Portable Welding Rig AC/DC Stick TIG Generator Set

8

87vette81big

Guest
Grumpy I think a Portable AC/DC Stick, TIG, Generator would best suite my needs short term & longterm.
I work in the Field at least 1/2 the time on site.
I don't need brand new.
Used preferred .
What Key Features should I be looking for ?
How stable is current & voltage output on these contracter grade welding rigs for precise TIG work ?
Up to 30 -40 years old vintage OK.
Long as its reliable, welds clean & precise, does not Cost 100k $$$$.

Thanks,

BR
 
WHY NOT VISIT BOTH YOUR LOCAL MILLER AND LINCOLN WELDER SUPPLY SHOPS
you should be able to buy the components you need and fabricate a working trailer mounted , engine driven arc/tig welder for $5-$8K NEW or significantly LESS COST if purchased USED
just think it thru and remember you need to carry shield gas tank's tools clamps cables,supplys and accessories and a spare trailer tire and be able to keep it locked up.

HERES MY ARC WELDER,its a Lincoln engine driven arc welder, it converts to TIG with a kit , lincoln sells.
key figures ID look for is at least 200-250 amps and a name brand like MILLER or LINCOLN so you can get parts, a name brand engine like KOHLER, and add long cables so getting access to work when you can,t place the trailer right next to what your welding helps
rangerwelder.jpg

http://www.welders-direct.com/mm5/merch ... de=K2382-4
I bought as its also an emergency shop generator, and easily converts to TIG with an accessory kit, available from lincoln welding supply dealers , it requires you buy or build a trailer and fabricate welder mounts and secure storage, for accessories ,if you want to have it easily moved as it weights in excess of 600 lbs.
when I bought mine it was considerably less expensive (14 years ago) but I see then listed in local bargain traders magazines fairly often, and used boat, or utility trailers certainly are not all that difficult to find.
Its engine driven and has worked extremely well for years, the only things I did was fabricate a 30ft ground cable and clamp and 50 foot welder lead cable from 2/0 cable which is available at most welding supply stores, a 5 gallon can of fuel is worth about 6 hours of welding, a large metal , lockable accessory box on the trailer, to hold welding supply's, cables,rods, gloves, helmet etc. oil and fuel cans is a great idea
Welding-Cable-Size-Amperage-Chart.jpg


clampweld.jpg

http://www.harborfreight.com/adjustable ... 46092.html



http://www.harborfreight.com/1090-lb-ca ... 90153.html

trailert.png
 
There a quite a few used Miller Bobcat generator Welder packs for sale around me.
Low as $1500.00.
Some have under 500 hrs use.
Most don't have welding cables with.
Makes it hard to try them out.
Price is right.
I will search for Lincolns too.
Place it on my car trailer for now.
Not like anyone will pickup by hand and take it home at 500#'s.
Read some more links tonight.
 
never EVER buy a used welder with out doing several test welds, or, IF you do, buy it for near scrap price if you can,t test it, so you know your not getting in a financially bottomless pit of parts and labor purchases, to get it rebuilt and working most miller or lincoln welders will at least have parts available some off brands require re-engineering to use available name brand replacement components and in most cases its not worth the time and effort
 
May check one Miller Bobcat 225 soon Grumpy.
Bring a set of welding leads.
 
The Reviews I have read on the Lincoln Ranger & Miller Bobcat are mixed Grumpy.
Its Like Ford Vs. Chevy........ :mrgreen:
 
Grumpy can you provide me with more info on High Frequency TIG Welders used with pirtable AC/DC Stick generator welders ?
Add on options.
I found a Ton of info online last night.
Power went out for 4 hrs. Couldn't post links.
Read fron my phone.
Found many Kool & informative U tube videos too.
Bobcats around since 1967 or so.
Lincoln pioneered portable heavy duty Generator welders.
 
I try hard to post only the best related info and links, the best thing that you can do is join three separate welding forums and post all the welding questions you can and read all the threads you can, Ive been welding for 40 years but I,m no ware near as skilled as some pro welders who weld for a living so id suggest learning from experts, but don,t concentrate on only a single brand for answers

hobart
http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/s ... d-as-a-tig

miller
http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/co ... es/mboard/

GENERAL LINCOLN
http://weldingweb.com/




http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/ar ... frequency/

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/eq ... n-tig.aspx

http://www.acdctigwelder.com/welders/tig-welder-3.html
 
I know Grumpy. I do appreciate.
I have a knack for finding by accident.
The 4X4 truck guys love to fabricate & weld.
Good reading there too.
Read your links after work tonight.
 
I am reading Grumpy. Your links.
Frequency Drive for TIG Welders is a Square wave Generator output.
Control eliminate the oxide layer that forms when TIG welding non ferrous metals.
Help keep the Plasma Arc going after startup too.

I found a used Seperate Miller frequency drive today. Priced right.Can use with any portable
AC/DC Welding Rig.
Why I asked.
All new to me TIG & Pro welding rigs.
 
Your the Best Grumpy.
Awesome reading.....
I can comprehend from my past electronic background.
Squarewave output allows you to control Current.
Expensive electronic circuits required.

Time base can be varied too.

Toroid wound mini inductor transformer must be used in Inverter TIG Welding machunes.
Operate at 100Khz. RF radio frequency level..
 
As much as I love Fleabay ebay, I am real leary of making a welder purchase from there Grumpy.
I have just looked.
Research tool.
Been checking craigslust.
Auction sites.

Couldn't find a Rimac Valvespring tester anywhere recent. that was not junk shspe.
Fleabay had .
Like Rimac went belly up recent.
Have one finally. 20 years I have wanted that.
Proud purchase.
 
Brian, I don't know if you could use this but I'll put it up for some wrench spinning trading.

I have a brand new, never touched (still in sealed factory boxes) Eastwood 175 amp MIG with spool gun for Aluminum welding. Brand new, in sealed box, Eastwood Plasma cutter 115/220. Comes with spot welding kit, large welders blanket, torch end light, Many extras all new, never used. Comes with 2 large - Brand new tanks filled for MIG and 2nd Tank for Aluminum welding. Cart, Top of the line auto shade mask included - lets just say there isn't any piece left out, it's a totally "turn key" system. Included for your off-site needs is a 6500 W generator made by Subaru. It has about 40 hrs. on the clock. I can make a such a deal it's a "No-brainer." if you used this and took care of things you could turn it a year or two from now and break even if not make a profit at what I would trade it for.
It may not do your heavy work, but it's not HF stuff either.
 
Eastwood welding gear is nice Rich.
Let me know. Will turn wrenches for you.
Need a good running welding rig. Gen set. Weld in all weather. Rain & snow.
Stick & Tig contractor style.
Keep Eastwood at home. Too nice for dirty in the field work. Ruin it quick.
What I want soon can be used in rain, 105 F hot, -20F welding.
Like taking on tough impossible jobs like Grumpy anywhere anytime.
On call & Ready to work.
 
The most Sought After portable welding rigs are the Vintage Lincoln Long & short hood pipeline DC Generator welders. They use a 4 cylinder Continential engine.
SA 200 IS GOLD.
Smoothest Arc. Not matched by todays technology.
Many Pipeline Job sites won't let you in to work with any other Welding rig.
Pretty expensive also.
Early 1960's to 1969 seems to be higjly sought after Grumpy.
I have seen them around in past.
Definate not old Junk.

Used Lincoln Rangers kinda hard to find.
Still looking.
Miller Bobcats with Onan engine mostly for sale used.
Decent machine. Fair reliabilty record. Called on one. No answe back yet.
 
Craigslist Ads crack me up.
I am holding the cash $$ to buy.
Non negotable terms set in ads.
Funny thing is no one has sold there portable gas welding rigs.
1 month old ads some.
Looking 200- 500 mile radius.
 
let us know what you eventually purchase and WHY you selected it!
Ive had good results from my lincoln/generator/arc welder, but thats not saying theres not other valid options available

due too the hurricane damage in texas and the potential damage too florida that hurricane irma may provide,
I think a great many people will be looking into the potential purchase of a gas powered electric generator,
to keep the lights and refrigeration and possibly the air conditioning functional if the hurricane makes land-fall in their local area.
from experience I would suggest shopping carefully , and Id strongly suggest you get several 10Ga-12Ga extension cords that are at least 50-75 ft long as you want any generator to be as far from where you live as you can get it too limit the noise pollution,
and carbon monoxide entering your home as the generator MUST be used and run OUTSIDE in the fresh air, never inside a home or shop or garage without really good ventilation and constant outside air flow.even a open garage door will at times not provide adequate ventilation unless the generators directly in the opening and theres a decent breeze.

Id also point out that any generator will be a prime target for thieves if left un-attended so chain it to something substantial with a good lock and 3/8" hardened chain.
there were several cases of people stealing generators during the last few hurricanes in florida

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Duromax-...59632?cm_mmc=ola|criteo|28I-28-7-3|22037|D28I

http://www.homedepot.com/p/LIFAN-En...a001rw&cm_mmc=CJ-_-6154667-_-11210757&cj=true

e6b818f9.jpg


http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-7...-Start-Portable-Generator-DXGNR7000/206069299
3ae9508d.jpg



like with most things you tend to get what you pay for and honda generators have a decent reputation for durability
https://www.maxtool.com/honda-elect...generator-with-oil-alert-and-one-piece-frame?
EG5000.jpg


while this will be out of many peoples financial reach, buying a generator thats also an
arc welder and one that can be converted with an accessory kit to TIG weld
is an good option if you can afford too do so.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200383272_200383272?cm_mmc=Bing-pla&utm_source=Bing_PLA&utm_medium=Welding > Engine Drive Welding&utm_campaign=Lincoln Electric&utm_content=164593
164593a.jpg

164593b.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Setting my budget $2k used max with Welding cables.
A Lincoln Ranger 250 amp AC/DC Like Grumpy's would be great. But realistic out of my price range.Never know searching used. May show up.

A Miller Bobcat 225 G AC/DC likely fit my needs best. 8 KVA Generator output.
Run things around the farmhouse when power goes out.
Has 230 VAC Power plug too.
My well is 230 single phase. Perfect.
Onan engine on older units. Parts hard to find frim reading.
Must have fairly low hours & well maintained.
Price to buy range from $500- $1500 +.
Seems to be Iron w
 
Seems to be the iron workers choice in past here in the Midwest.
Some of those old Lincoln SA Long Hood & Short Hood DC Welders have 85,000 + Hours of use !!!
Still going Strong !
50 Hours run time is 3000 miles @60 mph in a car.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top