Arc Quality

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As I've been reading about engine drive welders I have found people saying that some have better arcs than others. I know that a DC generator will have a better arc, but for the smaller engine drives (200-300amp class) do some really have better arcs for DC stick/tig welding?  I have been a bit spoiled when it comes to welders, I have only used nice shop machines (XMT304-Squarewave355-Syncrowave350-Airco300AC/DC-Maxstar150STL). I haven't noticed allot of difference when tig welding or stick welding with these machines. Some seem to start the stick arc better than others and the inverters seem to burn a little smoother but not really that noticeable. I have never used an engine drive welder.  How do the engine drive arcs compare to shop machines? What causes some engine drives to weld better than others? Are there any that have arcs so bad you wouldn't recommend them?   Thanks for any info, it will help with the purchase of a welder if I decide to get one. Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:SquirmyPug I have been using a ranger 250 (not gxt) since 06 for my business and building junk around the house. To me the arc quality is about the same as the ranger 350d and the big essab 480v units and the classic 300d's we have at the plant. For my 250 the arc seems to be just a little easier to start because of the 'hot start' feature on my machine. I would not call that a quality issue because it just starts a few amps high and goes back to whatever the machine is set at after a second or two. Maybe one the other hands on here with a lot more hood time could be a lot discriminating than I.Ranger 250 thick stuffHobart Handler 140 not thick stuffthe pane and oxy setup
Reply:Miller Bobcat,  the arc is terrible..  Not that it cant be used I just don't like the arc.  Now the arc on my Ranger 305 G is nice, and the arc on my SA 200 is nice as well..Journeyman / Red Seal Welder (What a useless test)Miller CST 280Miller XMT 350Miller 12vs XtremeEvolution Evo 28 mag drillEvolution 380 Dry Cut saw
Reply:I have a miller bobcat 225 and a trailblazer.  The stick arc is more adjustable on the trailblazer with an "arc force" dial.  Where the trailblazer shines over the bobcat is when you hookup a suitcase feeder.  Apparently the three phase welding output creates a smoother arc for wire feed, especially in MIG mode.
Reply:I run a Trailblazer and the arc is good in all processes, it is not as smooth as my SA-250 but it is damn good. Bobcats are harsh, but get the job done, not my first choice but better than an AC buzz box.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:We keep a Bobcat on a stand outside our shop for the local high school kids to use free on their trucks,atv's. etc. They furnish their own rods & wire and perform the gas & regular oil changes. Just replaced it with a new 250 Bobcat with the Kohler EFI, I ran a couple of 1/8" 7018 beads to try it last night and have to say it lays as nice a bead as the Trail Blazers in our 2 trucks.
Reply:Thanks guys. I was thinking about getting a Bobcat but from what I have read and what everyone here says it may not be what I'm looking for.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Originally Posted by blackbartI have a miller bobcat 225 and a trailblazer.  The stick arc is more adjustable on the trailblazer with an "arc force" dial.  Where the trailblazer shines over the bobcat is when you hookup a suitcase feeder.  Apparently the three phase welding output creates a smoother arc for wire feed, especially in MIG mode.