When it comes to powering welders, it is recommended to use a portable inverter generator for inverter welders and a non-inverter portable generator for non-inverter welders. To set up a mobile welding system, a small inverter welder can be connected to a portable generator using an adapter cord. However, the success of this setup depends on the specific welder and portable generator being used, as some combinations may not work effectively while others may work seamlessly.
Can you use a portable generator for welding?
A portable generator should be safe to use with a stick welder for small welding projects. Although using a portable generator to power welding equipment is not ideal, it does offer the advantage of providing either 110V or 220V power output.
Additionally, the portable generator can also be utilized for operating other power tools or as a backup power source for the home, rather than solely for welding purposes. This multipurpose usage helps maintain the freshness of the fuel in the tank and keeps the carburetor clean, as the portable generator is used for more than just welding.
In general, it is acceptable to run a welder with a portable generator. It should be possible to use the lowest settings on the welding machine with the portable generator. However, it is important to note that inverter welders are highly sensitive to voltage fluctuations. Traditional open frame portable generators do not provide sufficiently clean power for extended periods of running inverter welders. Therefore, it is advisable to invest in an inverter generator that can generate enough power to handle the required watts for the inverter welder.
What size generator is needed to run a welder?
The appropriate size of generator required for welding depends on various factors, such as the type of welder, amperage and voltage requirements, and the size and thickness of the metal being welded. It is crucial to choose a generator that can power your machines without overloading and shutting down.
To determine the size of the portable generator needed for your welder to run smoothly and avoid tripping the circuit breaker, multiply the number of amps by 120 volts. It is generally recommended to use a generator with a capacity of 5000 to 10000 watts for portable welding. However, the size of the generator may vary based on the complexity of the weld, and the number of power tools being used simultaneously.
If the generator is too small, it may damage either the generator or the welding machine. Additionally, if the generator is intended to run other equipment simultaneously with the welder, the size of the generator should be increased accordingly. Inverter welders require a portable inverter generator to ensure optimal performance.
Are Predator generators any good for welding?
It is advisable to avoid purchasing the least expensive Predator portable generator that only offers 5500 running watts, as it may prove insufficient for most welding equipment. This generator may struggle to provide adequate power for heavier welding tasks and could result in undesirable power signal fluctuations.
If you intend to utilize a portable generator for welding purposes, it is recommended to select one with a minimum of 7000 running watts. It appears that some welders commonly utilize the Predator portable generator model that supplies 7250 running watts and 9000 maximum starting watts to operate their welding rigs. Despite the 7000-watt unit not appearing overly heavy, it may require two individuals to transport this size of portable generator. Therefore, it is advisable to install a wheel and handle kit, particularly if you plan to work in remote locations.
For your inverter welder, you may want to consider using a Predator inverter generator, as it provides clean power with less than 5% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion). It has been noted that anything exceeding 5% THD could potentially cause damage to an inverter welder.
Which portable generator will run a welder?
If you want an affordable, yet reliable portable generator for welding, then you might look at one of the DuroMax dual fuel models, such as the XP12000HX. The DuroMax XP12000HX has a powerful 460cc OHV DuroMax engine which runs on either gasoline or propane, giving you the flexibility of two fuel sources. It provides 9500 running watts and 12000 peak watts on gasoline, whereas it puts out 9025 running watts and 11400 peak watts on propane. That should be enough watts for running a welding machine. However, I am concerned that the breaker switch on the XP12000HX might not be able to handle the amount of amps you need for heavier welding projects. If the breaker switch keeps tripping because it cannot handle the amperage of the welder, then you will not be able to get any work done.
Another option that I have seen people mention is the Westinghouse WGen9500DF (you can read my WGen9500DF review). This dual fuel portable generator produces 9500 running watts on gasoline and 8500 running watts on propane. It is powered by a heavy duty 457cc Westinghouse 4-stroke engine. You can start the engine with the recoil starter, the electric starter button, or with the remote start key fob. Anyway, it seems like this dual fuel generator can handle the amps needed for ordinary welding projects, even when running on propane instead of gasoline. For the most part, it should run a welding machine without any problems, as long as you keep the amperage below 200 amps.
What is the best portable welder generator?
If you are interested in utilizing a portable generator for welding, particularly for establishing a welding business, it may be advisable to acquire a portable welding generator.
For instance, the Tomahawk TWG210A, a 2000-watt portable inverter welder generator, could be considered. This welder generator, with a 15-horsepower engine, is capable of providing stable amperage for welding due to its inverter system. It features an amperage dial that enables precise adjustment of the amperage for optimal power settings during welding. Additionally, the built-in digital voltage meter allows for monitoring of welding output.
However, it is important to note that the Tomahawk TWG210A welder generator includes two 120V DC outlets instead of AC outlets. Consequently, these outlets are unsuitable for operating AC power tools, rendering them essentially useless. This limitation poses a problem since most power tools rely on AC power. Power tools such as air compressors, drills, and grinders may be damaged if connected to these DC outlets.
In conclusion, the Tomahawk TWG210A appears to be a satisfactory portable welder generator considering its price on Amazon, as long as it is exclusively used for stick and TIG welding, and not for powering tools.