Welder Powered by Inverter

[Kraftymate]

Does anyone know what size inverter (like one you plug into a auto lighter) can be used for powering a small 115v Wire Welder. Or is this possible?


kraftymate

[pulser]

I guess you need to look up the input power requirements for the 115v welder. How much power (A x V = Watts) does it draw at the output current level you will be welding at?

[enlpck]

Originally Posted by Kraftymate

Does anyone know what size inverter (like one you plug into a auto lighter) can be used for powering a small 115v Wire Welder. Or is this possible?


kraftymate

That plugs into the lighter? There IS no size that will run a welding machine. You will get a maxinum of about 250W through the lighter socket (20A at 13.8V), and that is pushing it. The smallest of machine, turned down low is going to run 1KVA or more. (figuring 40A at 16V, with 66% efficiency for the whole system, which is optimistic) A 2.5KVA inverter right to the battery might be sufficient, but is going to be pretty rough on the inverter.

Your best solution if you need to do this is likely something like a ready-welder, designed for the application.

[Patriot Performance]

Not going to happen. Even a 3000 watt inverter wouldn't be sufficient. Those are very expensive to say the least.

I have a 750 watt peak inverter in my Ram and it hardly runs a corded drill.

[littlefuzz]

It would take a huge inverter. you'd be better off with a generator and i'd be cheaper. definitaly won't do it through the cig lighter anyway.