Question for those who weld

[Viva*the*Ranger]

I have a Lincoln mig 140c that I want to take to Oregon with me on my next wheel'n trip for repairs on my buddies rig. He breaks something every time we go out. Ha ha. I'm looking for the most compact generator that I can get for the least amount of $$$ that can take a beating and handle the 140c. It's a tiny little machine, 110v 20 amps. But it can weld up to 5/16! Not bad for a little guy. What size/brand do you think would be best for this application?

 

[4x4junkie]

I wouldn't weld anything thicker than 3/16" with that thing using flux-core (or 1/8" with gas), it doesn't really have the penetration to do anything thicker reliably.

As for the generator, looks like you've already got all the info you need. 110V × 20A = 2200watts. I'd get something at least 2500-3000w with an OHV engine to run it decently.

 

[MrE_Powers]

i would get a stick welder/generator. they can be got used if you look hard enough. and not much more then a new generator. and you can use as a generator

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/tls/919427690.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/tls/917645733.html

 

[slimchriz]

Yah I would deffinately get something with a little more than 20 amps...

My little 220 stick welding machine blows 30 amp breakers sometimes and its rated for 25amps.... Our course its almost twice as old as me and just as tempermental. duty cycle? hell no im not gonna stop welding after 2 mins and wait 8...lol

 

[Simple_serf]

Exactly...the little welders are nice, but the duty cycles suck.

Now that the price of scrap has fallen, you can get some older welder/generators cheap again. Hobart, Lincoln, and Onan made some good stuff...Hell, I know of a unit that came from Lincoln with a Lincoln generator end and an Onan JC engine. Crank start, magneto ignition. A little cantankerous to start, but it's rated for like 300 amps continuous.

If you are needing to weld in the field, Personally, I think a gas unit is the way to go.

 

[slimchriz]

Well I wouldnt weld in a field youll start a fire

 

[Evan]

cantankerous

Great word....

 

[AngryLepercon]

How about a Lincoln Ranger 8. Nice machine. Gas powered. Carry a few 6010 or 7018 rods and its really not that big. The best thing about it is its portable its a generator/welder in one and it should be pretty cheap. At least they are around here

 

[almostclueless]

I have a sears (century) 110V/105A unit that NEVER blows the 20A breaker. I have blown holes in clean 1/8" steel with it. I'm very satisfied.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Thanks guys, I think getting a more powerful stick machine is the right answer. why half ass it. I really like the combo idea anyway. Those deals on craigslist are hard to beat! My welds look a lot better with a wire feed unit but stick is something I need to get better at anyway and I love getting new toys! Thanks for your input folks.