Anybody add one to the JK yet, or thinking about it?

 

I am looking at the one from Ready Welder. From what I have read, all you have to do is run duel batteries with quick clamps so you can disconnect from your vehicle's electrical system so it doesn't fry anything and hook the batteries up in series for 24 volts. It can be moved from vehicle to vehicle if you have more than one offroad toy or you can use it at home like a spool gun with a conventional welder.

 

Want to get this.
http://www.readywelder.com/11000.htm

 

YUP! batteries!!!!
you can weld with batteries in a pinch. we have taken batteries out of a couple of rigs and done it.
You need a minimum of two batteries. Three is better. With three batteries you get 36 volts. Amperage is I think the average of the three batteries with losses figured in for certain things. Hook negative of first battery to ground clamp, positive to neg on second batt. and so on. Run them in series, Pos of last batt is hooked to electrode. You can switch the polarity as well. It's kinda cool to see it work. Give the batteries time to cool once in a while.I don't know how long 2 batteries will last, I made about 5 welds about 1 inch long each and after I finished welding we put the batteries back into the trucks and both had plenty cranking power left to start the trucks again. You can not do this with the alternator and you will have to disconnect the negative from the battery on the vehicle that you will be welding on.

The 2 batteries should be connected as follows:

Ground cable to negative on one battery, the positive from this same battery goes to the negative on the #2 battery and finally the positive on the #2 battery is connected to the electrode.
Go to a welding supply shop and pick up a set of welding cables, one for the ground and another cable with the handle that holds the electrode. Besides that you will need another short piece of cable with a battery terminal on each end to connect the 2 batteries, some electrodes and remember the dark glass so that you can see what you are welding. For my trail fix I just taped the glass to a piece of cardboard
2 batteries is doable but 3 batteries is the ticket if you need some penetration. We had to weld a D44 axletube that slightly spun in the pumpkin together one time an 2 batteries just couldn't get enough to get it done. With 3 batteries though it sizzled nicely.

cheaper than a portable welder.

 

crap! i type so slow ya'll beat me to it!

 

Here's a good mobile welder comparison LINK

 

Have the Ready Welder and love it! Chews through the wire at a pretty good clip, so I always keep a spare roll handy. I use a pair of dedicated deep-cycle batteries and it drains them pretty quick. 3/16" is no problem with 2 batteries. Anything thicker it would probably be better to run 3.

Wouldn't want to run it on just the Jeep battery for long, or else you will have a fixed Jeep but a very dead battery! (better yet, use your friend's battery!)

 

I looked at the MobiArc type set ups that mount under the hood, and have huge amperage and regulation capabilities, so your weld quality is easier to control...vs the ready welder type set ups where you just carry the entire set-up loose, and carry it to where you're welding.

After many examples i the field...I've come to the conclusion that the 220 welder in the garage, combined with a ready welder type loose kit, would be best....

...as quite often, the welding that needs to be done is up a creek bed, or your access is blocked by another rig between you, and the guy with the snapped drag link, etc...and your onboard system is neutered and out of range.



Typically, you can get those closest to the victim to donate their batteries for a series mount, and weld away.

I've seen doubled polaraized glasses turned 90 degrees to act like welders goggles...but, its bets to just throw welders goggles or a helmet in the box with the welder and the gloves, fire extinguisher, etc.

 

found a pic of battery welding in use.