Generator Recommendations?

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Since another here is looking at generators...Looking for a semi home backup/portable generator that I can run my Dynasty off of.  I cant find what the "wattage draw" is for my unit and know that someone here must.  Was thinking that a 5000-6500w would be appropriate.ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:ASSUMING you are referring to a Dynasty 200, you need at least a 4800W unit to get rated outputs, but you'll stretch that if you run the thing wide open.What's your budget?
Reply:I am referencing my little nasty.I WAS looking at the Honda 5200, but at nearly $2700 I about gagged.  Went to the HD and found a Coleman Powermate 6500/8150 (w/ Honda motor) for around $800.  The Honda is definitely out of my $ range, but would be fine at spending up to $1500 for the right system.  I dont really think about cost usually with my tools, but rather look for the best cost benefit.  Have found both cheap and expensive tools fail, but have no problem spending the cash on realistic quality.Also, none of the projects I can think of would take me beyond 150A.Last edited by DirtyLittleSecret; 02-14-2007 at 11:36 PM.ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:I'd be really interested to see what you come up with and actually use.  The Dynasty 200 looks like a great machine and something that is on my shortlist...Does the Dynasty 200 run off of 110v?
Reply:110, 220, 440...all with one cord.Another HD idea is the Coleman Powermate 5000w/6250w @ $599:http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...4+3004&pos=n04ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:My take on generators.A standard generator is big, heavy, noisy and relatively inefficient and relatively short-lived.  To get a 'better' unit costs more money, no surprise there.  If you want to get quieter and a bit more long lived and a lot more fuel efficient, then you pay more and get an inverter-based generator.Most generators also work better, longer, quieter when NOT pushed to the max limits.  To run your Dynasty 200 at the rated output (1-phase 230V AC input 20.0 A input and 130A 25.2 V SMAW output at 60% duty cycle) , like Mac702 said, you need at least a 4700W gen.  If you want or need to run the welder at higher than the rated output but still within the capabilites of the machine, then you obviously need a generator with higher power.  A LOT higher.  You -could- just call Miller's tech line and ask them what size generator you would need.To run your Dynasty 200 at max (or higher than the 60% duty cycle rated output of 130A SMAW or 150A GTAW), I think you need around 8000+ watts from the generator.To run a usual 5kW generator for 100 hours (arbitrary number), you will go through something like 83 gallons of gas (Honda EG5000 at rated load of 4500W).  Since the throttle of a standard generator is mostly full-on all the time, even when you are not welding you'll still go through almost as much gas.To run a Honda Invertor EB5000i for 100 hours, you would go through about 79 gallons of gas at full load.  But at 1/4 load on the generator, you'll only go through 30 gallons of gas.Your call.  But I'd recommend skipping the typical Borg generator and paying the extra for an invertor generator.  Either Honda or Yamaha, although Yamaha doesn't seem to have any bigger capacity invertor generators yet.Or go big and buy a Trailblazer 302.  That'll only run you $6k or so with HF TIG, spool-gun optional.  Use that by itself or hook your Dynasty200 up to it.Last edited by MoonRise; 02-15-2007 at 12:37 PM.
Reply:FWIW, I recently bought a 200dx. After running some stringers off of a 115v/20a outlet in the garage(got 150 amps out of it), I plugged it into an identical outlet in my trailer. The gen in the trailer is an Onan 5500w Marquis. Although the gen lugged a bit, the machine ran fine. And the gen had sat for a while in some cold temps, so it will probably be better when it's warmed up.
Reply:Originally Posted by 190MPHFWIW, I recently bought a 200dx. After running some stringers off of a 115v/20a outlet in the garage(got 150 amps out of it), I plugged it into an identical outlet in my trailer. The gen in the trailer is an Onan 5500w Marquis. Although the gen lugged a bit, the machine ran fine. And the gen had sat for a while in some cold temps, so it will probably be better when it's warmed up.