6300 watt generator for 50 amp welder?

[SPYDERLK]

Nathan,

I have a 5550 watt generator with a 8550 surge that has a 120/240 volt 30 amp receptacle. With the advice of some fine folks on this website, I was able to construct a 50 amp box with a cord that has a 30 amp connector attached. See the pic below. This setup allowed me to begin learning how to weld. I now have power in my barn but before that, the generator was my only source of welding power. I have a Lincoln AC225. Although not intended for that kind of use and the 30amp breaker trips from time to time with continuous welding, it still works with low amp welding or very quick welding tasks. It's very handy in a pinch when you're out in the field and you need portable welding power.

This is my experience as well. I have a Coleman 4kW. It will power my 220A stick welder for light stuf but leaves you wanting more. If you can get the full 30Amps that should be available from a 6.3kW continuous you should able to power 1/8" 6011 rods quite well.
larry

 

[npaden]

I got a reply from the guy and he says the 220v outlet is a 30 amp outlet.

I need to decide or it is going to be gone. He's not budging on the price, it retails new for $1,200 and is only 1 year old with 1 year of warranty left on it.

 

[pat32rf]

We use a 6kw Onan to power my tombstone when we need to fix a gate or such. By making your cord (welder outlet) so it plugs into the 30amp 110/220 4wire outlet you get that little bit extra in current over the 20 amp 220v outlet. This amounts to about a 30% increase. Sure, we use a little lighter rod with more passes but it works great. If we go to a heavier rod we can trip the breaker, especially on hot days but it beats trying to cart the project back to a shop, welding it, returning it, then finding out it don't quite fit.
I'd say go for it. You probably will get more use out of the electric start for the household than field use anyway. Its not like you will be doing field repairs every day or production welding with it.

 

[texasjohn]

It's a deal. It's in good shape. You need it. It will do the occasional welding you need. You won't regret it.

Go ahead and get it... price is right.

 

[RonMar]

I got a reply from the guy and he says the 220v outlet is a 30 amp outlet.

I need to decide or it is going to be gone. He's not budging on the price, it retails new for $1,200 and is only 1 year old with 1 year of warranty left on it.

30A sounds more like it for that KW rateing Just looked at your website link, Nice log home!

 

[Eagleview]

I'm always checking craigslist for stuff and there is a 6300w craftsman generator with electric start on there for $600 which seems like a pretty good deal. It has a 220v outlet but it is only a 20 amp outlet. Is there anyway to work it so that I could run my 50 amp 220v welder on it or should I just forget about that idea? I had thought that would be a great option for using the welder on tractor projects so I could just take the welder to the tractor or implement instead of having to pull everything into the barn.

Thanks in advance.

Nathan

I did not know you could buy a stick welder that small . Do you mean 150 amp ? If so you will require a 7.5 KVA generator .

 

[npaden]

50 amps is the input rating. It has a 230 amp output rating.

Not exactly sure how that works but that's what it says!

P.S. - Looks like I'm getting the generator! Thanks for those who helped talk me into it!

Anyone want to buy a used 3,000w pull start generator?

 

[Eagleview]

Sorry , i forgot you guys where not 240 volt ac like us . But still ive never heard of a welder needing 50amp supply , our biggest single phase welders require 15amp supply .

 

[SPYDERLK]

Sorry , i forgot you guys where not 240 volt ac like us . But still ive never heard of a welder needing 50amp supply , our biggest single phase welders require 15amp supply .

Those must be small MIGs or something. 3600Watts wont do any heavy welding. 50A , 230VAC primary current is typical for 220A output on stick welders
larry

 

[Eagleview]

Those must be small MIGs or something. 3600Watts wont do any heavy welding. 50A , 230VAC primary current is typical for 220A output on stick welders
larry

My WIA 240 volt AC 160amp (output) stick welder is 15 amp input . I burnt out a new 5500watt generator trying to weld 1.5mm shed purlins together . I had to buy a new 8000watt generator to run it . I have since bought a 12000watt generator which powers it just right . Buy the time ive finished a 3.2mm rod it is (the rod) starting to glow red hot and the penetration is very good . The caracteristics must all be different with our 240 volt Ac compared with your 110? volt Ac .