PILOON
Super Star Member
I had always read that 2 car batteries in series could weld.
That's 24 volts.
Had a 24 volt 25 amp transormer so guessed that could weld, well it can do, but you need slim rods and striking an ark is tricky however I fixed kids bikes etc.
Later found an industriel transformer that was high volt input down to 110 vac
like for $10. or so, and the frame looked easy to dismantle.
Remember that it had 88 turns of #8 wire for 110 so I did another 88 turns to use 220.
For the secondary or weld coil I used 1/4" copper tubing and about 46 turns.
Poured varathane varnish (twice) to act as insulation.
Some battery jumpers for weld cable, C-clamp for ground and vice grips for the rod holder plus good gloves.
1/8" rod on 1/4 worked great! (6013)
Used different rods depending on thickness as I never could control amperage.
Later got decent mask and good rod holder as orig mask was simply a welding lens ducktaped to a plastic shield made from scraps.
Gotta tell you nothing came apart as I shure had good penatration.
I now have a nice miller AC unit, but like to remember tha good old days.
All this to say, welding is really easy to learn. Not rocket science.
Practice, break apart your welds just to see how good they are and jump in and have fun.
While old bed spring frames are good metal, the temper/hardness or whatever is enough to discourage a beginner so get some decent metal to practice on.
Have fun and good luck.
That's 24 volts.
Had a 24 volt 25 amp transormer so guessed that could weld, well it can do, but you need slim rods and striking an ark is tricky however I fixed kids bikes etc.
Later found an industriel transformer that was high volt input down to 110 vac
like for $10. or so, and the frame looked easy to dismantle.
Remember that it had 88 turns of #8 wire for 110 so I did another 88 turns to use 220.
For the secondary or weld coil I used 1/4" copper tubing and about 46 turns.
Poured varathane varnish (twice) to act as insulation.
Some battery jumpers for weld cable, C-clamp for ground and vice grips for the rod holder plus good gloves.
1/8" rod on 1/4 worked great! (6013)
Used different rods depending on thickness as I never could control amperage.
Later got decent mask and good rod holder as orig mask was simply a welding lens ducktaped to a plastic shield made from scraps.
Gotta tell you nothing came apart as I shure had good penatration.
I now have a nice miller AC unit, but like to remember tha good old days.
All this to say, welding is really easy to learn. Not rocket science.
Practice, break apart your welds just to see how good they are and jump in and have fun.
While old bed spring frames are good metal, the temper/hardness or whatever is enough to discourage a beginner so get some decent metal to practice on.
Have fun and good luck.
