welding from a generator ?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 936
Likes: 25
From: La Ronge Saskatchewan
welding from a generator ?
What size portable generator would i need to operate a Hobart Handler 135 welder.
The specs on the welder are 115 V, 20 amp, 90 Amps @ 18 VDC; 63 Amps @ 21VDC, amp range of 30 to 135.
I am looking at purchasing a 2500 Watt generator, would this run the welder ?
The specs on the welder are 115 V, 20 amp, 90 Amps @ 18 VDC; 63 Amps @ 21VDC, amp range of 30 to 135.
I am looking at purchasing a 2500 Watt generator, would this run the welder ?
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
I think it will, but it'll be close. You'll really be pushing the limit of the generator when the welder is cranked up. Also, keep in mind that generator ratings are often over rated, and will cause problems for you when welding thick stuff. You would probably be better off with a little bigger generator, to be on the conservative side.
New User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
For the price you will pay for a generator you should have got you a diesel or gas machine. It would be cheeper to run you a elec. cored from you meter box to run the machine. That if you have it for home use. I would get a 3000 or bigger.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 376
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minimum 10,000 watt....check with Hobart/miller or Lincoln.....I emailed Lincoln a while ago about running a stick welder and they said 15,000 watt because anything but an inverter type welder is using a transformer which is very inefficient....welder will not run right with low output generator and you might burn up generator to boot.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 107
From: Staten Island, NY
I've never had much luck trying to run a stick welder from a generator. Most portable generators idle down when there is no load on them. They can't pick up speed fast enough to supply the initial inrush current demand of a welder as you strike the arc. You wind up sticking the rod.
We use a couple of gasoline driven welders at work and they're designed to run at an elevated speed continuously as long as they're in welding mode (they can also be used as conventional generators).
I guess you could do a little tinkering with the governor on a conventional generator to keep the rpm's up when powering a welder.
We use a couple of gasoline driven welders at work and they're designed to run at an elevated speed continuously as long as they're in welding mode (they can also be used as conventional generators).
I guess you could do a little tinkering with the governor on a conventional generator to keep the rpm's up when powering a welder.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 14
From: West Cornwall, CT
I've had poor luck running a welding machine from any low capacity generator. If you want to try your luck, rent out a generator and hook your welder to it.
If your Hobart Mig welder works best when used with solid wire and gas (Argon mix or CO2) and hooked up to a stable high capacity power source.
As others have mentioned, most low capacity (6000 watts and below) generators will drop speed and voltage when you strike the arc, then the generator will speed up and raise the output voltage. This makes welding (especially starting the arc) more difficult than it needs to be.
Lou Braun
If your Hobart Mig welder works best when used with solid wire and gas (Argon mix or CO2) and hooked up to a stable high capacity power source.
As others have mentioned, most low capacity (6000 watts and below) generators will drop speed and voltage when you strike the arc, then the generator will speed up and raise the output voltage. This makes welding (especially starting the arc) more difficult than it needs to be.
Lou Braun
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Originally Posted by buffalobob
minimum 10,000 watt....check with Hobart/miller or Lincoln.....I emailed Lincoln a while ago about running a stick welder and they said 15,000 watt because anything but an inverter type welder is using a transformer which is very inefficient....welder will not run right with low output generator and you might burn up generator to boot.
yes you are very correct on this.
the transformer will ruin welders , refrigerators, air conditioners and other sensitive devices.mike
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Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 790
Likes: 0
From: Danville, Pa
To weld on an Amish farm I used my Hobart 140 hooked up to a 10,000Kw pto generator on a Kubota turf master 28 Hp deisel tractor. And you could still hear the strain on the tractor.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Georgia
I dont know how much your budgeted for but this is the way I plan to go. http://www.weldingmart.com/Qstore/p001779.htm I also feel it would probably be your best bet.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 735
Likes: 1
From: SW Iowa
70 Blue is right. I bought a Miller Bobcat 250 welder several years back for welding and generating emergency power. Works great! All copper wound with copper leads and circuit breaker protection on the AC side.
