Gasoline welding generator: choice, manufacturers

Generator for welding: choosing an alternator and calculating power
Not every generator is suitable for welding, and this is important to understand when choosing. Essentially, electric welding is a short circuit, so not every generator will respond adequately to it.

In addition to power, it is important to know that there are different generators: asynchronous, synchronous, and also inverter. Synchronous generators are not suitable for welding work, and inverter generators are not designed for this purpose.

Therefore, before choosing a generator for welding, it is important to understand what to look for first.

Description

Currently, stores offer two types of generators, which are designed to work in conjunction with welding machines . It is customary to highlight:

• synchronous;
• welding

The first type is conventional voltage sources that support operation with household appliances and welding inverters.

If we talk about welding generators, then these are small devices, additionally equipped with a built-in welding machine. Due to the fact that they require very little space, they are very convenient to take with you . It is important to take into account that gas generators with a welding machine differ in power indicators. Therefore, consumers need to choose a suitable model with an emphasis on this characteristic.

Top 2. Fubag WS 230 DC ES

Rating (2021): 4.87

Best value for money Professional high-power gasoline generator designed for the highest loads.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 105,100 rub.

• Country: Germany
• Engine capacity (cm3): 458
• Engine power (hp): 13.4
• Generator power (kW): 5
• Maximum current (A): 230
• Noise level (dB): 77

Professional welding generator designed for the highest loads. At peak it produces 5 kW of power, but its current is 230 amperes. The device will easily pull an electrode 5-6 millimeters thick, and a stable output current will make it possible to lay an even seam. Smooth adjustment deserves special attention. Inverter tool. The minimum current is 50 A, and the increase step is 3 units. Simply put, the welder has the ability to set the required value as accurately as possible in order to weld metals with any electrodes. The disadvantages include the relatively high cost and heavy weight. But all this is explained by the purpose of the tool and its capabilities.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Stable current
• Smooth current adjustment
• High level of security
• Large fuel tank

• High price
• Heavy weight

See also:

• 10 Best Welding Machines for a Beginner

Design features and operating principle

Some experts distinguish gasoline generators for welding into a separate type of generators that operate on the same principle as conventional devices.

At the moment the arc is ignited, a welding current is supplied to the armature winding, which ensures the stability of the welding arc. The current is generated due to the transformation of energy resulting from the rotation of the crankshaft in an internal combustion engine, which makes it possible to obtain electrical energy from mechanical energy.

What current?

Available on the market:

• D.C. Budget solution for the home. For welding, supports all types of electrodes. The resulting seams are smooth and neat. Cannot be used without a rectifier.
• Variable. The advantages of this category include affordable cost and simple design. Suitable for work where there are no high demands on the quality of seams.

Selecting a generator for a welding machine

The main characteristic that you should pay attention to when choosing a generator for welding is its power. It is very important that its indicator for the generator is higher than that of the inverter. Thanks to the presence of a power reserve, the device will be able to operate in normal mode and maintain stable performance, provided that the load is correctly selected.

In order to select the optimal power of a gas generator for a welding inverter, you should first find out the maximum current consumption . You can get this information by looking at the device case, where the parameter you need is designated as Imax.

To make it clearer, let's consider this parameter using the example of a generator with an Imax 23A indicator. Power calculation is performed according to Ohm's law.

• You need to multiply the above value by 220, the result is 5060 W.
• You need to additionally add 30% to it, then the final figure will be 6600 W.
• This will be the approximate power of the generator.

When choosing a generator for an inverter, you must also pay attention to the diameter of the electrodes, which must correspond to the power of the device. For example, for a 2.5 kW generator, electrodes with a cross section of 2 mm are perfect. If the diameter of the electrodes is 3 mm, then the generator power should be 3.5 kW. Depending on the generator model you select, power requirements will vary.

It is also necessary to mention another important characteristic that consumers need to take into account - the voltage of the outlets, which must correspond to the type of inverter. If you choose a device for domestic use, then you can limit yourself to a 220 V outlet. For three-phase powerful inverters, you will need a 380 V outlet.

In addition to the above characteristics, there is one more that must be taken into account. We are talking about the body. If you are going to often take the station with you, then it is best to choose a compact model with wheels. One of the main reasons for the popularity of gasoline units compared to diesel ones is their lighter weight and size.

Top 3. Amperos LDW180C

Rating (2021): 4.59

The cheapest diesel Low power diesel generator at the most attractive price. It costs several times less than competitors.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 77,200 rub.

• Country Russia
• Voltage (V): 220
• Starting: manual starter
• Generator power (kW): 4.6
• Maximum current (A): 180
• Alternator: synchronous

If you need a low power generator, but always with a diesel drive, then this is in front of you. A very rare model on the market. The Amperos company is one of the few that produces such units. The peak power of the tool is 4.6 kilowatts, and the optimal one is 4.2 kW. The maximum current is 180 amperes with a minimum value of 80 A. There is no possibility of smoothly adjusting the current, so it is not advisable to use electrodes larger or smaller than 3 millimeters in diameter. But the device is compact and weighs relatively little. Also rare for diesel models. Another advantage is the presence of overload protection. The automation itself will turn off the tool if a problem occurs.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Compact dimensions
• Relatively light weight
• Affordable price tag

• Low power
• Virtually non-adjustable current

Selecting a generator with welding function

To ensure that the welding gas generator lasts a long time, make sure that cast iron sleeves are used in its design. Such devices can easily withstand operation for 1500 hours. But their aluminum counterparts are less reliable and can fail three times faster.

In stores today you can purchase inverters with the function of adjusting the power percentage. This is an excellent option for use in conjunction with generators, as they support operation at reduced voltage. If you are interested in just such a model, we advise you to carefully study the markings before purchasing - it must contain the PFC prefix.

Remember that gasoline welding generators are not designed for continuous use. It is necessary to take breaks while working. If you are going to use this device for 5-8 hours a day, then it is best for you to choose a diesel model. A model with a power rating from 0.7 to 5 kW is ideal for relaxation and gardening. They are lightweight, so you won't have any problems with carrying and transporting them.

A generator with a power rating of 10 kW can easily cope with intensive work for 8 hours every day. Features that also need to be taken into account include the size of the fuel tank, as well as the presence of a soundproofing casing. Many experts consider the function that allows you to start a gas generator from an electric starter to be important.

An interesting solution are models with overhead valves. If you have experience working with diesel analogues, then be sure to pay attention to the quality of the energy released. These units have such advantages as compactness, long service life, high performance and low noise level.

You should consider such a generator model only if you are going to use it to perform work on a construction site, where you will need to supply a powerful flow of energy from time to time. If you are looking for a unit for a cottage or enterprise, we advise you to choose from generators with a capacity ranging from 10 to 20 kW. Many devices of this type have the ability to start automatically, and, in addition, they can be used as a permanent installation.

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

1. Pay attention to the value of the welding current . Usually specified in a specific range. The higher the indicator, the larger the diameter of the electrodes you can use.
2. Type of welding current . It can be constant or variable. It is better to give preference to models with direct current. They allow you to achieve smooth ignition of the electric arc and its stable combustion.
3. For power and output voltage . The higher the power, the more efficient the welding work. If we consider the issue of phasing, then three-phase welding generators allow you to connect a large number of single-phase and three-phase users.
4. Decide on the type of fuel . The stations run on gasoline or diesel. The second type of fuel is considered economical. But when choosing, the buyer should rely on personal preferences.
5. Explore additional options . A good indicator for the model is the presence of a protection system, autostart, and fuel efficiency at minimal loads.

Popular models

To choose the right gas generator, you need to not only look at the operating parameters, but also take into account the manufacturer, of which there are plenty on the market today.

Characteristics of the FUBAG WS 230DC ES station

If you are looking for a gas generator for welding , then we advise you to consider the following model as a possible option. With the help of the FUBAG WS 230DC ES generator you can solve a wide range of problems, including those that arise for installation and construction teams. Thanks to the spacious fuel tank, it can operate continuously for 9 hours at a maximum load of 75%.

To start the station, an electric starter is provided, which allows you to quickly start working. It is possible to select the operating current in the range from 50 to 230 A. Using this device, you can weld metal products using arc welding using stick electrodes, which can have a cross-section from 1.6 to 5 mm.

In this generator model, automatic control is not provided. Weighing 112 kg, it is equipped with a 25 liter fuel tank. The model is easy to use and has an oil sensor for this purpose. The power drive used has a power rating of 14 hp. With. During operation, the generator creates noise at a level of 77 dB. With dimensions of 722x530x582 mm, the installed engine with a volume of 439 cm3 can be assessed as the correct decision of the manufacturer. The operation of the device is ensured by a four-stroke motor. The model is not equipped with either a handle or wheels .

Power station FUBAG WS 190 DC ES

This model can be used to connect metal products using arc welding. It supports generators up to 4 kW. For welding work, it is allowed to use only electrodes whose diameter is in the range from 1.6 to 4 mm.

This generator has a reinforced metal frame coated with paint that protects the housing from corrosion. The latter is equipped with special damping pads that reduce vibration during operation. The weight of the device is 97 kg, and the fuel tank volume is 25 liters.

The device has quite compact dimensions - 722x530x582 mm. The operating noise indicator does not exceed 77 dB. The power drive used in this model has a power of 13 hp. With. The generator is powered by a four-stroke engine. Additionally, the design includes a fuel level indicator. To turn on the power plant, you can use either an electric or a manual starter.

Characteristics of Caliber BSEG-5511

To choose the most suitable gas generator model, you should first look at several models. Among the devices on the market, the Caliber generator deserves special attention. This is a universal-purpose device that will be indispensable at car service centers and construction sites.

This unit uses an engine with an increased operating life, which is explained by the presence of a forced cooling system. Operation of the device at a load of no more than 75% without refueling is possible for 9 hours. The model comes with automatic control. The permissible power of the device is 5.5 kW. The fuel tank is quite spacious and has a volume of 25 liters. The weight of the device is 86.1 kg. For this model, the minimum and maximum current are 50 and 190 A, respectively.

Top 3. PATRIOT GW 2145LE

Rating (2021): 4.63

Smooth current adjustment The minimum value of the generator current is 20 amperes, which allows you to cook with the thinnest electrodes.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 70,900 rub.

• Country: USA (manufactured in China)
• Engine capacity (cm3): 420
• Engine power (hp): 14
• Generator power (kW): 5
• Maximum current (A): 210
• Noise level (dB): 78

If you need to weld thin metals, then this generator will come in handy. Its main feature is smooth adjustment of the current with a minimum value of 20 amperes. Thanks to this, it is possible to use electrodes less than 2 millimeters thick, that is, to weld very thin metals, for example, during body work. The active power of the instrument is 5 kilowatts with a small margin. The inverter transformer perfectly stabilizes the generated energy and no surges are observed during operation, even if the generator is used at full capacity. The noise level is also adequate, which allows you to use the tool as a power source for your home or garden.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Low minimum current value
• Transport handle
• There is power reserve
• Stable output current

• Few sockets
• Hard wheels

Application area

Welding diesel generators are widely used in construction when there is no constant and stable source of electricity. They are indispensable when laying water supply and heating networks.

Under these conditions, constant movement along the route and, accordingly, constant switching of welding machines to the nearest power source are required. Using a diesel generator eliminates this problem.

They are also used in laying gas and oil pipelines and trunk communication lines. All construction and installation trains are equipped with diesel welding generators.

In field conditions, they serve as a welding station and a source of energy for various power tools, and provide lighting and heat to the rotational camp if necessary.