Generator recommendations

[daniboy1_2_3]

Hi, im looking for a generator that will power a grinder and welder for a reasonable price if anyone can recommend one? Ideally it would run quiet as ill be using it in a council garage on an estate so dont want make too much noise along with all the grinding etc.

 

[the snooper]

what size welder and what do you intend to weld with it ? and whats your budget

 

[daniboy1_2_3]

Ill be welding on a car with a mig welder, im away working at the moment and cant remember the exact power requirements of the mig. Even if i could get a generator that would allow me to use a drill and grinder that would be a big help. Looking into it id have to spend quite a lot on a generator that would allow me to run a welding set properly.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

You will need a big generator - say 3kw or more if you intend using a welder. Avoid Chinese, even if new, and go for something preferably Honda powered. Unfortunatley won't be very quiet and a decent one will cost quite a bit even secondhand so have you thought about paying a householder near the garage to run an extention lead from their property ?
BTW I have a council lock-up and all tenants got a letter after a random inspection reminding them the garage was not to be used for motor repairs etc. Anybody caught would be evicted so worth checking your tenancy agreement before you start working from there.
BTW, BTW Generators are highly nickable so be warned if anyone sees you using one there then word might get around and you find it goes missing. Council garages aren't normally the most secure of things therefore, if possible, take it home with you after every use.

Paul H

 

[madkayaker]

The general recommendation is 5kva plus due to the high inrush current of welders. Smaller generators can be damaged by the high engine loading

 

[the snooper]

as mk states 5kva plus anything lower and it wont weld at all, anything with an avr that is overloaded will simply blow the avr

 

[daniboy1_2_3]

Well thinking about id be happy if i could just run a drill and grinder to prepare the car for welding. As far as my tenancy agrement goes ill have to look into that and make sure its allowed otherwise its back to the drawing board .