That Lincoln is a bad choice for multiple reasons. Primarily it is wrong for your application because it is a transformer based welder and will require a larger generator. Transformer based welders in general are super inefficient and give generators a harder time than an inverter based welder. Look for an inverter based welder instead. And I would look for one that can operate on 120v as well as 240v. 120v only welders are extremely limited in their utility. Regardless of brand they are really only good for welding sheet metal, and up to say 1/8th inch thick stuff.

What generator are you running?

 

I run a Lincoln 210MP, it will do everything you need and then some while not straining the system even after you get solar set up if you decide to go that route.
Here is my system, I live off grid and weld off grid without a generator. I also built the Pole Barn that's on my channel off grid with that welder.
[video=youtube_share;K6Ql8MBWI0A]https://youtu.be/K6Ql8MBWI0A?si=5hECuHu3IQYP_yzR[/video]

 

How big a inverter generator? that will be the limiting factor of what output you can us with it.. Stick/mig would be a good starting point on machines..

 

Thanks for the explanation. Very helpful. I have a Firman inverter generator. I believe it can be combined with another one to get more power.

 

That's awesome! I'm very encouraged. We do plan on installing solar power eventually, but for the time being, we just have a Firman inverter. I think it can piggy back to another for more power, which will probably be necessary. I noticed you used flux core in the video. I've been advised against it, that MIG or stick are better. What is your opinion? Does it use require less power?

 

It's in the mountains at the moment (unfortunately I am not), but I believe it is a Firman 3000/3300.

 

You are going to want a larger inverter generator. I would go for something with 240 output. 120 volts is going to limit you by design. I think you need at least 5000 watts @ 240 volts. A 7000 watt unit is a better bet and will be safe for almost any 200 amp welder. Go get one of these for your welder. It will do MIG, Flux core, and Stick. Only $549

https://primeweld.com/products/mig180-mig-welder-with-spool-gun

 

My esab 160 (output over 200 amps mig) runs on my 5000 watt Champion perfect..If you step up to a 7000 watt machine, you will have enough to run 1/8 7018 correctly . I just use 3/32 7018 on mine, and 1/8 6010/11 . I wanted as light weight machine as I could find, and the 5000 works better for me. It's funny but but some of my units would be pretty awesome on 120 volt paralleled setup..My 6000 watt MQ Japan/Honda engine would run my AC./DC tig at 200 amps output. (Thermal 186) It would run my fancy Esab 2200 at only 165 amps. You never know what machine works best with what generator. That is whatI know from trying many different combos.. One thing about the larger inverters and larger standard units. You can get full output 120 volts like 40 something amps on a conventional quality unit..(MQ etc..)

 

If you have to upgrade your generator, you might consider a welder/generator. Then you can stick weld with the equivalent of a 240 welder depending on model. Or add a suitcase wire feeder/mig and have 240 power to run heaters/water heater etc.

 

Depending on what's available where you are, an option worth considering "might be" an older engine drive welder, but probably more budget than you want to spend. It would have the added advantage of separating your welding from your other power needs. The welder/generator option seems more practical though. That way you are only buying one motor.

 

The 140c is a pretty good little welder. I welded with about 20 of them over the years.. It's just not a big enough machine like Louie posted.. It's would be good for auto body,and similar use..Those little Lincoln machine hold their value, and sell faster then about any welding machine out..

 

What do you think about icy-acetylene welding, since it doesn’t require electricity?

 

It takes a bit of practice, but it's certainly doable for thin metals. It's not something I would go to for anything thicker than 1/8" though. The disadvantage to Oxy/Acetylene is the amount of heat you put into the part with an open flame. It's harder to control distortion and warping. If you are welding anywhere near explosives (like a fuel tank), it is an open flame.

 

What is the price on the Lincoln 140c ?

 

Again... we don't know what country the OP is in or what market. O/A can be pricey in some areas.

 

Have run my Hobart 210 off a generator from the bucket of the front loader to repair gates. It was one of those generators you get from Sam’s club.

 

We saw Jody test an inverter 140 and looked like it made way more power than a tranny and he was burning 035 in it which would immediately trip up a 20. I have ran the Linc 140 in both T and C and they are really good and still comp[are the rest to them.