Anyone tried this welding technique?

[flatheadfan]

I came across this shade tree welding technique and it appears to be simple. But, then again a LOT of things look easy. If it is doable what type/size rod should you use?

Tom

http://speedsociety.com/welding-diy-...-of-batteries/

[AnthonyG]

Certainly not a recommended metallugically sound or safe weld!

[V12Bill]

I've heard of drag racers doing battery welding at the race track when something broke. It got them back on the track and/or home. Isn't that guy in the film risking his lung health by having his head in that welding smoke?

[Fordestes]

looks like a good way to blow up some batteries and risk getting battery acid in your eyes and all over your shop. too dangerous for me!
batteries get hot and emit hydrogen gas, a small spark will ignite it and ouch!!!
fordestes

[Inherited40tudor]

Amps is Amps.

[tubman]

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Hmmm. 24 OCV; sounds about right. This would probably work in a pinch and might get you home in an emergency. I agree with the safety concerns and wouldn't do this on a regular basis. Better make sure the rods are OK for DC welding. Since there is no control over the current doing this, finding the proper size rod would be mainly trial and error. Anybody wanna try and report back?

[V8COOPMAN]

One could try-out this "emergency" welding technique along with trying-out this old emergency jack stand technique.......priceless! DD

[Kurt in NJ]

I have used a golf cart to weld many times
You hAve to be quick to get the rod unstuck and back to an arc-- dead short not good, something will melt-- then you have battery terminal problemr

[G.M.]

This would work with small diameter electrodes but the 24 volts from 2 batteries would probly drop to low when trying to strike and arc. 3 batteries for larger electrodes may work. When I was in the welding supply someone had a holder for welding from batteries that was sold to farmers. Someone also made a small MIG gun to operate from batteries. Most of this type equipment never worked to good and dropped out of site. G.M.

[Tony, NY]

Originally Posted by V12Bill

Isn't that guy in the film risking his lung health by having his head in that welding smoke?

That's the way it was done before MIG.

[fordy_nine]

He didn't say what kind or size rod he used. I would guess 3/32 or 1/8' dia. 7014 electrode (since he is using straight polarity ).....Bob L

[G.M.]

They also made carbon arc torches that ran off the car battery. This was a piece of carbon with a wood handle and an alligator clip on a wire attached to the carbon. If I remember as this was over 60 years ago the carbon was maybe 10 inches long and tapered at the working end. The part to be soldered or braised was grounded and the carbon tip glowed red when grounded and heated the joint. G.M.

[cmbrucew]

I had a short class in High School on carbon arc welding. I believe it was a Farney welding machine.
Bruce

[G.M.]

Originally Posted by cmbrucew

I had a short class in High School on carbon arc welding. I believe it was a Farney welding machine.
Bruce

Your right, I couldn't remember Forney. I should have remembered I made some wire feeders for them and knew Jack Forney pretty well. They also made the Forney Air Coupe. G.M.

[SP_51-F1]

I know offroaders who do this to fix breaks on the trail.

[34pickup]

Jeeze..... get a stinkin' welder. You can get a cheap one at a pawn shop.

[Ross F-1]

Originally Posted by fordy_nine

He didn't say what kind or size rod he used. I would guess 3/32 or 1/8' dia. 7014 electrode (since he is using straight polarity ).....Bob L

I think you are supposed to use a coat hanger??

[Karl Wescott]

If you dont like the idea of using a batteries, try this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forge_welding

[fordy_nine]

I've used a coat hanger many times for TIG or gas welding - good stuff, priced right....Bob L

[bobH]

Originally Posted by SP_51-F1

I know offroaders who do this to fix breaks on the trail.

As said... this has been a common off-roaders repair technique for 'eons'. Can't say I've tried it myself, but I've watched it numerous times. I haven't seen any problems, no 'near-accidents', seemed to work ok.
two batteries, enough jumper cables, rod, helmet, and your in business.
No need to try this at home, but out in the boonies it's a good resource.