Self powered machine questions

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I'm debating on my future home welder plans and going with a self powered box as opposed to a grid powered one so that I can have the option to work on thicker material when needed.  The cost of gas and diesel is off putting to say the least so I'm leaning more towards LP or natural gas if there are any that are powered by it which would be nice.  Which are the reliable ones and besides the cost of fuels what are the pro's and cons of going with one?Welding Supervisor Department of Corrections.
Reply:I know they make Miller Bobcats that are propane powered. It will be tough though to locate a used one though vs say gas. New you shouldn't have any issues..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:A buddy of mine has a Lincoln 305-G. It is one sweet machine! Runs 7018 like a dream. He runs gasless flux core, and Mig with an LN-25.  Lincoln makes a propane version.http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us...olnElectric%29Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Most of the external powered 240v machines output between 180 to 230 amps with the larger ones that we wish we had run 250+ amps.The most popular self powered machines run between 200 and 250 amps.What lead you to believe external powered machines can't weld thicker stuff?Since you want a self powered machine might as well keep it mobile and run LP. Propane should run cleaner than gas and diesel.But you will burn more gallons of propane, about a third more compared to gallons of diesel or gas to do the same work.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWI know they make Miller Bobcats that are propane powered. It will be tough though to locate a used one though vs say gas. New you shouldn't have any issues.
Reply:So far, so good.  It's true that any CARBURETTED gasoline fueled engine can easily be converted to LP.  Gasoline engines that are electronic fuel injected are not as easy to convert to LP or dual fuel because the parameters of each fuel is different and that difference must be accounted for by the ECM software. And the "Dual fuel" option of being able to burn gasoline or LP is also possible. There are factory (OEM) dual fuel engines available for many applications, but I don't know if welders are included in that group.  Perhaps as a special ordered option, but you would likely be talking about a "brand new welder" and the price would be just about double what a single fueled version would cost (figuring the need for fuel system components, tanks hoses and etc.)But, the dual fuel option has a real drawback unless you continue to burn a lot of gasoline through the welder.The problem you will run into with dual fuel is the fact that gasoline has a finite "shelf life".  As soon as gasoline is blended at the fuel tank farm and dropped into a tanker heading for a gas station, it starts to degrade.Most gasoline is consumed by an engine long before it turns to rancid varnish.  But, engines that are used infrequently that might go through an extensive period of "storage" will suffer a lot of fuel system problems.And, in the case of having a dual fuel configured engine on a welder, you would have to make absolutely certain that you run all the gas in the tank out within about a 6 month period, and replace it with a fresh fill.Even gasoline with stabilizer added will only "keep" for about a year, after that it is like old, soured paint.The real beauty in running LP is that you are not faced with having to maintain a fresh fuel supply at all times, just so it will be ready to go when you are.  LP does not break down like gasoline because the fuel can't evaporate portions of its molecular structure away while waiting to be used.  It also does not undergo any enzyme action while stored because it is inside a pressurized, oxygen free cylinder.The drawbacks with LP fuel are:1. Fuel suppliers not as available as gasoline stations.2. The fuel supply (on the machine) will leak out unless all safety precautions and guidelines are followed to the letter at all times. LP leaks are both hazardous and expensive (loss of fuel equals less run time). LP tank valve must be kept shut off except when the welder is actually being run.3. After a very long time in service, LP fuel system components will need to be serviced or cleaned out because of build up of non evaporating residues that are left behind in the regulator/vaporizer.4. LP averages about 1/4 to 1/3 less power output from the engine as compared to gasoline, but you will probably not notice this because most engines are never operated at full power output and so the engine is still able to compensate for that by simply burning a bit more fuel at any given load factor.Benefits:1 . Longer engine life due to lube oil not degrading from accumulation of unburned fuel components as with gasoline.  And, with LP the engine cylinder walls do not get "washed down" during during the warm up period after a cold start as is the case with gasoline.2. Spark plugs stay cleaner and last longer than with gasoline.3. No stale fuel issues.4. Fuel tanks are self pressurized, so no need for a fuel pump or for the tank to be mounted higher than the engine.This is just off the top of my head.  There may be some problems or benefits I did not list, but that is a fairly balance summary.Last edited by walkerweld; 06-15-2014 at 10:28 AM.
Reply:I'm fully aware that a self powered box can weld thick material, just want the option to do so.  I'm looking to do stick and tog ac and dc.  At work, will reply later.
Reply:So then it definitely sounds like LP is the way to go and Miller and Lincoln have the boxes to look at.  How well do they handle running tig aluminum?  Whats the overall sound level on one?  I've worked a little with a diesel miller and it wasn't bad but I've never worked with any LP engine smaller than a clark forklift my box will be spending allot of its time at home in a shed/shop out back with a dedicated exhaust vent tube.  Are there any options for bolting down say the Ranger 305 so as to make it harder for someone to try and take off with.Welding Supervisor Department of Corrections.