Generator/stick welder suggestions

[GManBart]

Thanks guys...this is helpful. I've been looking hard at something like a Miller Bobcat 225/250NT. I don't want to buy more than I need, but I hate spending money and not being happy with the results!

 

[DXN1EL]

This might sound stupid but
The Miller is around $3420 on Ebay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Miller-Bobc...70844201481?pt=BI_Welders&hash=item5658097209

If I were you I will just get something like a Everlast PA-300
PowerARC 300 - Stick welders, Plasma Cutters For Sale, Welding Accessories, 135 Welder

And make a 300FT extension cord
1000' 6 Gauge Black THHN THWN-2 Copper Wire Conductor Heat Moisture Gasoline Resistant - Amazon.com

 

[GManBart]

This might sound stupid but
The Miller is around $3420 on Ebay
Miller Bobcat 225 Welder 907498001 | eBay

If I were you I will just get something like a Everlast PA-300
PowerARC 300 - Stick welders, Plasma Cutters For Sale, Welding Accessories, 135 Welder

And make a 300FT extension cord
1000' 6 Gauge Black THHN THWN-2 Copper Wire Conductor Heat Moisture Gasoline Resistant - Amazon.com

That's not stupid at all. I've been looking at some nice, used Miller's on CL, just as point of reference, and they're asking less than that...could probably haggle for a bit less.

Miller Bobcat 225 NT welder generator

I'd really like to have a generator for backup for the barn. I'm planning to do a lot of the work myself, so it's going to take a while. I expect I'll have the foundation and walls up long before I get to the electrical, water, etc, so the generator would be there to power the overhead doors, etc. I can't see being able to do all that with an extension cord, at least not reasonably. Adding the welding capability would be a nice bonus.

 

[Baby Grand]

Very, very happy with our Miller TB 302.
Nice, clean power and plenty of it.

 

[JESSE1]

I have a Miller Trailblazer 302 and have been very satisfied with its welding performance and generator capacity.

 

[RPW]

I've got the Miller 250nt and love it. Got 100' leads and can do any welding task that I need to do. When the new house gets buiĺt it will also serve as a backup generator. Never regreted the $3400 price tag. Had a Miller 225nt and sold it to get the 250.

 

[GManBart]

I've got the Miller 250nt and love it. Got 100' leads and can do any welding task that I need to do. When the new house gets buiĺt it will also serve as a backup generator. Never regreted the $3400 price tag. Had a Miller 225nt and sold it to get the 250.

What does the 250 do better that you wanted/needed?

 

[RPW]

My 225 had a lot of hours and I found out after purchasing it that the motor had been sabotaged by a previous owner (not the one I purchased it from). Someone had stuffed a paper towel down into the oil pan and it eventually clogged the inlet tube to the oil pump and caused the motor to lunge. I was able to rebuild it but after that for what I needed a welder/generator for I chose to sell it and buy a new one. I did disclose to the new owner everything I found but he was still happy with the purchase. In the end I did lose some money in the deal figuring the rebuild cost and new machine.

 

[GPintheMitten]

A couple hundred feet for a few months? And the need to have generator back up for the outbuilding?

Sure, I wouldn't use extensions cords, either. But what would it cost to put something like 2-2-2-4 mobile home feeder underground from a disconnect near the generator to a disconnect at the outbuilding. It is direct bury. I put mine in conduit but you don't have to. Here's a link: http://www.southwire.com/ProductCatalog/XTEInterfaceServlet?contentKey=prodcatsheetOEM47

Home Depot and electrical suppliers carry it. I bought the number of feet I needed from a supplier. I would think you could do it for about $500 or less if you do the work yourself (not counting permits/inspections).

http://www.menards.com/main/electri...ile-home-feeder-per-foot/p-1469808-c-6441.htm

 

[Lou66]

View attachment 336043

This is what I have,, got it new 2003 from TSC,, it been a good one,, it was 1900 dollars in 03,, I build the trailer and pull it with my gator,, Lou