Need recommendation on generator

Wayne Lundberg · 2006-09-19T17:43:01+00:00

My son is setting up to be a "Have welder, will travel" business. Has hisextra long Dodge diesel and cover, travel trailer, some tools, compressor,Miller 135 Weldmatic, and a great hand for superb beads. But is lacking agenerator. I've been helping him spec out something, but I'm only an amateurwelder in my own little machine shop. I've more or less zeroed in on theHonda Super Quiet EU3000/s which claims 25 amps at 125 and the Millerrequires 20 amps, so figuring a bit of loss in the transmission lines, maybethis would be a good match? But certainly not enough for him to have ahelper grinding away using the same power source.Anybody with experience you could share on this issue? Or have an extragenerator laying around you'd want to sell or lease? We're in South SanDiego.Wayne

Sep 19, 2006 42 Replies

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Steve B 19 years ago

That's the one I had. I made a cage on it, with a top basket that I could put enough tools and rods in to do whatever I was working on. Like your little compressor, it did the job, and you could wheel it TO the job easily instead of dragging out all that cord or hose. Which always seemed to get pinched, cut, or somehow otherwise damaged.

When I get to Utah, I believe I may get another. A fine little machine for light welding and power tool usage. With an engine hoist or a couple of weak brained strong backed people, it is easy to load in a truck. Or use a ramp or loading dock.

As with your little compressor, this welder did as good a job as the big guys on most things.

Steve

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Private 19 years ago

Now this is the class of machine that I was talking about, light, relatively inexpensive, easy on gas, but will run 1/8 and 5/32 well and will probably handle 3/16 when you want to lay down big beads to maximize production and minimize distortion. 8KW is lots of auxiliary power for lights and air compressor and will run the small wire feeder for wire jobs. I suspect it is a little light for serious ArcAir but will probably be OK with small carbons for gouging cracks.

It is possible to work with tools that are undersized but a tradesman who tries to do it in a business just ends up looking inexperienced. Small wire machines are great for some jobs but stick is best for all weather work and it is a lot easier to move around a big job and to climb ladders with a single cable than to be tied to a welder with a short feeder. When you are in business trying to make a living you must be versatile and capable to handle a wide variety of jobs.

When in doubt look at what the successful guys are doing.

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Wayne Lundberg 19 years ago

Thanks, both replies forwarded to son Lyle.

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