On Board Welding system

[tgbol]

Any body out there have an on board welding system such as the Mobile Arc, premier, or the Zena systems? I would like to install one on my truck and need to know advantages and disadvantages of the different ones available. TIA

 

[GBaines]

I like my Premier Power Welder

I am very satisfied with my Premier Power Welder. I got it with a 200 AMP alternator. It is a great welder. It produces a high frequency arc that penetrates better than a straight arc welder. It is also a rapid battery charger and can charge a truck battery about 80% of capacity in two to three minutes. It also gives me 120 DC which can be used like AC for most tools that don't have variable speed controls, so I can use my disc grinder to prepare metal for welding and cleanup welds after. With additional equipment, it can become a mig welder and a tig welder. Its main problem is the polarity requirement means that you must take whatever you are welding off the truck. You can get around this by just using battery power but to weld you own frame for instance is a bit problematical. Overall I have found it very useful and a great tool. I have surprized quite a few people in Baja by being able to weld up their vehicle or recharge their battery on the spot.

 

[wcjp]

I'm running the Premier Power Welder on my Jeep. First time out it saved us big time on the trail 5hrs from the dirtroad. While it's polarity sensitive I've had no problem welding on the Jeep. Mine lays a good bead with 6011 1/4" rod. The winch also runs great with the high output alternator.

 

[David_VT]

Anyone try the ZENA? http://www.zena.net/htdocs/welders/weldspec.shtml#Specs

I am looking around and wondered about input on that one????

 

[wcjp]

Saved another Jeeper this past weekend with the Premier Power Welder.



#ad

 

[Speedo]

I have a ReadyWelder, it's a wirefeed welder that runs off of batteries and doesn't use a special alternator. For most of your welding needs it will run of of 2 batteries in series. Packs in a briefcase sized case.



Gus

 

[David_VT]

Hey, I like what I read about the readywelder. Seems really capable! Anyone else have feedback on the ReadyWelder?

 

[wcjp]

Out of pocket expense is probably cheaper with the Ready Welder. Don't forget the Ready Welder requires power. Somewhere between 2 & 3 batteries disconnected from the vehicles. The power is not tuneable and weld time will be limited to battery capacity. Also, a wirefeed requires a well prepared surface. Stick welding has better penetration and less surface prep than wirefeed. Not sure of your intended use. The ultimate would be a Premier Power Welder with a Ready Welder plugged into the Premier. The Premier power output is very easily tuned. Not Saying anything bad about the Ready Welder. Each have their strengths and weaknesses.