What Generator ?

[scottpix]

Hi folks,
This is my first post on the forum.
I really enjoy working on my woodwork projects, but don't have a workshop, so I do most work in my back garden, as you can imaging this is causing noise and dust affecting my neighbours.
So I'm thinking a generator would be the best option that I can use at my allotment, but I'm unsure what type or model I would need to run a sander, grinder and jigsaw.
My budget isn't great but I`m considering a second hand machine.

Can anyone recommend a suitable generator.

Many Thanks
Scott

 

[graduate_owner]

My only comment on this is, avoid those well specified, shiny, new, competitively priced far east imports with engines that are usually painted red to look like a Honda (Marksman etc) because deep down you know they are built cheaply and simply will not last the course. A quick browse on ebay will give you plenty of other brands which are well worth avoiding.
Pay a bit more and get something worth having, then you will have something reliable and worth having which you will be able to sell on when no longer needed, whereas no-one is going to want a broken down import, especially you.

K

 

[Wildman]

I have a large diesel 7.5 kva generator that has a twin cylinder armstrong siddeley engine I ran my entire workshop of many HP at a time. It is now partially stripped for an engine rebuild but my back is knackered and I suspect it will never get done/ I doubt it could be removed from the workshop until spring as at the moment there are 200 yards of mud to drive over. It is a historical Engine. I want £600 as it stands. can help with extraction and lift onto a trailer, weighs around 750 kgs.

 

[dickm]

Sander etc should run fine off a "suitcase" type of generator and they are relatively quiet, so should not upset your fellow allotmenteers. Problem with anything bigger could be just adding genny noise to inherent noise of tools.
Expensive, but what about battery kit?
If you go down the genny route, remember gradowner's advice - there are some very convincing, and very carp, "Honda-ish" copies out there. Make sure you get the real thing.

 

[custard]

I used a Honda genny for years; on boats, in the woods, on beaches, wherever. Never let me down, but if it did spares were easy to source. And if you're ever stuck for a few quid you can sell them in a heartbeat for pretty much what you paid.

None of this is applies to the look-alike rip offs.

 

[scottpix]

Thanks for the advice folks, lots to think about there, will keep looking the Honda seems good.

Cheers

 

[wallace]

I used a Honda which was 2.2kva on an allotment years ago. A jigsaw is only 500w maybe and a drill maybe 800w so you don't need something massive. They hold there money really well

 

[Roy Clarke]

Honda is definitely the one to look at. Which one? Go to www.petepower.co.uk, he's the best source available, and I have no financial interest.

 

[n0legs]

I've used Kawasaki generators and I'd give them a high rating.
In some storms a few years back we hired in loads. One that impressed was the Yanmar gennys, might be a bit big for your needs though.
In general as long as it's a genuine Honda up front you won't go far wrong.
I could lend you our 11kv genny, running it might be a bit of a beggar :lol:

 

[graduate_owner]

Just to clarify, I wasn't trying to imply that Honda are the only generators worth having. I was pointing out that cheap imports almost always seem to have engines that imitate genuine Honda engines. They never try to imitate NuTool or Power Devil - strange!!

K

 

[dickm]

The only saving grace of the Honda-ish engines is that they are sufficiently accurate copies of the real thing that genuine Honda parts can be used when the copies break. But still not a good idea!

 

[scottpix]

Im looking at a second hand Honda GX160 , 5.5 do you think this ok to power grinders, reciprocating saw, and sanders ?

Thanks for your advice so far.

Scott

 

[Hot stuff]

The 5.5 will be horse power of the motor I think, you'll need to know the output of the genny, measured in kVa.