Matching welder to generator

[reggie c]

Hello my name is regie and this is my first time on this forum. Thank you for acepting me. My q. Is ive got a lincoln 180 (a) that is a 20amp. And im looking for the right generator for it. I was looking at any thing of 4500-5000 watts. But should my amps on my welder be less than on the generator. I think yes or the same but im not sure can someone help me out.

 

[madkayaker]

the generator needs to e bigger than the load. Some machines don't like generators as the power is often "dirty"

 

[reggie c]

So will a 30 amp 4500 generator be large enough for my 180 lincoln or should i go bigger

 

[madkayaker]

should be make sure it is upto speed first. Might be worth checking with Lincoln about how suitable the welder is for generators

 

[reggie c]

Why should i check with lincoln first what could be the potential problem with powering it on a generator oposed to a home outlet

 

[Robotstar5]

The initial current draw when arcing up can stall a genny, it really needs to be 2 or 3 (search for relevant thread) times the rated max input current of your welder.

 

[Sinister]

I e-mailed Lincoln about running my Weld Pak 3200 HD off a generator.
They e-mailed me back the same day. Told me to run a 4000 watt generator.
I'd see what Lincoln has to say.