Fun With Transformers

[Fawteen]

Saw this on Ewe Toob, so it must be true

Microwave transformer, remove the secondary winding and replace it with a couple of loops of welding cable. The result is low voltage (mine puts out a shade less than 3 VAC) but pretty healthy current. I don't have a way to check mine but the one on You Tube was in the mid-50 amp range.

Plugged it into the foot switch controlled outlet I have on my Milwaukee portaband stand and did a couple of test welds for proof of concept.

Some 26 gauge galvanized worked nicely.

16 gauge stainless took quite a bit longer and I had to buff the contact area clean to get good heat transfer, but certainly doable.

Now that I know it works, I'll refine it a little.

I need a better system for the electrode arms to keep the electrodes in alignment and I need a handle so I can put a little pressure on the electrodes.

Using brass electrodes because that's what I had on hand. Not sure if copper would work better or not. Any input appreciated.

 

[Dusty MI]

I do sheetmetal fab. I have a bench top/hand held spot welder that I like to use.

Dusty

 

[mikeb789]

when you do galvanized, don't breathe the fumes, it can make you sick.

 

[Dusty MI]

(quoted from post at 19:16:10 09/11/21) when you do galvanized, don't breathe the fumes, it can make you sick.

I've never had a problem with fumes, maybe it's because I'm working in a rather large open air area, and there are not very fumes being put out.

My spot welder is made in EtsLouis Melassard. At least that is what's on the tag on it.