Cheap, low-end inverter

[GrantRobertson]

OK, I have an Onan generator in the RV, but it isn't running right now. Will fix that later.

For now, I am going to need an inexpensive inverter just to run some power tools on while the engine is running. The biggest draw will be a 5amp Rockwell mini circular saw (I love that thing). I am fine with wiring it in to the vehicle wiring or using alligator clamps, as I expect the cigarette plug can't handle that kind of power.

 

[TMG51]

Not being a wiseguy here but if you end up considering putting much investment into an inverter that's "for now, not for later" you might consider just going for a cordless toolkit which would be easier to use off-grid both now and later. I really like my DeWalt 20v, and I use it for everything. Plenty sufficient for cutting up plywood / anchoring 2x material and more. And it charges easily from a vehicle with little draw.

Which was the kit Bob recommends? I forget. But any of the box stores will have them on sale this time of year.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-ONE-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Ultimate-Combo-Kit-6-Tool-P884/203466936
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Combo-Kit-5-Tool-R9623/206356626

If you're stuck on an inverter maybe someone else can recommend better. I don't use an inverter at all.

 

[karl]

I'm in the cordless corner as well- Dewalt 18v (I have simply replaced units as they died over the years, and now have like 3 chargers and 8 batteries so always have power)for me, there are others more economical, but I make my living with mine. The only complaint I have is the 12v chargers don't last long or seem to charge as fully as the 120v units.

As for inverters, I have a 800w cobra- think I paid like $40., seldom use it, in previous van had a $25. cobra 400w - seldom used it.

As always- YMMV- this works for me at this point in my life..

 

[VJG1977]

Did a quick search.

http://www.harborfreight.com/750-watt-continuous-1500-watt-peak-power-inverter-66817.html

Sale: $42.99    90 reviews, many mentioned running power tools.

Another suggestion about the 2 x 4 roofing members.  If you can pick through the lumber,  you can select 2x4's that have a slight curve or crown.  When you install them make sure the crown is up.  You could enhance this natural curve by tapering the top edge of the 2x4 with a block plane. Taper from the center to the outside edge by 1/2 inch.  That would give plenty of pitch for water run off without having to shape foam.  Top with 1/2 in exterior ply and the membrane roofing.  Put the foam between the roofing 2x4's.  With maintenance, should outlast the cab.   Just one Tennessee red neck alternative and I will not offended if you ignore it.

 

[Sabatical]

BESTEK 2 AC Outlets 1000W Power Inverter with Battery Clamps and Car Cigarette Lighter Plug https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007SLDDHQ/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_muFCwb2Z24X85
I recently installed the this bestek inverter in the travel trailer and like it. It has external fuses so if there's an issue you can easily replace them rather than having to take it apart. As a side note, it powers my cordless tool battery charger with no issues.
It was $79 with prime free shipping.

 

[GrantRobertson]

BESTEK 2 AC Outlets 1000W Power Inverter with Battery Clamps and Car Cigarette Lighter Plug https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007SLDDHQ/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_muFCwb2Z24X85
I recently installed the this bestek inverter in the travel trailer and like it. It has external fuses so if there's an issue you can easily replace them rather than having to take it apart. As a side note, it powers my cordless tool battery charger with no issues.
It was $79 with prime free shipping.

Thanks, this looks like just what I'm looking for.

 

[ccbreder]

Yea, but nothing can beat a 110V circular saw.

 

[GrantRobertson]

Yea, but nothing can beat a 110V circular saw.

Plus, I only need to run the engine to power the inverter for the short time that I am actually using the tool. When I get to the situation where running the engine is my ONLY source of electricity, running the engine to charge batteries would be a huge waste.

Yes, I will get solar... later.

One thing at a time.

 

[AuricTech]

Just keep in mind that electric motors generally run hotter and less efficiently on power from modified sine wave inverters.

 

[MikeRuth]

Grant, just a FYI,. I have run a 6 amp Shop vac on my setup and it was right at the limits.
I have two T-105's and a 1500 / 3000 burst Watt HF inverter.
Without the engine I was marginally capable of running this, with the engine running it was feeding out 95 Amps, barely holding 12 volts.
At 5 amps you will be close to these numbers, although I realize it's a saw and may not be on that long at any given time. I wonder if that saw is nominal at 5 amps or is that peak>
Under load the draw could go up considerably. If you have a kill-a-watt you might dbl check the draw.
Good luck.

 

[SternWake]

If one is right in the edge of what an inverter or battery bank can handle, perhaps lowering the motor speed slightly via a router speed controller would allow operation.


I use this on my 5 amp angle grinder and buckethead mini shop vac, not only to reduce speed, and amp draw, but noise too.

http://www.amazon.com/MLCS-9400-Standard-Router-Control/dp/B001JHQ3G8

No issues with MSW either.

I have a single speed ridgid jigsaw with a soft start feature, and the RSC says not to use with tools that have a soft start feature, but it still works properly, but works better if started out at high speed then lowered after the motor is running.

I've not tried it with a saw, but I only have a 12 amp Skil saw and no inverter big enough to power that, nor enough battery either.

Beware of overheating the alternator at idle speeds when maxing out a large inverter powering large AC loads.  220F is the maximum one should allow, and it is all too easy to get an alternator this hot when it is asked for max output.

 

[blars]

It depends on the type of motor whether it dislikes MSW or not. Refrigerators normally use syncronus motors that dislike MSW, many tools and vacumes use brush motors that don't care (and would work on DC as well). Brush motors handle varying loads better, but tend not to have as long a life.

 

[66788]

Just keep in mind that electric motors generally run hotter and less efficiently on power from modified sine wave inverters.

Furthermore, I fried my Craftsman Lithium Ion power tool charger by plugging it in ONCE to a modified sine wave inverter.   Seems that buried deep in the owner's manual (which no true man ever reads) is a fragmented sentence warning that  a modified sine wave inverter will damage the unit beyond repair.   Seems to me that warning would be better served as a  sticker on the actual charger itself.  :s

 

[jimindenver]

remember that not all MSW inverters are actually MSW. Some are square wave.

 

[kylakemike]

Did a quick search.

http://www.harborfreight.com/750-watt-continuous-1500-watt-peak-power-inverter-66817.html

Sale: $42.99    90 reviews, many mentioned running power tools.

Another suggestion about the 2 x 4 roofing members.  If you can pick through the lumber,  you can select 2x4's that have a slight curve or crown.  When you install them make sure the crown is up.  You could enhance this natural curve by tapering the top edge of the 2x4 with a block plane. Taper from the center to the outside edge by 1/2 inch.  That would give plenty of pitch for water run off without having to shape foam.  Top with 1/2 in exterior ply and the membrane roofing.  Put the foam between the roofing 2x4's.  With maintenance, should outlast the cab.   Just one Tennessee red neck alternative and I will not offended if you ignore it.