Spot-welder, Do we have one?

Mars42 · July 20, 2015, 8:23pm

I was wondering if the metal shop has a spot welder and if it does is it operational?

wandrson · July 20, 2015, 8:27pm

It does not currently have a spot welder

bgangwere · July 20, 2015, 8:31pm

No, unfortunately. Though I seem to recall someone mentioning that they had or were going to build one.

jast · July 20, 2015, 9:08pm

There is a plan afoot to build one from a microwave oven transformer (MOT) in posession of @Lampy . That is all I know about it.

Lampy · July 20, 2015, 10:12pm

I have a MOT that I plan to use for a basic spot welder.

Also making a pinching handpiece for the micro spot welder we have in electronics

jast · July 21, 2015, 3:14am

I’d love to know the plan on this & if I can help…

Mars42 · July 21, 2015, 1:28pm

I would be willing to help build a spot welder as well. I think we would have a lot of use for it.

Afloyd · July 21, 2015, 10:07pm

What do you want to use one for?

I want one too, and if you have a project that needs one ASAP I might just go buy one this weekend. I have had my eye on a harbor freight 110 V machine.

Ken_Schmitt · July 22, 2015, 12:46pm

and this appears:

SRichardson3D · July 22, 2015, 1:09pm

And then we can use our microwave spot welder to power a mini Arc Furnace for casting copper and making lava!

jast · July 22, 2015, 1:12pm

Nice update to a classic.

I’m sure Grant Thompson did not originate this idea, either, but his was one of the nicer made of “everyday” materials (i.e. wood, mostly).
It’s good to see someone build it up to a more “professional” look, and some added function, as well.

Mars42 · July 22, 2015, 1:46pm

I have some stainless steel pans whose handles have come off and need to be spot welded back on. It is not the most pressing need but it is something that I would like to do in the near future.

I also looked at the harbor freight machine and if we want to purchase one, I would be willing to help fund that acquisition.

jast · July 22, 2015, 1:48pm

If ya’ll want to save a nickel or 2, there are some second hand on craigslist right now.
I’m not sure it’s worth it 'cause they’re not asking that much less than new, but I thought I’d throw it out there…

Afloyd · July 22, 2015, 10:39pm

I’ll just buy one. Probably Thursday night.

Hit me up when you want to weld up your pans.

Afloyd · July 24, 2015, 1:26am

jast · July 24, 2015, 2:06am

OOOOOOOO.
AAAAAAH!
Awesome!

Afloyd · July 24, 2015, 2:58am

Now I just need to find some metal!

Mars42 · July 24, 2015, 2:33pm

I can bring by one of my pans either this evening or Saturday afternoon.

Afloyd · July 24, 2015, 2:46pm

Let’s do Saturday.

What time?

Mars42 · July 27, 2015, 4:27pm

I was unable to make it over the weekend, however I will be there around 5:30 today.