diy generator welder from lawnmower

[Durtyoleman]

I suspect this has been broached here before but I ran across a couple of interesting pages on generators and d/c welders made from lawnmower engines, car alternators, and 12 v batteries. I got to thinking about combining the two into a single unit with a three way switch for a no load/ start position, a generator positon, and a welder position. Current controlled with the mowers throttle control. I haven't the finances to pursue this currently but thought I'd throw it out here for any who might have the spare parts and inclination to try.

http://theepicenter.com/tow082099.html

http://www.instructables.com/id/Home...awn-Mower-1Kw/

http://www.motherearthnews.com/do-it...z80ndzraw.aspx

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...er/index.shtml

D.O.M.

[hunter63]

Thanks for posting, I can remember the article from Nov of 1980 in Mother Earth News, and actually gave it some thought.

I get a kick out of build a welder for $20 dollars, and yeah even with today's prices....I have to say the even back then unless you have a shop, junk yard, and a well stocked , stock room....wildly under priced.

I sure they worked to a certain extent, but having built several projects from the magazine over the years, (I have a complete collection of the mag,) I gonna say, yeah they work, but not real well, or for very long.
The one that caught my eye was the Blue Max wind turbine......
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It...Generator.aspx

After looking it over and seeing the testing, decided against it, as the return on investment is slim.

These days a china made Harbor Freight gen or welder would be most cost effective in my opinion.

I'm guessing theat there was a lot of creative gardening going on back then, if you get my drift.

[Durtyoleman]

My interest was more along the lines of a teotwawki/ shtf option. Make it to know I can and it works. lol I like to tinker and play. in the past I have made a homemade tinbender, a light guage steel punch, and a battery charger from a drill motor. Things of this nature generally don't last but they do function and can be a life, time, or trouble saver in a serious situation. How many people could have saved food from spoiling after katrina with a generator like this? And having it do double duty as a light duty welder would be an excuse to keep the junk around...lol
The wind generator looks cool too. I read a few diff articles on making them from alternators over the years, however in The city erecting towers to catch wind does not go over well with code enforcement.

D.O.M.