How to: Cheap welding for punks

[rykoala]

I built an arc welder out of microwave oven transformers. Here's the link to it. It works fine with 1/16" 7014 and 6013 rod, but 7014's easier to weld with on this welder. Its 60A. I like it, for what it is. Its no MIG welder but it gets the job done. I built my own recumbent and bicycle trailer with it :-)

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[thinkmoto]

Before I bought my TIG welder i read about making a welder out of a 200amp alternator. Was on junkyard turbo mustangs website. Cool idea but I prefer my TIG.

[dcb]

Originally Posted by rykoala

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That is awesome

[bgd73]

I never knew about any of this home made welder stuff.

Why is even the 110v/120v such a hog on mig wire.

3 to 5 batteries and a rod does the same?

It seems as though even thin metal needs quite a kick in the butt to get a steady clean thing going, with a wire that has flux in it, and higher grade for the job.
I won't ever ttry it, but did ponder emergency repairs with a power invertor, and a welder. would thta work?