Engine Drive Welders

Sprockmonster · Feb 20, 2014

Hey I was wondering what anyone could tell me about engine drive welders. I know I would want at least 250-300 amp and preferably operating ac/dc+.

Mighty Dodge · Feb 20, 2014

I've got an old Lincoln G8000. It's 250 amps ac/dc. I also use it for backup power (8000) watts. It's served me well.
It has a 16hp Briggs Vanguard uses about a gallon an hour under full load.

John

Shield Arc · Feb 20, 2014

Diesel or gas? New or used? Price range?

Sprockmonster · Feb 20, 2014

Preferably used, I would only be using it for convenience around the yarn because I have a very small shop and one 220 hookup. I don't know whether gas or diesel; whichever is more cost-effective/efficient in the long-run. As for price, as cheap as possible, as long its in goodoperating condition.

Shield Arc · Feb 20, 2014

There are a few guys over on Welding Web who are having trouble with their Miller Trailblazers.
A good buddy of mine as well as member here WelderMike have Lincoln 305-Gs. I've run my buddies very nice machine! Member here Arcweld just started a thread a couple weeks ago about his neighbor having trouble with the engine in his 305-G, so buying a used 305-G might be the way to go.

Sprockmonster · Feb 20, 2014

Shield Arc said:
There are a few guys over on Welding Web who are having trouble with their Miller Trailblazers.
A good buddy of mine as well as member here WelderMike have Lincoln 305-Gs. I've run my buddies very nice machine! Member here Arcweld just started a thread a couple weeks ago about his neighbor having trouble with the engine in his 305-G, so buying a used 305-G might be the way to go.

Thanks I'll check them out.

Arc weld · Feb 20, 2014

Not too many AC/DC models but there are a few. Diesel would be more money. Really need some more information on what you want to do, like do you want to be able to MIG and stick or do you want a generator as well.

Sprockmonster · Mar 18, 2014

Arc weld said:
Not too many AC/DC models but there are a few. Diesel would be more money. Really need some more information on what you want to do, like do you want to be able to MIG and stick or do you want a generator as well.

I would like to be able to mig and stick... a generator would be even better...:drink:

Brad_Blazer · Mar 18, 2014

If you don't find a deal on an engine drive you can always buy a generator and run whatever welder you want off that. Do you really need 250-300 amps? 200 amps DC should be enough to run 5/32 rod. That will weld some pretty big stuff. Really 1/8" rod has enough heat to weld just about any thickness with multiple passes as long as you have enough duty cycle that it's not tedious.