The HMMWV weld truck is working out great. We've got 200 hours on the Miller Big 40 Diesel already. For referance their 15 year old weld trailer only has 400 hours on it.....
One issue we discovered was that the IR compressor we put on was too small for CAC. It just didn't generate enough CFM. Supplemental tanks helped, but it was still lacking. The compressor we went with was not our first choice. Our first choice had been discontinued. So rather than step up to the next larger unit, we stepped down.
Big mistake.
Because the truck was already laid out, our options and the space available was very limited. I spec'd out a replacement compressor, and if you believe the dimensions listed in the MSC book, it would fit with room to clear.
Not!
We had to move the welder forward 4 inches, and even then the belt guard was up against the radiator on the welder. The Caterpillar diesel was operating 20* hotter due to this.
Not good.
So enter the custom shroud idea.
I had a design in my head, and started by removing everything. Then I made a cardboard template to the exact dimensions I wanted, and turned it over to the CNC guys. They cut me some great side panels. While they were doing that, I put the holes in the outside edge, and then rolled it to fit the template.
When I had all the parts, I welded it together. Added the expanded metal as a safety measure, and then had it powdercoated red to match the Honda engine.
I think it turned out great. May not exactly be OSHA complaint, but it hasn't caught the eye of our safety inspector. My main concern was protecting the welder, and I wanted maximum airflow both in and out of the shroud, without being stupid about it.
We're going to split the difference and move the welder back just far enough to close the tailgate on the truck, and we'll still have room to spare.
Here's some pictures.....
PS-All photos taken with an LG ENV picture phone. Not all camera phones suck. 