Input amp requirements for lincoln portable

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Hi,I used to do some arc welding when I was younger (decades ago), and now that I am semi-retired I have some welding projects that I would like to get done.    I have a Lincoln portable arc welder 230v/225 amp circa 1970s that has barely been used.  The stated input requirements are 50 amps at 230 volts, and I suppose that is what is required to achieve maximum output on the welder.  The maximum thickness that I expect to weld is 1/4" steel.   Before I can start, I need to buy a generator that will provide sufficient current for the welding, but I don't want to buy a bigger generator than I need or spend a lot of money on a big bulky generator.  So to that end,  I have some questions:What amp output setting would I generally set the arc welder to when welding 1/4" steel?  If you could provide an estimate or range of typical settings, that would be fine.For the output output setting that you recommend above, what would be the input amperage requirements at 220/240 volts.    In other words, how many amps of output current would the generator have to provide to get the welding job done.Thank you,Denver
Reply:You might want to check with a Lincoln tech rep at Lincoln's web site for the answer.  Or, download a manual for your welder, it may have a power output/input graph in it that could help.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:If you use 1/8" rod you'll only need up to 150 amps of output.  However, the buzz box is probly going to need to be on 50 amp service anyways.  I don't know if you're going to be able to run it on 30 amp service.  If you do, you'll probly have to limit yourself to 3/32 rod and use 6011 or 6013 to keep from popping the breaker.As far as the generator goes, 50 amps 230v output is 11,500 watts, which is a pretty big generator.  My 10,000 watt Bobcat has 44 amps genny output and would run that buzz box through most of it's operating range.  Would struggle at near max setting.   30 amp 230v output is 6900 watts.   There are usually portable genny's for sale used on craig's list up to about 7000 watts.  Beyond that, they are not as common and more expensive.Is there a reason you have to run it with a generator?  You can't get 220v power in your garage?MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:It sounds like if I were to buy a generator big enough to run the buzz box, it would almost make more sense to buy a welder generator and have more capability.  Anyway, it would be much more generator than I would need for any other reason.  I am out in the country, and the garage doesn't exist (that's another project).   The electrical service is not wired with a 220v breaker, so I may look into getting that done and see what it would cost.   Thanks for replying.
Reply:From Lincoln"It appears that a 5000 or 6000 watt 230 VAC generator is large enough to operate my AC/DC 225/125 using a 1/8 inch diameter E6010. Please confirm. It does appear (if you do the math) that you should be able to use 1/8 in. and smaller diameter electrodes with an AC/DC 225/125 powered by a 5000 or 6000 watt generator. Unfortunately, the design of the transformer on the AC/DC 225/125 is not efficient enough to be powered by a small generator. If you try and weld with this combination you will most likely experience the electrode being hard-to-strike and also the electrode frequently sticking to the work. If you are fortunate to establish an arc, the arc will tend to pop out frequently. Also, there will not be adequate heat input to the work, resulting in low weld quality (poor fusion), and poor bead appearance.To successfully run your AC/DC 225/125 welder you would need a minimum of a 15,000 watt AC generator."http://www.lincolnelectric.com/knowl...generators.aspEd 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:Yes, you would be better off to just buy a Bobcat or Trailblazer or Ranger and get your generator and welder all together in the same machine.  On the larger generators (8KW and up), buying a basic gen/welder is usually cheaper than buying just a generator, amazing as that may sound.I don't see how Lincoln comes up with 15KW's required to run a 50 amp max input machine.  15KW at 240 volts output is 63 amps.  12KW at 240v is 50 amps, so all that's required is 12 KW if the max current draw is 50 amps.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Well that pretty well sums it up.   At least now I know what the options are.  Thanks...
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33I don't see how Lincoln comes up with 15KW's required to run a 50 amp max input machine.  15KW at 240 volts output is 63 amps.  12KW at 240v is 50 amps, so all that's required is 12 KW if the max current draw is 50 amps.