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I need a portable generator for some work I’m doing and would like to get some recommendations on size and cost. I expect I would normally use only one tool at a time, mostly small power tools. Having 220V capability seems like a good idea. Any suggestions? I’d like to keep the cost around $500 but really don’t know if I’ll be buying enough capacity at that price.
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Go with an overhead valve model, they last longer in extreme conditions (heat etc.). Honda, Yamaha, and the type are the most common and hold up well. I personaly have a Honda and it works flawlessly, it's quiet (noise being the big annoyance) and gets good fuel/hour rates. As far as size...220/240 volt models are "usually" in the 5000 watt and up range, which makes it a good all around generator. You'll spend more than 500 bucks, but...you get what you pay for. DON'T buy at HD or any of the other box stores, they don't directly warranty them anymore, no exchange policy, you buy it and don't like it or it screws up..tough s*it, you own it. Buy from a reputable dealer!
*Hi, Walt: Before you buy a generator, make sure you learn more about gasoline and electricity. You may kill someone (or yourself) without even know it. For recommendations, that's easy. Honda, period.
*$500 is borderline for a lifetime unit. Under that and you are buying a disposavle power source. $800 or so will get you something good for life. In between you can shop careful and do alright. Honda and Onan are names that stand out around here for dependable continuous use.
*I have used a 4000 watt generac xl model for many years. it has run flawlessly and I use it alot. I use it for working on my sailboat and for emergency uses (power outrages) and for framing houses. Its alot easier to use a generator rather than hassling with getting temporary power. it runs my compressor, circular saws, and table saw, but the table saw and compressor can't run at the same time. the generac 4000xl has pressure lubrication and is available with a oil filter. no one else does this. it has an overhead valve and gets excellent fuel economy. Use amsoil synthetic oil in the generator and it will last alot longer.
*I don't think Generac still makes small portable generators - another company bought the license to make them under the Generac name a couple of years ago.
*Some of the ones wearing the Sears name are by Generac. In Maine we had a tremendous ice storm that left us without power for over a week a few years back ('98?).A factory approved service center guy told me that they got more Generacs than anything else come in for warrantee work. 'course that could just mean that they were more available and sold more than others. Also he said that a few of them had NO oil in them. Most ship without oil and some DIYs don't read the instructions - just gas'n'go. So this could be just a fluke of not getting good dealer prep.
*I've been eyeing one of the Honda models.Hondas have voltage regulators, which I believe was mentioned as an important feature during another generator discussion at Breaktime.The power company loaned me one of the smaller models during my upgrade to 200amps. Ran nearly all day with maybe a tank and a half.And it was relatively quiet.
*b Opinions on bench top thickness planersI'm preparing to buy a bench top planer and while I usually lean toward DeWalt, I'm open for suggestions, opinions and experiences on alternatives.Has anyone done a review or comparison article?
*My brother-in-law and I both run the Generac 5000XL with pressurized oil system and filter. It's an overhead valve motor starts easy runs smooth. I don't run Amsoil but I do use Mobil 1. Matter of fact I run 10w30 synthetic in everything especially air cooled motors, it takes the heat better and they start better in the cold. The unit is real reliable my brother-in-laws is used by his framing crew, they haven't broke it yet after almost two years. I've tested the voltage regulation on it and it's real accurate even under changing loads. The idle control works real well also, responds instantly to loads.
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I need a portable generator for some work I'm doing and would like to get some recommendations on size and cost. I expect I would normally use only one tool at a time, mostly small power tools. Having 220V capability seems like a good idea. Any suggestions? I'd like to keep the cost around $500 but really don't know if I'll be buying enough capacity at that price.