ReadyWelder...anyone have any experience with these?

[R Leo]

Interesting idea, using deep-cycle batteries to power a MIG welder but I wonder if it works all that well in practice.


ReadyWelder

[John Doe]

Military seems to use the hell out of them, but I didn't see any prices listed. I bet you can get a cheap generator and regular MIG rig cheaper.

[R Leo]

Originally Posted by John Doe

Military seems to use the hell out of them, but I didn't see any prices listed. I bet you can get a cheap generator and regular MIG rig cheaper.

Since I have a generator, I've thought about that too. But, I dunno if my 4400w genset will do-it-to-it. FWIW, I can get a Readywelder for $400-$600...close to what a Victor MIG from the Orange big box would cost me.

[TimFreeh]

Originally Posted by R Leo

Interesting idea, using deep-cycle batteries to power a MIG welder but I wonder if it works all that well in practice.

I've never used one but I can't see any reason it would not work fine - I'd guess it would go through batteries at an alarming rate.

For field welding I've always used an oxy-acetylene setup, it will do just about anything a MIG will do but maybe not quite as fast.

[John Doe]

Originally Posted by R Leo

Since I have a generator, I've thought about that too. But, I dunno if my 4400w genset will do-it-to-it. FWIW, I can get a Readywelder for $400-$600...close to what a Victor MIG from the Orange big box would cost me.

I didn't know that the big box migs were that expensive. I use a logger-service guy to repair equipment (rare) and he runs a genset--I will find out what size, but it looks pretty big. He runs grinders, ect... off of it too. He also carries an oxy/acetyline rig.