Regardless of what you’re using them for, getting the right welding equipment can save you a lot of time and frustration. Overall, a welder generator/air compressor combo is used for a wide variety of reasons, including powering up air tools, providing compressor power to a service truck, and many other things that would require some extra air power.
Overall, these tools are perfect for those looking for both tools that require both electrical power and compressed air. If you’re looking to purchase a combination unit, there are a few things you should take into consideration if you don’t want to make any mistakes.
The following article is comprised of how these jobsite tools work to provide both electrical power and air to any of your electrical tools with ease. Moreover, we’re going to give you the selection of our top five 3-in-1 welder generator air compressor combos you can currently find on the market.
In case you’re looking to find answers related to air compressors in general, the Air Compressor Club is here for you!
What Is a Welder Generator?
First, let’s go over the basics. Welder generators are electric tools customers use for welding without relying on a primary electric source. In essence, these come with a built-in generator system ready to cover your stick welding needs and many others.
Once you fill up your built-in generator system with fuel, it’s going to power up your welding equipment without any problems.
Now, if you combine a welding generator with an air compressor, you get enough power to turn on other tools, such as air ratchets, plasma cutters, and many others. One of the best things about welder generators is that you may use them as a stand-alone generator too, meaning you’re going to save much more space and money.
In other words, you can use the generator’s welding output to power up work lights, air tool equipment, and many others.
What Can You Use an Air Compressor Welder Generator Combo for?
The point of this combination unit is to provide users with the electric start they may need for their equipment from the same machine. Most people use these for industrial applications, although many people have used them for offshore, onshore, construction sites, farms, and even residential applications.
Purchasing this combination unit can pose quite an expense for your budget, but keep in mind these are providing the air compressor, the welder, and the generator in the same product. Aside from all the space, you’re going to save, you’re going to be able to power up your machines without any problems with less fuel use.
Advantages of Getting a Combination Unit for Your Welding Equipment
As mentioned before, these machines are providing you with everything you may need for either a residential or industrial application under one machine. Therefore, this equipment is much easier to operate, maintain, and transport.
If you’re one of those industry workers who tend to take their job remotely, this compressor/generator/welding unit can be the perfect solution to all your working needs, as well as a better option for those vehicles with a lower load capacity since you’re placing a single machine instead of three.
Disadvantages of Combination Units
Ironically, the primary advantage of this equipment is also its disadvantage. Overall, if one of the three elements fails during the working process, the other two engines aren’t going to work correctly, causing the entire machine to fail. This means customers would have to fix the entire thing before being able to use it again.
Still, this shouldn’t be such a big problem if you get the right generator equipment. The products we’re going to list on this page are of excellent quality for both resident and industry customers, so you don’t have to worry about making poor investments for your next air compressor.
Best 5 Air Compressor Welder Generator Combos
Now that you know the benefits and disadvantages of this generator/air compressor/welder combo, let’s take a look at five excellent options you can purchase today. While all of these are reliable options, make sure to purchase one that best fits your needs.
One - Campbell Hausfeld 3-in-1 - GR3100
Campbell Hausfeld is known for providing some of the best equipment pieces for contractors all over the world, and this product isn’t the exception. Overall, it provides a tank capacity of 10 gallons, 92dB of sound, and up to 240 volts of electric start.
This product is perfect for both work trucks and jobsites since it provides high output and industrial reliability. It features 14 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) of airflow that operates at 90 PSI, allowing you to power up a wide range of tools. Finally, the generator provides 5,000 watts of power, which is more than enough for most machines.
If you’re looking for a gas-powered machine that works for most contractors, this may be the one for you.
Two - Mega Compressor 3-in-1 Air Compressor/Generator/Welder
Overall, this engine was built to be durable, so you don’t have to worry about expending extra money on maintenance in the future. The compressor is run by a 13HP Honda GX390. Moreover, it comes with a 30-gallon ASME tank capable of providing 18 CFM at 175 PSI, 30 CFM at 90 PSI, and 35 CFM at 40 PSI.
As for the generator/welder, it runs at a maximum of 200 amps and 170a max. Moreover, it comes with a 15-foot welding lead. The engine itself runs with a 61oz oil capacity, low RPM high-quality performance, and a 5.5KW output, which is more than enough for any customer.
Finally, this product comes with a three-year warranty, so any customer can test this engine to see if it fits their needs.
Three - Mi-T-M AGW-SH22-20M Compressor/Generator/Welder
This has been considered (by many) the top 3-in-1 combination on the market. Overall, it works with a 120V/240V alternator, boasting 100% copper windings. It’s important to note that this engine runs on DC only, meaning you must always run it at full throttle if you want it to work correctly.
As for the pump, it’s splash-lubricated as the previous item on this list. You may enjoy a regulator for the tank, as well as two gauges for it and outlet pressure. Thanks to the compressor’s 16.5-inch flywheel, you may have better control of your space while working.
The THD is less than 6% for this product, so keep that in mind. Still, this is an excellent option for those who are looking for the most power possible.
Four - EMAX Compressor Compressor/Generator/Welder
This product stays as a middle-ground option regarding price. While it’s still fairly expensive, it provides several features, such as:
14HP air compressor engine
5,000W of generator power
Jumpstarter feature
Kohler command pro electric start
120V of alternator power
It’s vital to note that this product works with a 20-gallon tank, so keep that in mind before making your purchase. Other than that, this is an excellent choice to consider.
Five - Vanair 050681 - Air N Arc 150
Finally, this product comes with up to four different forms of power in a single machine. You have up to 190AMPs of welding power, a 5,000W peak of generating power, and a 14 HP Kohler engine that works at 20 CFM at 150 PSI.
Overall, this product was designed to have a longer lifespan and minimal maintenance, although the welding features are the best ones here, the compressor and generator still do an excellent job.
What Other Factors Should You Consider Before Purchasing a 3-in-1 Combination Unit for Your Air Tools?
If this is your first time purchasing an air compressor/generator/welder, you may be wondering what factors you may consider before making your purchase. To make things easier for you, here’s a list of some things you can keep in mind for your next purchase:
Power
Logically, you must take a look at the equipment’s power capacity. Remember you must choose your unit depending on the type of equipment you’re going to power up. If you’re going for engine-driven equipment, make sure to look for an air compressor/generator/welder that operates with fuel efficiency.
Gas/Diesel/Propane Engine
Overall, gas engines are some of the most portable welding generators you can find today. These use gasoline, which is more popular, uses less fuel, and starts easier in colder weather.
On the other hand, diesel engines involve fewer fuel costs and longer run times. The only downside to these generator types is that they tend to be bigger than other ones. Still, they can power up considerable wools without any problems at idle speed.
Finally, a propane-powered engine is the most expensive type of engine, but they’re the highest quality one. It’s vital to note that, while this generator type provides an excellent job for contractors, many people believe it isn’t worth it in comparison to what gas or diesel generators do.
Design
As mentioned before, you must consider the product’s load capacity and the power you need. The more power you need, the bigger the generator/compressor is going to be. Overall, 3-in-1 welding tools tend to be fairly heavy since they’re combining three different machines.
However, you can choose among two different designs. First, you have a tube frame, which may be considerably more comfortable for come contractors. On the other hand, you can choose from those products with enclosed casings, which provide better protection to engine components while reducing the amount of noise provided by the equipment.
Welding Capacity
As for welding capacity, choose equipment that may perform MIG/TIG welds at a minimum of 150amps. Overall, power sources should provide a minimum of 300amps of power at their maximum working power and approximately 10,000 watts of power.
However, if you’re planning on making the most out of your TIG welding, you may have to purchase some extra tools, such as a TIG torch. On the other hand, if you’re looking for better stick welding, you may have to purchase an extra stick welding cable set.
Bottom Line
Keep in mind not all air compressor/generator/welder products come with the same features. Some perform better as compressors, some perform better as equipment for welding, and so on. There are also other factors to consider, such as whether your compressor has a one or two-stage unit.
You must also take a look at the number of gallons the air compressor currently works with. Typically, a 20-gallon air compressor provides much more air pressure and durability, which is perfect if you’re looking to power up heavy air equipment.
Overall, the final decision is up to you. We hope this guide has helped you choose the best 3-in-1 air compressor/generator/combo for your needs.
