What to buy for my workshop.

[Lickity Split]

This is my problem.
I have a workshop that has little to no power in it.(lights only 110)
The cost of running 240 volts is like 2000.
I was thinking of getting a generator and a small stick welder.
How big of generator do I get?
Does any one else have this set up?
Please let me know what you have for a generator and welder.
I kind of like the idea of being portable.
Any help would be great
Lickity Split

 

[IH3444]

How far away is your shop from the main power suplly? How much amperage does your main box have? Standard 200amp? The cost of aluminum service cable is dropping rapidly, heck even copper cable is down to almost what it was before the great run up.

 

[Lickity Split]

What about a welder / generator all in one.
Any one have one?
Lickity split

 

[actionaj]

A good welder/generator will run you around $2000.

 

[Harvey7]

A generator or generator/welder is great but you'll soon get tired of that generator buzzing in your ear and they don't run on water. Save your money and get it wired.

 

[SnowRidge]

I'm curious. How far is your shop from your house, and how does the 110 get out there? Maybe you can run a cable from your house to a sub panel in the shop.

 

[texasjohn]

I have a coleman 6500 watt (surge) generator on wheels and a Miller 175 Mig welder on wheels.... the generator is sufficient (with small margin) for running the welder, also it can run my well pump in a black out. This works for me. Having a portable generator and welder is handy. I wouldn't wish to run the generator for hours on end.. gets really expensive in fuel... and unless you purchase an industrial generator, most generators are not qualified for hours and hours and hours of running.

Agreed, if you can wire your shop, it is good to do so.

 

[Kays Supply]

I have been waiting to share this find. I found these cabinets at Sam's Club. They are what I have been looking for. I thought someone else might like them.

 

[skipmarcy]

I've been holding-off buying the 115' of service wire I need for my new shed, I normally buy electrical items from Lowe's as it's closer, but was at Home Depot a couple weeks ago and found the wire I needed at a "better" price. I'm going to run 8/3 w/ground and that gives me a 50a service - plenty to run a small welder. HD had a 125' roll of the 8/3 for $175, Lowe's doesn't even carry it. I was expecting to have to buy 6/3 at Lowe's and it was going to cost me about $280 at last price check. It pays to look around. Was the same thing when I bought the 3" schedule 80 conduit for my house 2 years ago - I saved $22 per 10' stick getting it from HD as opposed to Lowe's.

 

[EddieWalker]

... I'm going to run 8/3 w/ground and that gives me a 50a service - plenty to run a small welder. HD had a 125' roll of the 8/3 for $175, Lowe's doesn't even carry it. I was expecting to have to buy 6/3 at Lowe's and it was going to cost me about $280 at last price check. ...

Not sure if you mis-typed this, or if you are going to run 50 amps through 8/3 wire. It is my understanding that you run 40 amps through #8 wire and you need #6 wire for 50 amps.

You compared 6/3 at Lowes or $280 with 8/3 at Home Depot for $175.

At full draw, the 6/3 will be plenty for a 50 amp welder if that's the only thing that you have on the line. Will this be a dedicated line for the welder? or will it be a power supply for a sub panel that will also supply other demands?

Eddie