Parweld XTM 160i / L

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Hi Guys

I'm currently doing a mig welding course at college. When completed I want to work on my classic car, I need a mig welder that can run off a generator as I have no mains power at my garage.

I was looking at an Inverter type like the Parweld XTM 160i , quite pricey but wondered if any cheaper suggestions were available.

Also I need advice on what size generator I would need ( cheapest option)

Thanks

Paul

 

[pedrobedro]

Also I need advice on what size generator I would need ( cheapest option)

Thanks

Paul

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings Paul but there is no cheap option unless you can connect to a lamp post nearby. The manual for my Minarc mig says it is generator friendly but I never tried it. The minimum it recommends is a 5kva and the ideal is 8kva which is going to cost more than the welder. A friend of mine tried to run a buzz box off his Aldi two stroke generator and it was quite comical it struggled to make sparks.

 

[Richard.]

Usual quick way to tell what size you need is output amps x max ocv then double it to allow for the inrush surge.
160amps x 25v roughly x2
To be safe an 8kva gen set needed to run it properly.
It's not just about having the power there to use it to full potential but if you do connect it to a set not up to it you can damage inverters as they try to pull the current needed.
As above the gen set will be more than the welder.

 

[Tom Orrow L]

Is there a reason for needing a generator to power it? That machine will quite easily run off a 13A household plug.

*EDIT* i've now realised the reason why.

 

[Richard.]

"I have no mains power in my garage".

I'm assuming his garage probably isn't on the side of the house either or an extension cable would be cheaper than a gen set.

 

[Tom Orrow L]

"I have no mains power in my garage".

I'm assuming his garage probably isn't on the side of the house either or an extension cable would be cheaper than a gen set.

Completely missed that bit didn't I?

 

[Richard.]

Completely missed that bit didn't I?

Yep.
Had it been a Monday morning it would of been an acceptable mistake but as its nearly Wednesday lunch time your a doughnut