I've had a Lincoln SP-100 welder for quite a few years, anymore all I have run in it is .035 Flux core wire and use it outside. The manual calls for a 110 20 amp circuit, but I have been able to run it on a 15 amp with a long extension cord and generally no problems. Finally ended up with some jobs that didn't have a power source so I found a Honda 3500 watt generator at a local pawn shop in great looking shape and a good price.
I figure I should have about 29 amps of power (3500/120=29.17 amps). Am I doing this right? The generator sometimes will run the welder for 10 minutes straight, other times 30 seconds and its breaker trips. I don't see anything I'm doing that would cause it to trip vs run fine. I don't hearwhat I would think of as the motor straining when it does trip.
Any thoughts on what to do? It was suggested I by pass the breaker and put in a 25 or 30 amp slow blow fuse. That doesn't sound like the best solution, but I am at a loss otherwise. I really don't want to buy another larger generator. With my back this is about all I want to move around. Thank you.