Engine driven questions...

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I'm wondering what math you guys use to determine what size generator you need. I see input power for my tools in volts and amps and output power from generators in watts. I know watts = amps x volts, but is it that simple?For example I have a MM175. Input is roughly 230v at 21 amps. That equals about 4830 watts. I also want to run my powermax30, input is 230v at 13 amps, for 2990 watts. But I'll also need to run my 5hp compressor at the same time which I don't know the stats on, but am guessing about 115v at 15 amps, which is 1725 watts for a total of 4715. So looking at this it doesn't seem like I'll need more than 5000 watts. Is this reasonable, or should I add some for a safety factor? For example I hear when a compressor starts up it can draw a lot more momentarily, how much wattage should I add to account for this?Question 2: Lets say I buy a bobcat for the back of my truck. Should I keep my portable mig to run off the bobcat or should I sell it and buy the accessories to run mig directly from the bobcat? What are the advantages?
Reply:http://www.millerwelds.com/products/generators/Down towards the bottom are some handy links fer figgerin' yer genset size.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1http://www.millerwelds.com/products/generators/Down towards the bottom are some handy links fer figgerin' yer genset size.
Reply:Your guessing a little low for a 5 hp compressor. They maybe rated at 5 hp but there are no 5 hp 115 volt compressors. My personable 5 hp rated 3-3 1/2 actual hp compressor draws 15 amps on 240 volts. A true 5 hp compressor is going to draw 20-22 amps and of course they'll draw more for starting. A late model bobcat runs my compressor with no problem. A friend of mine has a hypertherm 45 plasma cutter. His older bobcat wih an 8kw generator will start to bog down while trying to cut 1/2 " plate with it. My 2008 bobcat with a 10.5kw generator will pull it just fine. Now the bobcat can't be expected to run the plasma  and the air compressor at the same time.Now for your wire feed. It will be cheaper to have the bobcat run your wire feed, The bobcat will do it. You will have more capacity if you get a wire feeder for your bobcat. My advice to you would be to buy all the welder you can afford, use your mig off of it for what it can handle and save for a wire feeder. If you're going to get serious with your air use like arc gouging you're going to need a gasoline powered air compressor. You can always run a plasma off a nitrogen bottle. Another option for smaller jobs is to fill the compressors tank and the run the plasma til you run out of air the repeat.Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:[HTML]http://millerwelds.com/products/enginedriven/big_blue_air_pak/[/HTMLIf you got 30 grand setting around doing nothing your welder, power and air problems are solved.Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:Originally Posted by slagmaticSo looking at this it doesn't seem like I'll need more than 5000 watts.