A transformer type home shop welder should not draw much current when not in
use, (open circuit) They are usually an adjustable loose coupled style.
Closing the coupling allows for more maximum current to flow. As they are
also a drop down about 7/8:1 voltage type, The primary current is about 1/8
the secondary or welding current. Welding at 80 amps should only draw about
10 to 12 amps in a 240 v. single phase primary.

If you are experiencing major flickering or dimming of your household
lighting, You should consult your power company. They should be able to
positively identify the problem. If it is in your home wiring, they will
advise you to consult an electrician. I would suspect a loose or
deteriorated neutral service connection. Specifically if your lightbulbs
seem to be short lived.

I do not understand why repairmen would apply the use of their own
transformer ?

You have three phase power in your home ?

Electrically producing your own Oxygen from water will also produce twice
the amount of Hydrogen gas. You would also need to compress the gasses
somewhat for use in a torch. Some serious hazards to consider.
--
Chipper Wood
useoursatyahoodotcom

"Camilo Ramos" wrote in message
...
Hello all!

Finally considering an arc welder. I still must decide between
buying/building either a transformer type or one based in a truck
alternator. Pricewise, buy/build the transformer (copper wire, iron
laminate, etc) seems similar to build the alternator type (motor,
alternator, battery, etc).
There is another consideration: The effect of the load on the house
appliances . When repair guys have been at the house the lights have
flickered noticeably, even wiring their transformer directly to the
breaker panel. I have voltage regulators at the computers, the tv and
cable
box but the flicker seems a bad thing to do to the house in a regular
basis.
If I did my math right the load for a 2HP motor would be about 8 amps,
less than input amperage required for an useful transformer. Please
correct if wrong.
So do you guys with tranformer welders do something to alleviate the
problem of simply live with it?

BTW, right now my OA rig is near empty, but since I cannot spare $$ from
food and bills until year's end or so I will build a water resistor. Long
ago I got from Lindsay's the booklet that explains how to do it and the
materials are around the house, so the cost would be zero. Note that I
have a
3-phase 208V 50amps outlet (yes I checked that), so any suggestion for
improvement is welcome.

--

Regards,


Mongke