welding machine adjuster

[notme]

im wondering if I can take a simple 12v dc motor (say autmoboile power window motor) and wire it up to a transformer weldors output (rectified side of course) and use that motor to adjust the weldor? would it be too much voltage for the motor? im guessing open circ voltage might be 30 volts? im not sure the idea is to use chain and gears or belts and pulleys to use the motor to turn the adj crank on the welder. thus I would be able to just use a up/down button to adj the welder and be easily made a wireless remote from there? anyone do this? or have any idea on this? the weldor isn't always easy to get at and a system like this would make life a lot easier. of course this would only be used when your not welding and theres no current draw on the system.

 

[BukitCase]

Doubt it - typical open circuit voltage on a transformer machine is more in the range of 50-90 volts on AC - haven't measured it on a DC side yet.

If you really need remote, your idea might work better using a lawn mower battery with a smallish battery charger across it for your power source... Steve

 

[Arc weld]

You want to power it from the welding leads? Miller used to have an amp set "pen" that I think did that on their industrial machines. Open circuit volts is normally in the 60 to 80 volt range. I think using any kind of motor to adjust the amps, it would be very hard to set the exact current you wanted. Depending on the machine, you might be able to set up a remote rheostat that is connected with an extension cord. I was trying to hook up a windshield washer motor to turn the throttle up and down on an old welder I had. It would have been easier because I could use stops and wouldn't need to set it in between settings. What machine to you want to hook a remote to?

 

[RLstangs]

How to control linear actuator motor by ordinary 2ch rf remote control kit? - YouTube
Check out this video. Use a power window or power seat motor in place of actuator.

 

[aczlan]

As cheap as a heavy (1-3 amp) power supply is at the thrift store, I would get one of those and mount it inside the welder case...

Aaron Z

 

[Shield Arc]

You guys have more knowledge, and energy than I do. I just buy a machine with a remote.

 

[notme]

yes I could use a little transformer and make my own power supply inside the welder... after I posted the question on this I googled it and came across this ...kinda what I was thinking..only I'd go with something slower for fine adjustments... really u never need to go from min to max usually from 90 to 140 amp area... depending on rods size/type or position

My Homemade REMOTE CONTROL & semi Automatic SMAW welder CURRENT ADJUSTER. - YouTube

 

[Arc weld]

That looks like the most useless remote control imaginable.:duh: Even with the gear reduction, it still spins about a 1000 RPM's too fast to be of any use. I'd rather walk back to the machine than try to adjust my heat with a set up like that.

 

[notme]

its too fast yes but the idea is good.... just needs some re engineering. sometimes a few amps on way or the other can give u that sweet spot. so either a slower motor or different reduction would make that a sweet setup.

 

[yomax4]

I like the thought of a " Sweet Spot " on this setup.