homemade welder

I have a 24v aircraft generator. I've heard they will make a good welder. Anyone know how?

You will need to add a heavy wattage variable resistor to control exciter voltage (controls welder output). Otherwise, get a larger one cylinder, or two cylinder engine, and run 2 or three belts too it, if direct drive is not an option. 12 to 15 HP should be plenty adequate.

Add an extenal fan to the end of the generator to increase duty cycle. The welding cables connect to the ground, and hot output terminal of generator.

They do vary a bit in internal wiring, but trial and error- if done with caution, should provide best connections.

[MoRo]

Aircraft generators do make great welders. My grandfather had one that was converted for a welder. It was mounted to the front of a model "A" John Deere tractor and driven from the clutch/belt pulley. "A" John Deered was rated at 38 HP at the belt. My dad tells me that under heavy load, the governor on that tractor ran pretty wide, making those two cylinders bark pretty good!!
~M~