Hybrid powered welder

An electric arc welder having a peak power rating, comprising:

• at least one electrode for forming an electric arc with a workpiece;
• and
• a welding power supply comprising:
• a battery;
• a non-battery energy source capable of generating a maximum power level that is less than the peak power rating of said welder;
• wherein said battery and said non-battery energy source are configured to supply said current to said electrode simultaneously;
• a current feedback sensor in series with said battery;
• means for sensing charge level of the battery;
• and
• an electric circuit comprising:
• a battery charging circuit that selectively directs current from said non-battery energy source to said battery;
• a welding circuit that directs said current at least from said battery during formation of said electric arc;
• and also wherein
• said welding circuit directs said current from said non-battery energy source to at least one of
• said battery and
• said at least one electrode,
• when required based on signals from said current feedback sensor representative of energy levels in said battery and/or current demand of said electric arc, and;
• an open circuit detector is configured to determine whether an arc is being formed or is about to be formed between the electrode and workpiece during a welding operation, wherein if an arc is not detected, the open circuit detector is configured to discontinue power delivery to the at least one electrode.