Generator + Maxstar 150s info

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It get's kind of annoying reading all these questions about whether or not a welder can be run off a generator.  So I thought I would do my part and contribute some info before this question is asked.I aquired this generator a while back in trade for some work.  I was told that it had 4-5 hrs on it and threw a rod.  I proceeded to tear it down and make a list of parts needed.  I was shocked to find the wrist pin sitting on top of the piston.  Crank, cam, valves, head, and bearings were still good.  Piston and rod were junk and the bore scored.  It needed bored and sleeved, but I called the parts/service # on the generator (Frank was very helpful) and found that a new block was cheaper than having the old one fixed.  Needless to say, I ordered a new block, piston, and rod along with some gaskets and a few other misc parts.  When all was said and done, I had $150 worth of parts and a generator that I had traded roughly $150 worth of work for.  $300 invested in a generator that costs $600 new, is doing alright in my book. Got it assembled (I must have done it right) it started on the first pull.  It always starts on the first pull.So now what do I do with this 5500 watt genny?  Well, I've got a Maxstar 150s that I use to do a lot of farm equipment repairs.  Every once in a while the equipment is stuck in a field.I did the math and determined (still not 100% sure)  that the max input needed to run the welder was just shy of 5000 watts.  All's good so far because that's what this genny claims to be able to handle continuously.  I then emailed Miller tech support and told them what was going on and asked if there were any potential problems related to running my Maxstar off this genny.  My main concern was the circuit boards because I had read that they are pricey to replace.  The responce was swift and surprisingly short."You should be good"The next step was to make a short adapter cord so that I could plug my welder into the 220 plug on the generator.  Then I fired it up and ran a few beads at my typical settings (around 105 amps).  Worked good so far.  After that, I decided to go for it and cranked the welder up all the way.  I got some heavier plate out and ran about 4-5 sticks of 1/8" 7018 back to back with no break.  Genny pulled down slightly, but chugged right along.  No magic blue smoke from the genny or the welder.  That was good enough for me.  I'll let you know when I actually get to do a field test on this setup.  I hear I may be doing some more irrigation work this summer.Here is what I've got.  Wen 5500 watt generator, Maxstar 150s stick welder, and my adapter cord. Attached ImagesMy name's not Jim....
Reply:Looks like a good little mobile stick weldin setup there.  I've run some of my machines from my Generac 4000XL and as long as I'm not pushing the max, the genny does fine.  Works fine for fence repair and general light stuff like that.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:It get's kind of annoying reading all these questions about whether or not a welder can be run off a generator.
Reply:Sorry, didn't get back to update this.  I have roughly 20hrs on the genny and welder combo with all good news so far.  I spent a few nights out welding on a honey wagon using the genny for lights, grinder, and welder with no problems.  I think it's safe to say that this will be a reliable and capable set up.My name's not Jim....
Reply:As a Maxstar 150 STH owner, thanks for the info
Reply:Hey Boostin,It's good to refresh a topic now & again as many don't want to do a simple search. I know there are several good threads on the forum regarding gens & equipment use. I use a 6.5kw(cont.)/8.75(surge) on my mobile unit that powers all my equip. without issue. The only equip. challenge I have is the plasma unit that draws 33A & the compressor that draws 10A on startup. I simply dropped the startup pressure switch on the comp. as the plasma shuts down once the pressure gets below 70psi. I have (2) transformer MIGs that draw 24A max, & the rest are inverter at 22A max. As you can see in the pic, I added (2) additional receptacles on the right for the plugs on several of my units. The gen has never let me down & my neighbor did a power test & assured me I had very smooth output. Seems too many don't do a real check to determine needed amps for their overall usage & generally get underpowered. Personally, a 5500W would be an absolute minimum I would consider.... the more, the better.Denny Attached ImagesComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmI did the math and determined (still not 100% sure)  that the max input needed to run the welder was just shy of 5000 watts.
Reply:I been running the same set up but slightly larger genset(6250,5000 continous) No isues at all running 1/8 7018,6010. Also started running my Passport Plus with it. Very impressed with this set-up. Can do just about any small portable jobs with this setup.
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1You mean MIN input