Generator/stick welder suggestions

[GManBart]

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.

Makes sense....thanks.

 

[GManBart]

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).

2-2-2-4 Aluminum Mobile Home Feeder, Per Foot at Menards

There are a number of factors involved, but time is one....I simply don't have the time to do something like run a mobile home feeder underground if I can avoid it. There are other projects far more pressing at this point. I also don't want to dig up my lawn to run a line like that. I had to do that last year for replacement sump pump drain lines, and the yard still hasn't recovered fully.

I'm sure it would be the cheapest solution, but I don't mind spending a bit more to get a quality generator/welder that will last for years. It would let me power things during the construction phase, it would give me an onsite welding capability, it would give me a backup capability for the outbuilding, and even the house if something happens to our standby generator (house is already wired for an exterior portable generator).

I haven't decided, but I can't see a downside...if I decide it's overkill, I could always sell it down the road.

 

[GPintheMitten]

That's understandable. Just wanted to point out an option.

 

[HCJtractor]

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.

Also have the miller 250 mounted on a trailer. I also use it to power my Miller 211 mig welder which works great. They have a good resale value also. Couldn't go wrong with that Bobcat

 

[GManBart]

That's understandable. Just wanted to point out an option.

And it's a good option for lots of things. I may do something like that for the greenhouse my wife wants near the outbuilding.

 

[jenkinsph]

I bought a Miller Trailblazer 225A? new in 1998 with suitcase mig, remote control and 100' of heavy stick lead. Mine has the Onan 20hp engine and although I haven't had any problems with it I would get a different engine if buying today. I mention this because I have heard of problems with parts for the Onans.

IIRC the Trailblazer was a little more money than the Bobcat but may not be worth the difference for your uses. I have found that Lincoln, Miller and Hobart all make good gas driven machines. I would look for a deal on CL and ask around, probably save you some money.

 

[Piston]

Guys with the long extension cords for your welders.....

Does it matter how long the extension cord is? Some of you with over 100' of extension cords does that make a difference? I know the length of extension cords is limited in normal house electricity but is it the same with welders? or can you have super long extension cords with no ill effects?

Bart,
Have you purchased a welder/generator yet? What have you been finding for prices for good condition used ones? I have 5 or 6 unfinished projects laying around because I no longer have a welder at my disposal, so I really 'need' to buy one. I also need a generator for the house before winter hits so I've been thinking about something like the Bobcat 250 as well.

 

[CJONE]

Guys with the long extension cords for your welders.....

Does it matter how long the extension cord is? Some of you with over 100' of extension cords does that make a difference? I know the length of extension cords is limited in normal house electricity but is it the same with welders? or can you have super long extension cords with no ill effects?

Bart,
Have you purchased a welder/generator yet? What have you been finding for prices for good condition used ones? I have 5 or 6 unfinished projects laying around because I no longer have a welder at my disposal, so I really 'need' to buy one. I also need a generator for the house before winter hits so I've been thinking about something like the Bobcat 250 as well.

Depends on the amount of current you are drawing and the length of the run. the longer the run the heavier the wire. CJ

 

[GManBart]

Bart,
Have you purchased a welder/generator yet? What have you been finding for prices for good condition used ones? I have 5 or 6 unfinished projects laying around because I no longer have a welder at my disposal, so I really 'need' to buy one. I also need a generator for the house before winter hits so I've been thinking about something like the Bobcat 250 as well.

I haven't bought one yet, but I'm really leaning that direction. I actually looked at a Hobart Champion Elite today. I stopped into TSC, and they had one on display. The online price is $3099, which is the best I've found so far. The Bobcat 225 seems to run more like $3500 on the low end, and the 250 is a few hundred extra.

For used I've really only looked on Ebay and Craigslist. I've seen a couple of Bobcats that looked decent in the $2500 range, but I'd like to avoid the Onan engines if possible. When I look at that, I'm not sure I wouldn't be better off with the new Hobart for just $600 more...warranty, etc.

Either way, I need to decided soon. Just today I took another project over to my neighbors so we can work on it this week. I would have had it done already if I had my own setup.