Power for Inverter Welder

[Organicfarmer1972]

I've been reading up on how great the new technology is for the inverter welders so I have two questions for the resident experts.

Is it worth the investment for someone who does only occasional welding (and I'm not very good either to be honest)

Also if I want to use it for fence work, would a portable generator provide enough power to use it in the field?

Thanks in advance guys (and guyettes)
 

[jon f mn]

Never used one either, but found this link seems to answer your questions fairly well.
Untitled URL Link

 

[Stick welding]

You can buy an inverter for considerably cheaper than a low end AC/DC transformer and have a superior machine with a much higher duty cycle. Inverters put out very smooth DC weld current. Ask Puddles about his inexpensive Everlast inverter. An inverter will make you a better welder while a low end transformer is more likely to make you frustrated and invent new curse words.
 

[Puddles]

The majority of my welding experience is with diesel engine drive welders. First inverter I ever bought was the Dynasty 300. Just amazed me how much control an inverter has over the puddle. But the Dynasty is a poor excuse for a stick welder. On an impulse buy I bought an Everlast PA-200 stick welder. WOW! What a nice arc! Just as nice of an arc with 7018 as my Red Face machines, and welds 6010 just as nice as my Short Hood machines. Now the PA-200 has auto hot start, and arc force, I can tell it is there, but I wanted more, so I bought Lincoln's V350-Pro, with spool gun. Hands down the best welding machine I have ever ran! But it was $5,000.00 + where has the PA-200 was $315.00 FOB my front porch.

If you want to know more about the Everlast machines Mark Lugo is a sponsor in the welding section on TractoByNet forum, he can explain everything, and he is a very knowledgeable weldor. If you're not already a member there join, and ask Mark a question or two.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/welding/