Number7 89 Posted December 29, 2009 I built this trail welder. This is made with readily available stuff, each unit can be built for around $120. It's an arc welder to be used with 2 batteries, but could be used with 1 battery in a pinch (but it would be 12v. vs. 24v.). We'll have this on all our runs from now on. George Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
K7VZ 19 Posted December 30, 2009 Nice. Will there be a more detailed write-up? What cost so much? It just seems you could do that cheaper than $120. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dzJeepChic 2,897 Posted December 30, 2009 Nice. Will there be a more detailed write-up? What cost so much? It just seems you could do that cheaper than $120. Virgil, George says the cable is the high dollar item here. It's really thick and the price of it varies; he said he might have estimated too high; he had it around the house and doesn't know how much it costs right now. The other stuff (vice grips, lead battery connectors, arc rod holder and some soldering supplies) he estimates around $25.00 - $35.00 About 12' of cable he estimated at $90.00. This kit is going into theksmith's WJ, but he's building another set to go in our rigs. He said he'd do a more detailed write-up when he makes that one. d Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
K7VZ 19 Posted December 30, 2009 Thanks. That makes sense. Heavy guage wire isn't cheap. I always thought about making something like that out of jumper cables, but never thought of actually putting a rod holder on the end. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CampnFever 0 Posted December 30, 2009 Nice. Will there be a more detailed write-up? What cost so much? It just seems you could do that cheaper than $120. better yet, will he be willing to make and ship (cost permitting) some for those of us who don't have the means to make our own ? :D I like how they are compact and take up minimal space to store. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Number7 89 Posted December 30, 2009 better yet, will he be willing to make and ship (cost permitting) some for those of us who don't have the means to make our own ? :D I like how they are compact and take up minimal space to store. I'm going to do some testing with this setup to make sure it works good. If it passes my test I will build some more welders and get the price nailed down. Please stand by. George:cool: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
macinyart 8 Posted December 30, 2009 I would buy one of these if I knew how to weld. I have a small welder, 110V. My welds are about three degrees below "farmer weld" ( not repairable with a grinder) and, in addition, I set my shoes on fire. It was interesting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mbuckner 208 Posted December 30, 2009 Good morning George, Are you going to have a demo class on how to use this welding system? Eye protection? Best regards, Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CampnFever 0 Posted December 30, 2009 I'm going to do some testing with this setup to make sure it works good. If it passes my test I will build some more welders and get the price nailed down. Please stand by. George:cool: Standing by.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Number7 89 Posted January 21, 2010 I got around to making 2 more trail welders today and I tried them out. Here they are: One I'm keeping for myself, this one is for sale for $93.00 (that's my cost) cash & carry, shipping extra based on your zip code: Here's a little demo. 1. Trail Welder hooked to 2 batteries: Prepped a piece of thin-guage scrap metal with negative lead clamped on: I used 6013 1/16" thick Campbell Hausfield welding rod: As you can see, it burned hot & I should've gone a little faster: Next I tested a thicker pipe, approx. 3/32" thick, with good results: I also tried welding with a coat hanger, that sucked. I tried using #4 bailing wire, which it turns out could be done, but it splattered a lot. I also tried a thicker rod than the one I mentioned above, but it seemed to be too cold, it didn't melt very well (maybe with more batteries it would've been better). The rod I showed in the write-up worked the best, it's the one I recommend for use with the trail welder shown here. The trail welder takes a little bit of getting used to. It wants to burn faster than my home welder. It's still a great tool to have on the trail, it could get you off the trail when a welder is needed. I noticed an additional benefit; these could be substituted for jumper cables in a pinch. George P.S. Campnfever has first dibs on the extra set shown here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
