Learning The Basics
of Portable Welder Generator

Portable generators have rapidly become a staple in many homes, especially in hurricane-prone regions. There is, however, another kind of generator that’s fast becoming a mobile tool for farmers and ranch owners, machine specialists, and metal fabricators – the portable welder generator. Get to know more about this machine and find out why getting one is necessary.

Welding is a fabrication process that requires sufficient electrical current in order to obtain an acceptable output. There are generally three types of machines that supply power for welding, these are the transformer, the inverter, and the portable welder generator. Of the three types, the welder generator stands out.

Aside from the fact that it is mobile, a portable type of welder generator boasts of an internal combustion engine. Because of its unique internal design, the welding process becomes very efficient. The power that is being produced is made from transforming mechanical energy into electrical energy, unlike a transformer that uses utility power to achieve the desired electric current. A generator is also capable of producing DC current, thereby eliminating the use of a rectifier, which is a device used in other welding power suppliers to convert AC or alternating current to DC or direct current.

Another significant advantage of the portable type of welder generators is the wide selection of products. Unlike inverters which, typically, are more expensive and have lesser product choices, welder generators come in different packages. Based on the electrical current requirement of your welding projects, you can pick from a bracket of rated amps: below 100, 100 – 160, 160 – 225, 225 – 305, and above 305. “Rated amps” refers to the capability of the machine to produce enough current expressed in amps or amperes unit. An average high current requirement of a welding work is 80 amps, while the most complex type of welding will need 12,000 amps.

The portability of welder generators has also helped manufacturers offer their products in flexible prices. The cheapest in the market can cost only around $1,200, while a three-phase machine that can both power welding works and houses, can be bought at roughly $3,900. Prices of portable welding generators indeed have gone so attractive; in fact, a company in the U.S. is now selling 230-amp welder generators capable of producing 9,500 watt power offered at price half that of conventional machines.

Price is not the only criterion to use though when looking for the best generator, so it helps also to consider other important aspects when planning to buy. Determine the type of application your portable type of welder generator will have to be. There are machines that are compatible with welding sticks; while some are good at handling heavy-duty jobs, such as repairing or welding think metals.

Do not confuse voltage with amps since these are two completely different terms. Amps refer to the current needed for welding; voltage refers to the power needed for the machine to operate. Consider the power input. You can choose from either a 115-volt or a 120-volt generator.

Portability largely depends on how you perceive a product as portable. Ideally, a real portable type of welder generator can weigh between 200 to 300 lbs, but a 300-amp machine can weigh as much as 900 lbs. Whichever you choose, in the end, function is still the king of all criteria; mobility will just be a bonus.