purchasing a welder / generator

[bnwolgamot]

I 'am considering buying awelder/ generator for home and possibly light duty work purposes , trying to figure out the best way to go is getting frustrating , you have ac and dc , whats the differance between the two and what would you suggest as the best buy , the champ 4500 ac or the champ 1435 dc , duty cycles seem to be the same and they both seem to be great products , soI like the honda engine over the briggs and stratton , I guess i just need a pro's opinion,
thank you ,
Brian.

[WELDER1]

Brian, definatley consider the PREDATOR PRO made by Thermal Dynamics. Excellent welding machine, 10,000 KW generator. 110, 220, and 440 auxillary power. It has a 20 hp Honda, I own 2 of these and 2 of the new Miller 250 Bobcats. The PREDATOR is by far a superior machine. They even offer a s/s cover like Miller does, I would suggest buying this for the long term. I also have used a Lincoln Ranger 250 for approx. 2 years, very good machine but still not a PREDATOR.

[axehind]

Interesting opinion WELDER1. Curious... how is the PREDATOR PRO superior compared to other brands? Do you think it has better quality parts? Does it seem to run better? Just your overall opinion on what you like about it that makes it your choice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
axehind

[Sberry]

I dont see the 4500 in the catalog, and I see they offer 2 champ models. The AC one you quote has slightly better generator power but for most field work DC is prefferable as a welding source. For light power either will work. The only time I like AC for any stick electrodes is for stainless and nickel for cast. For steel DC is the ticket. I see they offer a champ 2060 which has quite a bit more punch. 4 more horsepower engine which in small units is a lot. I am not sure about price difference.

[WELDER1]

The PREDATOR, to me, has a much better weld arc all around. Excellent with a 7018 or a 6011 up to a 3/16 rod and the machine will handle this size rod with no problem 275 amp machine. I run these machines atleast 5 days a week and up to 7 and I am nothing but pleased with them. I like the twist in lugs and not the bolt on, the lighted fuel gauge on front everything on the panel is easy to access. Now some of the "down sides" to the machine 10 gallon gas tank, DC only, but I personally dont understand in this class of machines wanting or needing AC welding power, just my opinion. The DC only to me is not a down side. If you have ever welded with a PREDATOR you surely would agree that this is a top notch welding machine. One more thing, Hobart machine is terriable, very disappointed in this machine. I think it is the 225 ??

[MAC702]

I'm intrigued for sure. I have no experience whatsoever with any Thermal Dynamics products.

BUT, I have considerable experience with Lincoln Ranger 8, Ranger 9, Miller Bobcat 225NT, an old Miller diesel, an even older Lincoln diesel, and my absolute favorite and now daily used Miller Trailblazer 301G.

They have all been good to me, and I have been pleased with the welding performance. But for serious welding, nothing touches the 3-phase welding of the Trailblazer with its independent generators (one for welding, one for aux. power). This is also the first machine I have ever put a feeder on (not counting plugging in a Millermatic) and have had excellent performance from its CV capabilities. Then again, this is a $3500 machine.

[Hobart Expert Dave]

The 1435 is a DC welding arc and has 3500 watts of auxilary output. The Cham 4500 is a AC welding arc and it has 4500watts of auxilary. Both are good welders, AC welding is more dificult to weld with, More spatter in the arc and had to do out of posistion welding. The 1435 with the Dc weld output gives a smother arc and is easy to do out of posistion welding. You just need to out weigh if you need the extra 1000 watts of aux power.
dave Evans

[Paychk]

Originally posted by MAC702
But for serious welding, nothing touches the 3-phase welding of the Trailblazer with its independent generators (one for welding, one for aux. power). This is also the first machine I have ever put a feeder on (not counting plugging in a Millermatic) and have had excellent performance from its CV capabilities. Then again, this is a $3500 machine.

I second that, the company I work for has 2 of these, the only thing I would've wanted was to go with the 301D (diesel ver.)

[Jerry]

Now if your looking for a small welder- generator for home and small jobs and not to expensive the lincohn 4000 may be an option. I bought this one and have used it now in the field about 10 times and it paid for itself after the first couple jobs.
I have welded, properly prepared 3/8" steel but would not go much more then that. If I did a lot of field work I would not of bought this unit but for the small projects I do it works fine, yet I only had it for say 8 months so hopefully it keeps on putting for a while.

Here it is
http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...eet.asp?p=5510

That is a list price I think I got this unit for around $1100.00

[Scott V]

Seems like you should compare a Ranger 305 g to the Thermal-arc.I like the Honda engine,and you could keep the Thermals aluminum windings!

The little Thermals are very good welding units,and might be the sleeper of all of them.I really want one of those with the little Honda engine.It the scout model.



http://www.thermadyne.com/evolution/...3&subcatid=120

[chub380]

The honda engine is the only thing I like on those machines. I would take my trailblazer any day of the week.

[Sandman]

I have the Hobart Champion 10,000. I really like it and it has done everything that I have asked of it. It is a DC only.I have welded on everything from tractors to building handrails for the church. In my opinion it is a good all around welder and if the power goes out the 10,000 watt generator will power my house. Sandman...

[dulknife]

i also have a champion 10,000 it is really a good welder i run my mm150 with it all the time. i am going to run my 210 off it as soon as i start another project
ken