might be in the market for a portable generator soon.
signed a job .. a “historic barn renovation” … that sounds better then keeping an old barn from falling down … which at some point I’m thinking will require me to work without convient electric.
It’ll be just me … maybe one other guy. Typical tools … small 15amp compressor, table and chop saws , maybe 2 circular saws at one time … radio?
I have no idea about anything grnerator related. Never had one … never worked off one that I can remember.
I’d like as small and portable as possible. I’ve seen some in the Tool Crib catalog that are “encased” in plastic .. they look cooler? Aside from that .. I got nothing to base a purchase decision on. I’d also like the cheapest buy in, of course … but not so cheap it dies on day two.
Don’t ever see a need to use it for other than the occasional “way out there” job.
Might even hyst try to rent or borrow one … but for some reason … it’s something I’ve always had on my “i need” tool list.
Any tips?
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Replies
Honda motor...
3500W sustained output............
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
a "historic barn renovation"...
no generator - none allowed -
you need an axe, a horse, and I might allow you to hire an Amishman
good luck -
He could just shave his mustache off. Then he'd have the Amish look.
Wop bop a loo bop a lop bam boom!
Friend of mine built a house using a 4KW portable....house was in remote Northern Idaho with no power, so he used it for a time to run lights and stuff till the Utility got his juice hooked up.
I don't recall the brand, but it had a Honda motor and it would run all day with no problems.
He eventually sold it for close to what he paid new for it.
Those little plastic covered jobs are maybe OK, but I think they're mostly for camping and other light duty stuff....Your compressor, though small, is going to pull a lot of juice every time it cycles on....
Was I you (heaven forbid :-) ), I'd probably hunt for something in the 3.5 to 4KW range with a decent motor so you can resell it.
Portable gen-sets have come down in price a lot in recent years....shouldn't set you back that much to get a decent one.
Also try: http://www.NorthernTool.com
Call HD, I'm serious, ask if the rental department is currently selling any of theirs, or have them for sale. If they do, you can pick up a decent one for about half off.
We almost bought one last time HD was having there sale in the rental department.
Nice thing about HD rental here is it's usually homeowner rental, light use, and the store here seems to take good care of their tools.
I bought that MK101 and my Hilti rotary hammer from the sale, both tools hardly used and more then half off.
one of Consumer reports best buy is 4400 available from HD with the large 'bike' tires on back, reasonable cost too. I don't think it has the auto idle,( whitch is nice to have). Don't buy a coleman powermate, as I had a 3500, I looked after it and still buggered up, B & S motor was still running fine, but no juice, was going to cost $800 to fix!!!! Honda is one of the best but $$$. Take amperage your tool needs, plus votlage, add 10% to 15% and that should tell you what generator you need. rember that x cord size and lenght has lot to do with it. 4000 watt gen. may not start a large air compressor.
IF IT WAS EASY, EVERYONE COULD DO IT!
That's a good call Neil. That's how I got my 6500W Wacker generator. I was working on a frame and my generator literally caught on fire. Only place around was a HD. I went in and all they had were crappy Coleman and Generac units, both of which I've had bad experiences with. I figured I'd just rent one until I could get to a better tools store.
I went into the rental department and they had Wacker generators with Honda engines. I asked why they didn't sell these out in the store, and the guy told me he could sell me one of the rentals. I don't remember the specifics, but I know I saved about a grand on a $2500+ generator that was in like-new condition.View Image
http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/articles/showarticle.asp?articleID=1533&position=3&type=article&partID=1
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We liked the generators that treated us right in the field, in transit, and in the shop. Those units are powerful, compact, and dependable. They’re also quiet and fairly easy to service. Here’s the run-down, starting with our favorite: Honda EB5000, Yamaha YG4600, Mitsubishi MGE5800, Generac MC5500, Robin RGV6101, Makita G6101R, Nac NGK4300h; Desa MGH5000CIE, Campbell-Hausfeld GN5037-02, Winco NC6000H, and Coleman Progen 5000.
You need a beefy generator to run two circular saws or a 15A compressor. Low end generators don't run sensitive electronics real well. The battery charger for your cordless tools comes to mind.
One day you may want to use it to power your house when the power company fails. Modern refrigerators are getting sensitive electronics in them these days.
Generators are pretty loud so forget the radio.
I'd look for one that has idle control and low oil shutdown.
Hondas are said to be very good.
Don't neglect installing a ground rod at the barn and hooking the generator to it.
I was able to purchase one of the big generators from Home Depot for 1/2 off because it was a returned item. They said that the guy who bought it said that it was too small. This is the one that I got,
http://www.generac-portables.com/generators/generator.cfm?id=187
This unit will do more than I will need it for. It has 7550W continuous and 13500W surge. This was important because my compressor (Emglo ) takes alot of juice to excite it unless I use the continuous run feature. If you keep your eyes open you may be able to get one this way also. I kept my eyes open for ablout 6-8 months before I found this one. Don't be tempted by the cheap Chinese imports you will have nothing but trouble.
Jeff,
Ask one or all of the guys who frame. They usually use their generators almost every day.
I second or third or fourth the Honda Engine thing. They run forever with just basic upkeep.
3500 might be too small. I would hate to go halfway. 5000 is as small as I would go.
I have two, a 5000KW and a 3500KW. Both Colemen. If Iwere gonna do it again I would just spring for a Honda, even a good reconditioned one.
ONe thing to be careful of.... MOst (All?) of the Honda's have an Idle down feature where they rest at idle until a load is put on them. Plugging a radio or lights on will cause it to spin up and burn a lot more fuel.
Jeff, I have a Yamaha, about 5200W I think. Been awhile since I've used it, but I'm real happy with it.
I ran a 240V well pump for months & 120V compressor. Saws ect no problem.
Pull start, not the electric but always started with 2 pulls. Get one with wheels if you can so the druggies don't strain themselves when they steal it. :)
Joe H
I had a 4000 watt coleman when I framed my house. It would'nt run a 1 1/2 horse compressor so I had to buy one of those little makita hot dog compressors. usually mfg's advertise their surge rating which really means nothing. you need to look at the running wattage (and amperage)
now I have a 13K that runs off the PTO on my tractor and that will power the entire house. the surge rating is 13K but the generator puts out 12K continuous. thats 12K at 60 amps I can count on
compressors draw a lot more amperage when they start up than they do at run speed. that was the problem with my set-up. the gen could'nt get the compressor rolling
thanks for all the info ...
I started window shopping and got sticker shock.
have a new plan ... take that same money ... upgrade to the Makita Lithion cordless set I've been looking at ... and ... pick up a used Impulse framer.
just run the dewalt radio off batteries and I'm set!
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
simple rule....if they make motorcycles or tractors they make a good generators also...
that being said it ain't cheap to make your own power... a temp 100 amp power pole is cheap... at least around here your electric bill is based on a very low rate and there are none of the add ons that you always see on your regular bill.. thing my temp pole runs less than $25 a month and we run everything all day.... u can't make your own that cheap
p
Stoicker shock?
Then I won't recommend my Yamaha!
But IF you want a top line quiet unit with phase inversion and a surge capacity, they would be worth a look.Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT
One thing I forgot earlier,
I never ran a big generator because I have a gas powered Compressor.
you can get a $400 special form HD that will run your powertools but you'll still need a Compressor or Airless nailers.
something people forget is welders, the older style Lincoln or like gas or diesel power are dinosaurs in the welding industry but are awesum when it comes to generators more power than you'll ever need just a little heavy, have to leave it in the trailer. <!----><!---->
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I own 4 , all in the 5kw range. 2 Hondas, a Dewalt and a Generac that I bought one day at Tractor Supply for about $350 when I needed power quick for a project.I expected the Gererac to be a single use purchase but 3 years later it still starts first pull and is the one I grab first when they are all together in the shed. It doesn't have any of the bells, whistles or auto idle of the others but it has never quit.
Wow !!! I do not know if you are extremely lucky; or if I am just very unlucky. I have a 6500 Generac portable for four years; and have had nothing but headaches even Excedrin has not numbered. Pully spring replaced 3 x. Drinks oil. Throw out bearings stick etc etc.
Others I have talked with told me it is problems always with Generac. I now have a Honda engine portable generator.
I remember using Honda 5kW's back in the early 1970's. From other reports here, it seems they're still the best.
-- J.S.
started the job at the old barn on Monday ...
flipped the switches ... no power.
flipped the rusted old main shut off on the 30amp fuse panel ...
we have light! ... even a coupla places to plug in.
life is good ... no need for a generator ...
yet.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I work in a rental shop part time and we put out a lot of small scale contractor equipment. Rent generators on a daily basis. My two cents.
1 HONDA
2 HONDA
3 HONDA
4 3500 W should do it.
Scott
thanks ..
now that I got a crash course in generators ...
I'll be on the look out for a honda at a great price.
got plenty of time ... as I really have no need ... only "want" ...
it'll make my Dad happy ... as the only place I have to store one is in his garage!
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa