running mig from a small generator ?

[Gregishome]

I am looking in to buying a Hobart 190 mig welder 220 volt unit. Sometimes I need to go out away from my power source though. ...

I have a 5500 watt portable Generac Wheelhorse generator with a 6500 peak capacity. The gen has a 220 volt 30 amp receptacle on it. ...

Do you think this mig welder will do a good job being powered from this generator ? Probaly welding 1/4 " steel max. thanks

 

[rockwithjason]

i don't think so. i tried running a miller 140 with a 3500w generator and no extension cord, no go. i am not sure why unless it's the surge current of the arc starting overloading the generator.

 

[muddyjoe15]

The generator on my service truck has an outlet and a setting for wire welding, so i wouldnt see why not. Its a 10,000 watt licoln.

 

[Gregishome]

Yep, if I had a 10,000 watt Lincoln gen I know I wouldnt have any problems

I know my gen would pull the Hobart 190 mig its just that with portable gens, they run at two differnt speeds. Unloaded they run at less rpm, then when loaded the governor kicks up the engine to max rpm's. ...

So I am concerned when I pull the trigger on the mig, will I have enough power to strike the arc and run, or will it just make my wire stick ? ...

Not a really fair question I know unless someone has tried it on here, but I want the little mig, but dont want to have to buy another larger gen just to run it. The gen is my house back up power and serves me well.

 

[JHunter]

Greg - I don't have the details on my generator because its not at the house, but I successfully used my "little" generator to power my Lincoln 175 (110). I know it sounds apples to oranges - but as far as the regulator kicking the RPMs up when I struck an arc - it did work.

 

[lotsoftools]

I have a Lincoln 140 (110v) and a 5550 generator. I was able to use it to weld exhaust pipe. When I turned up the amps to weld 3/16" the generator couldn't manage. I don't know how that would compare to a 220v welder though.

 

[bad_idea]

this is an interesting idea. I had not thought of using a generator for a power source for the welder. I am curious to hear more about this.

 

[thouk]

Greg,
I used my 5500 watt,7500 surge generator with my Millermatic 175. It worked for me. When I struck the arc it would cycle up but than come back down to it's working speed. I hope that helps. Tony

 

[Rogue1987]

I've used my 5500running, 6875 surge generator before with my crappy little HF buzz box. It worked ok. Not great, but OK.