Generator welding

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Just wanted to get some outside opinions. I'm getting either a generator and a maxstar or a miller wildcat or bobcat. I will be using it for farm/home use, not business.  It will be my main welder for a while after. As far as usage, I intend to mostly run 6010/6011 and 7018.  My biggest concern is portability as well as quality of weld. Just wanted to see what some others have done. I'm just wondering if a welder generator is a compromise between a welder and a generator or if it is a true high quality welder that has a generator also. Thanks for the input.
Reply:I can see pluses and minuses to both options. Maxstar and genset.The maxstar is lighter and easier to transport and you can run it from standard power if available without having to run the genset. Good for shop use etc. You have the ability to just run the gen set if you need to power lights and other tools and save wear on the welder.  The down side is you give up some addition functions of a dedicated welder/ generator. Also Maxstars are not known for running 6010 well. An issue if you have to do code work and using 6011 isn't an option. To do mig you would have to buy a separate stand alone mig unit. Depending on the genset size, you may not have enough amps to run a 230v mig from the genset.Bobcat ( I'm not familiar enough with the Wild cat off the top of my head)More top amps for stick would allow you to run larger rods if needed. It would also allow you to carbon arc cut with small carbons occasionally to gouge out welds.  You also have the ability to run AC stick if needed such as if arc blow is an issue. You can pretty much use any rod you want with this machine. The Bobcat is also CV capable, so you could add a feeder in the future or run most mid level 230v stand alone migs from the aux power. The down side is that it's not set up to run a pedal if you want to do tig. It's also much bigger and bulkier than the maxstar by itself. You put a lot of wear and tear on the machine if you just need it for shop work, not to mention having to listen to it howl..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:I have a thread on my experience with a maxstar and a genny. A search should have brought it up... I like running that combination because the majority of my stick welding is done from building/shop power, but the genny will let me go anywhere.My name's not Jim....