El cheapo spot welder

[Herbiev]

Had a spare microwave oven transformer so I thought I'd make a spot welder.
Step 1. Replace heaps of turns of very thin wire on secondary winding with a lot fewer turns of very thick wire.

 

[Herbiev]

Step 2. Make base and arms.

 

[Herbiev]

Next step making two L brackets

Then turning a couple of tips. Was going to use old mig welder tips but these ones are 3/8"

 

[goldstar31]

I like it but I also like the homemade die holder and the use of a nice old fashioned lathe tool holder. with a hss tool bit.
Cheers

Norman

 

[Herbiev]

Could not find size lugs I needed so made out of copper pipe

 

[Herbiev]

Finally done

 

[Swifty]

Looking good Herbie, now we need a video of it in action.

Paul.

 

[goldstar31]

Nice but where is the lever to press down as the contacts heat up and the weld is created? Mine were tongs like a Mole Wrench.

If, however, it is for delicate work- fine- enjoy. Very nice.

I was having a thought about using a Mole wrench with a copper contact to make one which is more mobile.

Great concept though. Top of the class.

Norman

 

[Herbiev]

Thanks for the compliments. A video is on its way but as Goldstar suggested, a bit of leverage would be nice. So after a couple of mods I shall post a clip.

 

[Herbiev]

A few mods to the unit.
1. Corian insulators to stop the wood burning
2. Spring added
3. Cam lever arrangement
A video to follow soon

 

[bazmak]

Looks good herbie where do you get the ideas.That return spring might need to be heavier as the tips can stick to the weld.Like the 2 angle brkts from Bunnings.Video please when your ready. Regards barry

 

[AussieJimG]

Very clever and a unit that will more than repay the effort. Well done.

Jim

 

[goldstar31]

Great piece of work. I recall that we always tried to spot weld sheets of metal before the real gas or Mig/Mag welding. I have no doubt that this work will be repaid, over and over again.

Now what about a baby one with a turret of 4 different 'heads'? My missus had one that would do stainless wire and stainless bands. Only had one fault. She had to leave it when she retired!

Thanks Herbie

Norman

 

[crueby]

Clever setup. Looks like a telegraph key from a Frankenstein movie!

 

[Herbiev]

Thanks all for your comments and suggestions. Probably a few more mods to come but here is the video as promised