Backup generator--again

reb · Aug 13, 2004

A reply by 40Kchicks to my previous question about propane backup generators got me to thinking. A portable welder/generator would be much more useful. I have a 220V buzz box and a small 110V wire welder. A generator capable of handling them would serve my purposes. A few years ago I tried hooking my wire welder to a 4kW generator. Every time I struck an arc the generator grunted and the voltage dropped enough to kill the arc. Was that a problem with that generator? Are the welder/generator units designed to avoid that problem, or does it require someone with a steadier hand than mine?

_RaT_ · Aug 14, 2004

A portable generator requires a whole lot more umph to drive a relatively inexpensive "buzz box" partly because the initial arc and partly because of the inherent ineffieiciency of the design of the of the cheap buzz box. Welder generators work well as welders and pretty good as generators. I still would prefer a dedicated generator first and a welder/generator second. Size and cost being two of the more important considerations. Also, the less expensive welder/generators typically are 120V power for you to use. A problem for me as I need 240V to back up my well. After that, I back up my refrigerator and after that, it's all gravy. That's one of the reasons I don't get carried away on a big 7K or larger generator, the portability and gas consumption are real deterents. My 3500 watt Honda does an excellent job of handling both of those requirements.

Mrwurm · Aug 14, 2004

I use a Generac 5500 watt generator to operate my Century 220v stick welder. I've had no problems that I can detect. Of course, with my welding skills, I don't expect a lot either.

dmccarty · Aug 15, 2004

Reb,

I have thought of buying a welder/generator. I don't weld but its something I need to learn. Hopefull I can take a class next year. I need a generator more than I need a welder. Sooo..

http://www.weldingmart.com/Qstore/c000155.htm has a list of Lincoln welder generators. I think the Ranger 305 will do whatever I need to do both power and welder wise. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I want the 305D model since its diesel powered. It also has a list price of $8142 and an asking price of $7167. OUCH! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif The gas version was $4k. But they are heavy and not real portable....

I don't know anything about the website I sited, it just has the welders and prices.

Later,
Dan

reb · Aug 15, 2004

Thanx, Dan. Hadn't seen that one. I bookmarked it. Another site I have checked out is:
Generator Joe
There are a couple of welder-generators with 120 and 220V outputs, powered by Honda engines. Many of the others I have found are 120V only.