welder generator running on propane

[mattg]

Hello
Im looking at buying a generator powered welder, Miller roughneck 180Amp ish with 3.5kVA petrol engine.

I was wondering firstly if anyone had a comment about this machine? and secondly I would like to convert it to run off propane. For this i propose to use a Garretson KN regulator which adjusts gas flow depending on the load (it monitors vacuum through venturi AFAIK). Would this be able to react quickly enough to the striking of and arc? Would it have any other effects on the use of the machine?

Cheers
Matt

 

[the snooper]

i would think it would be ok there are gennys running on propane that power far more sensative gear and if it didnt work it would destroy what ever was running

 

[mattg]

ah yeah thats a good point. I wonder if the small size of the generator compared to the sudden 'step' in load will be a problem- big machines have a bit more inertia to keep the engine moving when hit with a sudden load...

Still, worth a shot I reckon. It would be nice to have a more environmentally friendly (and cheaper!) alternative to petrol. The pipe dream is to bolt this down in my truck and set off into the sunset, doing the odd bit of welding to pay the bills. One step closer if this i can get this thing going!

 

[the snooper]

an engine will run on gas better then petrol as it doesnt have to be atomised first so as long as your govenor system will react quickly enough i dont see a problem .

the small size of the generator wont be a problem either as everything is relative ie bigger genny big load to speed up on demand
small genny small load to speed up on demand

 

[mattg]

excellent, cheers for the info.
Don't suppose you know of a cheap supplier of garretson or similar regulators?
cheers
matt