Generator advice for welder

[EddieWalker]

I have an AC DC arc welder that I'm comfortable with. I've been clearing my fence line for years now and this fall and winter, I would really like to start building my corners. To do this, I feel I need to weld the pipe together in place. This means I need power for my welder. I would prefer not to buy another welder, but if it gets too pricey, might just hire it out. But having a bigger generator does have a lot of appeal to me.

What do you guys use to power your welders when running off of a generator? Is 30 amps enough? Seems like that's what most of the generators have, if they have 240 volts at all. Even the couple of grand diesel generators only have 30 amp outlets.

If I had 30 amps, could I still weld pipe together for a fence using smaller rod and welding short runs at a time?

Thank you

 

[nybirdman]

Buy a Gas/diesel welder and then you would have a portable generator if needed;or just rent one for your project.

 

[Shield Arc]

Here's what Lincoln has to say about using a generator for a welder.
Generator Size to Operate a Lincoln AC/DC 225/125?

 

[STx]

I use a 3500W generator to power a 230V Lincoln 175 wire feed welder. I use .035 flux core wire and run it on the 2nd highest amperage setting (it's a tapped unit, not continuously adjustable). I'm able to weld Sch40 2 3/8" galvanized pipe with it just fine. The generator definitely works but, it does the job.

 

[roadhunter]

I've used one of the amazon bargain propane generators that were discussed on this board. They go on sale occasionally for $600.
Amazon.com: DuroMax XP1EH, 8 Running Watts/1 Starting Watts, Dual Fuel Powered Portable Generator: Patio, Lawn & Garden

I usually just run 1/8" rod on about 120 amps. This was using a ESAB 161 inverter welder.

 

[STx]

Be careful with inverter welders on generators, they're not as forgiving of dirty power as a coil type machine is. I'm not saying it won't work, the results can just be unpredictable and erratic.

 

[roadhunter]

Be careful with inverter welders on generators, they're not as forgiving of dirty power as a coil type machine is. I'm not saying it won't work, the results can just be unpredictable and erratic.

I got tired of lugging those heavy SOB's a long time ago. I have not had any issues with the inverters running on generators but others may have had a different experience.

 

[stuckmotor]

For anyone looking to power an inverter welder with a generator: A search for "clean power generator" will likely bring up a couple of generators recommended to run inverter welder. READ THE REVIEWS! Pay special attention to what they say about the engine. I'd like to hear some opinions because, I want one myself.

 

[Deere Dude]

I've used one of the amazon bargain propane generators that were discussed on this board. They go on sale occasionally for $600.
Amazon.com: DuroMax XP1EH, 8 Running Watts/1 Starting Watts, Dual Fuel Powered Portable Generator: Patio, Lawn & Garden

I usually just run 1/8" rod on about 120 amps. This was using a ESAB 161 inverter welder.

I bought one of these for $650 last year and it has up to a 50 amp plug. I use this plug at times to run my tombstone type welder. It doesn't hardly slow it down. Plus I run it on LP.

 

[stuckmotor]

I bought one of these for $650 last year and it has up to a 50 amp plug. I use this plug at times to run my tombstone type welder. It doesn't hardly slow it down. Plus I run it on LP.

I may get one of those and put it on a trailer with my old tombstone. My problem is, I bought an inverter welder from Mark and hate to go back to the transformer. Mark recommended clean power a while back. Mark please correct me if I'm wrong.