Making electricity- welder???

[Chaz]

Ok, nuther quick question.
 
  I have a 4k watt generator in my bus. Worthless. I also have a 8k watt Miller Bobcat portable welder. Hmmmmm............ See where I'm going with this? It's a gas Onan motor. 18 horse, I think.
  I know it's not the BEST or even the final solution, but until I find a good diesel that I can afford, I thought I'd try it. Mainly, it's just to run the AC. I was figuring putting it in the AC compartment but I'm not sure it will get enough air. Not sure it won't either! I may louver the pass. side door for air to pass thru.
  I had also thought about keeping it for in the trailer I plan to pull when I get to hit the road more, and be able to weld for people if they need a hand and also use it for my art work. I even thought about having a cord to tie it to the inverter from the trailer.
  Any comments?? Good or bad. I just need some juice for now. 

  I know, I know, let me have it! 
      Chaz

[TomC]

What is the welder rated at 120vac?  Typically, the 120vac windings are only for intermittant use-like for the grinder, and not for full rated wattage.  The unit should have the rating on the serial plate.  What is the Onan- a 2 cylinder opposed air cooled?  These typically run at 3600rpm. And with it mounted in the condenser bay, it will be wide open to the neighbors.  I know if I were parked next to you I would both not appreciate all that noise, and would first ask you to shut it off, and if there was room, I'd just move else where away from the noise machine.  Personally don't like anything powered by gasoline.  If you do anything, buy a cheap used Diesel once, and be done with it now, instead of going through the hassle of mounting it, plumbing it, wiring it, getting a fuel tank for it, and then tweeking it to make the gasoline unit work.  If you want to use it for occasional welding during the day, I could see that.  Remember-there is no such thing as a too quiet generator.  Good Luck, TomC

[Chaz]

Thanx Tom.
  I don't think I will use it enough right now to really bother anyone. I know it would if I were to be parked next to someone in a campground. But right now, I would really only use it for AC going down the road and an "occassional" over nighter. But I would be responsible about the noise. I don't like to bother people.
  Oh, by the way, Jerry Lieber showed me his exhaust hookup on his gen and is was pretty cool and VERY quiet. I was contemplating something along the lines of that.
  I looked on the serial plate but don't think I found anything I was looking for.  It is a 2 cylinder opposed 120/240 , 35/70 amp machine with a 3600rpm rating.
  I agree with the idea of gasoline. But buying ANYTHING right now is out of the question. (I'm selling stuff!   Even considered my bus and house........... briefly But I'm trying to weather it out.)
  Anyway........... I was just trying to make something work. But as usual................

  Thanx again,
      Chaz

[Ncbob]

Chaz, based on my experience with portable welders, and the Bobcat is among them, the air cooling system isn't built to be used going down the road in an enclosed area.
Yes, they'll put out about 8 KW at 120 and be more than adequate to run your roof A/C's but it will virtually starve for cooling air....unless you fabricate some sort of system where it can get fresh cool air and exhaust the hot air.

Normally they would draw cool air in from the back of the housing to cool the windings and the engine and exhaust the hot air out through the front of the housing.

And...while they usually idle...waiting for you to strike the arc for welding...they will run at a constant 3600 RPM's while generating A/C power.

Having the fuel storage tank above the machine isn't the best idea, IMHO, in a closed space like a bus.

Didn't want to pee on your parade...but you might want to check with your insurance carrier before doing something like this....just to CYA.

Bob

[Chaz]

Thanx Bob!!!!!!!!!
  That is along the lines of what I have come to find out also. Kinda sux, but........
  A fellow fabricator friend of mine seems to think an electric radiator fan mounted on the drivers side door of the coach would solve the getting the air in issue, but we have to get creative to get the air out.
  In October, I will have access to a louver machine and will be doing some louvering to the door on the pass.side and the motor cover door. (or above it)
  But for right now, I'm still just "contemplating" using the welder. I am talking to Jerry Lieber to see how I can get her working for a little overnight trip coming up. I may just go with some batteries, my 4024 inverter and a little generator to just help a bit. But I am not very versed in this sort of thing. (I'm much better at beatin on steel!  ) Jerry really knows his stuff so hopefully he can get creative and with what I have to work with and I can get by for that weekend. (An old Navy buddy is coming in town and I want to take him to Auburn IN. to the big collector car auction. We only see each other every few years, and I'd like to show him a good time)
  Anyway, thanx for the insight, Bob!!!  I appreciate it!!
        Chaz

[Chaz]

Just used that welder again. I hadn't used it for about 4 years.( Put up a BIG gazebo for a buddy. )

Yup......................................... way too noisey.    But a damn good welder!!  Oh well. Since I never use it and have an older portable that still works good, I guess I'll sell it. Anyone interested?? 
I can use the "cake" for stuff for my bus.
 
    Thanx for the input,
         Chaz