Can I run a mig 150 off a generator?

[Rune]

Didn't know where else on the forum to ask this

I have a sealey mighty mig 150 that it's looking like I'm gonna have to run off a generator if possible for a few jobs on a car a mate's doing for me. The garage he's using to do it in has no electricity supply

Read somewhere on the net a sealey 150 can be run off a generator with 1500-2000 watts rated output

Anyone know if this is correct?

I can get my hands on a 2200w peak/2000 rated jenny for a reasonable price but I don't wanna splash out on it if it's not gonna be up to running the mig

I'm not much of a welder myself especially with cars but it's not heavy work, body stuff, basically a wheel arch, outer sill, floor panel and battery tray so I'm guessing the thickest material used is likely to be 2mm steel

If anyone out there runs a similar spec mig off a generator what genertaor are ya using? I'd be interested to know

 

[Country Joe]

Hi there, Rune & welcome to the Forum!
In answer to your question - no, the generator you're thinking of won't be anywhere close to what you'll need. It would barely run a kettle!

The welder demands a huge amount from the generator when starting the arc, I can't remember how much more, but much more than you would normally imagine.

Take a look at this thread, as it gives an idea of how much more you'll need:-
http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=5223

Maybe this one, too:-
http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=1756

More answers from others will surely follow, but I wouldn't go out and get that one just yet!
All the Best,
CJ

 

[Justme]

Using that welder on thin car panels & you will get away with about 4 or 5 kVa. Running it at it top end on thick steel & you will want more like 6-8kVa.

Assuming the genny is of reasonable quality.

 

[chevy2]

I often use a generator for arc welding in parks normally doing railing and gate repairs,
Normally get a 4kva output genny which "just" about does the job,
Could't hire a 4kva local yesterday, only found a 3kva which gave me about 60-70 amp welder output,
I'd get around a 5ka+ genny for that mig as when a smaller one struggles i'm guessing it'll probably also affect the wire speed?

 

[Rune]

Thanks for the replies guys

Not worth that kind of expenditure just for a couple of days, the being without mains electricity is a temporary thing

We've actually managed to get a few days supply by dint of a really long extension and a promise to do a free job for the person plugging the other end in for us and after that it won't matter anymore

 

[Country Joe]

If the extension cable is "really long", it needs to be "really chunky", too - or you'll get quite a bit of voltage-drop.
All the Best,
CJ

 

[Justme]

If using more than one extension use the thickest one nearest the supply & get thinner the closer to the welder you get.

What sort of distance are we talking?

 

[jerrytug]

If using more than one extension use the thickest one nearest the supply & get thinner the closer to the welder you get.

What sort of distance are we talking?

That's interesting,why have the x-leads arranged like that? Cheers Jerry

 

[brightspark]

If using more than one extension use the thickest one nearest the supply & get thinner the closer to the welder you get.

What sort of distance are we talking?

err just use a heavy lead the full length voltage drop doesnt get less at the far end of the lead