I've been reading websites on google again--many on building a welder from an altenator..I have a few spare altenators kicking around,and some horizontal shaft 5 hp motors(or I could run it off my 20hp Yard-Man tractor)..and I understand how to wire it up...
I'm just wondering how good they weld,(some beads I saw on the websites looked impressive)--and more important,how long it should last..the sites sound very enthusiastic,but I have my doubts about running an altenator full fielded to get maximum voltage and amperage and dead shorting it out using it as a welder, when every book I've read on auto repair says to never ground the positive lead,or run it on an open curcuit!..I dont think it would live,but I've seen rentals at U-haul that have mopar 100 amp altenators in them!!..
But I guess a lot of off roaders have them,and all the sites seem to say they work well!..my old miller arc welder decided to crap out,and I cant see anything wrong iside it(no bare wires,or burned areas)--it trips the breaker like its shorted--so I need another welder..I dont do much welding,but I miss having one in case I need to..and having a portable one would be nice..I need to weld our wrought iron railings on the house's porch--75' from the welder!..
and a few other projects too..
So--anyone see one first hand,or better yet,built and used one??? --or should I buy a new Lincoln "tombstone" at Lowes for 257 bucks+ tax??..(AFTER I sell my truck to get the money that is!
) 
I'm just wondering how good they weld,(some beads I saw on the websites looked impressive)--and more important,how long it should last..the sites sound very enthusiastic,but I have my doubts about running an altenator full fielded to get maximum voltage and amperage and dead shorting it out using it as a welder, when every book I've read on auto repair says to never ground the positive lead,or run it on an open curcuit!..I dont think it would live,but I've seen rentals at U-haul that have mopar 100 amp altenators in them!!..
But I guess a lot of off roaders have them,and all the sites seem to say they work well!..my old miller arc welder decided to crap out,and I cant see anything wrong iside it(no bare wires,or burned areas)--it trips the breaker like its shorted--so I need another welder..I dont do much welding,but I miss having one in case I need to..and having a portable one would be nice..I need to weld our wrought iron railings on the house's porch--75' from the welder!..
and a few other projects too.. So--anyone see one first hand,or better yet,built and used one??? --or should I buy a new Lincoln "tombstone" at Lowes for 257 bucks+ tax??..(AFTER I sell my truck to get the money that is!
) 
