[TheForge] Inverters

[xlch58 at swbell.net]

Ben Barrett wrote:
> Thanks for the clarifications, y'all.  Could a power regulator
> (specifically, one that maintains voltage and creates a clean
> sine wave) from the computer realm be used?  Granted, the
> ones I've seen are 110VAC, not 220... some are designed
> to be modular, in-line with UPS battery banks, some w/
> generators, etc.
>
> If such a unit was available, would it be worth it?
> (Or, are the better inverters much more efficient?)
>
> ben
One of the cheapest home made AC generators that I have seen was made 
from a discarded UPS.   Discarded UPSs with decent ratings are easy to 
find (I have a dozen or so in strage I think)  This generator used a  
UPS , an automotive alternator and a cheap gasoline motor.  The motor 
spun the auto alternator, which charged the battery which powered the 
UPS, which drove the 110 load.   A bit more complicated, but the guy 
built it from stuff found on big trash pickup day, so the only thing he 
had in it was a handful of crimp on connectors for the heavy gauge wire 
.  It was all bolted together on a short section of 2x12 that he also 
got off the trash.   If you are trying to power a welder in the field on 
the cheap, then you are best off using one of the many plans for 
converting a standard auto alternator into a tig unit.  

Charles