Generator Questions

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I am looking for a generator small enough for one man to load, reasonably quiet, and enough power for one jobsite tool at a time, the biggest being a 13 amp Bosch demolition hammer. I looked at a used Honda 2200 today and it seemed to fit the bill but it really struggled when starting a medium sized shop vac, it almost died then took a good 6-8 seconds to finally recover and run the vac. Even fully warmed up it could barely do it. Maybe there was something wrong with it, I don't know. I am not too knowledgeable on generators. I presently use my Weldanpower 3000 and it works fine, can even run a couple things easily. But it is big, heavy and loud. I was hoping to get something I could load/unload myself and have it be quiet. Any suggestions or am I stuck dragging out the Lincoln every time?I have looked at the inverter generators, although the larger capacity ones are big $$$$.Last edited by bigb; 09-16-2012 at 10:36 PM.Miller Challenger 172Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC 225/150Miller Maxstar 150 STLVictor 100CVictor JourneymanOxweld OAHarris O/ASmith O/A little torchNo, that's not my car.
Reply:The starting current on motors can be several times the running current.  That 13 amp demo hammer needs more than 13 amps to get it up to speed.   A generator needs to be rated for the starting current of the largest tool you plan to use.  Standard generators typically have a starting capacity that's 20 to 25% greater than the maximum load capacity.You will pay extra for an inverter generator, but it should last longer (running at lower speed when at partial load) and should use less gas (running at lower speed when at partial load).  An inverter generator may also be lighter than a standard generator.I move big, wheeled equipment in/out of the pickup bed by myself using ramps and a block & tackle.
Reply:I have just recently bought a weldanpower 225 one of the slip rings is dented I was wondering if I could braze fill the depth of the dents and then turn them. As well as the best way to remove them to get them on a lathe. I don't want to burn anything up if I don't have to. I was also wondering if anyone new the the tolerance for the rings to work propelry with the brush holders.
Reply:Shop vacs pull a lot of amps for a couple of seconds on starting. I have a HF 1600 watt genny. In order to start my 16 gal shop vac I have to turn the switch on and off in rapid succession to give the genny a chance to get it up to speed. After that it's working pretty hard but does the job. I would stick w/ a 3000 watt and buy/build a small gantry cane or put it on casters and use a ramp for the pickup/ tlr to load and unload it. I'm afraid if you go too small it won't take long for all the smoke to leak out of it.                                                  MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Originally Posted by WesmonstaI have just recently bought a weldanpower 225 one of the slip rings is dented I was wondering if I could braze fill the depth of the dents and then turn them. As well as the best way to remove them to get them on a lathe. I don't want to burn anything up if I don't have to. I was also wondering if anyone new the the tolerance for the rings to work propelry with the brush holders.
Reply:Bob, I think Honda makes  kit that allows you to gang two of those together for more power. The down side is the added cost of two genny's plus the kit..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by bigbWes, post your question down in the Lincoln forum and Duane or one of the other really knowledgeable guys will be able to help you. They might not see your post here in my thread.
Reply:That's exactly what I am doing now, using ramps. But I work out of a van and it can get pretty crowded in there with a big machine and a set of ramps.Miller Challenger 172Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC 225/150Miller Maxstar 150 STLVictor 100CVictor JourneymanOxweld OAHarris O/ASmith O/A little torchNo, that's not my car.
Reply:Store the ramps under the van maybe? I've thought about building one of those hitch racks to go in the receiver to haul my 4500 watt genny or my snow blower and not have to load it all the way to the bed..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by WesmonstaI have just recently bought a weldanpower 225 one of the slip rings is dented I was wondering if I could braze fill the depth of the dents and then turn them. As well as the best way to remove them to get them on a lathe. I don't want to burn anything up if I don't have to. I was also wondering if anyone new the the tolerance for the rings to work propelry with the brush holders.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWStore the ramps under the van maybe? I've thought about building one of those hitch racks to go in the receiver to haul my 4500 watt genny or my snow blower and not have to load it all the way to the bed.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWBob, I think Honda makes  kit that allows you to gang two of those together for more power. The down side is the added cost of two genny's plus the kit.
Reply:[QUOTE=bigb;1585931I have looked at the inverter generators, although the larger capacity ones are big $$$$.[/QUOTE]The only option for Quiet are the inverter series made by Honda and Yamaha.We use the Honda brand  in our rental inventory and they are pretty much bullet proof.But as you have already noticed they come with a nice $$$ on their price tag.yer looking at about 950.00 per 2000 and a couple more bucks for a parallel kit, there are 2 types.One for $199.00 that gives you a 30amp RV receptacle and one that is just the cords that allow you to draw a full 20 amps continuously from either of the 5-20 receptacles on the Generators. $39.00Ed 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:Well as long the engine is build by Honda your in good hands.....Here one a bit noisy (76db at full throttle) from Ingresol Rand with a Honda engine..... It's cheaper then 2X 2000i but heavy to move....The price is not bad and this puppy got plenty of power..(5Kw). It's a hell of a deal..http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ingersoll-Ra...item4607cd84fbSince you need something very light you can carry with you I think the best choice is a 3000w Honda, the light version (EU3000I) It's expensive (+$2000) but you paid for what you get...http://www.ebay.com/itm/HONDA-EU3000...item4d0434ffdaLast edited by OldSkull; 09-22-2012 at 07:56 PM.Miller MM211Esab Mini Arc 161LTSEsab Handy Plasma 380Duck tapeTy- rapKool-aid