Run a welder off a generator?

[ziegler]

I have an off the grid barn with a 8kw generator and tried to run a Lincoln 220v stick off of it, the breaker did not blow (30amp) but very hard to get an arc started (105 amp with 1/8 6011). I noticed the generator speed up/slowed down a lot? Would a 15kw work better? There is a newer carrier on craigslist with panel for $1900 or should I just rent a generator/welder?

Thanks.

 

[Craig Clayton]

Without doing the calculations it sounds like the generator or welder are not happy. Depending on you long term plans why not buy a welder generator, I know I am spending your money and not mine.
Craig Clayton

 

[Larry Caldwell]

In the $1900 price range, you should be able to find a gas powered welder that will also serve as a generator.

 

[George2615]

I agree, it sounds like you were close to max running the welder on the generator. You could try smaller rod and a lower setting.

I sold my 220V welder and separate 5KW (6250 surge) generator for multiple reasons: Generator too small to run entire house, too small to run welder efficiently out in the field, welder was old and used a lot of power hooked up to house voltage.
I use a Miller Bobcat 250NT welder generator. Its a 10KW generator that will run my whole house plus weld when I need it.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I have an off the grid barn with a 8kw generator and tried to run a Lincoln 220v stick off of it, the breaker did not blow (30amp) but very hard to get an arc started (105 amp with 1/8 6011). I noticed the generator speed up/slowed down a lot? Would a 15kw work better? There is a newer carrier on craigslist with panel for $1900 or should I just rent a generator/welder?

Thanks.

That is strange. I have welded with my 220A JC Penny buzz box at about that output while powered from a 4kW Coleman genny. ... Marginal, but an 8kW should have power to spare. :confused2:
larry

 

[SPIKER]

it was more likely the draw down when the arc was struck was loading the genny and knocked the power down causing the arc to drop out. kind of common for small rotor generators. if you can parallel a flywheel it should run OK would be my bet.

Mark

 

[two_bit_score]

We have a Ranger 225 and also run a 180 mig off of it when needed. It seems like a good way to go.

 

[lucky llama]

I am running an 8kw with my lincoln. The first time I tried it I had a similar result. It turned out that the extension cord I made to adapt to the welder was not wired correctly. After the cord was properly wired it ran great and still dose 5 years later.

 

[JDAOWNER]

IT'S BEEN A WHILE SINCE I'VE DONE MUCH WELDING, BUT IT SEEMS TO ME 105 AMPS IS LOW TO RUN 1/8 ROD. I THINK I USED TO RUN IT AROUND 120. MAYBE THATS WHY IT WAS HARD TO START THE ARC.

 

[Mendonsy]

An 8kw generator is only going to produce about 17.5 amps per leg. That's probably not enough for your welder to be happy when starting an arc.

 

[Teachu2]

Try 3/32 rod at 85-90 amps - it may work with your current setup. If not, rent an engine-driven welder, or get a Hobart Handler 140 Mig unit. https://www.amazon.com/Hobart-50055...obart+handler&qid=1554148459&s=gateway&sr=8-1
I did a lot of gate installations with a 135 (it's predecessor) and a Coleman 6500 genset before I went all-in and bought a Miller Bobcat 250. The Bobcat will weld, run the house, and let me use my 210 amp Mig in the field, but it's not cheap.

 

[STERLING351]

I weld my fence post in field with my 7kw generator with 1/8th 6011 rod at about 105-110 amps with no problems. My machine is a inverter machine so that sometimes allows a little more room.