Replies

1. 
   JohnSprung | Jul 29, 2005 01:10am | #1

   Maybe duty cycle?  The backup genny is designed for long hours of continuous output, the welder for short bursts?

    

   -- J.S.

    

1. 
   brownbagg | Jul 29, 2005 02:14am | #2

   not neccasary, some of the miller welders have 100% duty cycle and you see them running 10 hrs a day on jobsite for years. In years I mean ten to twenty.

2. 
   4Lorn1 | Jul 29, 2005 04:55am | #3

   Good choice if you do a lot of welding on remote sites. But one you pay a premium for. Both in cost, several times what a simpler generator would cost, and in weight.

   A welder/generator is more efficient than a generator that would produce electricity which then would be converted to high amperage lower voltage at a separate welder. Less conversion loss.

   From the few I have seen most gen/welder sets are commercial duty and designed for sustained use for many years. This being expressed in the price.

3. 
   IBEWChuck | Jul 29, 2005 02:48pm | #4

   That's the exact set-up that I have . I have used the welder for back-up power for periods exceeding a week at a time, just stopping to check oil and fuel{I use gasoline}.Just remember to "exercise" your welder-generator occasionally to keep the battery charged. Also, if not hooked to propane, keep your fuel fresh. Some engines have a lower horsepower rating if operated on propane, reducing the available wattage at full load.

1. 
   Warren | Jul 29, 2005 05:40pm | #5

   Thanks for all that replied. I've decided to go with the Miller Bobcat 250 and put it on a trailer.  Unit weight is about 600 lbs.  The propane vs gasoline reduces the output by about 10 % so I think I'll stick with gasoline.

    

    All I ever Needed to Know I learned in Kindergarten- Robt. Fulghum

4. 
   Brilliant_Dummy | Oct 04, 2023 04:51pm | #6

   @Warren, how did that Miller Bobcat 250 work for you as a backup generator? I find myself considering the same thing & would value your experience.