FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

GENERATOR PURCHASE

| Posted in Tools for Home Building on April 27, 2002 10:38am

Been fortunate enough to be building off temp. /perm. power for awhile…..Now have two homes out in the sticks.(One up on the mountain, then off to the island.) Need some advice on a purchase of a good generator. Been lookin’ at the Honda 6500w (gas) for $2600. Needs to run 120V wheelbarrow comp.–(startup draw around 15A), few wormdrives, 12″ mitersaw, and 14″ beamsaw once and a while (damn thing came with a 10/3 cord…hmmmmm.) Anyways, need to be able to transport the thing somewhat easily, either in the bed of truck or in trailer, and run off gas. (unless there are some small diesel ones out there; which would be a hit since the truck is diesel too.) Any advice would be great. Trying to keep the $$$ down and split it in the two bids between the homeowners.  TIA.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. UncleDunc | Apr 28, 2002 12:24am | #1

    Northern Tool http://www.northerntool.com has a wide variety of generators, from carry in one hand to mount on a stout trailer size, and a wide range of $/KW. I know they have some diesel generators, but I can't find my catalog, so I can't tell you what sizes they have.

    1. JasonMI | Apr 28, 2002 12:29am | #2

      I'd be just a little careful with NorthernTool. Both my partner and I received new catalogs last week...but with different catalog codes. Several of the items (generators particularly, since we're looking at a Generac), had vastly different listed prices. I'm thinking of sending them an Email on Monday to ask why...but there was something like a $400 price difference between their two catalogs for the same 7.5KW generator.

      1. PostnBeam | Apr 28, 2002 12:34am | #3

        I just checked them out too. Thanks for the link...but seems like they are located over on the other side of the country..MeThinks shipping would be an issue?? ($$) But I'll watch for the catalog.

  2. DavidThomas | Apr 28, 2002 12:43am | #4

    I you can swing the Honda in your budget, go for it. You'll have no regrets. When a fleet of generators are available, our techs also took the Hondas first because they start easy even in cold weather, run quieter, and use less fuel.

    4000 watts would an absolute minimium to run one of your tools at a time. 5000 would be a lot safer. At 6500 watts, you should be able to run two tools at once, as long as the don't start at the same time.

    Remember, run long air hoses, NOT long extension cords. And if you need extension cords, keep them as short as possible and of the largest size you can find. 10 gauge is great. 12 gauge is okay for 50 feet. Don't go any smaller.

    Stop by a rental yard to confirm your biggest tool(s) will work on the compressor you are considering. In the context of testing which of theirs you'll rent next weekend, it's probably free.

    David Thomas   Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska
  3. Tejanohombre | Apr 28, 2002 12:53am | #5

    I just attended our annual home show and one of the companies there had a contractor grade 15KW Generac for about the same money that I paid for my 10KW. ($2400) Now it would be nice to have a Honda or Yamaha, but 15KW...  What a beast!  It's heavy of course but has the wheel kit and can be moved fairly easily.

    1. bill_1010 | Apr 28, 2002 05:01am | #6

      Look to your local small engine shop, they usually sell Mowers and Chain Saws Weedeaters etc. They usually have generators there. Besides they are local and they might be the ones servicing your generator. 

      1. junkhound | Apr 28, 2002 04:26pm | #7

        Are you mechanically handy?

        Northern has a 10 kW generator for $500 (exact same thing at Harborfreight for $300, talk about differences)

        Bought one of these a few years back, cut the front end off an old Datsun I got for $100, added 2:1 chain drive and used speed control to keep engine at 1800 RPM.

        Now, for <$500 total outlay and a few hours assembly, I've a 120/240 10 kW generator on a trailer, starts like a car, runs quiet as a car and will run all day, powers most anything. If I did anything different wit would be to use 3:1 or even 4:1 gearing.

        1. PostnBeam | Apr 28, 2002 08:22pm | #8

          Yeah, I've heard alot of good about the Hondas/Yamahas. Just thought I'd ask around and not do the trial-n-error deal. (Ain't that the story of life though.) Has anyone used a Generac with good success?? They seem to be a price point rig.

          As far as cords go..I am pretty anal with the guys about using the right one. All of ours are 12/3or10/3. Even have a 125' 8/4 to bring 220V from temp to house with splitter and GFI's. I agree on wire size...Saw the heating boys with a brand new right angle drill going to town on joists with 250' of that 16 gauge christmas light cord..he wondered what was smelling wierd at lunch....

          I have an old Willys flat head four banger in the garage and thought about that too...but space is a little issue on these two homes..let alone portability..but would be fun to try....

          How about any other brands, or should I suck it up and $$$. I guess I don't give much thought to buying good tools, probably should do the same, but for only two houses........

          1. jc21 | Apr 28, 2002 08:57pm | #9

            I'd rank Honda's at the top ......... they usually are the most expensive,too. Spent some time working in a small engine shop while attending college ......... only saw one Honda in for anything other than routine maintenance ............. engine knock which turned out to be just carbon ......... cleaned the head and all was well. This generator was over 15 years old. Another customer had a Northern generator w/ 13hp Honda engine and the wheel kit and was/is pleased with it. With Northern you have to watch out for shipping costs ........ they can add significant $. Occasionally they offer free shipping. If it were me, I'd make sure any generator I bought had a Honda engine (the GX series is the one you want), low oil shut off, and copper windings in the generator (some use aluminum). If price is an issue, you might consider the Briggs and Stratton Vanguard engines. Northern's generators with this engine are usually less money. We have one on a wood splitter and are well pleased with it. Made in Japan, its quiet and very fuel efficient, and has been very reliable.

  4. 4Lorn1 | Apr 29, 2002 06:53am | #10

    I recommend a diesel generator if you want a long term, reliable and in the long run economical solution. A little reading on the subject:

    http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles/thomsen43.html

    I agree with most of his conclusions. As to make and models? I think his choices are very good but pricey. There are some decent makers at cheaper prices but selecting a good but inexpensive make, while possible, is a hit or miss proposition that would take more information and experience than I have.

    1. PostnBeam | Apr 30, 2002 07:21am | #11

      Thanks for all of the input/links...now to go shopping...Thanks again..

      1. cimarron8889 | Apr 30, 2002 06:08pm | #12

        Two good sources for Honda generators are:

        http://www.mayberrys.com/    This is where I bought mine.  5000 watt industrial model.   I had them ship it to me in CT.

        Tool crib of the North sells Honda generators with free shipping.

        1. JohnSprung | Apr 30, 2002 10:24pm | #13

          In our business, downtime can cost in the thousands of dollars per hour.  The only portable generators to be found here are Honda.

          -- J.S.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data