Any good generators for a welder?

[HCJtractor]

Anyone recommendations for a generator to use with a Miller 211 (230V, recommended 40A service) but would run on a 30A. I would also like to use it for emergency power backup, and would prefer one with a 6-50R receptacle rather than use an adapter.

How many of you guys use a generator for a welder of this size. i realize a dedicated welder/generator would be better, but just can't justify it for occasional use, and I already have this welder, and need a portable backup generator anyway. Do they make one with this type plug?

 

[shade tree welder]

Anyone recommendations for a generator to use with a Miller 211 (230V, recommended 40A service) but would run on a 30A. I would also like to use it for emergency power backup, and would prefer one with a 6-50R receptacle rather than use an adapter.

How many of you guys use a generator for a welder of this size. i realize a dedicated welder/generator would be better, but just can't justify it for occasional use, and I already have this welder, and need a portable backup generator anyway. Do they make one with this type plug?

You will end up close to what you would spend on engine drive welder.

I can not help directly on makes and models, however keep in mind that
a welder pulls a constant amp draw while welding so you gen rating will
have to be 30 or 40 amps continuous duty and not motor start up duty.
(There is a better way to say that)

I do have a Miller Trailblazer 302 great welder and good back up power.

 

[crazyal]

What do you plan on welding? A welder is a funny thing to power. You can always dial it down to reduce the load on a generator. You could probably get away with a 5k generator as long as you were a little careful.

I did see a Winco Generator at a local rental shop that I think had what you are looking for.

 

[crazyal]

Here you go. I don't own one so I can't say how good hey are but it does have a Honda on it so that's a plus. It's their jobsite 9500 model and has a 6-50R plug on it. It's rated for 35 amps at 240v so it shouldn't have a problem with your welder.

http://wincogen.com/dmdocuments/W-WC Industrial Portables 11-10.pdf

 

[crazyal]

Looking around their website it looks like they make some pretty good size generators, up to 150kw PTO. They say made in the USA and sell PTO, Tri fuel, and tow behind diesel gens as well.

 

[HCJtractor]

Looks good. Thanks. I will check that out. It is nice to see one with the right receptacle.

 

[Skyco]

Don't know about others experiences but I tried running the smaller of my two Hobart MIGs on a generator once...did not have good results. The generator is a 4kW Generac but it really struggled with a Hobart Handler 135 on a remote project where I had no commercial AC. Mathematically the 4kW should have been overkill, but I think the start up surge of the MIG was more than the Generac could handle. It would stumble greatly as I started each weld and then never recover to smooth running as I continued.
I have bigger generators but they weren't available at the spot I needed to weld..will have to play around some more someday with the generator/welder makeshift rig....

 

[shade tree welder]

Here you go. I don't own one so I can't say how good hey are but it does have a Honda on it so that's a plus. It's their jobsite 9500 model and has a 6-50R plug on it. It's rated for 35 amps at 240v so it shouldn't have a problem with your welder.

http://wincogen.com/dmdocuments/W-WC Industrial Portables 11-10.pdf

Nice link

I would agree with Craz. W9500HE 9500 peak watts and 8500 cont. watts

Looks like pricing is in the $2700 range.

Another option is

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/enginedriven/renegade_180/

For Miller products multiply list price by .75-.8 and you will have the typical
purchase price from your local distirbutor. That puts you right around $2500
mark with 5000 Watts Peak, 4500 Watts Continuous aux power.

 

[rjmack]

if you have a house, then you have enough power to run the mig.

why not just get a 50' or 100' extension cord with 50amp plugs on?

i think i paid about $75.00 for mine... powers a miller 252 without any issues.

 

[FredH]

As Skyco wrote about his issue's using a generator , Look for a generator that " DOES NOT " have automatic voltage regulation , I.E. has a voltage regulator . I could write a essay about the issue's we had using one of the largest Generac portable generators and a Lincoln 255 and a old but very reliable Miller 35 mig welder .:confused2:

When you strike an arc , you want full power from your generator not one that is trying to constantly match power to what you need / demand. Similar to what the engine driven welders or Bobcats do . Also "Brushless" design is what you are looking for , If I recall from our ordeal .

Fred H.