OK to weld on portable generator frame?

sixdogs · Jul 18, 2019

I have a 20 year old Generac 10K portable generator that's in mint condition and I would like to weld two brackets on the frame for extra wheels. Not sure if this is OK because of possible damage to electricals or generator or whatever. Anyone know if I can weld on my generator frame --MIG--and not damage something on the generator?

RNeumann · Jul 18, 2019

A 20yo gen probably doesn’t have a control board and if it does I’m betting it’s one plug (that I would undo). Make sure the ground is good. MIG is lower risk than High Freq TIG.

radios1 · Jul 18, 2019

I think the warranty is over by now, weld away.. the closer you have the ground clamp to the weld area, the less current you will induce in the frame. you don't need to have it within a few inches if you can't though..

zzvyb6 · Jul 18, 2019

Why not just fasten on some casters with u-bolts and be free of the horror.

sixdogs · Jul 18, 2019

zzvyb6 said:
Why not just fasten on some casters with u-bolts and be free of the horror.

I'm starting to lean this way. A problem is the wheels have to line up with the back wheels and the whole thing needs to withstand the running and vibration of almost 300 lbs.

Industrial Toys · Jul 18, 2019

I see no issue. Just to make sure, have a good solid ground connection close to the work on the same piece of metal.

Morning Wood · Jul 18, 2019

Well
That’s not as bad as a friend who asked me about welding on his generator frame but running the welder off of the same generator in the process.

square1 · Jul 19, 2019

Morning Wood said:
Well
That’s not as bad as a friend who asked me about welding on his generator frame but running the welder off of the same generator in the process.

Well that's the question that was in my mind.

thepumpguysc · Jul 19, 2019

IF it has a battery for an electric start.. UNHOOK the battery.. & go to town on it.

radios1 · Jul 19, 2019

thepumpguysc said:
IF it has a battery for an electric start.. UNHOOK the battery.. & go to town on it.

as an MSEE, I can't think of why just unhooking the battery would serve a useful purpose, removing the battery, and placing it far away would prevent the risk of an explosion from hydrogen gas from the battery, that's about it..