Hi. I have a Lincoln 225 electric stick welder. Can I run it off my 5500 watt generator? It has a 220 outlet. The surge watts are around 6800 I believe. I did try it, but had to turn the welder all the way up to weld. Will this work right and will it burn anything out? I only tried tack welding some iron valve box extensions. It was a little hard to strike the first arc, but it did do it. I don't want to ruin either one, but can't afford a gas driven welder. Thanks for any help.

 

No, you will need a generator twice as big to run a crackle box. They require 50Amps at 220V which comes to 11,000 Watts.

I would not do it. This will eventually cause damage to the generator or welder or both.

Good luck,
Doc

 

Mmmmm. Miller Bobcat.

 

What's a Miller Bobcat? And what does it cost. Does anyplace sell used equipment besides ebay?

 

You outta just buy a new one, A miler bobcat is a portable weldr/generator.
They come in 2 different models of bobcat bobcat 225 nt bobcat 250 nt, &
actually there's 3 models, there's also a bobcat 250 dnt it's got a diesel engine.
I can't really think of any commercial supplier's of used welder's (there are some
out there) but i don't know of them. Thing is a bobcat 225nt will run ya about
2600.00-2800.00, but it's like a car you CAN finance it, i did. Used is always
used, you dont its past. New is new, ya kno won't be nothing wrong. Btw my
bobcat 225 cost me 2888 & it's one heck of a machine.

 

I took all the advice. I couldn't get the money for a new one, but I found a guy retireing and moving this Sunday. I got a used 225 from him for $500.00. Starts right up and welds fine. Very short cables though. He used to run some kind of wire feed box with the lead, so he didn't need long cables. I thought I would buy some wire and make new ones. How big should the wire be? I want to run a good distance. Thanks for all the advice.

 

You say you got a used 225. I assume you mean a 225 Bobcat. If this is correct, "you done good" for $500. Go to your local welding supply and tell them how long you need your cables and they will tell you what size you need and have the wire on hand.

BTW, if you find another one for $500, let me know. Where and how did you find it?

Good luck and enjoy,
Doc

 

Doc. It was the guy that owns the welding supply that told me about it. He also helped me buy a used mig welder a few years ago. It was a Hobart 250,with a full bottle and full roll of wire for $350.00. Somebody he knew had died and the wife was selling it. He doesn't like to buy and sell used at his store. He would rather just help his regular customers buy word of mouth. He knows when he helps somebody find what they want that he will get additional business from gas, rods, repairs etc. I have been dealing with him since 1988. He is like a welding encyclopedia. Always eager to help. I think he has the business more because he likes it than for the money. I'll ask if he knows about others but you are pretty far away. Thanks again for the input.

 

Trike,

Your welding supply guy sounds like someone who knows how to run a small business. Yes, most welding supplies make their money selling expendables.

Yes, I'm too far away. That was just a comment supporting my envy of your purchase.

Enjoy the welder,
Doc

 

Being in the business myself, both of those are WAY sweet deals. It's also good to hear of guys like your supplier still in business. Send him all you can!
Jim