Which type of welder would be best for my needs?
- Thread starter sdef
- Start date
- Views: 10280
Mark @ Everlast
Advertiser
sdef,
My apologies. I DID write a reply, but apparently I got interrupted by a phone call or something, and absent mindedly closed it out before I hit send. I hope an open reply here will suffice.
Many inverters will require a clean power supply. Generator companies put a rating on their units. Usually it is defined as 10% or less total distortion in wave form harmonics. Inverters are basically a computer. If you wouldn't run your big screen lcd or your nice new laptop on it, don't run a welder on it. We are not alone in this requirement. I can think of several customers I have talked to that had a Lincoln inverter and tried to run it off their generator, and it would actually shut down when it was plugged in and turned on. If you had a scope to put the genset on, you could tell what sort of waveform is being put out. Honda gensets create a waveform that is typically cleaner than power company wave forms. What cowski said is true, because some older generators put out a good wave form, but then again, some didn't.
With the generator, the ouput on an inverter wouldn't change much, but likely would with a transformer.
My apologies. I DID write a reply, but apparently I got interrupted by a phone call or something, and absent mindedly closed it out before I hit send. I hope an open reply here will suffice.
Many inverters will require a clean power supply. Generator companies put a rating on their units. Usually it is defined as 10% or less total distortion in wave form harmonics. Inverters are basically a computer. If you wouldn't run your big screen lcd or your nice new laptop on it, don't run a welder on it. We are not alone in this requirement. I can think of several customers I have talked to that had a Lincoln inverter and tried to run it off their generator, and it would actually shut down when it was plugged in and turned on. If you had a scope to put the genset on, you could tell what sort of waveform is being put out. Honda gensets create a waveform that is typically cleaner than power company wave forms. What cowski said is true, because some older generators put out a good wave form, but then again, some didn't.
With the generator, the ouput on an inverter wouldn't change much, but likely would with a transformer.
Thanks Mark. I actually thought you may have had some time off if you were working the holiday or may have taken vacation; I was working, on-call. What you described happens to me often in the fast paced, labor short environment I work in. I had 69 hours last week and no I do not get paid extra for it.
I do know how to use an O-scope, as in a past life I used to design, prototype and repair circuit boards at the component level, but do not have access to one these days. The generator is a Devilbiss GEN-VE8000, which is a 8k/10k and not the 8.5k I thought it was. I do have the factory manuals and the specifications do not cover THD, which may be an indication in itself. They only specify 100% duty cycle and a power factor of 1.0, along with current and temperature ratings, engine RPM, nominal voltage and nominal frequency. I have looked on the Internet for additional information, but all I can find is parts information.
I am not going to purchase a higher quality generator just to run a welder for a relatively short period of time as I will have a standby power system at the new house. The same thing goes for a motor welder.
So in the end, it looks like I may have to put off a welder purchase until I get into the new house/shop.
Thanks to all who have replied. I have posted a few requests on TBN and usually receive valuable responses.
I do know how to use an O-scope, as in a past life I used to design, prototype and repair circuit boards at the component level, but do not have access to one these days. The generator is a Devilbiss GEN-VE8000, which is a 8k/10k and not the 8.5k I thought it was. I do have the factory manuals and the specifications do not cover THD, which may be an indication in itself. They only specify 100% duty cycle and a power factor of 1.0, along with current and temperature ratings, engine RPM, nominal voltage and nominal frequency. I have looked on the Internet for additional information, but all I can find is parts information.
I am not going to purchase a higher quality generator just to run a welder for a relatively short period of time as I will have a standby power system at the new house. The same thing goes for a motor welder.
So in the end, it looks like I may have to put off a welder purchase until I get into the new house/shop.
Thanks to all who have replied. I have posted a few requests on TBN and usually receive valuable responses.
gwdixon
Elite Member
Before you give up all together maybe you can rent or borrow an oscilloscope. Might even check a pawn shop.
We don't want to lose you now! :thumbsup:
We don't want to lose you now! :thumbsup:
k0ua
Epic Contributor
O scopes on ebay for $100 or less. You dont need a fancy one.. old analog 20mhz scope would be fine. or even something less.
deereman75
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2011
- Messages
- 1,912
- Location
- canada
- Tractor
- Deere 2120, Warner & Swasey 6000# offroad forklift, Case W9B loader, various non-running decorations
I recently got two oscilloscopes for free. Both old school analog crt scopes.
One is a Tektronix 516 (2 channel, early 60s unit, about $40,000 new in today's money)
The other is a Sencore ps163, which also doubles as a vectorscope.
Deals are out there. See if there is a HAM radio club in your town, and if there is, go to their swap meet. You could easily get a good old one for under $50.
They are really fun units.
If you know any old guys who are into ham radio, ask them. All the radio operators I know have a basement full of stuff.
The guy I got my two scopes from still has 4 or 5 more old scopes around..... LOL
One is a Tektronix 516 (2 channel, early 60s unit, about $40,000 new in today's money)
The other is a Sencore ps163, which also doubles as a vectorscope.
Deals are out there. See if there is a HAM radio club in your town, and if there is, go to their swap meet. You could easily get a good old one for under $50.
They are really fun units.
If you know any old guys who are into ham radio, ask them. All the radio operators I know have a basement full of stuff.
The guy I got my two scopes from still has 4 or 5 more old scopes around..... LOL
k0ua
Epic Contributor
There are actually young guys into Amateur Radio too
James K0UA
James K0UA
deereman75
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2011
- Messages
- 1,912
- Location
- canada
- Tractor
- Deere 2120, Warner & Swasey 6000# offroad forklift, Case W9B loader, various non-running decorations
Oh I know, I am one. I am currently working on my HAM ticket, and I am planning to have it by years end.
The reason I said old ham radio operators is they are the ones with huge piles of old radios and assorted test equipment, and often want to get rid of some of it.
The reason I said old ham radio operators is they are the ones with huge piles of old radios and assorted test equipment, and often want to get rid of some of it.
Oh, this brings back the day... I do believe that Tektronix is what I used, along with one of the first, small, truly portables. I seem to recall it only weighed 5 - 8 pounds or so and had a tiny screen- maybe 3" or so. The government defense departments can afford most anything.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
When you get your ticket I would be happy to work you. I like voice and digital modes, I am a pretty lousy CW operator, even though I passed the 20 wpm test a long time ago. I might be able to help you with cheap antenna ideas or operating tips.. contact me if you like
James K0UA
