I'd like to build this into a comprehensive list of the options for welding when NOT at home or in the shop. Something that can be used when on a wheeling trip. For ME that could mean on the trail OR back at a motel or campground.
The options as I see them:
-------------------------------------------------------------
1. Onboard welder, alternator powered (Link-Arc, Premier Power Welder etc)
---Probably the BEST for those that WILL be using this on some regular basis.
---Adds high output alternator to the vehicle
---Adds access to DC power for grinder etc.
---Requires vehicle to be running
---$$
Premier Power Welder high-frequency on board welders, high-amp alternators, charging systems, Ready Welder, trail, off-road
Homebrew versions:
Pirate4x4.Com - Pirates of the Rubicon 4wd Club
Onboard welder w/140A alternator
Jon's Place/Jeep Page
-------------------------------------------------------------
2. Vehicle battery powered Ready Welder or GO WELD
---A bit more set-up to get ready to weld than #1
---Cheaper than #1
---Requires access to 2 good batteries
---$$
Readywelder.com | There's nothing like it!
GoWeld - Go Anywhere, Weld Anywhere
-------------------------------------------------------------
3. Vehicle battery powered w/homebrew cables and weld stick
---A bit more set-up to get ready to weld than #2
---Cheaper than #2
---Harder for most to get a "nice" weld
---Requires access to 2 good batteries
---$
Minute Mod: Trail Welder - ORN
YouTube - Using 3 car batteries to weld (Video #1)
-------------------------------------------------------------
4. Small 120v buzz box or MIG (easily transportable)
---Provides a "real" welding experience
---None of the set-up required of #1, #2 or #3
---Need access to an AC outlet (NOT a 12v>120v inverter)
---Not a trail tool.
---$-$$$
HF 80 Amp Inverter Arc Welder
Miller Passport
-------------------------------------------------------------
5. Oxygen/Acetelyne welding set-up
---Somewhat dangerous to transport
---None of the set-up required of #1, #2 or #3
---Finite supply of gas
---few people know how to gas weld
---$
-------------------------------------------------------------
6. Self-contained battery powered, portable units
---Very portable
---Some run on 115v or even 230v AC in addition to battery
---None of the set-up required of #1, #2 or #3
---Finite supply of power
---$$$
Century battery operated welder
pirate4x4.com lisitng
Hobart Trek 180
Miller Passport vs Hobart Trek 180 Mig Welder Review
-------------------------------------------------------------
7. Gas powered welder/generator
---"Real" welding experience
---None of the set-up required of #1, #2 or #3
---Large and heavy (even small ones)
---Added functionality of having a generator
---$$$ - $$$$$
Powerland 100 AMP Welder and Gas Generator
Miller welder/generators
Hobart welder/generators
-------------------------------------------------------------
8. Gas powered generator + a small 110v welder
(match the generator output to the welders needs)
---versatile solution
---heavy, large, 2 units to deal with/set-up
---$$ +
-------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL WELDING INFO:
Go Welding.Org – Learn to Weld –Stick, TIG, MIG, FCAW, Welding Certifications, Jobs and Safety.
The options as I see them:
-------------------------------------------------------------
1. Onboard welder, alternator powered (Link-Arc, Premier Power Welder etc)
---Probably the BEST for those that WILL be using this on some regular basis.
---Adds high output alternator to the vehicle
---Adds access to DC power for grinder etc.
---Requires vehicle to be running
---$$
Premier Power Welder high-frequency on board welders, high-amp alternators, charging systems, Ready Welder, trail, off-road
Homebrew versions:
Pirate4x4.Com - Pirates of the Rubicon 4wd Club
Onboard welder w/140A alternator
Jon's Place/Jeep Page
-------------------------------------------------------------
2. Vehicle battery powered Ready Welder or GO WELD
---A bit more set-up to get ready to weld than #1
---Cheaper than #1
---Requires access to 2 good batteries
---$$
Readywelder.com | There's nothing like it!
GoWeld - Go Anywhere, Weld Anywhere
-------------------------------------------------------------
3. Vehicle battery powered w/homebrew cables and weld stick
---A bit more set-up to get ready to weld than #2
---Cheaper than #2
---Harder for most to get a "nice" weld
---Requires access to 2 good batteries
---$
Minute Mod: Trail Welder - ORN
YouTube - Using 3 car batteries to weld (Video #1)
-------------------------------------------------------------
4. Small 120v buzz box or MIG (easily transportable)
---Provides a "real" welding experience
---None of the set-up required of #1, #2 or #3
---Need access to an AC outlet (NOT a 12v>120v inverter)
---Not a trail tool.
---$-$$$
HF 80 Amp Inverter Arc Welder
Miller Passport
-------------------------------------------------------------
5. Oxygen/Acetelyne welding set-up
---Somewhat dangerous to transport
---None of the set-up required of #1, #2 or #3
---Finite supply of gas
---few people know how to gas weld
---$
-------------------------------------------------------------
6. Self-contained battery powered, portable units
---Very portable
---Some run on 115v or even 230v AC in addition to battery
---None of the set-up required of #1, #2 or #3
---Finite supply of power
---$$$
Century battery operated welder
pirate4x4.com lisitng
Hobart Trek 180
Miller Passport vs Hobart Trek 180 Mig Welder Review
-------------------------------------------------------------
7. Gas powered welder/generator
---"Real" welding experience
---None of the set-up required of #1, #2 or #3
---Large and heavy (even small ones)
---Added functionality of having a generator
---$$$ - $$$$$
Powerland 100 AMP Welder and Gas Generator
Miller welder/generators
Hobart welder/generators
-------------------------------------------------------------
8. Gas powered generator + a small 110v welder
(match the generator output to the welders needs)
---versatile solution
---heavy, large, 2 units to deal with/set-up
---$$ +
-------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL WELDING INFO:
Go Welding.Org – Learn to Weld –Stick, TIG, MIG, FCAW, Welding Certifications, Jobs and Safety.
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