Generators

[Darren B]

Hi all,

I've just got access to a garage to get my car fixed, but it doesn't have any power.  Therefore I am looking to buy a generator so that I can get some light and heat sorted and to charge up the batteries on my drill and indeed the car itself (if required).

I've looked at hire rates and it'll be cheaper in the long run to have my own.  Does anyone have any good suggestions for a Jenny at a sensible price (i.e. Screwfix sell one for £150)?

Thanks

Darren

[Azzacat]

I Had the same issue when i was building, i bought a cheapo 950watt generator off ebay, cost 90 odd quid, it runs drills, grinder and a jig saw, not the quietest of things but not so bad,

For lighting i have a solar panel running 2 x 9 watt fluresent bulbs, the panel also charges by car battery.

[pete g]

B&Q do some very cheap ones.start at £39

[KerryS]

Some of the cheaper ones are 2-stroke and tend to be noisier than 4-stroke ones. I got one from Machine Mart (Clarke brand) that was in their returned items section for £200.

The quietest ones I have heard are the Honda ones but they are NOT cheap!

[Mark Stanton]

Makro, Costco, Machine Mart        

The quieter it is the more expensive    

[nlash]

Avoid the cheap two stroke genny's like the plague. They don't last despite meticulous measuring of the oil/fuel mix.

Ebay usually have some good offers on Honda equipment

[Yobbo]

I have got one of these

www.kipor-generators.co.uk/kipor-campingmate-1300tc.php

Good value very quiet

[Darren B]

Thanks for the replies.  I can't get fleabay at work (Firewall tastic!).  I'll look in B&Q and see what they have this evening,  but I have my eye on this one until I get a chance to check out ebay tonight:

Screwfix 1200W Genny

[nlash]

Thanks for the replies.  I can't get fleabay at work (Firewall tastic!).  I'll look in B&Q and see what they have this evening,  but I have my eye on this one until I get a chance to check out ebay tonight:

Screwfix 1200W Genny

Looks like a bargain, especially if it carries a warranty

[Hammy]

You won't be able to get a unit big enough to power electric heater for a sensible price, better to buy a gas heater, but beware of the dangers of an open flame in a confined area ( fumes, petrol fires etc), don't work with a closed door.

Similarly is you want to use power tools you should chose a gen unit of a larger capicatiy than your biggest tool, for lighting the £39 job will do the job , but these are really intended for "occasional use" as implied elsewhere.

If you only want have lighting then 12v powered lighting might be the answer (no noise problem), as already suggested, - dead safe too - In my van I have a second battery on a split charger and a socket in the back. This can power a reasonable flourescent lighting setup for a couple of hours or so, a soldering iron direct and re-charge it up when driving around ( the second battery always means the van will start!)

You can charge your toy drill at home.

A flask will provide your hot tea too.

Having said all that the Screwfix Wolf job looks a bargin

Summer is coming, why not just wheel it outside and enjoy the sun.

[Darren B]

Unfortunately my garage is not co-located with my current living arrangements and I can only work on the car into the evenings.  Equally the work required will need the car off it's wheels so, as much as I like the idea of working in the fresh air, I need to solve the in garage issues.

I have a little fan heater, but intend to wrap up warm, so the main purpose of the gen is for lighting.  Most of the work is pure mechanics, but I may need to use the dremel to fettle the new ducting in the nose, hence something of a reasonable power output.

[KerryS]

The only thing I'd say about the Screwfix one is that it's an open frame type that tend to be noisier than the so called "suitcase" varieties. But, they are cheaper so you pays your money and makes your choice...

[pete g]

B&Q do some big ones to ,still very cheap.

think they maybe 2 stokes but ,whats stopping you adding a additional silencer and fitting a box around generator to quiet it down.

years ago i managed to quiet my model 2 stoke engines down that people though i was running 4 stokes.

any thing is possible.

all depends on your budget.

the other way if you only want lighting and small chargers etc is a inverter and run of 12v battery

maplins do a small one for about £20.

[stu999]

You won't be able to get a unit big enough to power electric heater for a sensible price, better to buy a gas heater, but beware of the dangers of an open flame in a confined area

and swear at the condensation it produces...

[Hammy]

good point stu - they seem to promote rusting too as I recall