On 12 Apr 2008 at 10:02, aangel wrote:

> Can someone please point me to a quality diesel electric generator and combined
> welder? Here is what (I think) I'm looking for: 1. diesel instead of gasoline;
> my understanding is that diesels are more reliable (I know they are more

Hi Andre'... let me just throw out a couple of ideas for consideration. I haven't kept up on manufacturers/brands, but I generally tend to discourage combined units. What I always have preferred is a unit well built for a specific purpose, as opposed to one that trys to do everything.

For the generator, I'd lean toward diesel as well, from the perspective that biodiesel is somewhat easier to create for a small community than ethanol, and based on projected supply availability, I'd go for a 1-200 gallon tank. After all, you don't have to keep it filled to the top for it to run.

The generator we had for our off-grid cabin on San Juan Island was enclosed in a small soundproofed shed that housed the welder and a small workshop (just a sturdy bench really with shelves above, and a vise on the end positioned so that long pieces could extend out the door). A good bolt and heavy duty lock kept it secure, and we could barely hear it in the house, so we didn't worry about the neighbors, although we weren't all that close on 5 acre parcels.

I have a small 120v Century wire-feed TIG welder with an argon bottle, which is a good all purpose welder and should suit your stated purposes well. Future welding rod supplies might be iffy, though, so get a couple of extra rolls. A decent set of oxy-acetylene torches/hoses/regulators isn't that expensive, doesn't require the generator to be running, plus makes some metal cutting tasks much easier. So, if you have the resources to acquire, and space to keep, I'd suggest having both. These are also good skills for trading.

When doing the electric intertie, I'd also suggest at least planning for future connection to PV, and if possible go ahead and run the wiring for a 12v lighting system that can run directly off the PV. A 12v system can also take care of a 12v backup refrigerator, and run the heating element and fan on a waterless composting toilet. These are some of the small quality of life issues than can help make hard times tolerable.

Hope this helps.