What would be needed to run power tools???

[lewie]

Wondering what setup would be needed as in battery numbers and size coupled with a decent inverter of what size, to run power tools large and small even like a drop saw from a new diesel triton?? Or better off getting small genset or something?? please shed some light on the subject for me ta

[Mousie]

i would reccomend a small genset u can pik them up from supa cheap for like 400$,
thats cheaper then seting up inverters and batteries to run a drop saw all day on a site...

[PBBIZ2]

I have a Dick Smith 800W constant load rated inverter, 1200w surge. Its fine for small light duty use like small drilling and small angle grinder jobs, but recently used it for two days building a shed and ended up cooking the alternator due to insufficient air cooling - heat from turbo killed it I think. If you do go this path you need to consider a cooling blower to circulate the air. This cooked even with the bonnet up. I will not be flogging this unit again like that, and will be purchasing a 2000w Honda unit - currently on special for 2K - much safer solution.

[Dirty]

A drop saw is going to be in the 1650W plus bracket. An inverter large enough to run that for any length of time is going to be very expensive.

It is also going to be pulling around 140A from the battery/alternator, so you would have to step up to 24V at least for even a small drop saw.

Genset is the way to go, and 2KVA is a little small but may do the job depending on the tools you want to use. Could look at a air/gen/welder unit, then the world is your oyster.

If you are really keen, get the generator off a genset, add a clutch pulley and run it from a belt off the motor.

- David.

[stuee]

Agree with the genset idea, good inverters are expensive, especially in the size you want. Depending on what sort of tools you want to use an air setup might be feasible??


As a side note I have an old Bosch trade (ie the $400 ones) drill/driver (whatever you wanna call it) that has naff batteries that my dad didnt want. Im going to be hacking up the battery casing and putting on a lead to run from the second battery in the rear of my car. The drill has 12V batteries so should run okay.