Finally..... A half decent welder..

[westcliffe01]

My robin generator is rated at 5.8kw and has what I believe is a 13hp engine. As far as I know, mine has no inverter and is a brushed style alternator (brushes are for the field if I remember correctly).

I would be guessing that I was running 160 amps yesterday (DC) I didn't measure the arc voltage, since it will drop quite a bit from open circuit voltage, but basically the generator is good for 20 amps @ 240V through the connector I am using. This works out to 4.8kW (they underrated the connector, who knows why). So at 160 amps the power would be good for an arc voltage of 30V and I believe it is in fact lower.

The generator is clearly loaded but maintains the output speed just fine, so I think I can crank it up some more if needed. I was welding structural channel to 1/8" wall rectangular tube (trailer tongue to frame joint). I have always used the generator for welding, thanks to a builder / owner who ran pathetic wiring to the garage (can barely handle 15 amps 115V) and the generator has had no problem so far.

Great story. And a good way to appreciate the excellent equipment available to us.

Years ago I powered my stick welder with my Craftsman 5KW generator. After the generator wouldn't work I checked the manual for troubleshooting ideas and read that it is recommended to NOT use the generator to power a welder. I don't remember the reason but a new inverter cost about 10% of a new generator. The little I recall was that it wasn't a power available problem but had to do with the way the welder draws current from the generators inverter. It may not be a problem with your Robin.

Clem

 

[cdhd2001]

I have also read many threads on the forums about people having trouble running welders on generators. That is why I ultimately "bit the bullet" and bought a gas powered welder that was also a generator. (The Miller Wildcat is a 200 amp welder and 6,500 watt generator)

 

[westcliffe01]

The difference in cost for a "proper" welder generator is so scary I won't even go there. I too will be moving to an off grid location, so a decent diesel generator is in my future.

Considering that 13hp CAT / Yanmar water cooled diesel engines are available NEW for $700 and 1.4l turbodiesels are available from Japan (used) for about $1200, I might take the trouble to rewind the windings on a 4 pole generator to make myself a purpose built diesel welding machine. But until then, my $600 Robin powered generator is holding up fine. It is a bit louder than I like, but so far I have not taken the trouble to work on it. Since it is constant speed, it should be possible to build a tuned muffler for it to take the noise level down quite a bit. I could even throw in a catalyst to clean up the emissions some. So far I have not been motivated, since I figure I will sell it once I get the diesel unit set up.

The diesel is going to be set up for waste heat recovery (coolant and exhaust) to make the most effectiveness of the fuel that gets burnt. Fortunately in Colorado at 7500 ft air conditioning is not a requirement, but one always needs heat for heating and showering etc.

 

[mark_torrey]

We're all envious of your Bobcat!!! Nice purchase for sure.

 

[cdhd2001]

We're all envious of your Bobcat!!! Nice purchase for sure.

I didn't mean to offend anyone.

The "better" name brand generators run $800-$2,000 for 6k-10k watt units.

My Miller Wildcat 200 amp/6.5k watt was $2,600 from IOC.

You can also get the Hobart Champion (rebadged Miller 225) 230 amp/ 10k watt for $2,200 remanufactured or $2,800 new.

I purchased the Wildcat instead because it is 10" shorter in height and will let my 5th RV turn over the machine sitting in my short bed truck without touching. The 6.5k easily powers my 5th wheel (30 amp service).

 

[Bill_C]

You may also try temporarily powering your welder from a dryer outlet (230V, 30A)--unless you're really pushing major amps.

I've read of many people successfully using a dryer outlet for their "tombstones" but on the other hand, you've got a serious transformer there!!!

 

[westcliffe01]

Dryer Outlet is upstairs in the hallway, "progress" some would call it. Finished basement has drywall on the ceiling and walls. No inspection covers to adjust the HVAC dampers etc. More "progress", just watch HGTV / DIY network when they discuss finishing basements.

Fact is, consumers are no longer expected to "do" anything in their garage besides park the car and the garden tractor. So, the situation is that to run some 220V wiring, I need to open drywall at the main distribution board (from panel to ceiling) then open ceiling drywall an the junction of wall & ceiling to get the wires "around the corner" Then again in the ceiling in a location that allows the wires to cross s few joists until I reach a space that has an unimpeded "run" to get down the length of the house. The only reason why I know of what is in there above the ceiling drywall was the "flood" that we had between closing and taking posession. (little issue of the previous owner not noticing that the washer faucet was not shut off properly, dumping the hoses on the hallway floor and walking out the door until we got the keys 3 days later). Nice...

Unfortunately, the least of home buyers are actually involved in the home building process. In my neighborhood, probably 50% or more of homes were speculatively built by contractors as "investment properties". I couldn't get a construction loan since I had to rebuild my credit record from scratch after relocating from Germany. Needless to say, next time around only I will be to blame for any oversights....

 

[westcliffe01]

What we need is a dodge ram 1500 with a 3.0L turbodiesel. Sticker price $20-25k. 30mpg would be possible with some re-styling of the front end and without the 4x4 hardware and height. Dodge would never be able to keep up with the demand. I will be first in line. Now it looks like it will be Mahindra introducing a light diesel pickup in the US, what a circus. I have actually been to the Mahindra factory in Nasik India where they were building their "Jeep" and the idea that they will be the first here blows the mind.

There were a lot of 2WD sissified Tacomas bought by people who thought economy was important back when it wasn't fashionable. But once Toyota started trying to compete size for size with the big 3 trucks, the Tundra became as large as anything else with dismal sales ever since and the Tacoma is now as big as any F150 out there... I think the Ram with the cummins engine is a fine truck, but not everyone needs 300hp and such high GVW's and they are not exactly cheap either (we bought several for emissions system development and they ranged from the high $40s to nearly $60k).

I am getting 19.7 mpg with my dodge diesel 6.7. It is like sitting in your living room!

 

[SPYDERLK]

What we need is a dodge ram 1500 with a 3.0L turbodiesel. Sticker price $20-25k. 30mpg would be possible with some re-styling of the front end and without the 4x4 hardware and height. Dodge would never be able to keep up with the demand. I will be first in line. Now it looks like it will be Mahindra introducing a light diesel pickup in the US, what a circus. I have actually been to the Mahindra factory in Nasik India where they were building their "Jeep" and the idea that they will be the first here blows the mind.

There were a lot of 2WD sissified Tacomas bought by people who thought economy was important back when it wasn't fashionable. But once Toyota started trying to compete size for size with the big 3 trucks, the Tundra became as large as anything else with dismal sales ever since and the Tacoma is now as big as any F150 out there... I think the Ram with the cummins engine is a fine truck, but not everyone needs 300hp and such high GVW's and they are not exactly cheap either (we bought several for emissions system development and they ranged from the high $40s to nearly $60k).

How did you manage to make this cross threaded post??
larry

 

[cdhd2001]

My previous "cookie cutter" house was the same way. The garage was 18'x18' on the outside. Only two 110 outlets. What a joke...

Dryer Outlet is upstairs in the hallway, "progress" some would call it. Finished basement has drywall on the ceiling and walls. No inspection covers to adjust the HVAC dampers etc. More "progress", just watch HGTV / DIY network when they discuss finishing basements.

Fact is, consumers are no longer expected to "do" anything in their garage besides park the car and the garden tractor. So, the situation is that to run some 220V wiring, I need to open drywall at the main distribution board (from panel to ceiling) then open ceiling drywall an the junction of wall & ceiling to get the wires "around the corner" Then again in the ceiling in a location that allows the wires to cross s few joists until I reach a space that has an unimpeded "run" to get down the length of the house. The only reason why I know of what is in there above the ceiling drywall was the "flood" that we had between closing and taking posession. (little issue of the previous owner not noticing that the washer faucet was not shut off properly, dumping the hoses on the hallway floor and walking out the door until we got the keys 3 days later). Nice...

Unfortunately, the least of home buyers are actually involved in the home building process. In my neighborhood, probably 50% or more of homes were speculatively built by contractors as "investment properties". I couldn't get a construction loan since I had to rebuild my credit record from scratch after relocating from Germany. Needless to say, next time around only I will be to blame for any oversights....