what can i use as a power supply for a cc/cv mig welder

[dundee23]

i just got a used hobart hefty cc/cv welder . i got no manual and am a little lost as to what all i can use as a power supply . i have a small 110 stick welder but my instint says not to try this as i will prop break some thing . i have been told it would work and i could even use a 12v car/truck batt. any help would be great . i just hope i can find something cheap as i onl spent 125.00 on the welder and a new spool of wire . thanks all.

[David R]

You got a deal on the hefty. It needs a real power supply. Motor generator (gas engine drive) is the best. You can also use any CV power supply like the multiprocess machines, inverters with CV or again a gas engine drive with CV. Some CC power supplies will work with the switch in the hefty on CC. It works FAR better with a Constant voltage power supply. These are all "real" welders.
David

[pulser]

I am guessing from the conversation, a "hobart hefty cc/cv welder" is actually a voltage sensing Wire Feeder which can be used with conventional MIG CV, or with CC power supplies?

[DDA52]

Yup, VS wire feeder. I have yet to get one to run on a smaller shop unit. My welder repair guy uses an ancient Airco machine that looks like an old Miller 330A or equiv. It runs the feeders fine. The smaller ones, like a Thunderbolt or the like don't have enough voltage. I wonder about an Idealarc or Dialarc? They have lots of CC power and can be gotten cheaply...anyone ever try it?

Other than the big guys, the med to large inverters can do it. Miller XMT's come to mind first. Pricey, though. Engine drive would be a better option in the cost dept.

[dundee23]

ok by a gas drive do you guys mean a generator or a gas powered welder ? and if i can use a gennie do i need 110 or 220 ?

[DDA52]

Gas powered welder. This unit gets the weld power from another machine. It is not a stand alone, plug in the wall machine. It must be plugged into the weld circuit of another big welder.

[dundee23]

thank you , this is what i feared . i am just trying to get a " homeowners " mig/wire feed . i am not wanting all this diff. stuff as i dont weld often enuff to need it . o well i guess i will just sell the hobart . well thanks again to all