MIG Welding by Generator

[richardb1105]

I am just starting the restoration of my first project a 1974 Alfa Giulia 1600 GT. It is stored in a lock up with no power. I intend to get a generator which will be sufficient to power lighting and power tools but will it be enough to serve a MIG. Any help will be great. Richard

[arceye]

You can, bigger is generally better.

Theoretically you can work out the kw required by a formula that goes something like this, either ( sparky type people will no doubt clarify it) taking the draw eg 230 V x the amps eg 12 which would be 2.76kw.
Or the output eg volts x amps ... eg 20 x 130 which would be 2.6kw but then you would also need a bit for wire feed, cooling fan.

Using the theory and examples a 3kw generator may be enough dependent on welder size, especially if welding on the lower settings, but in reality it may struggle and bigger is better both for the generator and the welder so a 5kw generator would probably do the job correctly for a small hobby type mig.

Might be best if you could borrow a generator to try off someone just to be sure before actually buying one.

[Maaarrghk]

Lots of factors to consider here Richard.

You have already been given a good idea on power requirements.

Hire, borrow or buy? You could buy one and sell it on later of course.

Noise. Would you need a silent type to avoid annoyance to nearby residents? They will cost a bit more.

Portability. They can be rather heavy and even ones with wheels may need lifting into the back of a vehicle - is yours big enough?

Where do you keep it? Is your garage secure enough for you to keep it there without having to lug it back and forth from more secure storage? See portability issues.

Diesel or petrol?

As for make, I guess it is not an issue if hiring or borrowing. If buying I would go for the best you can afford. It will be easier to sell it on later.

I bought a kipor diesel about 3 years back for use in the Philippines. Basically a Chinese copy of a range of Honda generators that they built on license from Honda before going their own way. They have a good reputation and mine performed well. It has both 110V and 240V outputs and takes enough fuel to run for 13 hours continuously. But it is a struggle for me to lift it on and off a small pick-up on my own. I like the 110V option as I am able to continue working outside if the weather gets mildly inclement. Nowadays I tend to opt for 110V power tools unless only 240V is available or is too good a bargain to refuse. So I still have some 240V tackle.

[alabbasi]

You can buy diesel powered MIG welders with built in generators but they are contractor grade and cost several thousand dollars here in the US.
You may want to talk to the electric company and find out what it would take to run power to your lock up.

[Maaarrghk]

That's right, but I think they tend to be stick welders.

At work we tend to use a normal diesel generator and a portable TIG set for site welding of stainless steel. We have a stick welder generator for the heavier structural stuff.

Getting and electric supply to the garage is likely to be payable in arms and legs. I assume that the original question was asked because the garage was too far away from home to run an extension lead out.

Is there someone living reasonably close who would allow their mains supply to be used a few nights a week for a bit of beer money?

[valman]

I faced the same problem when hiring a (small) lock up without power supply. Consequently my renovation only proceeded in daylight and when it was not raining, so I could wheel out the car for access.
My investigations for the power supply for a SIP 130 Mig mate indicated I needed a 5kw generator, to cope with the power spikes when you first strike an arc.
I agree with the suggestion to canvass the houses closest for a 13A supply for another reason also.
The generator noise is a problem if you want to maintain good relations with those living nearby. Lock ups tend to be in blocks which cause echo and noise funnelling = neighbour problems. I guess like me you will be trying to work after work / weekends when plenty of folk are at home. Unfortunately the quietest honda generators are no where near powerful enough. You can make a noise attenuation box for a generator- but it becomes a project on its own !
In the end (after 6 yeards !) I bit the bullet and had a car port made at home and put the cost of a large generator towards it. Needing to use a generator when you need decent light at night in a lock up is also a bug bear, though the new LED lights available are fantastic.
Mike V

[Luxobarge]

Richard, if you do decide to go the generator route, might be worth sending a PM to the OP in this thread on another forum:

http://popularclassics.forumcircle.com/ ... hp?t=19590

If you follow the link to the generator he's talking about, you'll find that it's designed to be a "generator/welder", in other words purpose built to do what you want to do - it's 5Kw.

Hope that helps