Other DIY uses for a MIG Welder? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: t1d
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2021, 06:11:28 am
content: I have a MIG welder that I never use. What else might I make out of it. I googled it and got z-e-r-o results.Thanks for your help.

author: t1d
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2021, 06:47:33 am
content: I forgot to say that the welder is a 240VAC type. (It takes a little extra consideration to power it, as I live in a 120VAC world.) So, that may need to be considered in your suggestions. Thanks, again.

author: pardo-bsso
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2021, 01:26:19 pm
content: Battery charger or heavy duty car starter come to mind

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2021, 01:57:29 pm
content: If it's a dumb transformer based welder, it will work on 120V as is just at much reduced power.An inverter type welder can be run from 120V by adding a pair of capacitors to turn the input into a voltage doubler. You'll have to make sure to not exceed the current limit of the 120V circuit.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2021, 02:17:57 pm
content: Is it a brand name or Harbor Freight variety? If brand name, sell it and buy something you will use. If HF, the sale price would likely be a lot less. Some brands of transformer-based units had 2 product lines: one for low cost stores (aluminum windings) and a better version with copper windings. Weight is an easy key to which you have. I have no experience with inverter-based welders.You will probably need to add controls for charging batteries.Another use (again with controls) is plating or electrolytic rust removal.

author: t1d
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2021, 08:33:40 am
content: All great suggestions, folks. Thanks!- I had not thought of, nor seen, battery charger or jump starter DIY projects. I will research those.- I had not thought of running it at 120VAC. That's an interesting point. The problem for me is not coming up with 240VAC, its my health. I just can't do that can of work, anymore. I took up electronics to keep my mind learning.- Yep, it is a Harbor Freight brand and, as you say, that kills its value. Shame, too, as I haven't even used up the sample roll of wire that comes with it.IIRC, it has lugs for the leads that could be easily accessed. I had wondered if I might tap off of those and make a jig for welding tabs onto small battery banks. But, I really don't work with batteries enough to warrant building the jig. And, small capacitor based tab welders are probably easier to build and use.I am still thinking on it, so keep the ideas coming!

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2021, 10:34:48 am
content: I don't think it will work well for battery tabs. I tried a microwave transformer version. Too much heat. Then I went to a capacitor discharge spot welder, and it works fine.

author: m3vuv
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2021, 09:36:47 am
content: ive used them to zap nicad cells before to blow away the dendrites.