What power generator?

[Batf1nk]

I've managed to find some garages to rent to sort out my cars.

THey currently have no power so will need a generator to run some lights, and a compressor, some power tools and a welder.

The only permenant draw would be from the lights in the evening. Possibly a small (2kw) heater in the colder months.

My welder is only a 150amp clarke.

So the highest load would probably be the lights and a welder. With some general tools and compressor use thrown in too. (although obviously i'll only be able to use one tool at a time).

So what power generator would I be needing.

The cheaper the better really (else I'd find a unit to rent with light and power inc)

Thanks folks.

quick edit, was unsure if this was the appropriate sub forum

 

[the snooper]

your gonna need at least a 4kva to weld and depending what size compressor you have maybe bigger

 

[grandads_shed]

i would have 2 gens.
a small one (about 600w) just to run the lights off of, then when just useing the lights it would be a lot cheaper to have the lights on.

bigger gen to run power tools and welder off of when needed, if this has a electric start then you can run a starter cable to where you are working and start and stop the gen when not running tools

 

[Batf1nk]

The compressor I have is only a small 2.5hp 25litre one. So unlikely to need as much juice as the welding plant?

 

[Justme]

I would have one bigger genny & then use a charger to keep a bat bank full so that you can run the lights from the battery bank (either mains via inverter or 12v ones direct). You will have lower running costs that way but a higher start up cost.

You will also have less noise at night when just running the lights so upset the neighbours less too.

 

[Justme]

The compressor I have is only a small 2.5hp 25litre one. So unlikely to need as much juice as the welding plant?

Thats about 1.8kw BUT the start uploads will be more like 4-6-8kw. You should look at having a least double the running load so that it can start the motor.

Oh & dont forget most gennies are quoted in KVA not kw

 

[pedrobedro]

Transformer welders are not suited to use on generators as a rule, they cause too many spikes to cope with and burn out windings quickly unless you have a massive generator which will easily cope. 8kva is the one recommended to run the Minarc mig with an absolute minimum of 5kva and they are inverter based not transformer so will be kinder to run.