Timber Framers Guild

Running timber framing tools off a generator

Posted By: Ian Lawford

Running timber framing tools off a generator - 04/07/04 12:05 AM

Hi folks,

I'm looking for some advice on generators. I need to run my tools off of a generator. I'm probably not going to be running more than one tool at a time and my most powerful tool is 3 1/2 hp (approx. 2600 Watts). I have no idea what kind of surge is created when I start my tools. I guess my real concern is that I want to find the right generator for my tools so that I don't run the risk of my tools heating up and depreciating their life time.
I noticed that the price doubles when were talking about a Honda engine compared to lets a say Tecumseh in a generator of the same power rating . Is there really such an appreciable difference besides the name?
Many thanks,
Ian
Posted By: Andy Roeper

Re: Running timber framing tools off a generator - 04/07/04 09:36 PM

A motor can easily draw 10 times its running current on start up. I don't know what the current curve for the newer "soft start" motors looks like - though I suspect they will not be too common on TF tools for a while. If you size for 1 1/2 to 2x your running current and stick with heavy exension cords I should think you would have little if any problems.

As for the Honda engines - they are VERY quiet. I run an EU2000i for my camper and some tool work. I can barely hear it from 30' away and the Honda has an excellent reputation for reliability. The Tecumseh does not have a repuration for quiet and I've not heard great comment on relialbility. Yamaha has a good name as well. Check the specs for output harmonics (lower is better) when looking at the generator end of things - this too can make a difference in tool life.
Posted By: Mark Davidson

Re: Running timber framing tools off a generator - 04/08/04 03:41 PM

Honda engines last
We have a 15 year old honda on our sawmill and it runs as good as the day it arrived.
-Mark in Ontario.
Posted By: Gabel

Re: Running timber framing tools off a generator - 04/09/04 02:03 AM

I agree with Mark. I have an air compressor with a 5 horse Honda on it and it still cranks on the first pull after 10 years.

Gabel Holder
Posted By: Emmett C Greenleaf

Re: Running timber framing tools off a generator - 04/10/04 04:45 PM

Gasoline engine generators appear to have an interesting price vs noise index of sorts. The reliability issue also points in the direction of the Honda engine. As the noise diminishes the price increases rather steeply. The Honda is by far the quietest. My Coleman runs for 9 hours on a single 5 gallon fill of petrol but it is very noisy. So we are left with What price noise, or, if you prefer, what price quiet. A 5500 watt unit (like my Coleman) runs under $500, a similar output Honda runs over $1300. Am in the process of constructing a noise baffle box and getting a local machine shop to fabricate a quiet muffler (one is not available fron the manufacturer). Time will tell if the noise suppression works, you do the math for the cost saving. A caution, if you plan to work or camp in a National Forest an approved spark arrestor is mandatory.
Some options you may want to consider with or without a generator. There are several brands of rugged high torque cordkess 18v power tools which will run all day on two 2.4amphour batteries which charge in an hour each. I am fond of the Bosch brand which includes a planer along with drill/drivers and saws. Bosch "brutes"
can be purchased at considerable savings over the MSRP. Recently we did a lot of peg hole drilling on the Charleston bus shelter using my Bosch without any problems at all.
Work safe, have fun.
Posted By: Ian Lawford

Re: Running timber framing tools off a generator - 04/12/04 11:08 PM

Ok. Thank you everyone for your advice on generators. It seems there is an overwhelming positive testament to Honda engines and their reliability.

Cheers,

Ian cool
Posted By: k12rman

Re: Running timber framing tools off a generator - 04/14/04 05:09 PM

I built a 24 x 36 1 1/2 story NE frame with a 5KW LP converted generator I purchased from Harbor freight for under $500. It worked great and with the LP i could run it in the basement with little ventilation without the fumes driving me out. eek
Posted By: Emmett C Greenleaf

Re: Running timber framing tools off a generator - 04/15/04 06:34 PM

Interesting,
How noisy is the LP gen ?
What kinda fuel consumption ?
Inquiring minds wanna know.
Posted By: k12rman

Re: Running timber framing tools off a generator - 04/16/04 11:33 AM

It does not make any more noise than it's gasoline counterpart. I guess I went through 3 or four grill bottles to do a whole frame. I turned off the generator in between my series of planned cuts. I converted the generator to LP myself, it was a good move. Now there is no carburetor to gum up between uses.
(http://www.propanecarbs.com/small_engines.html) wink
Posted By: Ian Lawford

Re: Running timber framing tools off a generator - 04/20/04 12:43 AM

One other question. Do some generators deliver current more smoothly than others or is this not something that I should consider.
I know from induction motors that capacitors are added to smooth things out.
I only brought this up b/c I was told some generators are suitable for running computers off of and other are not because of voltage spikes or surges. By the same token would voltage spikes diminish the life time of my tools? Has anyone considered using a power bar to plug into their generators?
Any thoughts?

Ian eek
Posted By: Jim Flath

Re: Running timber framing tools off a generator - 04/20/04 01:48 PM

My limited experience in this area taught me to be sure that my power tool (Big Foot saw, Makita chain mortiser) was up to speed before plunging it into the wood in order to preserve tool life. I was using a generator that automatically dropped to idle when not under a load, so that may not be an issue if using one that runs at full speed all the time.

You may also want to take a look at Robin generators. Their ratings are similar to Honda's at a slightly lower cost.
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