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Idaho Falls, ID
When you work on a construction site or a building project, you face certain challenges, such as the lack of available power to operate tools. This is particularly true when it comes to welding.
The best solution to this powerless problem is a welder generator, which allows welding on any site that does not offer electrical power. A welder generator provides power for welding machines where it is not possible to connect to a main power supply. There are different types of welding generators that can do the job once you fill up the tank with whatever fuel is used.
One thing all of the different types of welding generators have in common is that they make welding entirely mobile. They enable welders to work wherever their projects are, including construction sites and building projects that do not have a power supply. It is no longer to limit where the welding can be done, either in a workshop or one place that has electrical power.
Here are a few things to consider when selecting the best welder generator rental services you will need.
The bare minimum required is a 5,000-watt generator to power a 120-volt welder drawing less than 40 amps at startup. This is true for many 160-amp welders. A welding machine that has 240 volts may only draw 20 amps at startup, but you will need a generator that has a minimum of 7,000 watts. There also are 8,000 and 10,000-watt generators available, which is enough power available to run an entire house without skipping a beat.
Most generators run on gasoline, although some run on LPG and diesel. The type of fuel shouldn’t affect how you use the different types of welding generators, but the cost of operation will be impacted. Diesel runs the longest for the money, which makes it more economical. It is also easy to find diesel on many construction sites, making it easier to supply it.
Propane gas costs more, but it offers the advantage of long storage, unlike gas, which has a shelf-life of only about six months. Propane also burns cleaner, which makes it safer to use in enclosed spaces that have less ventilation.
Gas-powered generators are most common for small, compact and portable units. They are highly fuel efficient and work better in colder weather. Gas is also a cheaper fuel than diesel and propane.
It is important to know whether your welding generator is AC or DC, particularly if the welder uses the opposite current. If you have an AC/DC welder, get a generator that can switch between the two.
It is also important to note the style of welding when considering the best generator for the job. The generator must meet the demands of the job. Certain types, such as a multi-process welder, require more power to operate things like plasma cutters.
The smallest, easiest welding generators to carry around from job to job are gasoline generators. They can be the size of a suitcase, making them very portable. However, the more powerful the generator is, the bigger and heavier it likely will be. So it depends on the type of work that is being done.
There are two basic designs for welding generators that impact their weight and portability. Open tube frame models are lighter and more compact, while enclosed casing models are quieter and protect the engine components against damage.
The fact that you need a generator at a work site is evidence that you are looking for portability. A larger, heavier welding generator might require renting a small trailer to mount it on because of its greater weight.
It matters how much noise the generator used for welding makes, particularly if you will be working around it for a long period of time. An encased model is quieter because all of its components are hidden behind a sealed casing. This lowers the volume of noise produced by the generator. However, you might find that the encased model does not provide enough power for the job. Don't sacrifice power for quiet.
Discuss the welding generator that best fits your needs with a rental service representative.