Generator recommendations.

[Chaznsc]

Every now and again I find myself needing power away from da-garage. If I wanted to invest in one, maybe to run a drill, circular saw, maybe a small compressor, what would be a base wattage to start at? And what would it take to jump to a table saw or something of that amperage? (Just curious)

Thank you.

 

[HOTFR8]

Plenty of topics about that in the Lighting & Electrical section of the forum.

 

[Highbeam]

There are table saws and then there are TABLE SAWs. I have had a few smaller gensets but the most convenient one I've ever used for the work you describe in the famous Honda eu2000i. Nearly 1000$ but they are so small and lightweight that they have a handle on them and you carry them like a heavy lunchbox. The Honda is also extremely quiet and only revs up to match the load. This means that what you normally hear is a put put put of an idling 100 cc honda engine.

Your power needs are modest. No reason for a huge gas guzzling 5000 watt set.

 

[CNGsaves]

For small quiet generators, can't beat either Honda or Yamaha.

 

[Chaznsc]

I really needed to know if something in the 2500 watt neighborhood was ok for general use. Thank you for answering. I like that Honda and will keep my eyes open.

 

[ishiboo]

I would actually look at the new HF/Predator (Honda clones), you can get a 3000-4000W inexpensively and I have been very impressed with the performance. I have a Briggs and a HF, and I got rid of my Mitsubishi... the HF is the nicest of all of them.

The EU2000i is top of the line but quite pricey for the power output. There is probably no quieter or more fuel efficient though. If you want a generator that doubles for backing up a refrigerator/freezer/sump pump or similar, you'll appreciate having a bit more wattage though and the 3000is is $$$ and much heavier.

 

[malibu101]

I really needed to know if something in the 2500 watt neighborhood was ok for general use. Thank you for answering. I like that Honda and will keep my eyes open.

120 volts times 20 amps = 2400 watts

So, anything that can run succesfully on a 20 amp circuit in the house can be powered by a 2500 generator your mentioning.

The wild card to my above statement is start-up surge for motor loads,

 

[Chaznsc]

Thanks again guys!

 

[mdd1986]

Be careful with large motor loads. The in rush current on large motors starting can kill an alternator. First thing i would do is find out what motor loads you actually plan on using on the generator.

The other thing you want to check is what type of startors they have. Is it a soft start, across the line, etc. if we are talking about 1/2hp motors and under its not usually an issue. Anything larger than that you would want to size your generator to pickup large in rush current.

 

[Super Mech]

I have a HF Predator 3200/4000 watt generator. Say what you want about HF, but this thing Rocks for the money! I have run this thing to near full load for hours on end and it never quit. The noise level is not bad at all, it ain't no Honda but for 300 bucks its quiet enough for me. Quality, fit, and finish is excellent.

 

[Az Scooter]

If you are dead set on a Honda, which is what I like, wander down to Home Depot and see what kind of rentals they might have for sale. I picked one up there that was an inverter generator, meaning better for running electronics, for about $600.

 

[crucible]

Like everything else, it's dependant on what you want to spend.

I have a new Yamaha ef2400is(hc). This is thier newer inverter-based 2400is that has some capacitors to start loads such as those found in a travel trailer's a/c system (the HC is High Current). Supposedly, it's good for 3000W for brief periods of time accordingly. It is larger and heavier than the "suitcase" 2000's of both Yamaha and Honda of course, but it's still super quiet and fuel efficient.

Unlike many who wind up getting bigger generators after buying too small at first, I got rid of a nice Ridgid 6800/9500W full size generator (which with a Yamaha engine worked great) to go smaller, quieter and more fuel efficient.

C-

 

[pentavolvo]

Generators will struggle with inrush current of a compressor

 

[Highbeam]

Generators will struggle with inrush current of a compressor

No they will not, so long as the generator is properly sized.

 

[JerryC]

I have the HF Predator 4000w.
It outputs two 120v 13A circuits. If you need more than than 13A on single circuit, the 2000i honda would be a better choice.

I have not run mine for long, just break in and maintenance, but it starts every time with 1 pull of the cord.

 

[RickP]

You asked about a generator, but from your post, I wasn't sure how often you'd be using it? If you don't need it very often, have you thought about using an inverter instead? Maintaining a small gas engine is a pain if you don't use it very often. You can find a 2000 watt inverter for a reasonable price, and if you can drive a vehicle to the work location you can hook directly up to the battery. The only downside to an inverter is the startup amp draw and the overload amps when a sawblade binds in wood. An inverter will simply trip when the amps get too high.

- Rick

Every now and again I find myself needing power away from da-garage. If I wanted to invest in one, maybe to run a drill, circular saw, maybe a small compressor, what would be a base wattage to start at? And what would it take to jump to a table saw or something of that amperage? (Just curious)

Thank you.

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