Using a Power Inverter for tools

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Occasionally I wish I could set up a workbench out on the back 40, but not often enough to run electric out there.I'm wondering if anyone has experience using DC power inverters to run their tools. They come in lots of different ratings, and higher priced pure sine wave models. I want to be able to run an 8 -10 amp bench or angle grinder, or similar. But do you need to consider startup amps? Any thoughts or (need I ask )opinions?"We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities. "   - Oscar WildeMaxstar STL150Eagle CPM30 Bender
Reply:I have run a DeWalt 1/2" VSR Hammerdrill from a 700W (1400W Peak) power inverter on my old Ford.I had a 2000W unit on my Dodge, but actually never needed to run anything big off of it.  A friend still has it, but we've still never really given it a shakedown cruise.Usually these units have a peak rating in addition to the continuous rating, so you shouldn't have a problem with start-up, but I've not tried running grinders, which probably require more constant power than a hammerdrill, too.  These days, most all of my tools are Li-Ion Makita cordless, including a grinder.
Reply:A small genset would be a better investment as you could run yer  150 off of it.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:I use a 1200 watt cont. inverter.  Need to make sure you alternator can recharge your battery, though.   It is nice when you don't have turn the engine on.  Mine has low voltage sensing, it eventually will trip and I will have turn the truck on. I also use a 4000 watt generator for my esab 150 an lincoln 180c on 220v.
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1A small genset would be a better investment as you could run yer  150 off of it.
Reply:Yes you need to consider the motor start-up load if running a motorized item.Running a 10 amp 120V motorized tool off an inverter is probably going to take a pretty BIG inverter.  Because that's 1200W running, and that usually means a minimum of 2400W start-up surge (could be a bigger surge).A quick check on the web shows a 2500W rated (5000W surge) pure sine wave inverter is ~$750 bucks.  http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...7895_200347895  That doesn't included any batteries or cables, etc.Get a generator if you really can't get power out to the cornfield.Oh, and don't set the cornfield on fire with the metal sparks.    The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Originally Posted by MoonRiseOh, and don't set the cornfield on fire with the metal sparks.
Reply:Let me tell you that they run 35-45000 horsepower (that is forty-five thousand horsepower) motors off power inverters.  There are no problems doing this, you just have to have an inverter rated for the application.  Oh, and you don't need a pure sine wave to run electric motors (most of your power tools) so the modified sine wave (cheaper) is acceptable.Last edited by 76GMC1500; 03-24-2009 at 01:42 AM.
Reply:Most of the inverters on the market today that are reasonably priced, all have one flaw built into them, they tend to burn out fairly quickly!I was a truck driver for about 23 years before I decided to do something else for a living,we had been using inverters in Big trucks for years, to power anything from an electric razor to coffee pots and microwaves!I personally have purchased inverters rated from 300 watts to 4000 watts, and every one of them took a crap after only a short while!The manufacturers know this, and most of them only give you a 90 day warranty.The bigger inverters hooked to say a microwave would run the batteries down so fast that the alternator of that big track couldn't keep up!More recently, truck manufacturers where installing inverters at the factory, and even they have been failing quite regularly.My vote is for a good generator, a 4000 watt generator can be purchased for about the same as you would pay for an equal watt inverter, and would most likely outlast that inverter by years!#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:I'm glad I asked, 'cause you guys have me thinking. I was reading up on these inverters, and the cheaper ones appear to not handle what their ratings claim. Cobra especially got panned.But if I'm going to spend much over $200, I might as well dig a ditch and run some wire."We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities. "   - Oscar WildeMaxstar STL150Eagle CPM30 Bender