Topic: Running power tools using Inverter

[chrisfranklin]

You think it possible to run a small, corded, 120v Dewalt orbital sander using an an inverter and your Jeep's 12V system? 

Actually, the inverter I have is junk. So, this is really a non-starter.   

[jcsanders79]

Hell yes.  I have run sawzaws, circular saws, coffee makers, pancake gridles and much more on mine, $45 at Lowes.

[Jesse-James]

Depends on the wattage of the inverter, although an orbital can't use much.

[Jeffy]

Why would you want to run a orbital sander off the Jeep?  If you're thinking that you want to do sanding on the Jeep, you're better off getting a LONG extension cord and run it from your apartment. 

Unless you have a dual battery setup, or even if you did you'd want to run the engine to charge the battery.

[Bounty Hunter]

You can install a second alternator for 110v tools and welding.

[dunklervogel]

 

I don't know who is serious here and who isn't.

[chrisfranklin]

Why would you want to run a orbital sander off the Jeep?  If you're thinking that you want to do sanding on the Jeep, you're better off getting a LONG extension cord and run it from your apartment. 

Unless you have a dual battery setup, or even if you did you'd want to run the engine to charge the battery.

Yeah, the apartment is kind of the issue.  I'm a guy driving a 94 YJ, yet I'm living in a high-end place, w/ high-end rules and zero tolerance for on-site auto repair/work.  Its not an issue of "want" for sure.  Its an issue of "not having much choice," especially if I am going to do multiple sanding jobs myself (in a remote location) and do it on my own time-frame.

I could use a serious inverter upgrade anyway.

[Jeffy]

Yeah, the apartment is kind of the issue.  I'm a guy driving a 94 YJ, yet I'm living in a high-end place, w/ high-end rules and zero tolerance for on-site auto repair/work.  Its not an issue of "want" for sure.  Its an issue of "not having much choice," especially if I am going to do multiple sanding jobs myself (in a remote location) and do it on my own time-frame.

I could use a serious inverter upgrade anyway.

Best option then is to find someone else who is local that is willing to allow you to work on your Jeep there.

[jfrabat]

I could use a serious inverter upgrade anyway.

If you run too many amps for too long, you can damage the inverter (or worse!).  I would check the consumption of the sander and the capacity of the inverter first.  Is the system to which you are plugging the inverter (cigarrette lighter?) able to handle the load?  Or are you connecting directly to the battery?  Are you planning on running the Jeep while using the sander?  If you are, dont do this on a garage or other closed space.  If not, your battery may be taking a big hit!

Anyway, I would try to find a place that has an electrical outlet and run it off that, but that's just me...

Felipe

[dunklervogel]

Just saw this in action tonight ... was out at a friend's cabin and he had an inverter connected directly onto the battery powering a lot of lights and other stuff around the cabin.  He had to keep his car running, though.

[chrisfranklin]

I only have about 6 square feet total on 6 areas that I need to sand out and level with the body.  Doesn't sound like much, but the Evercoat puts up a battle.  Its not the "Rage" kind that allegedly lets you avoid using heavy grit paper and grater tools.

I spent about 2 hours sanding it down by hand using 40 grit paper and this effort got me only part way thought the job. 

However, I can probably pull this off by hand and doing it manually is probably the cheapest way in terms of time, logistics, money.  I just need to buy a ton more 30-40 grit sandpaper, some that doesn't clog so easily.  Probably wouldn't kill me to buy one of those cheese grater tools, too, just to help the process along and keep things level.