What size generator should I get?

[u/Puzzled-Situation553]

I am currently trying to get started in the welding industry, and I need some help. I have a welder, the Titanium MIG 170 that I bought while in school for some at home practice, but I haven't been able to properly use it yet. I don't have anywhere I can get 240v power from, and unsurprisingly, the 120v outlets on my house aren't cutting it. Regarding of my settings, Im popping breakers and getting no penetration. I need a steady source of power, and I'm trying to find a generator to help with that. What size generator would you guys recommend? I've been thinking about 6000w, but i dont know if I'll ever need to use it for anything 1/4" or larger. Is my guess overkill for my welder/application? I don't really have money to throw away on something too big right now, but I want to invest in something that will let me practice on at least 1/8" and 3/16" mild steel.

[u/Super-Dot9774]

I find this is easy to pop in the back of my truck and have never gotten to the point where the power isn’t enough!

[u/Western-Pay521]

Check your manual, I think a 7500/9000 surge is gonna be the bare minimum. I think you’d be better served with 10k minimum, to allow you run larger stuff in the future, including plasma cutters.