A cordless welding machine includes first and second batteries being connected in parallel, a ground clamp connected to the first and second batteries, and a first welding electrode connected to the first and second batteries. The batteries providing a current output of at least about 40 amps.

A hybrid-powered (HP) power source (HP power source) for a welding or plasma cutting system comprises: power inputs including an AC input for AC power and a battery input for battery power; an HP power converter to convert one or more of the AC power and the battery power to a weld power for welding or plasma cutting when the HP power converter is turned ON; and ON/OFF control circuitry including a user switch and which is coupled to the power inputs and the HP power converter, wherein the ON/OFF control circuitry is configured to turn ON the HP power converter upon actuation of the user switch while the HP power converter is turned OFF, wherein the ON/OFF control circuitry is configured to connect to the HP power converter whichever of the AC power and the battery power is or are present upon the actuation.

Apparatus and methods are provided for an engine driven welding-type power system that includes an engine to drive an electric generator to provide a first power output, and a removable welder having an energy storage device to provide a second power output. The system includes a housing having a dock to store a removable welder. While stored within the dock, the energy storage device is recharged by the first power output. Once removed from the dock, the removable welder is configured to operate independently of the power system.

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.

Disclosed example welding-type power supplies include: an energy storage device; an AC auxiliary output to output AC output power based on AC input power; power conversion circuitry configured to convert the AC input power to DC output power; and a bidirectional AC-DC converter configured to convert the AC input power to output DC power to the energy storage device, and to convert DC power from the energy storage device to output AC power as the AC input power to the AC auxiliary output and the power conversion circuitry.