12v Batteries turned into Trail Welder?

[Caboose]

Ive heard of stories about people using two batteries,a couple sets of jumper cables, and an electrode to make a welder and to trail repairs.  Does this work?  anyone have any experience/tips for this?

[Duffil]

yes it does work.  it can be kinda tough to get used to.  I've tried it at work just for shits and grins, but never had to do it on the trail.

[brainlessfool]

it works, need a viser too. and gloves would be nice. and have to have the right rod.

not saying its the best tho.

[jrock]

I know there are post telling what rods to use but I know It is best to use three batteries in series.

[jrock]

http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=14581.0

[Caboose]

i searched couldn't find an article.  thanks for the help.

[Hammerhead]

I use 2 batteries for thin or lighter materials and 3 batteries for the heavy stuff.  I use 6013 for tacking and for penetration on the first pass.  I use 7018 for filling and cover passes as it flows better and has a higher tensile strength.

Just last weekend we had a guy with the group rip his front suspension off of his front axle on the trail.  He had done a rather poor job of welding it at home and with a couple winches and jacks to get everything lined up we were able to weld it all back together better than the original install.

Carry a welding lense and gloves.  Multiple sunglasses will work but not real handy...

[red]

what about this do it yourself onboard ark welder, would it work very well? (i'd be doing the gm setup). wonder why it says you cant use a gm alternator, that it has to be a ford external regulator type alternator?

[Fearofrunner]

Very interesting

[red]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/on-boardwelder/index.html sorry forgot to post the link