Dark Welder 2: My DIY battery tab spot welder

After the failure of my $16 battery tab spot welder, I saw Kevin Dark's DIY version. But it wasn't exactly what I needed, so I decided to build a modified version.

The Modified Dark Welder, or Dark Welder 2, has a foot switch that triggers a precise welding current pulse that is always the same length of time - no matter how long you hold down the button.

And in my new version, the button is now a foot pedal to keep your hands free.

The best part is: IT WORKS!

Check out Kevin Dark's original welder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1NFbchHeM8

Kevin's channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/darkkevind1978/

Also, don't miss his nifty 18650-powered DIY electric skateboard!

Goodies in the vid (some affiliate links):

- Capacitor Charge calculator: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/capchg.html#c1
- Capacitor Discharge calculator: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/capdis.html
- Starter Solenoid Relay: https://amzn.to/2Igv1jB
- Gebildet 2 Pieces Pedal Switch: https://amzn.to/3nJ3WoY
- 4700 uF 63V electrolytic capacitors: https://amzn.to/2SPy0RG
- Schottky 5A 100V diodes: https://amzn.to/3nM7R4y
- 150 ohm 2W resistors: https://amzn.to/3nLnlp4
- Copper nails: https://amzn.to/33QZ6xZ
- Lighted pushbutton switch: https://www.conrad.com/p/tru-components-tc-r13-527d2b-pushbutton-switch-14-v-dc-20-a-1-x-onoff-latch-1-pcs-1587919
- 12V, 10Ah, +150CCA lead acid battery: https://amzn.to/3eMsGZr
- 16mm^2 wire
- Large domino (screw terminals to hold welding cables + copper nails)

See the schematics at my web site:
https://scottiestech.info/2020/10/13/dark-welder-2-my-diy-battery-tab-spot-welder/

More techie tips: https://scottiestech.info