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SirJakesus
Guest
This is really cool. Thanks for the thread. I'll have to try it sometime just to make my family sh*t bricks.
The guy at mp3car can't get it to work right yet. He's paralleling them for high amps, and getting only 12V. The alternators are by themselves. If he ran them in series for 24V & used batteries with them, it would work. I honestly don't think alternators have enough power alone, but if they are recharging a couple batteries, they are VERY beneficial. I'm using a battery charger, to do that, and it does not have near the power of an alternator, but works great.
Also the instructables about the microwave transformer welder was awesome! I gotta try that! I will be searching high and low now for broken microwaves! ROFL![/QUOTE
Actually an alternator can produce more voltage. I built a welder using an alternator with the voltage regulator disabled. Alternators are phenominal creations....they can priduce full voltage and current at the same time, at least if they have aduquate cooling. Takes a minimum of 6-7 hp to turn it fast enough though. 10-12 is more practical. The old GM 10 or 12 S1 alternators are the easiest candidates. There is a hole in the back that if you push in a paper clip it grounds the regulator and you control the voltage by rpm. about 4-5000 rpm at the alternator will get you going usually. Right now I am working on an alternator powered AC tig welder for aluminum by taking the power off before it runs through the diodes. Then I will be able to TIG aluminum. Diodes are usually the weak point for the alternator welders....not enough inverse voltage capacity. The newer alternators even use this as a protection system....too much voltage or current and the diodes let the smoke out disabling it. I think Mother Earth News had an article on an alternator welder years ago....trying to find it if anyone is interested.
Denny
How long can you weld with a two battery system? Can you do a couple inches of weld before recharging? That would work out since a lot of times you have to stop and let the part cool off.
I think Mother Earth News had an article on an alternator welder years ago....trying to find it if anyone is interested.
Denny