Generators

[1972K20]

Any advise when shopping for generators? I want to be able to run 220. Are the Harbor Freight generators any good?

[Thealien]

Would need more information to make any recommendations.

Every day use or a few times a year use?

Is there a certain piece of equipment that you would like to run on 220 or is there a few pieces of equipment you want to run? What is the wattage of what you would like to be able to run.

Do you already have propane or natural gas? If not what are your plans for fuel storage? Larger units can consume quite a bit of fuel.

With that being said there is some good YouTube videos on all of the different generators with a few people testing them out. The harbor freight predator series to seem to get good reviews but I have no first-hand experience. For occasional use I would probably give them a shot. If you plan on running things weekly I might looking to something with a little better reputation?

[1972K20]

This would be occasional use at a barn with no power available. The 220V items are a compressor and a welder. Other than that, basic shop tools. I'm not sure which fuel I would use...I do have a propane tank on site.

[Thealien]

Would you need the compressor or welder at the same time? Compressors and welders can be tough on generators with inrush and start up current.

Do you generally store gasoline at your place? If so fuel storage and occasional use should be fine.

[1972K20]

The welder and compressor would not run simultaneous. Storing fuel should not be an issue. What's the best fuel propane, gas or diesel? Or a combo?

[Thealien]

I don't have an answer to that. To me the best fuel is the one I already have or use. If I needed something to run for weeks at a time it would be propane or natural gas if I had it. Diesel is great and personally think it stores better (all petroleum products should be in rotation). For occasional use gas is fine in my humble opinion.

As I said type generator into a you tube search. I've watched hours and have learned a lot.

[68panelman]

Use the propane thats already on site. I have a Honda tri fuel generator that has yet seen gasoline so not to gum up the works and starts beautifully every time.

[ky-donzi]

I would not buy a HF almost anything, especially a generator.

We had a ice storm a few years back and alot of low priced generator made it into our area some were HF, some were other cheap ones.

Many many problems to name a few I had direct contact with.

(1) the valve train was completely shot after about 20hours of use. the recoil busted also but this could have been from misuse
(2) the rectifiers went out in less than a week

I would stick with name brand items with briggs/honda/kholer engines

[Richard]

The Harbor Freight generators work fine. I have an 8750w and have used it for years, has hundreds of hours of use. Due to "public safety power shut offs" two to 4 times a month for the last few years. I am careless about maintaining it. Last time I changed the oil it only drained a few ounces. It is noisy, but most all higher output portable are. One drawback is I use the 220v to power my entire house. 220v output is limited to 30a when it could be more. Looking for a 10-11k myself with 50a 220v. Need to get it soon as Ca banned sale of small gas engine devices here as of next year. Note wattage output with fuel type. Propane output is less than FF and natural gas output is even less than propane. Something that is not normally pointed out.

[1972K20]

Originally Posted by Richard

The Harbor Freight generators work fine. I have an 8750w and have used it for years, has hundreds of hours of use. Due to "public safety power shut offs" two to 4 times a month for the last few years. I am careless about maintaining it. Last time I changed the oil it only drained a few ounces. It is noisy, but most all higher output portable are. One drawback is I use the 220v to power my entire house. 220v output is limited to 30a when it could be more. Looking for a 10-11k myself with 50a 220v. Need to get it soon as Ca banned sale of small gas engine devices here as of next year. Note wattage output with fuel type. Propane output is less than FF and natural gas output is even less than propane. Something that is not normally pointed out.

Good points.

So, with the ban on the sale of small engines in California, will folks be making purchases from out of state or on-line?

[Dead Parrot]

What type welder? Old school transformer or newer inverter?

I have a 3kw military inverter generator(MEP 831A) that is supposed to provide 31A @ 120V. On a static load it does real good. If I try to use my Lincoln 140C welder(120V), the disconnect on the generator often opens. Guessing the inverter generator doesn't like the instant short the welder provides any time you have an oops with the wire distance.

Something to test before you buy an inverter type generator.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by 1972K20

Good points.

So, with the ban on the sale of small engines in California, will folks be making purchases from out of state or on-line?

Most online will not ship to Ca if product cannot be sold here. Guessing some may cross state lines for a better product. Funny thing when talking to a neighbor about the ban he said "just get an electric generator". Said to him that is a battery, lol!
I went to great lengths to a get a quality paint for my 72. The clear on my 9k paint job on the 94 is already failing after only 3 years. When my awesome mother-in-law has left us we will most likely be looking to relocate from our born and raised state for a more reassuring retirement.

[1972K20]

Originally Posted by Dead Parrot

What type welder? Old school transformer or newer inverter?

I have a 3kw military inverter generator(MEP 831A) that is supposed to provide 31A @ 120V. On a static load it does real good. If I try to use my Lincoln 140C welder(120V), the disconnect on the generator often opens. Guessing the inverter generator doesn't like the instant short the welder provides any time you have an oops with the wire distance.

Something to test before you buy an inverter type generator.

I have a 220V Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC stick welder. I was looking at the specs on it to understand what amperage it needs to run properly. Here's what I found:
https://www.millerwelds.com/-/media/...d8-0.pdf?la=en

It says "Amps input at rated output 230V: 47.5" So, is it that the amps needed? What happens if the power source does not provide that amount of amperage?

This generator shows it has a 240V/50A outlet.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...5?cm_vc=-10005
Is that what is needed for the welder to work properly?

[AussieinNC]

Specs on that generator list outlet 120/240 on a 50 amp breaker...doesnt really mean that much.

It also lists Running Watts of 8000 W

Running Amps work out then to 33.33 Amps (8000 divided by 240)

As the welder needs 47.5 Amps for optimum output capability, this generator will only provide 70% of the required amperage.

To get the recommended amperage a generator would need to have a running watts rating of 11,400. (240 x 47.5)at 240 volts.

Not a recommendation, but something like this would be closer to what your need.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DUROMAX-...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by 1972K20

I have a 220V Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC stick welder. I was looking at the specs on it to understand what amperage it needs to run properly. Here's what I found:
https://www.millerwelds.com/-/media/...d8-0.pdf?la=en

It says "Amps input at rated output 230V: 47.5" So, is it that the amps needed? What happens if the power source does not provide that amount of amperage?

This generator shows it has a 240V/50A outlet.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...5?cm_vc=-10005
Is that what is needed for the welder to work properly?

you'd be better off buying a new mig welder than trying to buy a 50 amp generator. to convert watts to amps divide watts by voltage. the generator you linked to is 8000 watts, divide by 240 volts = 33.3 amps. reverse the math: 50A X 240V =12000W minimum to run your welder. you've just jumped from a $900 generator to a $2500 generator

i run my whole house on a $500 5000W, 20A generator, i'm on a well, so no power, no flushing the toilets. i can do most anything with the generator: wire weld remote locations, furnace at house and shop, well water, washer, dryer, computer and internet. i just can't do everything at the same time.