Generator to run MIG

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Hi,I need to do onsite welding and want to use MIG preferably with gas and have seen a generator I am interested in to run off. Does anyone here have the expertise to let me know what would be the max amp welder I could run off this generator? Thanks in advance and sorry if this has been asked before.Here is the generatorhttp://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-13HP-...ht_6873wt_1139
Reply:The generator stats look odd. Is this for use in europe? Edit: I now see the cost listed in AU so you're an Aussie. Adding you location at the top under User CP will help the majority of us who are in the US, remember where you are from when answering questions.The machine is rated for 6.5 kw continuous but the note says each of the 240v outlets supplies 1/3 of the total generator output. Thats a very low 240v supply for machines designed for use in the US.Last edited by DSW; 07-01-2011 at 06:58 AM..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:That was the little note that concerned me. It sounds like a beefy unit until you read that.
Reply:I guess my question to you is do you already have the MIG machine, or are you wanting to get one that will match the generator? That generator has 415 V 3phase. If your MIG will run off of that you're pretty well set. Alternately, have you considered a good, used engine drive welder? Something along the lines of a Bobcat or Ranger will power a MIG feeder with CV output, or they both have a good amount of gnerator output to run a plug-in machine as well.
Reply:Thanks for your responses. I have neither the welder or the generator but would like to purchase a good match. Bearing in mind however that budget is a bit of a factor. I know there are great machines available but many are expensive and I just don't have that money right now. I guess as a guide the machine needs to be able to weld 8mm thick plate onsite. The 3 phase is a great idea but is are there 3 phase machines available in a reasonable size for site work or are they usually high amp machines? Any model suggestions would be great on a 3 phase that would run on this generator.Thanks.
Reply:3 phase machines are generally big industrial units, at least here in the US. I'm not at all familiar with what voltages, etc. you guys run 'down under'. If you have a site similar to ebay you might want to browse there to get an idea what used machines are going for in your area. Another good resource is a welding supply dealer. They can generally advise you on anything weldong/cutting related. Some also carry used equipment. Good Luck!
Reply:Yeah I have no problem with the 3 phase but like you say they are usually big heavy units so not so good for carting to site unless the main unit can stay on the trailer and the wire feed has long leads etc. That may be an option.
Reply:When I looked at the advert, I said what the 'H'! ???How do you get 11,000 watts from a 13 HP engine?My rule of thumb is 1/2 the engine HP = the continous Kw of the generator.6.5 hp engine = 3,200 watts9    hp engine = 4,500 watts11  hp engine = 5,500 watts13 hp engine = 6,500 watts17 hp engine = 7,500 watts20 hp engine = 10,000 watts22 hp engine = 11,000 watts (This is the realm of the typical engine driven welder)With a 13 HP Honda, a generator would output 13 / 2 = 6.5 kilowatts continuous.With that Honda engine, one might see a rating more like 7,000 watts continuous, 9,000 watts peak.Only later after reading the fine print way-way down did I see 6,500 watt continuous rating.Here in Canada, that manufacturer would have his a** is a sling right quick = misleading advertizing!Another two rule-of-thumbs... based upon the Welder Manufacturer's site information.If you are going to operating an inverter-type welder, size the generator to at least match the rated KVA input of the welder.e.g.  230 volt, 22 amp input inverter = 230 x 22 = 5060 watts.So you could use a 5,000 or more typical 5,500 watt continuous output generator.If you are going to operating a transformer-type welder (includes most all present Migs), size the generator to at least 50% greater than the rated KVA input of the welder.e.g.  230 volt, 30 amp input transformer welder = 230 x 30 = 6,900 watts.Multiply that by 1.5, 6,900 x 1.5 = 10,350 wattsSo you could likely use a 10,000 watt continuous output generator.Rick V 1 Airco Heliwelder 3A/DDR3 CTC 70/90 amp Stick/Tig Inverters in Parallel1 Lincoln MIG PAK 151 Oxy-Acet
Reply:Rick, that is a wealth of information. Thanks for that. Yes there did seem to be some strange things in the specs of that machine. I asked them what size welder would it run and the answer they gave me was it had 3 x 240v outlets and a 3 phase outlet. Duh I can read that.
Reply:Sounds like a company that likes to mislead people with lots of meaningless numbers. I wou;d look at a engine drive with a suitcase welder. Thenyou have the stick option.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:That generator tells you what the maximum amperage is for each voltage, now you just need to match your welder to it. If 240 volts your welder can draw 15 amps and if 415 volts it can draw 20 amps but it would be best to leave a little fudge factor for things like extension cords.“Life is not a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in a pretty well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming ... WOW! What a ride!”
Reply:I have to agree with farmshop. From the description you posted, it sounds like you need a real engine drive welder and a suitcase feeder. The welder stays on the truck (or trailer) and the suitcase is powered off of the welding leads.
Reply:Blue Eyes, I don't think anybody here has answered your question - not easy for anybody unfamilliar with our local voltage -looking at the specs .... 6.5kVa continuous - may just run a 200A Mig machine if you're lucky - however, the 1/3 of output per outlet indicates only 9A each. this is less than the minimum requirement for any welding machine I'm familliar with and definitely not sufficient to glue 8mm together. Think this through - it would be MUCH simpler (albeit slower) to stick weld your job if possible (Gas, Mig, extension leads etc to drag around) Yes, I have run a 300A (3 phase) mig onsite - from our 15kVa gen and it worked well, but a different league of generator (750Kg).  The generator you're looking at would be sufficient to run a 160A inverter stick machine and not a lot more.Depending on your requirements, and job duration, Coates hire or similar can supply a hire generator or engine drive welder perhaps even with a wire feeder.best of luck,Justin45+ years of accumulated fabrication junk - both physical and mental.....  occasionally some of it is vaguely useful.
Reply:Originally Posted by ifabric8Blue Eyes, I don't think anybody here has answered your question - not easy for anybody unfamilliar with our local voltage -looking at the specs .... 6.5kVa continuous - may just run a 200A Mig machine if you're lucky - however, the 1/3 of output per outlet indicates only 9A each. this is less than the minimum requirement for any welding machine I'm familliar with and definitely not sufficient to glue 8mm together. Think this through - it would be MUCH simpler (albeit slower) to stick weld your job if possible (Gas, Mig, extension leads etc to drag around) Yes, I have run a 300A (3 phase) mig onsite - from our 15kVa gen and it worked well, but a different league of generator (750Kg).  The generator you're looking at would be sufficient to run a 160A inverter stick machine and not a lot more.Depending on your requirements, and job duration, Coates hire or similar can supply a hire generator or engine drive welder perhaps even with a wire feeder.best of luck,Justin