A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power derives motive power from a variable speed engine and driving a variable frequency generator with the motive power to provide a generator output. The generator output is preregulated to provide an intermediate signal, and the preregulating is controlled at least in response to feedback indicative of the welding-type output power. Welding-type output power is derived from the bus, and controlled at least in response to the welding feedback. Auxiliary output power is also derived from the bus, and controlled at least in response to feedback indicative of the auxiliary output power. The speed of the engine is controlled at least in response to one of the auxiliary feedback and the welding feedback. Energy produced by the engine that is not used as an output is stored by batteries. When the output exceeds the energy generated, the difference is supplied by the batteries.

Provided is a setting assistance device capable of informing that which welding condition should be corrected with a value as the limit in order to achieve the target quality. In a setting assistance device (40) of a welding condition which is a condition in welding, an input receiving unit (42) accepts designation of the target quality in welding, and a welding condition information output unit (44) outputs an item of a welding condition to be corrected to achieve the target quality, and limit information indicating a limit of a value which can be taken by the item of the welding condition to achieve the target quality, in accordance with the acceptance of the designation of the target quality by the input receiving unit (42).

Apparatus and methods are provided for a welding-type power system that includes an engine configured to drive an electric generator to provide power to a power output, wherein a power signal is applied to the power output. A sensor monitors the power signal, and a controller determines a change in the power signal based on a feedback signal received from the sensor, and controls the engine to start or stop operation in response to the change in the power signal.

A portable electric arc-welding system is disclosed herein. The portable electric arc-welding system can comprise a battery, an electric welding machine, and a housing. The electric welding machine can comprise an electric motor, a governor, a main armature, and a shaft. The electric motor can be capable of converting electrical energy from the battery into rotatable mechanical energy. The governor can regulate a speed of the electric motor. The main armature can receive the rotatable mechanical energy from the electric motor and produces electrical power. The shaft can transfer the rotatable mechanical energy from the electric motor to the main armature. The housing can enclose the electric welding machine and the battery.

A solar-powered portable housing for a tool is also disclosed herein. The solar-powered portable housing for a tool can comprise a battery, one or more solar panels, a plug, a top enclosure, a bottom enclosure, a first slideable wall, and a first solar panel. The solar panels can be connectable to the battery. The solar panels can provide power source to the battery. The plug can allow the battery be charged through an electric power source. The top enclosure can be capable of housing a tool. The bottom enclosure can be capable of housing the battery. The battery can be capable of providing power to the tool. The first slideable wall can be mounted to one side of the housing. The first solar panel can be mounted to the first slideable wall.

A welding system includes an engine configured to drive a generator to produce a first power output. The welding system also includes a battery configured to discharge energy to produce a second power output. In addition, the welding system includes an auxiliary charger coupled to the battery and the generator. The auxiliary charger is configured to maintain a float charge of the battery when the first and second power outputs are reduced from a base load.

Welder apparatus are provided that can include an inductor, with the inductor including: a fill coil; and a layered winding about the fill coil. Processes of providing power to a welding wand are provided that include pulsing power from a power source to an inductor, and then providing constant power from the inductor to the welding wand.

A portable welder that includes a portable housing, a ground clamp, an electrode holder, a user interface, and a battery pack interface. The ground clamp is connected to the portable housing through a ground cable and is configured to be connected to a metal workpiece. The electrode holder is connected to the portable housing through an electrode cable. The electrode holder includes a mount connected to the electrode cable and a user input. The mount is configured to hold a consumable electrode. The user input is configured to activate the portable welder. The user interface located on the housing. The battery pack interface is configured to receive a removable and rechargeable battery pack.

A welding machine includes a welding power supply, a chassis structure that forms an engine compartment, and an internal combustion engine located within the engine compartment. A generator is connected to the power supply to supply electrical energy thereto. The generator comprises a rotor shaft driven by the engine. The machine includes an air compressor, or hydraulic pump, having a driven pulley. An axial generator cooling fan is driven by the rotor shaft. The fan has fan blades extending between a central hub attached to the rotor shaft and an annular pulley ring connecting the fan blades. The pulley ring is coupled to the driven pulley to power the air compressor or the hydraulic pump. A fuel tank is mounted within the chassis structure beneath the engine and generator. The fan generates a first cooling air flow cooling the generator, and a second cooling air flow cooling the fuel tank.

A welding system includes an engine configured to drive a generator to produce a first power output. The welding system also includes a battery configured to discharge energy to produce a second power output. In addition, the welding system includes an auxiliary charger coupled to the battery and the generator. The auxiliary charger is configured to maintain a float charge of the battery when the first and second power outputs are reduced from a base load.