DieselSaves
Well-known member
Last year I found a Trek 180 on Craigslist and thanks to the reviews here I picked it up. We currently have a Hobart Ironman 230, an old Miller 320 set up for tig, and a Lincoln 225 ac/dc that does everything else in the shop. Outside we have an SA 200 on a trailer and a Ranger 8 in the back of a pickup. We're pretty well covered for welding power but I find I grab the Trek for lots of little jobs.
I've tacked exhaust systems together in a vehicle and patched a smooth wall grain bin top, supported by our Lull. Last week I repaired cracks in the door of an old Chevy grain truck. I've built brackets and mocked up frames for different projects. Most of this could have been done with one of our other machines but I would have had to relocate the vehicles and move other projects when all I needed with the Trek was to move it to where I was working and turn it on.
I currently keep the Trek on a small tool cart in the shop so I can wheel it where I want to use it. Looking at the setup, the cart could hold 100 pounds or more of extra batteries and a gas bottle, if I could figure out how to get the extra juice to the welder. Is there any precedent for building a much larger battery powered Mig welder for small to medium jobs? Could I hack a Handler 180 into a control panel for such a welder? Just thinking for now but I really like the convenience of rolling up and welding without the cords and needing to be near 220v
I've tacked exhaust systems together in a vehicle and patched a smooth wall grain bin top, supported by our Lull. Last week I repaired cracks in the door of an old Chevy grain truck. I've built brackets and mocked up frames for different projects. Most of this could have been done with one of our other machines but I would have had to relocate the vehicles and move other projects when all I needed with the Trek was to move it to where I was working and turn it on.
I currently keep the Trek on a small tool cart in the shop so I can wheel it where I want to use it. Looking at the setup, the cart could hold 100 pounds or more of extra batteries and a gas bottle, if I could figure out how to get the extra juice to the welder. Is there any precedent for building a much larger battery powered Mig welder for small to medium jobs? Could I hack a Handler 180 into a control panel for such a welder? Just thinking for now but I really like the convenience of rolling up and welding without the cords and needing to be near 220v