Whats the best generator for this usage?

[cmuncy]

Not to get too far off topic here, but one of the best ways to reduce generator noise is to spend the money on a gen set that runs at 1800 rpm's ( for example, Onans ) compared to the big box store gen sets that run at 3600 rpm's.

 

[Soundguy]

Hit an electronics text book then look back over your message.


Hobart makes a nice 10kw genny/welder combo unit.

remember that on a welder, current is stepped up as voltage is stepped down... what is your AC voltage at on that tombstone.. somewhere between 28-32v or so.. see where the current goes?

5500w should get you easilly into the 100a ac welding range... arc striking probably the only issue....

just looking at straight numbers.. you'f have to have 7500w to get max out of a buzzbox.. however.. that doesn't account for any variables.. thus a 8k or 8.5k would be more suited for 200+ amp welding..e tc. ( most of my welding is in the 100a range.. etc... )

soundguy

I would think a gen/welder would be more expensive. I have a Honda 175 amp dc, nice machine but not cheap and it doesn't have a 240 volt outlet, think it puts out around 4 kw 120 V.

I have an old Lincoln thunderbolt buzz box that I was wondering if I could get it going with a 10 kw pto genny, but the genny only has a 40 amp breaker the welder requires a 50 amp circuit, I know that's for max rating but I would be surprised that a 5.5 kw would get you much welding amps, not sure though since I've never tried it. when I weld AC I'm usually in the 100-150 amp range.

You would be fine with the microwave and I'm pretty sure the a/c to, but that initial short for the arc strike draws a big surge, from what I've heard.

 

[montanaman]

Have to disagree there. The muffler is certainly important but much of the engine noise is radiated clatter. Carefully designed engines for low noise applications are built to have less clatter radiated from the start. Things like crankcase (housing) design, cooling airflow, and cooling fin resonances are very important.
I've tried with little success to silence some conventional (generic Briggs and Stratton, Tecumseh etc), design engines. As an experiment temporarily hang a 10 ft pipe on the exhaust to move the noise away so you can listen to the engine sans exhaust. Many are still very loud from radiated noise and that is dang near impossible to reduce in a cost effective manner.
Try the 10 ft pipe test before spending money on a muffler only to find the noise reduction isn't near as great as one would think

Very true.

If you want a quiet generator, go do some reading on some RV sites. Most are using a pair of the small Honda generators wired together.

As usual, if you want it to be quiet, you are going to pay more for it!

I have a nice Generac 4,000 and you can't bring enough extension cord to get that thing far enough from the camp site! Very nice generator, just not very quiet!

Ken