generator/welder conversion ?

[AZglide]

Just wondering...has anyone converted a portable generator (3000W China cheap) to a welder? I know that voltage regulation would be a problem but that could possibly be overcome by trial and error with the engine speed. Internet is full of conversion instructions using GM alternators, just wondering if it would be possible to make something useful out of one of my dust collectors. Like I said it"s a HF China specials so if I let the smoke out it wouldn"t be a big loss. This one happens to be a 110/220 generator.
Thanks,

 

[IH2444]

don't think it would work.
you could get electrocuted trying to use it and probably just as you say let the smoke out.

and 3000 watts won't do much weldin.

 

[IH2444]

There are however plans out there to use a 130 amp automobole alternator as a welder. seems to work fairly well.

 

[Joe(TX)]

The voltage is all wrong. 110v as opposed to 12-24v on the welder output. It would be easier to use the generator to run a small welder.

 

[IH2444]

I think your best bet is to try and trade it for a used welder.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Sell or trade it off. It's not big enough to run a AC or DC plug welder. Had a 12K generator on tractor PTO that I sometimes ran a AC green box Century welder off of and it wasn't big enough generator. You need a 20-40 V DC generator to build a welder and several surplus places sell those to make your own or a DC welder all built up less the power ready to go.
surplus stuff

 

[AZglide]

Seen the plans to modify a GM alternator. Pretty simple, so if it would work with an automotive alternator why would it not work with an alternator like this? They are both alternators, this one is just larger and doesn't have a rectifier to convert to DC. (which is removed in the GM alternator plans) I'm not sure of the amp. rating because it's not stated in the manuel nor is there a spec. plate on it but I'm sure it is more than 130.

 

[IH2444]

Umm the size of the windings for one thing, the alternator has heavier duty windings. also it is desinged to work at lower voltages similiar to welding voltages.

The generator windings are probably sized for about 15 amps.

 

[BobReeves]

3000 watts at 240 volts is only 12.5 amps. A 65 amp alternator unregulated at 90 or so volts is over 5000 watts..

I run my Lincoln 180 wire welder on a 5000 watt generator and it works fine. Sorry but the 3K generator just ain't big enough to be much help.