Hey guys I rolled the dice with this Clarke welder to finish my Dodge build and I need to figure out what size gas generator will work with it! The 10k watt generators are out of my budget but I can get 5k - 7k on craigslist for $300-$500 What size can I get away with. is there a mathmatic chart watts to amps ratio I need to watch out for? I am still new to welding but an expert grinder? LOL The lincolns are nice but its all out of the budget these days. A few years ago I was welding at my old house and the AC compressor for the House literally melted and the circuit breaker cought on fire! Maybe was just the welding gods telling me something so I dont want to test out this house LOL Clarke Specs Paid $305.00 on evilbay Clarke USA 190EN WE6484 MIG/Fluxcore Wire Welder (220V) This NEW in factory sealed box Clarke 190EN MIG/Fluxcore 220V Wire Feed Welder is easily converted from Gas to Fluxcore welding and will easily weld 1/4 in. steel in a single p***! Electronic wire speed control and 6 variable heat settings allow you to precisely adjust the welder to your needs and is fan cooled for better performance. Operates on 220 volt electrical supply. You will be getting this NEW in factory sealed box Clarke 190EN welder along with roll of wire, welding mask, chipping hammer, and manual as well but NO regulator. Check out the new Clarke gas regulator to go along with this if you will be doing gas welding in my other listings! Features: 6 power settings for maximum welding control Easily welds 1/4" in a single p*** Fan cooled for better performance Solid state electronic heat control with large PC board for better wire speed control Weld steel, aluminum, stainless, copper and cast iron, requires correct wire and gas Operates from standard 220 VAC. Automatic thermal safety switch prevents overload Mig gun with full On / Off safety control. Mig Gun is non-live with built in gas shut off. Welds with or without gas Tough metal casing Input 230V, 60HZ, 25 Amps, 1 ph Weight 65lbs.
Easy, just wire in the appropriate sized wire and breaker into your panel and get the proper plug in for the welder. 8 gauge wire, 30 amp - 220volt breaker and you are good to go. You can even make a 220 volt extension cord with the proper sized wire and ends. Generator ? Plug the damned thing in and use it like it was made to be used.
I will see what this really old house I live in has in the circuit breaker box. There is a few newer boxes out side I will check those also. Just not sure if I want to risk it and I can also use it for jobs away from the house also! Thanks
If you must use a gennie you will need at least a 5000w unit.I use one at work all the time with the lincoln sp175 and a honda 5000w gen with no issues.
Theres something about surges and volt dropage that can damage your welder or generator or both, I believe there is a device or precaution that has to be dealt with before you just plug and go. Any one hear of this?
I have never had an issue with my set up and use it alot.Although on some of the more inexpensive generators I could see maybe having and issue not being able to handle the inrush current when you start a bead.Good point!
HA! HA! Sometimes I dont pay attention to what im typing! gennie(generator) I sorta said it twice in the same sentence huh.sorry!
There is no linear conversion from watts to amps. However, to power your 230 volt welder at full load 25 amps you would need 5,750 watts. The calculation is 230 volts x 25 amps = 5,750 watts. A 5500 watt generator is marginal. I would be on the lookout for a 7500 watt generator to be on the safe side. Scott Fab Manager Welders360
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