8kw generator for various machines ?

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I was curious if anyone has used a standard type portable generator for various portable welders/plasma machines.I realize that a engine welder such as a Bobcat etc. is the best choice in most situations but I have a few reasons why I want to run a standalonegenerator. Portability, flexibility and initial cost.I'm just getting started on my own with minor repair work, light fabrication and ornamental work ( railings, clothing racks for stores etc.) I also do metal artwork. I don't intend to do heavy structure work. After owning my Maxstar 150 for about 4 months ( I love tig welding with this machine) I changed my thinking. With this machine I can go anywhere.It runs great on 110v and can crawl under a kitchen sink with it if I had too.I want to keep this portability. This is my thinking....... My current truck is a 4 cylinder S-10 (25-28 mpg on highway) with a 6ft bed. ( can't stick a Trailblazer in this bed!)This is a rough draft of the equipment list.-Tig / stick - Maxstar 150 - (currently own)- Mig / Fluxcore - Lincoln 135+ or Miller 140  ( 110v is everywhere)- Plasma - Thermadyne or Hypertherm 3/8" machine ( again 110v )- Smith oxy/acy. caddy torch set up-8000kw generator - portable air compressor for plasma - poss gas powered.-Portable bandsaw (maybe Kama)I'm looking at being able to go anywhere, restaurant kitchens, security gates in alleyways etc. Another thought I had was that its much easier to deal with one piece of equipment going down verses your only piece of equipment.Any thoughts or comments ? Also is 8kw enough? Thanks.
Reply:If you are thinking of running an inverter welder off a generator you will probably kill the welder. I haven't done this myself but it is what I have been told. What do you other professional welders know about this?
Reply:Aren't the newer plasma cutters inverter based? Most of the plasma machines advertise that they are designed to run off of generators and have controls that allow for compensation for power fluctuation to some degree.
Reply:In the Miller sales book they say that the Dynasty TIG welders and the Spectrum plasma cutters (which are both inverters) can be run off the generator power from a Bobcat or Trailblazer welder.   They list the Dynasty and Spectrum machines as 'optional equipment' available for their engine-driven welding machines.I'm no expert on electricity, but I would imagine that as long as the generator makes enough watts of 115v or 230v single-phase 60Hz power, it should be able to run any kind of equipment that can run on that type of power.   After all, the electricity in your house originated from a generator of some kind....
Reply:This is my first post to this forum. I can't believe I missed such a great forum!At the time, 1997 Miller didn't offer  a 3 phase unit in either the Bobcat or Trailblazer. I needed 3 phase to power a Geka ironworker so Thermal Arc got my business.If Miller has a 10kW machine I would go for that if possible. Either the BC or TB are fine machines. Ant, from your posts it sounds like 8k is what these machines provide.Good luck,Tom
Reply:Looks like I've been informed wrong, or maybe it is newer technology thats makes this O.K.? The learning curve never stops, it just flattens out.
Reply:Originally Posted by kelzweldIf you are thinking of running an inverter welder off a generator you will probably kill the welder. I haven't done this myself but it is what I have been told. What do you other professional welders know about this?