Easy Field Welding Kit

The old timers will already know this, but the info might be useful for someone. You can put together an easy field welding kit by simply adding the following items to your tool bag. They take up very little space, and you probably already have some of this on hand.

- Jumper Cables
- Wire Brush
- 20-30 pieces of 3/32" 6011 welding rod in a waterproof container
- Welding Goggles
- Heavy Leather Gloves

You will also need a buddy with a set of jumper cables and their vehicle's battery.

In essence, the battery from your vehicle, combined with the battery from your buddies vehicle in series makes a 24 volt system. This is a vary capable stick welder for up to 1/8" steel. If you have 2 buddies you can rig 3 batteries for a 36 volt system which should be good for up to 1/4" steel and might work in a pinch up to 3/8".

This is also another argument for running a dual battery system, as with a little bit of effort you can pull both batteries and make a 24 volt welder if your buddy happens to not want to share his battery.

The final option is to pick up a couple of 12-18" battery cables with battery clamps at both end so you would only need one set of jumper cables.

I suggest using 6011 rod because you are going to be out in the woods welding on something dirty and rusty. You could use other rod (like 7018) if you include a way to properly clean the metal before welding it.

There are outfits that'll sell you an assembled kit if you want, but it's pretty darn easy to put it together yourself.

Mike

 

In a pinch, I'd do this, but nothing beats some of the options on the market for self contained trail welders right now. I have a friend with a Karnage Welder and it has saved our bacon on the trail several times. It's a grand for a truly self contained welder in a case that has it's own power bank.

 

If MacGyver could do it, any of us can do it.