Abstract: A side panel is easily installable onto and removed from a welding machine using a minimum of fasteners and requiring only a small space on the side of the machine. The side panel includes clips joined to one edge of the panel. The clips have respective first legs secured to the panel, second legs that register with slots in the machine base, and third legs that elastically bend against a lip on the base. The restoring force of the bent third legs of the clips holds the clips second legs firmly against the base slot and thereby prevents vibration. Conventional fasteners are used to attach at least one other edge of the panel to the welding machine.

Abstract: An engine driven welding machine has two paths of cooling air flowing therethrough that are segregated from each other. Both paths have their inlets at the electrical end of the welding machine, and both paths have their exhausts at the machine engine end. The first path directs air through a passage containing a rectifier and into a blower housing. The blower housing divides the first path into a first portion that supplies combustion air to the engine. A second portion of the first path directs air over outer walls of the engine block and head and into a hot air exhaust box, from which the air exhausts from the machine. The second path directs air over a stabilizer and into a generator. From the generator, the second path leads to an engine compartment, from which the air exhausts. The first and second paths direct the cooling air through multiple turns that reduce machine noise.