convert an ac welder into a dc one

[Lorenzo]

Hi l'd to know if it is possible to convert a AC welder into an Dc one
simply
using an Hi-power diode bridge.

thak you in advance for your reply

Lore

 

[Don Bruder]

In article <c4hjdc$62c$1@lacerta.tiscalinet.it>,
"Lorenzo" <rloreRIMUOVI@NOSPAMtiscali.it> wrote:

Hi l'd to know if it is possible to convert a AC welder into an Dc one
simply
using an Hi-power diode bridge.

thak you in advance for your reply

Lore

Possible? Yes. Practical? Ehhhh... debatable.

The problem is finding diodes that are beefy eough to handle the current
without letting all the smoke out of 'em.

--
Don Bruder - dakidd@sonic.net - New Email policy in effect as of Feb. 21, 2004.
I respond to Email as quick as humanly possible. If you Email me and get no
response, see <http://www.sonic.net/~dakidd/main/contact.html> Short
form: I'm trashing EVERYTHING that doesn't contain a password in the subject.

 

[John Popelish]

Lorenzo wrote:

Hi l'd to know if it is possible to convert a AC welder into an Dc one
simply
using an Hi-power diode bridge.

thak you in advance for your reply

Lore

A diode bridge is no problem, but the result is not a practical DC
welder. You need to add a hulking big inductor downstream of the
bridge, to stabilize the arc, or you just produce a lot of splatter.

A couple of these duals or 4 singles mounted on heat sinks make a
passable diode bridge:
http://rocky.digikey.com/WebLib/InternationalRectifier/Web%20Data/IRKD,E,J,C%2091%20SERIES.pdf

Big diodes are often for sale on EBAY, also. e.g.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3807560657&category=7287
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3806442995&category=36332
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3807594327&category=36332
--
John Popelish