DIY Transformer Arc Welder

[markz]

I really need to know if I absolutely need 2 or 3 identical high voltage transformers out of microwaves to build a DIY Arc Welder, or if 2 or 3 different ones would be sufficient, should they be somewhat close in specifications?

I found a great site that sells used, "recertified" transformers for reasonable prices and I really dont feel like scrounging Value Village type stores garbage bins for an exact model of transformer whether it be out of a Frigidaire, Sanyo etc model. All I need to do is search each listing on that website to see what the transformer came out of, preferably 1100W+ models. The prices are around $15 plus s/h so its reasonable.

 

[Hillhater]

Is it really worth the effort ?
You can buy new transformer Arc welders for $50-100 , complete with all the assesories,
....and used ones seem to be $25 and up.
Personally, I would look for a used "inverter" welder as a minimum, and preferably a mig.