engine welder thickness question

[welderdave]

Can someone tell me what thickness some of the engine driven stick welders can weld like say one rated around 140 amps, 180 amps and one in the 200 amp range. I am considering buying the millermatic 251 and was interested in knowing what those engine driven welders can weld. Thanks in advance. Dave

[Hobart Expert Rock]

WELDERDAVE.............140 AMP ENGINE DRIVE LIKE THE BLUESTAR 3500 OR CHAMPION 1435 ARE STICK MACHINES HONDA POWERED TYPICALLY..............
THE 251 IS A MIG MACHINE (NOT AN ENGINE DRIVE)..
THE THICKNESS OF THE MATERIAL IS INSIGNIFICANT....YOU CAN ALWAYS V IT OUT DO A ROOT PASS THEN DO SEVERAL COVER PASSES.........ANOTHER VARIABLE IS THE SIZE OF THE ROD, THE BIGGER THE ROD THE MORE AMPS REQUIRED.......ROCK
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[Mike Sherman]

WelderDave, to elaborate on what Rock said; Find a stick machine that has a 100% duty cycle of at least 120 amps and unless you intend to do carbon arc gouging, you will be able to do anything you care to. As far a migs go, I have two Miller 251X machines in my shop. We can put 40 hours per week on them with no problem running E71T-1 in an .045 wire.

[welderdave]

another question

I am considering buying the millermatic 251 because it's advertised to weld to 1/2" thickness. I understand the engine driven welders are stick welders but they don't list what thickness they can weld. If I were to decide to purchase a engine driven stick welder how do I know which amp output to choose. I am going to be fabricating a 20' long trailer for my hovercraft using 3" C channel. This is the thick steel. I have a century 130 amp mig welder now and I could either buy a 220 volt mig or stick welder. If I buy the 251 I need to install a 220 volt circuit. With the engine driven welder I'm ready to start welding. I guess I just wanted to know which amp engine driven stick welder would I need to weld 3/8" to 1/2" steel. Thanks for your help. I weld for a hobby. Dave

[Mike Sherman]

Dave, I would have to look at the specs on your machine, but flux core is a viable alternative to low hydrogen welding and is perfectly acceptable for welding any thickness of steel. I will undoubtedly be corrected by someone on this board with one, but I would think your current machine will run .035 E71T-11 with no problem, this will save you the cost of a new machine. If you are set on buying a new mig, the 251 is an industrial machine and will do everything you will ever need. Rock is correct in that you can weld any thickness of steel with just about any Constant Current machine. You just have to prep the joint properly and use an electrode suited for the available amperage. For example, I own just about 20 different welding machines, gas and electric, including some that are capable of 600 amps, you know what I have at home? A $150.00 Lincoln AC buzzbox. I can weld just about anything I care to with that. So have fun and maybe save some money.

[welderdave]

Thank you

Thank you everyone for your help. You have answered my questions and have been a big help. Dave

[cope]

Mike Sherman

Friend are you telling your age! Its been 30 years since a Lincoln was that cheap! But for what Dave wants to weld, a 225 amp stick machine is plenty.

[Kevin W]

Dave,

My dad has a Lincoln Ranger 8 ( Engine Driven ) and I have been using it to weld 4 inch 1/4 wall steel post for a fence on on my farm. I can run all day long at 125 Amps with out missing a lick. You can find them used with low hours for about $1800.00 or brand new for $2500.00