12 volt on board welding unit

srplus · 05-04-06, 06:15 PM

anybody using this unit and have any info on it... did forum search and only could find the name Hehr in two posts but no review of welder? it is a Power-Arc II Welder - url = http://www.hehrpowersystems.com/welders.htm

been looking for something like this and have seen other models but not this one before.

ripped from their page:

100% continuous duty cycle in all models
120 volt D.C. power source with a 20 amp time delay fuse
Fully adjustable weld current control allows for variable voltage and current settings without resetting engine R.P.M.
Heavy duty electrical throttle control switch for interface with O.E.M. computer controlled engine throttle
M.I.G. and T.I.G. welding capability
Automatic vehicle battery recharge protection circuitry
Quick disconnect harness cables
LED mode indicator
commercial welding capabilities up to 1/2" plate
Weight: 10 lbs (excluding alternator)
Dimensions: 10: long x 5.5" wide x 5" deep
Alternator sold separately. Wide choice available for most engines
Manufactured in America

seems to be just the ticket for an all around... have emailed them for pricing info. since i could only find one listing for it on a web site w/ price in a google search and they wanted $ 2065 just for the control box... cables, etc were extra.

seems a little steep... or they are very proud of it.

seem to remember in an old 4x4 mag there was something about fabbing your own.

what you all think?

Southbound · 05-04-06, 09:54 PM

I've read some articles about fabbing your own out of a spare alternator. Apparently, if you just take the voltage regulator out of any alternator you can then use the throttle to adjust the voltage output. That would be a much cheaper way to go, and a really cool project. Don't fry yourself.

srplus · 05-05-06, 03:48 PM

just got the following E from Hehr:

Thank you for your interest in the PowerArc 2 welder. Sorry to inform you that we have discontinued the welder due to computerized vehicles.

Jim Paul
Sales/Distribution Manager
Hehr Power Systems

so... does any one know of a resource for doing the home made welder... could come in handy out on the trail or under the shade tree.

srplus · 05-13-06, 04:43 PM

Found this product online: ready welder…. Says will weld for 20 – 45 minutes on two batteries… from their website: Finally - an affordable mig attachment for your Premier / Link Arc! Connect to our box and weld for hours or to 2 batteries and weld 20-45 minutes. Using the Ready Welder II with the Premier Power Welder, you can control the engine speed which will give you more adjustment to fine-tune your amperage . . . which in turn allows stable heat while welding. By connecting the 10' wire gun with your 25' welding lead cables, you will have a MIG gun 35' from your vehicle.
Features: Connects to all DC output ARC & MIG welders. Also to the Premier Power Welder. Custom 10' molded cable with gas hose. Amp range from 30-300. 100% duty cycle with gas @ 24V DC. 70% duty cycle with flux core. Uses standard #2 Tweco consumables. Uses any 4" spool, sizes: .023 to .045. Thumb wheel adjusts wire speed from 50"/min. to over 900"/min. Auto gas valve controlled trigger. Black plastic case with foam. External 24VDC power supply for circuit board. Includes one roll 0f .035 flux core. Has built-in stitch mode. Sleek ergonomic design. Ready for use with battery power 24V = 250 amps and 36V = 350 amps. Welds from 22GA to 3/4" steel, S.S. and up to 3/4" aluminum. 20' custom molded extension cords available.
Premier Power Welder: http://www.premierpowerwelder.com/re...readyweld.html
Or mobi-mig welder – can also run on batteries: http://www.perfectswitch.com/mobimig.htm
Both units look just like the mig gun that comes with one of the clarke mig welders or are accessories from lincoln or miller that do not feed from the welding unit but the gun instead.
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...er/index.shtml documents installing a stock unit in a Toy PU and http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/p...weralternator/ documents putting a chevy alternator in a toy PU.

If they can be run straight from batteries it seems to me that the other units could too, or even a beefed up alternator. If you can control the amperage then you would be able to control the welding. I know I had seen something in a 4wd magazine almost 15 years ago about a guy who built his own, maybe he owns one of these companies.

I am going to my local welding supply and my auto electric guy next week to discuss the possibilities. The lincoln mig spool guns cost a fortune new. I think you can buy a 160 amp clarke on EBay with a spool gun (wire spool at the head instead of in the machine) for less. I will check with my local welding supply house and auto electric guy next week to quiz those guys & report back. Has anyone tried this or know of resources?

groucho · 02-05-07, 03:42 PM

Your thread came up in a Google search. I own a Hehr Power Systems Power-Arc II on-board welder. It's been in storage in my barn for many years. I never installed it in a vehicle and I've never used it. It's in very good condition and complete with welder control box, one alternator, a harness assembly (I think it's 30 feet long) and a vernier throttle cable (I think it's 20 feet long). I also think I've got the positive and the negative welding leads, I'm sure they've got the clamps on one end but I'll have to double check, but since they were not with the welder I'll have to look around the barn for them. I'm looking to sell this system. An old Hehr Power Systems price list shows the Control Box at $2,065.71 each, the harness assembly at $950.23, and the throttle cable at $105.06. If I can find the positive and the negative cables, I'll give them to whoever buys the system.

This system is supposed to weld up to 1/2" thick steel at a 100% duty cycle. It also produces 120 volt DC power which you can use to run any type DC tool.

If anyone is interested, please let me know. Thank you.

Mace · 02-05-07, 04:38 PM

Mobiarc is looking pretty good huh

DirtyLittleSecret · 02-05-07, 05:20 PM

A MUCH cheaper solution (MAYBE around $350):
http://www.weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=8996

OR, you can do like me and get a REAL welder...
Miller Dynasty 200DX

Pin_Head · 02-05-07, 05:33 PM

Linky no worky.

If you are paying more than $25 for your stick welding alternator, you are getting ripped off. There isn't much to it: Hook it up, revv it up and start welding. High frequency DC is bogus hype. It is supposed to be confused with high frequency AC TIG welding of aluminum, which is a different issue.

The other viable option is the ready welder spool gun. Good welding bang for your buck.

MrMoMo · 02-06-07, 06:03 PM

Have you checked out Mobi-arc?

groucho · 02-13-07, 04:02 PM

Here are some photos of the unit I am talking of. I will post up in the for sale section to sell this welder.

Mace · 02-13-07, 04:22 PM

how much?

groucho · 02-13-07, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mace

how much?

$800 OBO.

Link to for sale thread:
http://forum.ih8mud.com/sale-parts/137379-hehr-power-systems-power-arc-ii.html

Keep in mind I'm not looking to get rich on this, just looking for whats fair.

CaliCruiser · 02-13-07, 07:55 PM

is it for a 60?

groucho · 02-14-07, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliCruiser

is it for a 60?

It is not specific to any vehicle. Friends of ours had one in a 40. The alternator would need to have the pully changed for the V-Type belt, but otherwise it is the basic GM alternator setup which should fit with little or no modifications to the mount on a 2F. I am in the process of placing a similar 150 amp alternator on my FJ60 to replace the 40 amp alternator it had. I'll read up on the owners manual about where all the wires go to see if I can elaborate more.