Welder generator search questions

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Hello all,I know people really love their Lincoln SA200s and from what I'm reading, that is *the* machine to get as far as engine driven welders go but I'm also seeing some other models (Lincolns and Hobarts for example) that seem like they are good older machines. Aside from the SA200s, any other comparable machines that woud be desireable (and maybe a bit more affordable)? Background: Recently moved to a new place and there's only 100amp service. For the time being, we're stuck with things as they are so my plug in welders will be parked for a bit as I change things up. I'm a hobbyist welder so not a big deal but I do have a couple of bigger projects (for me) and I'm retooling to tackle things. The obvious solution to my situation is via welder generators and I recently picked up an older (1980s) Miller AEAD 200. It seems like the machine will do what I need it to but since I am going to be in this mode for a while, having a more capable machine would be important. Thanks all,O.Last edited by oifla; 18 Hours Ago at 09:47 AM.
Reply:I used my welders at a house with  a 100 service for years.Never had a problem.Do you have a really big power hungry welder and/orelectric heat, water pump etc?Miller a/c-d/c Thunderbolt XLMillermatic 180 Purox O/ASmith Littletorch O/AHobart Champion Elite
Reply:

Originally Posted by jpump5

I used my welders at a house with  a 100 service for years.Never had a problem.Do you have a really big power hungry welder and/orelectric heat, water pump etc?
Reply:Point of clarification: One thing I'm curious about is amperage and whether its worth it to go from something driven by a 16hp Onan (like the AEAD200) into something with 300amps (or more). I don't use it enough to worry about fuel consumption so I'm trying to make the decision based on functionality of the welder. I'm not welding pipeline but it would be nice to be be able to handle thicker material when necessary.
Reply:Sounds like a good Trailblazer 302 would fit your needs well. SA200's are nice welders but don't do much more than weld being DC only.
Reply:If trying to impress someone know a little about welding a Miller AEAD 200 or Lincoln SA200 does good. If just getting the job done a Generator 10,000 watts or more and Weldes either Mig/fluxcore or stick and can be switched type of work does better Job. FYI this the type that used on very large jobs. Home improvement helps with welder using a generator Dave

Originally Posted by oifla

Hello all,I know people really love their Lincoln SA200s and from what I'm reading, that is *the* machine to get as far as engine driven welders go but I'm also seeing some other models (Lincolns and Hobarts for example) that seem like they are good older machines. Aside from the SA200s, any other comparable machines that woud be desireable (and maybe a bit more affordable)? Background: Recently moved to a new place and there's only 100amp service. For the time being, we're stuck with things as they are so my plug in welders will be parked for a bit as I change things up. I'm a hobbyist welder so not a big deal but I do have a couple of bigger projects (for me) and I'm retooling to tackle things. The obvious solution to my situation is via welder generators and I recently picked up an older (1980s) Miller AEAD 200. It seems like the machine will do what I need it to but since I am going to be in this mode for a while, having a more capable machine would be important. Thanks all,O.
Reply:My vote is to give the AEAD200 a chance. I have one and like it a lot. I've pushed a lot of welding rod through it since I got it in 98.It has plenty of power, and 100% duty cycle, you can weld all day and all night and it wont break a sweat.The nice thing with these is the low rpm aux power, it generates at 1800 rpm, instead of going to 3600 to run grinders or drills.I find 3600 rpm machines hard on the ears quickly, the low rpm power is worth the tradeoff for more amps, that I never use anyway.
Reply:Aint nothing you cant do with the Miller you can with the Linc and the blue one would be a fair trade for an SA and do more really considering AC power.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:SA 200 is for the serious pipe line welder, there loud, horrible on fuel and look really cool on the back of a dually truck.  Any Bob Cat, trailblazer or Ranger will do great.  Basically its all all between the shoulder and the holder...  In my one man shop I have 200 amp service with 50 amp plugs all around but only use one at a time.We've done so much, for so long, with so little. Were now qualified to do anything with nothing !
Reply:My 302 trailblazer has been great for over 10 years. Besides welding, this machine has been used as emergency power many times. As a reminder, all these engine drive machines are not as fuel efficient as an emergency generator. I probably use close to a gallon an hour under full load if ran continuously.