Millermatic 130XP running off generator

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I've got a Coleman 2500 watt output generator, will this run my Millermatic 130XP out in the field to do a small welding job ? I've run grinders, saws, all kinds of other power equipment off this generator, just never have had the need for welder until now.
Reply:Multiply the max input amps x 120 volts= watts. If that is close to the rated generator watts the gen voltage and frequency might drop enough to damage the  electronics in the welder. I don't know this to be fact. Maybe someone more knowledgeable will chime in.                                       MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Nope it won't. Tried running my little lincoln 135 from a regular generator and it just won't weld right. Sputters and spits. Think it has something to do with the type of wave of current those small generators produce. Hook it up to a Ranger 250 or niced sized bobcat and it will weld just fine.
Reply:Hey rico,You would be much better off if you went with a 4000W+ gen as the 130Miller inputs around 22A input to get max welding power & your small gen probably has only 15A recept. that would really limit welding output. You could pick up an inexpensive used unit(4kw+) on C/L fairly easy as I see them all the time & most have extremely low hours on them. It's better to have more power available even if you don't need it.DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Originally Posted by yorkiepapHey rico,You would be much better off if you went with a 4000W+ gen as the 130Miller inputs around 22A input to get max welding power & your small gen probably has only 15A recept. that would really limit welding output. You could pick up an inexpensive used unit(4kw+) on C/L fairly easy as I see them all the time & most have extremely low hours on them. It's better to have more power available even if you don't need it.Denny
Reply:Hey Blazin,There is no reason that a 4kw gen will not run a Miller/Lincoln 130/135A welder. If the unit was going to be run at max output continually, then a 5kw gen would be a minimum needed. I have a 7.5kw running(8.75surge) gen that powers all my equipment on my mobile unit & never an issue. I will say that my gen is a brushless unit & has very smooth output power as was tested by my neighbor. All my welders can run at max output since the largest input needed from any one of them is 26A & the plasma cutter is the heaviest user at 32A & has no problems either. I could see maybe an issue with a brushed gen that has worn brushes that may be prone to large fluctuations of voltage. When mine is running, the voltmeter is steady 240V & only a slight movement when power is drawn. Don't discount a good generator for running welding equipment. Your equipment with the heaviest input requirement would dictate KW rating you should get & be better with a 20% over that rating. Here's a pic of my unit with the xtra receptacles I added because of welder plugs variations.Denny Attached ImagesComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Hey Thanks guys for the responses. I'd much rather ask a question here than just plug something in and hope for the best and you guys gave great advice against doing this. Thanks again for helping me not fubar my machine !!!! Rick
Reply:Well I guess. Like I said though I've tried it a few times on 4-5kw and my Lincoln ran like crap. Heck just last week I was running it from a portable breaker box that was being fed by a John Deer 100k genny from Hertz rental. There were cutoff saws,other little wire feeders and grinders plugged into the same box. Even then I had to be plugged in directly to the box to get it to burn good.