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optimistic
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# Posted: 22 Oct 2012 08:44pm
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After reading the thread about the Honda generator I thought I will go for one for sure. But the I realized that they are 1k a pop so I re-examined my situation and my generator needs:
1. I will use it for my build to run - kobalt 15 amp miter saw, a 13-15amp circular saw (I am shopping for one now), and my porter cable 0.8hp 10 amp compressor.
2. After my build I hope to only use it for either when my solar didn't charge my batteris enough / some kind of solar issue
3. And for any subsequent work I will do (hopefully not too much once I am finished with the cabin)
4. In general I would like to avoid using it as much as possible for electricity....
Now, after looking online - I saw that you can buy larger generators for about a third of a Honda/Yamaha. Like this one on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/DuroStar-DS4000S-4-Cycle-Portable-Generator/dp/B004918MO2/ref=s r_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1350952390&sr=1-1
Which is about 10db over the 2000 Honda but it is also a 4000w.
Is the main pros for the Honda is mobility?
Thoughts?
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optimistic
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# Posted: 22 Oct 2012 09:04pm
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BTW - did anyone tried this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX2xvGYn5ao
Looks interesting for those who use a generator more consistently for power.
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Dillio187
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# Posted: 22 Oct 2012 09:33pm
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the Honda/Yamaha quiet generators are also of the inverter type. Besides being quieter, they output pure sine wave power. This allows the engine to vary it's output to the power output needed. This saves a significant amount of fuel. The non-inverter generators need to run at 3600 rpm to maintain the proper wavelength, gulping fuel.
That and the cheaper generators are all made in China and tend to be about that reliable too.
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 22 Oct 2012 09:43pm
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Optimistic, go to http://www.wisesales.com and get your Honda EU2000i for $850!
Stay away from the cheap stuff. As mentioned, no inverter means a 2 pole (which most are) must run at 3,600 rpm, be is running a table saw or a CFL bulb. The inverter just tapers down to a trickle. My EU2000i runs my table saw, air compressor and does it on "eco mode"
I wanted a larger generator too. I just bought another Honda. But an EU6500is, runs my entire house. (not all heavy loads at the same time, but runs it all)
The EU2000i is extremely portable, made for carrying around, ie fuel shut off and tank vent can close off. Has special features to drain carb for long term storage.
Chinese units, first time you need a part, that company that made them will have long be out of biz or that model is no longer in production. No parts.
Trust me, its cheaper to get the premium stuff once and it last the rest of your life.
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larry
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# Posted: 22 Oct 2012 09:52pm
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Quoting: toyota_mdt_tech its cheaper to get the premium stuff once and it last the rest of your life.
AMEN BROTHER. bought a honda eb 3600 24 years ago and it worked great...right up untill some ass stole it
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ShabinNo5
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# Posted: 22 Oct 2012 10:41pm
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We are using a Coleman PowerMate 5500 with a Suburu engine. I purchased this generator 9 years ago, using it off and on for the first 6 year and most weekends during the summer the past three years.
Positives: Purchased on sale at HomeDepot for under $400, runs all my power tools on the build site.
Negatives: Not everything will operate because the sine wave is irratic. Example, Ryobi charger does not work. Also it is very loud.
It did stop working this summer, fortuantely it was a simple repair on the power board (a control wire of some sort became loose).
I do intend to get a Honda EU6500is at some point, but will continuing running this one until we have finished the on-site construction or it dies (whichever comes first).
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optimistic
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# Posted: 23 Oct 2012 08:32am
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All good points but I think my 15 amp miter saw won't work on this which is rated at 13.3amp.
Also, like you mentioned the invereter thing is important if you wish to run small things of it... I don't. I will only use it to - charge GC batteries in emergency/issue situation - so a cheap will will do for that, when I run power tools - which many are rated higher then this honda anyway so it won't even run them....
BTW - that site has them for 915$..
I love buying things which are good quality but this is 3 times and I am not even sure if it will run my tools. I found a few on clish for under 700 but still.... Not sure about my tools.
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PA_Bound
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# Posted: 23 Oct 2012 09:57am
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Opti... Unless you are powering a well pump, or some other 240v device, my advice is to buy the Honda EU2000i or similar Yamaha. 13.3A is the rated amperage, but 16.7A is the rated maximum. That will drive any normal 120v power tool you have. Yes... there are some 120v tools that require 20A circuits, and that will not work with these 2000 generators. But those are few and not commonly required for building cabins.
I have two other, nearly brand new, lesser quality but still name brand generators (a 3250 and 9000). For the hassles they have put me through, I would trade them both for a Honda in a hearbeat. And, over the long-haul, would have saved money.
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GomerPile
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# Posted: 23 Oct 2012 10:21am
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IMO this is one of those purchases that you should not skimp on. Its painful at first but after a while you will agree that it was money well spent. You can't go wrong with a Yamaha or Honda.
I'm in the process of building and use the Honda 2000i for power and it runs full size skill saw, compressor and everything else I have thrown at it.
A bonus use for it has been to cut firewood. When I cleared my lot I cut a ton of 1-5 inch logs with a POS chop saw powered by the Honda. Works great on pallets too.
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razmichael
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# Posted: 23 Oct 2012 10:42am
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Having just finished my cabin build (almost finished) with a honda 2000 I can support the statements that it ran my compound mitre saw, reciprocating saw, circular saw etc with no problems at all. Only problem was my father-in-law's old compressor that needed way too much start up power (but a neighbours compressor was not an issue - depends on the type of compressor (pancake etc)). The Inverter function is not just to "run small things" but provides a good clean power that you will need to even use many chargers and some motors. The added capability of an eco mode is also a great feature. By the way, do not assume every Inverter type generator provides a true sine wave output - not the case - watch out for cheap brands. The Inverter design is primarily designed to take the original AC output from the generator, knock it down to 12 volts and then invert it back to a 120 60 cycle. This isolates the final output from engine speed changes and spikes etc. The final quality of the output depends on the the quality and type of the inverter. Honda uses true sine wave inverters in their inverter models (although this is hard to track down on the web site - see Honda types.
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optimistic
Member
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# Posted: 23 Oct 2012 03:04pm
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Alright... I will look into getting Honda. How do I make sure it works with my tools though?
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bobbotron
Member
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# Posted: 23 Oct 2012 03:59pm
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If you're looking for a construction tools generator, I'd say get a honda engine genny, but skip the inverter style. Get a 5500 watt monster, turn it off when not in use, and revel in the shear job of running a skill saw and compressor at the same time, like I did when I rented a "real mans" generator this summer. :P I can't remember the brand name, but it had a honda engine, an auto throttle (for less gas consumption) and could seriously pump out some watts.
I own a champion 4000 watt generator. It'll run any 15 amp tool, but complain under the loads of my chop saw. It's AVR blew out earlier this year, had it repaired under warranty... I would buy a larger $1000 on sale generac if I could buy over, so I could attach a welder to it, or run multiple power tools at once, like you like to when cabin building.
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 23 Oct 2012 04:01pm
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Old piston type compressors, hard on start up, use a diaphram type compressor (pankcake as mentioned) and it will run it all and even in the eco mode.
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Dillio187
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# Posted: 23 Oct 2012 04:09pm
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if you want to make sure it will run your tools, rent one for 4 hours. My local rental place has the 1000 and 2000 watt versions.
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dk1393
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# Posted: 23 Oct 2012 04:36pm
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I bought a troybuilt at Lowes 5 years ago. It runs my table saw, miter saw and pancake compressor just fine. It cost 650.00 back then.
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Rebel300r
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# Posted: 23 Oct 2012 06:21pm
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Another vote for the Honda 2000. Runs like a charm, starts easy and sips fuel.
Scott
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Captain Winehead
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# Posted: 23 Oct 2012 06:37pm
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Good thread. This has answered a lot of my questions for a future generator. I too was eyeing the under $ 500 models, now I will rethink that.
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morganplus8
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# Posted: 24 Oct 2012 03:26pm
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Might as well tell a different story here!
I purchased two Hondas, a 2000i and a 3500 watt model to build my 60 ft dock and building. I found that while trying to go about my business, I was always worried about my high-priced generating equipment. The 3500 wasn't strong enough to weld my dock together so finally I decided to go cheap. I bought the 4000 watt Champion with a 2-year warranty for $ 300 at TSC and it built the entire complicated dock that summer! It ran everything like a charm and I never had a problem with it.
So I sold the 3500 watt Honda and thought I would then keep the 2000i for full time use at the lake. Again, I felt the Honda wasn"t something I wanted to lose and I'm not down there nearly enough to feel comfortable leaving it behind. so I purchased the 1800 watt Champion generator for $ 200 at TSC with a 2-year warranty and it is perminently stationed down there year round!
I can now weld & plasma cut whatever I want, I don't care what happens to the equipment as they owe me nothing at those prices considering everything they have done so far and still they have plenty of warranty left and look brand new. I sold both Hondas for a whole lot more and don't regret it one bit.
Just a different approach, thought I needed the Hondas and it turns out I didn't. These Champions are really quiet and idle when there is no load, really couldn't tell the difference between them and the Hondas at 20 feet. No complaints so far.
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VC_fan
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# Posted: 24 Oct 2012 07:07pm
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morganplus8, be prepared! I agree with you entirely but whenever I respond similarly I find that a lot of people disagree. To me, spending .1 as much for something maybe .8 as good is pretty good math. Especially when it's much more likely to be stolen than worn out. Different strokes, I guess, but I'm with you.
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 24 Oct 2012 11:37pm
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I never leave my generator behind. Its like a suitcase. I close the vent, drain carb bowl, toss it in the rig and head home with it. I've had it for 6 yrs or so???
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morganplus8
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# Posted: 25 Oct 2012 02:02pm
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vc_fan,
Not to worry, I was just reciting my personal experience here, turns out that I was fortunate enough not to need my Honda generators for this project. We own many Honda items so this is just a case where a basic piece of equipment for power tools worked nicely for me. I don't run computer equipment with this stuff, that's going to happen with a solar package.
I'm looking for a Honda powered tractor right now so my plans still favor Honda! LOL As for my latest boat motor, its a Mercury Four Stroke and it works great, our Honda Four Stroke was stolen right off the boat! Ha!
toyota - I have to leave power down there for the rest of my family and friends to use otherwise I would bring it home too. If I buy a big houseboat it will get a Honda generator for sure.
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 25 Oct 2012 05:26pm
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Honda is super stuff. As a tech by trade, I know quality and this thing is overflowing with quality. I have become a firm believer of Honda power equipment too. 
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groingo
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2012 10:58am - Edited by: groingo
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After looking at your power requirements for building the place versus what you will use when living in it, I would be more tempted in renting one for building the place then buying what you actually need after it is built when your power requirements would be lower rather than being saddled with a gas guzzling monster when you no longer need it.
And when it comes time for the household generator, make it Honda or Yamaha, don't scrimp on quality for something so critical plus they are miles ahead of the rest for fuel efficiency.
Just my two bits.
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Anonymous
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2012 03:32pm
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Champion really makes a great generator. Absolutely no issues in 3 years. They added remote start to the 4000/3500 model. It works up to 90 feet away!
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Retired
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2012 05:44pm
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You will start off with a generator that will power a saw, but at some point you will find you want to charge your laptop or other electronics. I bought a honeywell 6500. My first generator was a cut rate brand you could not charge your laptop with it. It was stolen from my truck, along with my truck I might add. So with the insurance money I bought a decent one. It is important to get one with an hours meter. Take my advice change the oil every 100 hours. I would change the oil the first time in about 50. My honeywell has a honda, Vangaurd are just as good. My honeywell has 1800 hours on it now over a couple years, no problems so far.
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Retired
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2012 05:47pm
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I would definately consider buying a generator with a remote control if your just starting cabin construction it will save you alot of time and energy not to mention saving a shiploard of fuel.
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skoottamataschm idty
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# Posted: 28 Oct 2012 12:21pm
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We have been using a Honda 300 watt generator for 11 years now. Never a problem with it, starts even on the coldest days. Great on gas and quiet as well. I highly recommend the Honda.
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groingo
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# Posted: 29 Oct 2012 11:41am
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Also, don't get confused on Generators with Honda motors and Honda Generators, they are worlds apart.
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beachman
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# Posted: 30 Oct 2012 03:51pm
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Agree that Honda is a good name. I have a Champion 5000 - (6500 peak) used for my build and using now for misc too. It ran everything and used very little fuel. The builders really used this thing hard and it still ran but had problems at the end with starting. I think they gummed up the carb by letting it sit for a couple of months. I have taken it back to the city (not easy as it had to take a boat ride then a long truck ride) to be serviced.
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Anonymous
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# Posted: 30 Oct 2012 09:32pm
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I am a big fan of my yamaha 2400. It pushes everything even my 10,000 btu air conditioner, It says it can pust a 13500 btu air conditoner I may try that next summer. It will not push my heavy duty air compressor. I have to use a pancake compresser when I go down but the pancake was driving 3 inch nails no problem. The genny is super quite. My old genny is a troy built that was loud as a freight train, I hated starting it so much i often cut 2x4s and plywood with my hand saw that I keep at my place. the 2400 was 1350 dollars at cabelas. And I would spend it again in a heart beat. I would have liked to get a remote start as well but those models got to heavy (about 130 pounds and up) Mine is 70 pounds and i have no porblem lifting it.
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