Welding Machine Advice

[cbrown]

I need a portable welding machine to fix minor things where I don't have 220 access or build some horse stalls in my barn. My barn is 36x86 and I do have 220 on one end but want something portable.

I would really like a Miller 211 and run it off of a generator. What size generator would I need to run a 211? I have talked to three different Miller dealers in Waco and they all tell me, " a Miller Bobcat will run it". Of course it will, if I had a Bobcat I wouldn't be asking!

[Ironman]

It's my understanding that you would need a 7500 watt continuous to run on 230V and a 4000 watt continuous to run on 115 volts.

[kmitchl]

When looking at running a welding machine from a generator keep in mind that you will not normally be running at the max nameplate amperage of the welding machine. I have run my Lincoln Wirematic 255 from a 5500 watt generator. The only time I would expect to max out the current would be running aluminum with a spool gun.

[Ironman]

When looking at running a welding machine from a generator keep in mind that you will not normally be running at the max nameplate amperage of the welding machine. I have run my Lincoln Wirematic 255 from a 5500 watt generator. The only time I would expect to max out the current would be running aluminum with a spool gun.

Agreed, but it's the initial start up spike that kills the deal when running a welder off of a generator.

[cbrown]

What about tuning a 211 off an extension cord? What size cord for 50' off of 110v or 220v

[flinger]

50 ft kind of far for 220 on a extension cord. I have a 12 gauge 20 ft extension cord in the shop I use for 220 without any issues. Might give miller a call and ask 220 at 50 ft, may not be a problem on 12 gauge but I would want to be sure.

[45er]

vouch for this

It's my understanding that you would need a 7500 watt continuous to run on 230V and a 4000 watt continuous to run on 115 volts.

Just asked Millermatic this exact question three days ago. 4000/7500 watts for 120/230 volts respectively is the minimum.

[HoustonR6ryda]

Hobart Handler 190 MIG with a 5500 watt would work on a shipping container ?
I need to put in doors/windows framed with square tube.

[Ironman]

Hobart Handler 190 MIG with a 5500 watt would work on a shipping container ?
I need to put in doors/windows framed with square tube.

That should work.

[HoustonR6ryda]

thanks

That should work.

any idea the gauge of most corten steel containers?

[Dale Moser]

Miller 140 and a long heavy cord.

[txpitdog]

Just asked Millermatic this exact question three days ago. 4000/7500 watts for 120/230 volts respectively is the minimum.

Is that the minimum to get the machine to weld reliably at the lowest setting or does that cover the entire range of what the machine can do (up to full blast)?

[8mpg]

A little outside the box, but I have seen guys run 120v welders off one of these Dewalt power banks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDTw95y8-4c

230v is great...but are you really going to weld 3/8"+ metal? My fence guys who did my house run a 120v welder off a 100' extension cord off a house or a generator.

[Lethal Injection]

Another option and cheaper than the Miller is the Hobart 210 mvp, got a great deal on one through Blain's Farm and Fleet online.

[jefandaward]

You should be able to pick up a used bobcat or ranger pretty cheap, then you’ll have a backup generator as well