2016-09-25, 06:24 PM
This thread will detail the Microwave Oven Transformer (MOT) Spot Welder Build.
A MOT can instead of converting to high voltage be re-purposed to deliver high Current (400-1000A) @ low voltage (1 - 3V). This high current can be used to melt metal and form the basis of a spot welder.
The build is still in progress and will be updated as progress is made:
The original plan is as follows:
Firstly we start of with a nice big Mother of a Transformer (MoT):
The primary loop resistance measured 1.6Ohms with the secondary loop measuring 75.9Ohms
In order to re-purpose the MOT we need to remove the "secondary" coil which can be identified by the thin wire it is made off. This coil is then replaced with a thick wire of 1-3 loops.
The transformer with secondary removed:
The availible space with the Shunt removed 19mm wide by 39 height.
And that is where I am now.
A word of caution, I wanted to proceed using wire from a vehicle "Jumper Cable". I actually found a nice thick 16mm (diameter) jumper cable at MIDAS rated 1000A. However please be cautioned when I examined the actual wire core was only 3mm or 4mm in diameter with the plastic insulation being the majority of the cable. I do not believe this cable is suitable for this purpose and will continue my search for actual AWG 2 to 4 cable.
In the meantime I will continue work on a Triac based driver circuit.
A MOT can instead of converting to high voltage be re-purposed to deliver high Current (400-1000A) @ low voltage (1 - 3V). This high current can be used to melt metal and form the basis of a spot welder.
The build is still in progress and will be updated as progress is made:
The original plan is as follows:
Firstly we start of with a nice big Mother of a Transformer (MoT):
The primary loop resistance measured 1.6Ohms with the secondary loop measuring 75.9Ohms
In order to re-purpose the MOT we need to remove the "secondary" coil which can be identified by the thin wire it is made off. This coil is then replaced with a thick wire of 1-3 loops.
The transformer with secondary removed:
The availible space with the Shunt removed 19mm wide by 39 height.
And that is where I am now.
A word of caution, I wanted to proceed using wire from a vehicle "Jumper Cable". I actually found a nice thick 16mm (diameter) jumper cable at MIDAS rated 1000A. However please be cautioned when I examined the actual wire core was only 3mm or 4mm in diameter with the plastic insulation being the majority of the cable. I do not believe this cable is suitable for this purpose and will continue my search for actual AWG 2 to 4 cable.
In the meantime I will continue work on a Triac based driver circuit.