Recommendations for a MIG welder that can run off a 7500w Generator?

[BUXFAN1911]

I have some projects that need to be welded in the field, but i don't have a 5000' extension cord!

I would like to use my current generator (it's a WH7500, which provides 220V service with a 30A breaker 7500 running watts with 9500 peak watts) to run a welder that I can weld tube steel to a shipping container (Corten steel- 12 gauge).

I would love to get the Millermatic 211, but I think my generator is way under powered to handle the load.

Any recommendations for welders that I can run off my current Generator? I know I can buy a welder generator, but those are out of my price range.

I would like to stay under $1000 if possible.

Thanks for any insight!

 

[Katahdin]

You should be able to run a Miller 211 with your existing generator, the older model draws 6000 watts at full power, the current ones draw 4000 watts (@240V AC).

 

[RNeumann]

Welding 12g steel will be way under the max of your existing welder. Just use it! I agree with the post above.

 

[AWSubie]

+1 for above replies.

 

[jaxs]

New 211s are inverter and should be ok with a genny but don't try it with any transformer machine.

 

[BUXFAN1911]

Thanks guys,

The "output amps" of the 211 is confusing to me (how do you get such a high range of output amps (150A) off a generator receptical of 30A... I guess it shows my lack of Volts/Amps/Watts understanding)

 

[Katahdin]

You're not converting the AC input voltage to DC output: 150 amps X 21.5 Volts DC = 3225 watts

 

[Ortimber]

Thanks guys,

The "output amps" of the 211 is confusing to me (how do you get such a high range of output amps (150A) off a generator receptical of 30A... I guess it shows my lack of Volts/Amps/Watts understanding)

Katahdin nailed it.

My welder is on a 50 AMP breaker but the output is much more than that. 30AMPs will be plenty to weld your project with.

 

[rangerfredbob]

I ran my Harbor Freight 170A wire feed welder (the new Titanium one, it's an inverter) on my 4kW generator just fine welding 1/8" plate to a reel gun in a field a couple months ago...

 

[wagne223]

Thanks guys,

The "output amps" of the 211 is confusing to me (how do you get such a high range of output amps (150A) off a generator receptical of 30A... I guess it shows my lack of Volts/Amps/Watts understanding)

Part of what makes a welder a welder, is it transforms the high voltage AC into lower voltage DC.
With the watt draw remaining the same, when voltage goes down, current (Amps) goes up.

Example using round numbers for easy math.....

a standard 120 volt outlet with a 20 amp breaker can supply 2400 watts.

The welder takes those 2400 watts converts it to DC at 20 volts and now you have 120 amps to weld with.