[TheForge] OT: Generators

Tue Sep 2 17:31:01 2003

Ralph has a good point. I have a Lincoln Ranger 10. It does stick, MIG and
TIG and has 10 kW at 120/240. It is diesel and runs a long time on 5 gal. It
runs my whole house (heat pump, freezer, fridge and water heater) on
problem. I got mine at an auction for $2500.00.
Darrell

http://www.machinemaster.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ralph Sproul" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 01, 2003 6:58 PM
Subject: Re: [TheForge] OT: Generators

>         Steve,  I'm going to throw in option number three and go right
over
> the portable vs. standby and suggest you consider a portable welder.
>         The power output on some of these new small 20-24 hp gas drives is
> pretty amazing...........and they are continuous duty machines.
>         If I was going to look for backup power, I'd consider this option
> for the following reasons:
>
> 1) your buying a motor and generator either way - why not pay a few bucks
> more and earn money with it.
> 2) Propane does not vaporize real well at sub zero temps - which is when
> some power outages occur around here
> 3) You'd have it mounted on a truck or trailer already and just run a cord
> to an inlet jack in your domestic system.
> 4) If it's gas drive it will start below zero better than propane or
desiel.
> 5) you probably wanted a portable welder anyhow.   :-)
> 6) I think some of the Miller welders have 10 KW available and it can be
120
> or 240.
>
> Ralph
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Steve Smith" <[email protected]>
> To: "theforge" <[email protected]>
> Sent: Monday, September 01, 2003 6:36 PM
> Subject: [TheForge] OT: Generators
>
>
> > We just moved to somewhat rural Maine (Brownfield) and thought it wise
> > to invest in a generator and transfer switch. I'm finding which
> > generator to be a decision with lots of conflicting advice, and I'd like
> > to "generate" more.
> >
> > We already have propane, so this seems like a much better fuel than
> > gasoline or diesel, given how much stored fuel is needed to last through
> > a couple of days. This part was easy.
> >
> > I was all set on a portable Winco unit until a guy (who sells
> > generators, not an unbiased source) warned me against portable
> > generators. He says that portables are only intended for a few hours of
> > operation (that they overheat), and that they should not be used as
> > backup power that might need to be on for several days.
> >
> > So I looked at fixed "standby" generators. Rated for continuous duty,
> > solves that problem. I figure our current load is about 5kW, so I have
> > been looking at a 7kW Generac. There are, however, a sizeable number of
> > people out on the web who say Generac is cheap junk. My electrician
> > agrees. He says a portable should work ok for continuous use. The next
> > step up from the Generac I'm aware of is a 12kW Onan, which is almost
> > twice as much money.
> >
> > The other issue is the size of the motor. If you compare fuel
> > consumption for a 12kW and 7kW generator, both putting out 3-3.5kW, the
> > 12kW machine consumes 50% more fuel! So sizing the generator to the load
> > looks pretty important.
> >
> > I love to say this to a bunch of blacksmiths--opinions please?
> > Especially on fixed vs. portable.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Steve Smith
> >
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