How to Run a Welder Using a Generator

I connected my small inverter welder to my generator using an adapter for a cheap, mobile welding setup. This setup used shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) also known as stick welding on a Deko Pro welder connected to a Predator generator from Harbor Freight.

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[Travellingman]

I bought the same generator at HF they told me I could weld with it. I connected Vampbell Hausfield(old) Mig to it and it struggled on the lowest setting. So I got a suggestion to try the) cheapest HF stick welder, and on the 120V 13A side struggling. Then HF (a different store manager) tried to sell me a 10kW generator…I’ve ordered the 240 4 prong to 3 plug from Amazon, I’m welding tubing w/ 1/8” - 3/8” wall. Thanks for the info. As far as I can tell you’re the only one who has featured the Predator 4000 w/ a stick welder.

[codyolmstead]

Thanks for the video.
I have a small welder to run on temporary construction power. All of your points are definitely taken into consideration.

[CHRISINMCNEILL]

Just bought a Harbor Freight 3500 Inverter generator. I have a Miller 211 inverter mig welder that will run on 120 or 240. I welds 1/8 with .030 wire like a dream using 75/25 gas and a 25' 16ga extension cord on 120V. The generator will not carry the welder on a 120 20A outlet with no extension cord. I have a L5 30A twist lock adapter on the way from Amazon. I will give the 30A receptacle a try report back later in the week.

[larryaveritt]

Tim - after 2 days of attempting to learn to stick weld on a generator, I'm glad I found your video. I'm going to rent a 6kW generator because this 4kW keeps trippin' :)

[markharrisllb]

My welder is 230v 16amp, I’m in the UK. I’ve considered getting a generator in the past as I can also run my mono lights off it for my photography. I think I'll shelve that idea for now. Thank you very much for this video

[adamschmidt]

per the sales reps ive talked to from various welder manufactuers(idk if i should say who exactly) but generally speaking all recommend atleast 7000watts 120v and 13000 watts for 230v so to them our running fairly low to be able to run that welder at max...i run my welders off a 13k start and 10.5k running and have had no issues at all thus far good luck in the future

[joeaubert]

Harmonic distortion is why you can't get the full 100a. Large dc loads mess with the waveform coming from of the generator and even the grid which creates a feedback loop. If the generator isn't inverter style with low thd you can only load it to 50% with a dc load. Harmonic distortion is also hard on the electronics in the welder also.

[joelmolina]

I run an Ac 225 Lincoln at 120amps. I found I burn for 15 second with 6011 and pause then go head and start again. My generator is a 6250 storm responder Briggs and Stratton. Also this is on 3/16 2 7x8 thick pipe. Keep the videos coming bro appreciate your information.

[Eyore]

I have the exact same H-F predator generator. And Amazon adapter. It's a good little setup for ~most~ side jobs. And was relatively inexpensive. I actually prefer having this setup, compared to an engine driven welder, just for portability and versatility of the generator. Inverter welders weigh nothing, and i can use the generator for other jobs, power outages or camping, whenever needed.

[ozzynomicon]

If you have a little technical know how. This video is quite informative. Thank you. Trying to determine if my 4375 watt predator generator will run my titanium 220 stick welder. I use it for work on the road. I have a 460 amp generator I use that I engineered from a Cummins 12 valve with John deer parts in my trailer. But for the jobs out in the field far away from where I can park the generator. I use the bobcat with a mini generator and welder. This is great help. Allows me to be a bit more practical for the variance in my field.

[cristianpopescu]

My 5kw Diesel did it, till the capacitor of the Regulator unit ( avr)blowed up.I have replaced it and now works.

[noanyobiseniss]

I made that adapter a few decades ago and to get the generator to give the full power you will have to wire the throttle on full as it will not be able to push out a constant wattage while trying to regulate itself.

[FijiLaw]

Thanks! Loved the caculation bit, just what i needed

[jeironamobey]

I like your mind knowing about density altitude and the air molecules for the generators power

[ryancrazy]

some generators come with "high altitude" kits. they have smaller carb jets because the engine not only has less air to work with at higher altitude, but it also becomes WAY too rich which also robs power. so you throw smaller jets in and it at least bring the fuel air ratio closer to where it should be.

[banjerpicker]

I was going to make a extension cord for this but that adapter will save me money. Thank you

[John-Adams-Can]

Bought a 5600W 30A gen hoping this works. We will only have solar at our new property and I need to do A LOT of welding. I have a harborfright mig welder I think it will run just fine but my inverter 160A might be a prob. We shall see!

[gaetanoarnone]

Tim, Thanks for the video, it really helped with my decision on getting a generator to power my welder.

[joelwilliams]

In a pinch you can always raise the throttle on the generator to push some more power out of it if you had to

[jaredhammonds]

I run my welder on a generator and it works pretty well. Your setup is pretty close tho. The setup that would work is very limited though. You'll only be able to run a 120v welder on it. For example my Lincoln Le31mp is a 120v 15a plug. Multiply Amps X Volts to get 1800. Now look at the wattage of your generator. That's awfully close to the required juice ro run your welder. If you were to run this on a Predator 9000, it would work because it's got 72500 running watts. That's plenty of power to run something requiring 1800 watts. Also I have a splitter that goes from 240 to 2 120s. This will keep you from tripping your GFCI on your generator.