Running Mig welder off a generator

[gearhead]

I'm going to be making a small trailer and put my stick or Mig welder on the trailer. I also need a generator to run the welder. I seem to be working on a great deal of farm equipment lately and need to take the welder into the fields to do the work. Do I need a certain kind of generator to run a 220 welder. How many watts does the group suggest.

Also does anyone have plans for a small trailer or has any thoughts on the axil and wheel set up..

[MAC702]

You forgot to tell us WHICH welders you want the ability to power... That's the most important part to consider.

Consider one of these instead, maybe:

http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/champion4500.html

[gearhead]

Sorry about that, I will be using a Miller 200 or my Lincolin 225 (I think that's it). Both are 220 volt machines. I'm looking for a larger Miller stick welder to buy, but it will be a 220 volt machine.

[MAC702]

Check your owner's manuals, or else I have to, to see what the amp draws are of your machines.

But roughly, assuming you want close to full power from these machines:

I'll assume you mean a Millermatic 200. This needs about a 50A 240V supply for full power. That's on the order of at least a 10kW generator, without doing any math in my head, to get MOST of that available.

Same with the Lincoln. I'll assume you meant the AC225 as that is a popular Stick machine.

You can power these machines from ANY generator that supplies 240V, but you'll be limited in output up to what the generator can supply in wattage.

What do you plan to need to weld mobile?

[gearhead]

I did some work for a couple of friends who have a small farm near where I live. Since then I have had numerous calls from other farmer in my area who want equipment welded up. Some of the implements are pretty good size and difficult to move to my house for the repairs. If I build a trailer and can run a couple of different welders off a generator than I can make shorttime of the fix.

[MAC702]

So since you need a generator anyway that can support a welding machine, why not get an engine-driven welding machine that doubles as a generator? The welding power will be more efficient and the whole package will be lighter since there won't be a transformer involved.

[BUDDY]

I just orderd an enine driven welder. I orderd the traailblazer 302. I am a diesel mechanic and I started doing services outside of my shop. After researching the Trailblazer 302 looks like the way to go for mobile welding.

[flukecej]

The Bobcat 225 is $3677.00 Miller List and selling for $2902 + change at Cyberweld.com. It is a wonderful generator/welder. It would run the MM200 no problem, with the correct plug. I would get the Bobcat and keep the MM 200 and sell the lincoln 225 especially if the Miller Rep is willing to sell the Bobcat at $2600.00, an absolute steal.

The portability of the MM200 with bottle, especially if larger than 120 cu. ft. would be problematic. Also, the use of MIG out in the field is a problem with any kind of wind blowing. I use a MM200 in the shop all the time and have to be very aware of the wind conditions outside, especially here in the Texas Panhandle. Shield gas and moving air do not mix. But if you are seting up a trailer to haul a welder(s) on you may also be hauling oxygen and accetylene as well, another bottle wouldn't be hard to accomodate.

The Bobcat 225 is already setup to run MIG/TIG and AC/DC Stick in its design. The mig option is really meant to be accomplished by use of a Suitcase feeder such as the 8VS or X-Treme 12VS, not plugging in a fully integrated machine as the Millermatic 200. The Bobcat does have the power to run the MM200, so that really shouldn't be a problem.

This of course is my $0.02.