Welders: Portable vs. Plug-in

Iplayfarmer · Sep 21, 2009

So, I may have an opportunity to acquire a portable welder. I have some shop stuff I don't want, and a guy on Craigs List has a portable welder that won't start. It's a Lincoln AC/DC. I don't know the amperage. We still have to get together and dicker, but I'll probably end up with it.

I already have a 110 volt MIG and a 220 volt stick welder (230 amp AC only) that I use regularly. I'm looking to trade mostly just to convert my unwanted stuff into something more useful.

So, here's the debate... What are the pros and cons of portable, gas powered welders vs. plug ins?

I'm wondering whether to keep all three or if I should plan to sell one.

Mighty Dodge · Sep 21, 2009

I've got a gas powered Lincoln. Got it for welding plus backup power when necessary. It's 8000 watts, not enough for everything but keeps the lights, fridges, freezer, well pump and hot water heater going.

M.D.

bobodu · Sep 22, 2009

I recently sold my big Lincoln because I never used it and was tired of walking around or over it. Of course,with an hour of waving good bye...this popped up that needed repaired far from my shop. I had enough inventory to make another from a car alternator.
But anyway,this is way too tough of a call from a distance.
Do you have lots of extra room for something you will probably only use rarely?
Do you want to maintain another engine that will only get used rarely? Think gummed up carb...
Can you come up with enough work that can't be brought into the shop to counter more stuff to trip over?
Portable welders can be lifted up with the FEL.
You can take them to the lake cottage or over to the neighbors.
You can use them instead of an extension cord when building a playhouse for the Grandkids.
Backup power.
Have you ever experienced TIGROTBNT (Things I Got Rid Of Tuesday But Need Today) Syndrome?

DanD78 · Sep 22, 2009

My welders are kind of like my wifes sewing machings. Each one is a little different than the others but they all give the same end result. I don't use my portable that often but I know it is there when I need it. Everyone has given good reasons to keep what you have if you have room.

Dan

Gary Fowler · Sep 22, 2009

IMO I would not consider a portable welding machine unless it was diesel. Just too much problems with gas engines. I have seen here where someone said that they have a backup home generator that they use to power their AC powered welding equipment so when needed in a remote, they just haul their generator and shop welder down, plug in to their gen set and away they go. I think that is what I would do if I wanted to spent 2-3 grand on a welder, just invest that money in a 10KW diesel gen set then you have best of all worlds. Home backup power, plus offsite electric power that is capable of running a fair sized 220 volt welding machine.

Hookblock · Sep 22, 2009

I have a miller 225 bobcat ac/dc, 8000 watt, 16 hp engine. I am very happy with it, I have had for 10 years bought used, never a problem.

Have you ever experienced TIGROTBNT (Things I Got Rid Of Tuesday But Need Today) Syndrome?

All the time

powerstroke444e · Sep 22, 2009

I like having a generator that can run my welder and plasma off of and if you do much welding you will get sick of hearing the generator running while your in your shop. I would not give up my generator or my plugin welders, but I am a tool addict(Snap-On truck is my biggest weakness).

cdhd2001 · Sep 22, 2009

I have completely enjoyed my new Miller Wildcat 200 amp Welder Generator. 200 amp DC welder with 6,500 watt 110/220v AC generator. Has an electric start Subaru Industrial gas engine. I mounted mine to a small 4ft x 6ft trailer. I am still in the process of setting up the tool boxes and racks to hold stuff including the air compressor and plasma cutter. I can drag it around behind the tractor or pull it with the truck.

Plus, it makes a great generator for the RV too!

IMHO, it is a great investment if you feel you have the need.

tommu56 · Sep 22, 2009

DanD78 said:
My welders are kind of like my wifes sewing machings. Each one is a little different than the others but they all give the same end result. I don't use my portable that often but I know it is there when I need it. Everyone has given good reasons to keep what you have if you have room.

Dan

That sounds like my family its still 2 to 1 sewing machines to welders not counting here embroidery machine cost more than all my welders combined.

tom

Iplayfarmer · Sep 22, 2009

cdhd2001 said:
...Plus, it makes a great generator for the RV too!

Really?? I had always heard that these welder/generators were pretty loud.

I have a little 4 Kw generator that I use camping. I think it would power my MIG, but it's only a 110v generator, so no luck on the AC stick.

The main appeal to me in trading for this portable is that it is AC/DC. I've heard that DC is supposed to give much better results in many cases. Keep in mind too that I'm trading stuff that I have already but don't need (I hope). The cost to me is basically nothing. Whatever space this welder takes up will likely be less than the stuff that I trade for it.

The responses so far have been very helpful. One thing I thought about that hasn't been mentioned yet is the exhaust issue. If I'm running this thing in my shop, I'll have to route the exhaust outside somehow.