TIG off a small generator

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Hi all,I have a Dialarc HF TIG machine (the 225A version) that I'd like to runoff a generator. I realize this is not a state of the art, lightweight inverter machine and as such, it chuggs a lot of current.I'm wondering to what extent it would be possible to do some light tig/stick welding with a 6.5kW generator ? Not planning to do 1/2inch plate all day long obviously.In the case of the initial surge when striking an arc, would the engine slow down enough to kill the arc ? I guess TIG would be less problematic with the possibility of gradually increasing current...As a note: I'm new to welding and just starting with TIG. My experience up till now has been (tons of) tin/lead electronics soldering - interesting how TIG feels similar...Thanks!
Reply:i dont think that a 6.5kW gen is going to do much on 1/2" of any material with tig.do you not have any electricity in your house at all?G
Reply:If I'm reading the right Miller manual on that machine, it wants a 125 amp breaker on 220V to run max. I seriously doubt the 25amps or so 220V that genset will put out at max output is enough. Transformers usually take a fair amount of current to just idle.I would guess that you might be able to get some use if the genset was 12-15KW or bigger, but still you'd be limited..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I've run my Dialarc HF from my Bobcat, but the Bobcat is a 10KW generator with 44 amps @ 240v output.   I don't think you'll be able to do much with only 6500 watts.    Most small gens are named for their max output too, not continuous, so that '6500' is probly only 5000 watts continuous.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:FWIW...(Your mileage may vary) I've run my PT185 in stick mode on a 6.5 KW generator.  I used 3/32 6011 at probably 75 Amps or so max.  Obviously not an optimum setup, but I was able to accomplish the task at hand and didn't notice any problems at all at the relatively low amperage.  I'm not recommending this as SOP, but in a pinch it can work as long as you don't crank up the amperage.I finally broke down and got an engine drive... now I'm running flat out, with scissors!Last edited by Leadhead1911; 10-20-2009 at 10:07 AM.Work HARDER, not smarter! ------------------------ Miller Bobcat 250Millermatic 251Lincoln Precision TIG 185Hypertherm PM 600Hobart 135 HandlerOxweld 400 FlameMaster
Reply:Thanks a lot for the info guys. Originally Posted by Leadhead1911FWIW...(Your mileage may vary) I've run my PT185 in stick mode on a 6.5 KW generator.  I used 3/32 6011 at probably 75 Amps or so max.
Reply:...or buy an inverter welder that doesn't use so much juice...MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op