Generator powered shop

H

HikoIto

Joined
Oct 28, 2013
Messages
27
Hi all.
I'm thinking about moving my shop to a different location but the new place doesn't have electricity or running water. So if I do this I'd have to get a generator to power the tools. Does anybody run their shop with a generator? What would be the cost of fuel? What kind of generator do you recommend? Thanks!
 
It has been done by several folks who live in remote locations. If noise isn't a problem it is a fairly good solution for a small to medium size shop. Some have three phase power. Some are very quiet.

You should look around for a diesel or propane generator with lots of power capacity. The ones used for construction sites that are on trailers can be found pretty cheap.Also, if you can find a back-up generator used for a business, they are perfect. They are self contained and usually have an enclosure. I have seen these available with less than 100 hours run time sell for just a few thousand dollars.... less than 1/10 of what they cost new.
If your shop is a small hobby shop, you probably can do fine with a 10KW generator, which are really cheap. Just get a fixed mount unit that is made to run for extended time. The "emergency power" types will wear out soon if run daily.

I just did a search and see them in both propane and diesel from 20KW single phase to over 150KW 3 phase for $1.5K to $8K.
 
Thank you so much for the input. Mainly I'll be using the basic tools for stock removal, the grinder, drill press, buffer, dremel, etc...
 
It would really help if you filled out your profile. We have no idea where you live, so it is hard to know if any specific info will fit your situation.

For just running a few lights and a tool or two at a time, you could get away with around 5KW. I see a 5KW propane powered generator on ebay for $500; a 4KW for $212; and a 5KW 120/240 for $950.
 
I use a ,Miller trailblazer 302 efi generator, welder to power up my camp in the winter. I think it is 10000 or 11000 watt powerplant and the welder is a nice unit.
 
Who was that guy that had a complete blacksmithing shop with all that old-timey equipment being run by line-shaft and belts? I remember his whole operation being run by to rather large gas/diesel engines from the 20's.

I would definitely recommend a propane generator simply because you don't have to worry about the fuel going bad. And get a really good muffler for it!
 
That was William Scagel who bought a truck and took the engine out of it to run his shop...he never drove.
 
Thanks. I filled out my profile a bit. I still use 1x30 and my shop is on the property I rent. The landlord and the neighbors live close by and the shop is outside so I can not work early morning or after the sun goes down because of the noise. I will be upgrading the grinder soon and I will be making more knives so I need a place where I can work anytime of the day. The only option right now is my friends farm, inside the storage container... No electricity, no water... I appreciate all the tips. Mahalo.
 
What is your current load? 5kw would be more then enough for most but after looking at what equipment I run 2.5kw is all I need in lighting and what ever piece of equipment I'm using including in rush current for motors. Of course if you run a electric oven, grinder, belt sander and air compressor all at once your needs may be different from mine. For the no water part you need to talk to a plumber, all I know is it rolls down hill and don't chew your finger nails. If you need help with a load calc let me know.
 
I'm not sure what my current load is... I don't do my own heat treat so no oven. I have basic equipment, grinder (1x30 but will be upgrading soon), drill press, portaband, dremel, jigsaw, etc... I don't run two equipment at the same time....
 
Sorry I responded with my old account (hunterarrow). I just created a new account with my real name and still getting used to the change.
 
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