my motorcycle to client sites, but have no firm plans beyond utility for personal projects and my own general entertainment. As the movie said however, "if you build it they will come"

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Brian H.

 

[Macleesh]

The author of that site is a frequent contributor on this forum, I'm sure he'll be along soon to answer your questions.

 

[shenion]

I built the welders and set up the site.

You can do the basic arc setup real easy with basically an alternator and some resistors or rheostat to control the field. A reactor adds arc stability and more fluid welds.

It would also do scratch start TIG with a manual torch.

The boards work and add some feedback so it is a bit more controlled. They also have contactor and gas valve controls.

I have used it on TIG and it works but did no more than a few test runs.

I have run out of boards and actually sold the one in my test unit. With not much paying work over the last few years, I have not had money to make more boards. Add to that, the switches jumped to $6 a piece (3 used on board). So, I'd have to increase the price. I'd like to do a new version of the board that is a bit smarter and has thinks like a lift start for TIG and anti-stick for arc and is cheaper to make.

Just don't have any money to make prototype boards.

 

[casement]

Building a welding machine doesn't exclude buying a welding machine, and you can use a bought one to help construct the built one.

You can never have too many welders.

 

[uxhamby]

speaking of buying one...........

I have spotted one that LOOKs like a deal. What do folks think?

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...c-welder-220-volts-350-OFF-W0QQAdIdZ229738588

Thanks,

Brian H.