Shop question

Jim M

Jim M

Senior Member
After years of having my 24x36 shop we have now retired to FL. I now am working in a 9x18 rented storage unit with NO power. I am slowly getting used to it and have even mounted my work bench and vise on hinges so they can be out of the way when not needed. The one thing I REALLY miss in 110 power. I'm about to go on a search for the least expensive option AND size of a portable generator. My guess is I am not alone with this problem. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Jim
 
I think you will find, you get what you pay for. If you are going to be using it frequently for hours, a cheap generator will be a disappointment, and noisy. I'm sure there are other good ones, but you can't beat a Honda.
 
Try and find a used-equipment place for RV equipment, you should be able to pick up a used power plant at reasonable cost. The most common is Onan, they are reliable but noisy. Honda, Yamah and some others are quiet. Good luck!
 
Do you have propane or natural gas available? Some have dual fuel capacity as at Home Depot though they rent Honda probably for good reason.. Jim in post 4 is correct, i.e, Cresco in our area has some with low hours , some run on bio diesel, etc.
 
I'd highly recommend a Honda 2000 generator. Not the cheapest by any means but you won't find a better one. I've used one for years both with my camper trailer and for emergency power at home. It'll run the refigerator, freezer, TV and some lights. You'll get about 3-4 hours on a tank of fuel (1 gal.). It's also the quietest one on the market at its size and VERY easy to start. They run about $950 new and there are a bunch of used ones on Ebay for a lot cheaper.
 
Thats my problem also, storage unit :-( there is an outlet on the light post, I haven’t tried yet. I have a small 75 watt cigarette plug in converter for a drop light. What about a larger converter mounted in your daily driver, it could also be used when you have power outages at home :-)
 
Of course, the first question that must be answered is: What equipment do you hope to run off the generator? Then base the size on that.

I'd suggest a Honda 2000i... the inverter generators run much quieter and use less fuel. Pretty much any of the cheaper generator options will require you to wear hearing protection.

In addition, the Honda 2000i is pretty small, so easy to store, or to take home with you to use when a storm takes out your electricity.
 
I join those who have suggested a Honda.
Our Honda EU2000 is amazing! Very quiet. Always starts on pull 1 or 2.
Cheap to run. Starts after sitting for months at a time.
And they hold their value pretty. Good luck.
Gil. NoCal
 
Make sure your rental agreement you signed doesnt outlaw workshops first.

2nd is what do you plan to run? if just lights get battery powered LED things. Table saw or something like that will draw considerable power.

I also agree honda generators are great and quiet. Storage units get very echoy.

ALso like someone else look around at the lighting - usually they have an outdoor outlet tied into them you could borrow from.
 
I've seen a lot of generators come and go while up in Alaska living off the grid. I recommend a Honda also. I have a 2000i that I have had for years and still runs perfect. If you plan to run an air conditioner the 2000i is not big enough but the 3000 will.
 
Jim M said:
After years of having my 24x36 shop we have now retired to FL. I now am working in a 9x18 rented storage unit with NO power. I am slowly getting used to it and have even mounted my work bench and vise on hinges so they can be out of the way when not needed. The one thing I REALLY miss in 110 power. I'm about to go on a search for the least expensive option AND size of a portable generator. My guess is I am not alone with this problem. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Jim
Click to expand...
Most electric Companies will run power to most any source on the same property free. Talk to your Landlord and ask him or her to ask the power Company to provide that service to your rental building.
 
I still live off the grid in Alaska and have owned many different generators. You can't go wrong with a Honda. The EU2000 is a good generator but won't run anything but smaller 110 tools. An EU3000 will run more and will make a small air conditioner run in a motorhome but won't run it for a long time. An EU6500 will run almost anything you want and has 220. If you can get power for a reasonable amount its a nice thing to have. I have owned Generac and they are garbage. I tried a Yamaha because it was sold locally and while it still works its been a POS. I have three Onans and would never willingly have another. They are an overpriced undependable POS.
 
I bought my Honda EU-1000 off ebay for $400. It's quality, quiet, and very fuel efficient. It runs all my power tools fine.
Be careful on ebay, as lately there are one or two scammers with feedback of only 0, 1, 2, or 3.
I don't know what there game is, but I've followed them, and they don't have a generator to sell.
 
Jim M said:
After years of having my 24x36 shop we have now retired to FL. I now am working in a 9x18 rented storage unit with NO power. I am slowly getting used to it and have even mounted my work bench and vise on hinges so they can be out of the way when not needed. The one thing I REALLY miss in 110 power. I'm about to go on a search for the least expensive option AND size of a portable generator. My guess is I am not alone with this problem. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Jim
Click to expand...

Whatever ya get, either run it outside or get a carbon monoxide alarm.

Even if you run it outside the door, the wind could blow the exhaust back into your unit.
 
How often will you need power? If it’s just lights, you might get by with a solar panel and an inverter and rent a generator if you plan on needing to use a 240v welder or ? As mentioned, Honda’s are the best and the inverter generators are real quiet


Saving iron from the scrap pile one piece at a time
 
Will someone explain the EU in front of the number and the i after the number on the Honda generators? Jack
 
Well heck, I can see the problem from here.
You retired to the wrong State.
For what you are probably paying for a crackerbox house in florida you could have gotten a comfy little ranch house with a barn or double garage sitting on a couple of acres here in Okie Homa.
And then you'd be happy like Mama and me.
And the Grandkids like it here too.
 

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