engine driven welders

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hi,all looking to get an engine drive welder and I like the idea of  a back up generator.  what's the best bang for the buck??  miller bobcat or lincoln ranger??  I don't know a  whole about engine drive , looks like the motors are the same kohlers or subrau. I think I would go with kohler just because I think parts would be easier the get ...   I;am not looking for all the bells and whistles.  Just welder to do a little welder outside on trailers or gates and a back up power for the house. I don't ever see myself needing a  portable tig or mig set up .  8000 watt should run a cutmaster 52 I would think??thanks, Daye
Reply:I've used a Ranger and I own a Bobcat. Both are great machines. Either one you would be happy with. I would stay with your idea of getting one with at least 8000 watts especially since you are wanting to use it as emergency back up power. When comparing witch accessories to run of your engine drive try not to go over 90% of the output of the generator (7200 watts for 8000 watt rated). At least that's what I've read.My toys:Mobile Set Up    Miller Bobcat 225NT    Oxy Acetylene cutting set up    Red D Arc 12VS wire feeder    Spoolmate 3035 spoolgun     Scratch Start TIG DCMiller Elite auto hood
Reply:I believe the Cutmaster 52 has a rated input at 45amps @230v. That means you need at least an 11kw genset to use that plasma at the rated output.  8kw should have a rating of between 30-34 amps @ 230v. Most machines will list what the gen set output is on 230v. That should run that plasma at lower output, say 40 or maybe 50 amps, but don't expect to run a compressor at the same time. 8KW is also generally considered on the light side for a house, especially if you have any 230v systems you need to run, well pump, stove, AC, heat, hot water etc. If all you need is to keep the fridge and a few lights going 8kw is fine..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:Check out http://generatorsforhomeuse.net/ and http://www.smps.us/.  Lots of info including how to figure how much power you need.  A Bobcat or Ranger would keep me from freezing and having broken water pipes (my main concerns) and allow me to get by fairly comfortably.  I do have natural gas for all my appliances so that lowers my demands greatly compared to someone with an electric water heater, dryer and central heat, etc..  Plus all my lighting is the power saving fluorescent type so that cuts my needs even more.  Something to think about."The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:I'm not sure about the generator requirements for T-D plasma systems.....but on the www.hypertherm.com   website you will find that for each Powermax system there are specifications for generator output requirements. Here is a link to the info on a Hypertherm Powermax65 as an example. You can run most inverter based plasmas on pretty low power...however when you turn up the plasma power, and cut extremely thick materials (long arc, high arc voltage)...then the generator requirements get tougher!go to this link, then click on the "specs" tab and there is a table for using the 65 with a generator. T-D probably has something similar on their site.http://www.hypertherm.com/en/Product...powermax65.jspJim
Reply:A good machine within the catagory you're contemplating is the Ranger 250 GXT.  AC/DC welding capability, wire feed capability, and 10,000 watts continuous/11,000 watts peak generating power.I run 2 houses off of the thing during power outages.  Furnace, refrigerator, TV and a few lights.  I also run a shunt to the well house to refill the toilets after use during outages (this is only to fill, not run the pump constantly).  I use 12ga extension cords for all power transfer, not the breaker box.  Backfeeding thru a breaker box can kill a lineman working on the line somewhere along the run.It's a relatively pricey machine, around 3 grand, but it's just about all a guy would need in the medium power and price range.As far as plasma cutters, dunno.  The 240 outlet has a limit of 40amps I believe."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I know the Lincoln Ranger 8 was rated at 8000 watts with a 35amp output at 240 and 70 at 120.  The Miller Bobcat should be roughly in the same ballpark.  Although the Ranger 8 is no longer produced by this name, I believe the replacement along the same lines has had an increase in total output by maybe 1-2000 watts continuous.  I used to have a Ranger 8 and would power the residence with it during power outages for whatever reason.  It worked great.  About the only things I didnt power with it were: central unit and water heater.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:Im a Lincoln guy, but the Bobcat 250 is 10KW...And lets be honest, during an outage, how much do you need to run, fridge, heat, few lights, maybe TV...Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP ( boat anchor )Lincoln Weld-Pac 100 HDHobart IronMan 230Cutmaster 42Jackson NexGenSumner Ultra ClampsDWM120
Reply:i would go with the miller trailblazer 302 for $4030.00
Reply:You need to do some simple math and add up the power requirements for everything you want to run durring a power outage. For me it's the well pump, the on demand gas fired water heater, the sump pump, fridge, the basement wood pellet stove, and some basic lighting. That will keep me from freezing, flodding, starving and being in the dark. Keep momma happy to (most important).Each thing you want to run should have a amperage requirement on it Add everything up to see what you need for a power generator and add another 10% to be on the safe side.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Forgot to mention, ohms law formula may come in handy for these calculations as well.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Think about an LPG option alsoYou can have a tank of propane for years and it won't go bad. Unlike the newer gasAlso propane is a lot cleaner for the motor. Oil changes are clearer. Just my thoughtsG
Reply:I think 8000 to 10000 kw would be just fine.  for bak up .  a little heat ,well and a light or two.I can get a miller 225 10000kw peak   I don;t know if this ac machine for $ 3090.00 or a lincoln ranger 225 ac 10500 peak ac with the kohel engine for $2950.00 the only thing I don't like about the lincoln is that the engine is not covered.  not a big deal but kinda gay.I pick up a lincoln and miller books  the next time I'am on the hopper I'll the 302 and 250 gxtDaye
Reply:Originally Posted by gordfraserThink about an LPG option alsoYou can have a tank of propane for years and it won't go bad. Unlike the newer gasAlso propane is a lot cleaner for the motor. Oil changes are clearer. Just my thoughts
Reply:Originally Posted by tigmuskyyes but propane has moisture. sitting leads to rust.  diesel what be the best choice but $$$$$$$$
Reply:Originally Posted by smawgmawI know diesel is big $$$$ now.  How about storage?  I have heard that it can also delvelop fuel contamination from being stored too long.  But not as fast as gas.  True or not?
Reply:Thanks DSW.  I just had heard of some issues with diesil fuel developing an "algea" growth.  Didnt know if this was true or just rumours.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:I heat my shop with colored fuel. Once per season I add a bottle of fuel conditioner for de watering and antifreezing effects.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720