A Welding Generator for More than Just Welding
A welding generator sounds as if it is used for just welding purposes but in fact, one can be used in a variety of applications. In fact, some people choose this option for their emergency power needs because it can handle more wattage and still come in for relatively the same price tag as a regular generator.
Use for Welding Purposes
The primary customers who purchase a welding generator do so because they actually have welding projects they need to work on, especially for areas away from traditional electrical power sources. Farmers, ranchers and welders all have uses for this type of generator and will likely use it regularly for such things as building a metal fence in the middle of a pasture.
A welding generator typically always provides a DC output that is good for stick-type of welding. You can weld cast iron, stainless steel and mild steel and even use a process called a heli-arc. If you plan to weld aluminum, you would need a welding generator with a constant voltage (CV) output or a special AC output source. Flux cored welding projects which allows the use of rusty materials would need a generator with the constant voltage output.
A good welding generator is one that provides enough power so that you could weld while someone else could power up some tools. Not all of them are good at both welding power and generator power at the same time. Therefore, if you are after a welding generator for its welding options, decide if the simultaneous generator power is worth a few extra dollars.
Alternate Uses
Some people will use a welding generator as their emergency generator. It can handle more wattage than a generator specifically designated for emergency use and you can plug things directly into it as well. In addition, unlike regular emergency models, the welding generator usually can handle more starting wattage loads. Starting wattages of appliances typically are larger than their running wattage load.
As with any other generator however, you have to determine how many watts you need powered up before deciding on a particular model. Always err on the side of caution and get a bit more power than you think you need because you never know just what type of emergency you run into.
You will be surprised at how much you might actually use the welding generator during those non-emergency times. So maximize your investment and go for the welding generator instead of an emergency generator model because you will get more options and more power for practically the same price.
