ARC Welding with a Generator? 110v or 230v?

[edessex]

I'm in a bit of an awkward situation where I'm unable to use a welder at home, I have a 'yard' (I keep some livestock and propagate/grow-on plants), but don't currently have mains power there.

Years ago I went on a welding evening course, my main area of focus was MIG, but since then I've not picked up a welder! I have an old Clarke 145ND ARC welder, and would like to brush up some skills with it.

The reason I bought an ARC welder over a MIG is that I will be welding out in the open, no shelter, and it's also much cheaper.


So, my option is to use portable petrol generators to power the welder. Have any of you guys used generators, and are there any issues with it?


I have a 6.5kW petrol generator, which seems to run it okay, and a 2.3kW one I've not tried it on yet.

The ARC welder is a voltage selectable one, it's currently on 110v. Does the voltage make a difference to the use of the welder, specifically the ease of use or the quality of weld?

Will the generators cope better with 110v or 230v, or no difference?


Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[skkylinedave]

I was under the impression that most of these things do not like the fluctuation in current unless they are a proper dedicated generator/welding set - can anyone else elaborate on this ?


Also i do not mean to state the obvious but a arc set will be no good for a car of thats what you were thinking of using it on .

[edessex]

I read loads of conflicting information on using generators relating to fluctuations or 'clean power', but couldn't manage to get a straight answer!


I'm not intending to do any work on cars with this. I could do with some welding done on a spare rear beam, but to be honest I think I'd rather get a professional to do that.

This is more about getting a bit handy with an ARC welder, and repairing / fabricating agricultural type items. I thought I'd ask on here as there are some very practical and experienced folk about...

[skkylinedave]

Yes, you know about the minefield already then ! I guess you have to get really technical and compare specifications somehow or bite the bullet and see how it goes !! It might be people who say that when they are having to do professional site work where the weld quality is critical maybe , so it might not be so important .

Might help asking on the MIG welding forum www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/ , its bound to be a previously discussed topic.

[edessex]

Cheers, I've just posted on there. Turns out I had an account from ages back when I was trying to sort out MIG bottles! lol

[stealthstylz]

Should be fine. I've borrowed a few mates mobile site welding vans a couple of times and that's all they were using.