Choosing the right stick welder, help needed.

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I am currently needing to buy a stick DC welder for pipe fence building and general ranch work. I have a 5000 watt generator but need to know if a small inverter stick unit like the Lincoln Invertec 155-S is the right choice, or a Lincoln Outback 145 DC engine driven unit is a smarter choice. If my 5000 watt /6250 surge generator I already have, will effectively run 155-S, should I save $1000 and just get the Invertec?    Thanks in advance for your input!  * "Pipe fence" = 2 3/8" 3/16 new pipe and 1" sucker rod.
Reply:I would worry about how clean the electrical power coming from the generator is because it could damage the welder.  I don't know how much work you have but would it be worth while to rent a welder rather then buy one.  If you were to buy one I would get the next size up in welder since it would give you more welding amps to run bigger rods.
Reply:As for the 'which inverter stick welder' question, I would save up for a Maxstar 200 or a CST 280.   The Maxstar 150 and Lincoln 155 will do fine if you're short on money and only want to run 1/8" and smaller rods.  I would be thinking more long term than just the immediate pipe fence needs.  If that's all you want the machine for, it would be more cost effective to rent a Bobcat or Ranger engine drive at Red-D-Arc, or other equipment rental place, than to spend money on a new inverter welder you may never use again.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Opt for the engine drive.
Reply:i have a lincoln inverter and it will not work off my generator so if i were you i wouldn't go that way, look at the miller blue star welder/gen it is small and easy to move around, i would.t recomend  it for a crontractor but for your needs it will do just fine
Reply:Used SA 200.  use the generator to run a grinder.Lincoln Weldpak 100Miller Maxstar 150Cutmaster 82Victor OA torch set...somewhere around here...
Reply:As long as the generator runs consistently, the 155-S will work well for you.Plus, you'll have the ability to do basic stuff back at the home base where you have electricity.Another option is to buy a light mig machine and run flux-core.CWI, CWE, CST for Miller, Lincoln, Thermadyne, Hypertherm & ESABMillermatic 350PLincoln Invertec 205 AC/DCVictor combo torchESAB PCM 1125