MrBillM - 11-12-2004 at 06:12 PM
I ran into a problem a few weeks back and was wondering if anyone else had any similar
problems.
Briefly, I have a small 110/220V "Stick" Welder that I have used for a couple of years
mostly for small welding jobs. I run the welder using either a 3500 Watt Honda or
5000 watt Coleman Genset. On the occasion in question, I had occasion to weld some
1/4 inch plate and the welder was operating at Maximum heat for an extended period.
Suddenly, I lost power and went into my generator room to find the generator head hot
and smoking. A friend who welds for a living said he has seen the same thing happen
previously so perhaps the unit was not defective. It would seem to me that the circuit
breakers current limitation would prevent the generator from being overloaded, but
perhaps not. I've used the same genset to run my A/C unit in the dead of Summer with-
out a problem for two seasons now.
Any thoughts or similar experiences ???
Bruce R Leech - 11-12-2004 at 09:29 PM
Seem like your really working a 3500 watt gen set to the max but the breakers should protect it ,check the Breakers. also most of those are not made
with Mexican gasoline in mind . Usually need to get a plant 25% larger to offset the gas Quality.or could be it was just getting tired.
TMW - 11-13-2004 at 08:12 AM
A 3500 watt gen. at 220v would have a max draw of less than 16 amps. That would be maximum. Generators usually are designed for a constant output of
something less than their maximum. What kind of current draw does your welder have. Also the circuit breakers may not be working right. Using a higher
octane gas will make the engine run cooler.
El Jefe - 11-13-2004 at 09:17 AM
I'm considering a small diesel generator for this very reason. It seems the gas gennys have a tendence to burn out after a while. . http://www.hardydiesel.com/
Anybody have experience with these?
When I lived in the states
Tucker - 11-13-2004 at 11:28 AM
I had a small Lincoln "buzzbox" that worked very well, one of the rules I followed was to try to "cycle" in accordance with the instructions. Work it
10 minutes, let it cool ten minutes. This keeps the machine cool And doesn't stress the power source.
MrBillM - 11-13-2004 at 12:43 PM
I tend to believe that the Duty-Cycle is what did me in. Although
the Genset literature rates both startup and continuous figures,
it's not unlikely that those continuous ratings are overly generous.
It's a good, albeit expensive, lesson and one I'm not likely to
forget. I've already got a new 6250 Genset loaded in the back of
my truck to haul down next week. The irony is that I took the
weld job into San Felipe and got it done for $15.00. Replacing the
genset came to $700.00.
I noted numerous replies referring to Mexican Gas, but in my case
that was not a factor. I rarely use any Mex gas in my Gensets. I
reserve the gas I bring South mostly for that purpose and when I
do use local gas, I always buy the 91 Octane and mix it with my
U.S. gas.
convert!!!
fishinrich - 11-13-2004 at 04:33 PM
Convert your generators to propane. Cleaner, cheaper, cooler---fishin rich
Welder in San Felipe?
El Camote - 11-14-2004 at 10:33 AM
MrBill,
Mind if I ask what welder in S.F. you used and were you happy with the job?
I've got a trailer that could use a little work.
Thanks.
FrankO - 11-14-2004 at 11:43 AM
What's it take to convert to propane? Since I'm in for the longhaul it might be a good idea.
Here's a link: http://www.uscarburetion.com/basic_info.htm
[Edited on 11-14-2004 by FrankO]
Baja Welder
MrBillM - 11-14-2004 at 12:13 PM
The unit I have in Baja was purchased from Harbor Freight Tools.
Model ARC-120 Item no. 40388-2VGA. Operates on 115 or 230 vac.
AC welding amps 30-120. It works fine. I experimented with it
in the U.S. before taking it down. It has no cooling fan, but
does have an overheat warning lamp. Using 230vac setting, you
can easily weld 1/4" steel plate. I looked at all of the small
welders, including Lincoln and thought this was the best deal.
Originally, it was $99.99. I bought it on sale for $89.99 and
it is now down to $79.99 on their website:
www.harborfreight.com.
Regarding the Propane gen question, I think it could be a good
idea IF you run a generator for frequent long periods of time.
I had a neighbor who required Oxygen for breathing and he ran
an Oxygen machine for 8-10 hours at a time. He had a Yamaha
3500 watt portable gen setup for propane and it was still
operating great when his body quit.
TMW - 11-14-2004 at 01:36 PM
El Camote I have used a welder in SF with good results. At the first circle in town go right toward airport. At the first street ( 4 way stop I think)
turn right. About 100 yards he's on the right. Lives in a cabover camper on the ground.
bajalou - 11-14-2004 at 09:04 PM
Mike, there are really dozens of good welders in San Felipe. I've used several and have been happy with every one.
synch - 11-15-2004 at 09:32 AM
Circuit breakers are for limiting current flow NOT Thermal limits. You can operate under the maximum current but still overheat.
Harbor Freight is a Chinese import tool shop that I've seen and bought things from oin Los Angeles. They will have some VERY cheap prices.
'nuff said on the quality?
Viva Harbor Freight
MrBillM - 11-15-2004 at 12:58 PM
What's amazing about Harbor Freight Tools is that the quality of
most ChiCom stuff is pretty good and even better when you consider
the price. The welder I bought is a good example. Their hand tools,
drill bits, tap and die sets hold up surprisingly well in casual
use. I have a neighbor who owns a Multi-Million dollar manufacturing
plant and can afford to purchase anything he would like. Harbor
Freight is his favorite tool store. All of those Chinese Convicts
working away to keep from getting a bullet in the head helps to
keep the price down.
Sitting at the Doctor's office this a.m. reading Motor Trend
Magazine there was an article about all of the Chinese components
the Big Three automakers are using in their vehicles and the fact
that higher and higher percentages are expected since the Chinese
worker (not convict) earns $.45 per hour compared to the U.S.
autoworkers $16.00 (and up).
A-OK - 11-16-2004 at 01:22 PM
Mr.Bill... Harbor freight welders are not built for lenthly runs and heat build up. The components are super cheap (weak) and spending the extra $ for
a Lincoln or Miller will pay for itself in longevity and performance. You can get a good inexpensive mig or stick box on E-Bay. I am no expert on the
matter but have been welding for quite some time (Union Piledriver). Don't get me wrong... Harbor Freight has some decent stuff for light aplications,
but put the extra coin into a reliable Miller or Lincoln.
synch - 11-16-2004 at 01:50 PM
I must admit that I bought electrical connectors at Harbor Freight when I installed fog lights and they were fine.
While there I saw a floor jack for $80 with extra low clearance so picked it up and have been very pleased with it, although it is Chinese made.
For wrenches and screwdrivers, I'd pass on HF, but they do have a lot of great deals on nearly all other things.