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Question:

Diesel Generator Welder current question?

I'm a salesman for a welding supplies company, and a customer is interested in buying a diesel welder/generator for use in the paddock where he can't get electricity. While looking around I've come across a 200amp machine but it says it's a 200amp AC welder. it was my understanding that all welders are DC standard, and the AC current was only on welders to weld aluminum.

Answer:

DC is desirable, but not necessary for stick welding steels. DC produces deeper penetration in most cases. However AC can be used for stick welding just as well. AC is actually better when welding with E7024 rods. AC welders tend to be very robust because they're incredibly simple, basically just a x-former or alternator, a large rheostat, and an overload protector. DC systems are a bit more complicated. Fortunately, the machine in question seems to have 110V 15A outlets for residential-type power, in addition to the welding outlets, which are 75 volts on open circuit. Machines used for stick welding are of the constant current (CC) type. That means that the applied voltage will vary based on the resistance in the arc. Note that MIG welding uses Constant Voltage (CV.) (The current in MIG welding largely depends on the wire feed rate.) Residential current outlets also need to be constant voltage, not CC. How much welding experience do you have? A year or less? With due respect, perhaps you ought to be asking some of your customers for advice, not GIVING it to them.
NO, you are wrong. Most simple common use welder runs on low voltage high current AC to weld steel, except plasma welder that requires very high voltage DC. Of course, portable welder runs on battery power high current DC where AC power source is not available.
At 3000 RPM it would make 50 Hz. not 60 HZ power. My guess is that the speed regulation would not be good enough just because precise regulation costs more. It is rated for 75 Volts. It would probably be cheaper to buy a 10HP generator than try to adapt a welder.

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