Alternator modifid to put out 120VAC?

[59bisquik]

I am thinking outside the box and trying to come up with a power supply/onboard welder. I found a small 80A inverter stick welder that weighs only 8lbs. It will take 2400 Watts to run with an inverter and I cant find a reasonably priced one that is up to the task. The 2000 watt/4000watt peak unit Harbor Frieght has says that the 2k watts must be ramped up and not instant...not sure what the standby amps would be and how fast they would peak with the welder. Has anyone seen a way to convert a second alternator to put out 120V @ 60Hz and possible of doing 20A? Is it possible or was this a far fetched idea?

I just cant see spending $800 on a Premier Welder or even more on a Mobiarc.

 

[strvger]

way back when, i remember seeing an alternator with 120v plugs on it. so long ago, i don't remember what the output was in watts. it was on a jeep, iirc. this would have been back in the 1970's when i saw it in a mag... 4 wheeler most likely. so, it can be done, and has been done. might try the local alternator rebuild shop and see what they say. good luck!

 

[ufgators68]

Google is your friend. Click here.

 

[martin]

Just modify an alternator to use as a welder, cheapest easiest way. It might even be listed in the tech library, if not it's definately on the net.

 

[59bisquik]

Hmmm...maybe more research is in order for the alternator welder. Can you weld on the vehicle that is powering the welder without damaging anything?

 

[martin]

Yes you can but you have to isolate something somewhere. I used to have the diagrams etc. but can't remember which computer I have or had them on. There used to be a few companies that made kits for the conversions but they cost money. I'll see if I can find my diagrams but it might take a while.

 

[NMB2]

I have also been wondering about this for awhile. I have a 8550k generator that I can use to weld off of the back of my tow rig, but I've wanted something for the trail also. I think the A/C alternator would be pretty tits.

 

[59bisquik]

Looks like I will start building a Weldernator then. Just need to find an old Ford Alternator and a place to put it!

 

[martin]

I went through two computers and can't find the diagrams I had, it's bugging me now, I hate to lose stuff. I did find a dead link though and it's dated 97, no wonder I can't remember where I put it.

 

[martin]

If the link will work it will give you some idea, I will continue to try to find the files I had,

http://home.comcast.net/~t.molnar/Obwelder1.htm