Kapex on a generator

[skids]

Any reason this would cause problems with the saw?

Anyone doing it on a regular basis?

 

[joiner1970]

Yes as tools with electronic speed control don't like running off generators.

 

[Kev]

"generators" covers a wide spectrum ... assuming you're talking a typical job site unit - I'd avoid it.

 

[Alli]

If you found a generator with a pure sine wave, would the kapex work any better?

 

[Roseland]

I'd try and go for one of the Honda 'suitcase' generators.  They put out a very pure sine wave (some say better than mains electricity).  Plus they are quieter and, because they only rev to the speed they need for the power drawn, more fuel efficient too.

Andrew

 

[skids]

I'd try and go for one of the Honda 'suitcase' generators.  They put out a very pure sine wave (some say better than mains electricity).  Plus they are quieter and, because they only rev to the speed they need for the power drawn, more fuel efficient too.

Andrew

This one is a honda generator..but I am glad I asked since general consensus is not to do it. If all this is true it Makes the kapex alot less of a job site saw which is a shame at 1400 bucks.

 

[peter halle]

I guess there are alternate ways of looking at it.

One is that the Kapex and other "intelligent tools" should be designed to work on dumb generators, and the other is that generators should be designed to operate on "intelligent tools".

Working on job sites does not always require a generator, but intelligent tools offer protections and performance enhancements.

Peter

 

[Sparktrician]

I'd try and go for one of the Honda 'suitcase' generators.  They put out a very pure sine wave (some say better than mains electricity).  Plus they are quieter and, because they only rev to the speed they need for the power drawn, more fuel efficient too.

Andrew

They also tend to grow legs at a far higher rate than the noisy ones.   [mad]

 

[skids]

I'd try and go for one of the Honda 'suitcase' generators.  They put out a very pure sine wave (some say better than mains electricity).  Plus they are quieter and, because they only rev to the speed they need for the power drawn, more fuel efficient too.

Andrew

They also tend to grow legs at a far higher rate than the noisy ones.   [mad]

Very true.. But they are so much easier to take away from the site on a daily basis.

 

[BobcaygeonJim]

I can't say it will run a Kapex but I have a Yamaha EF2000is and I used it with my MFK and I had no issues.

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

I bought a generator to run tools in my workshop several months ago, here's what I learned in my research:

I'd be VERY wary of running on one of the suitcase generators. As important as a "clean" power supply is, even more important is making sure you are getting adequate wattage. Honda makes a EU2000 and EU3000 that are supposed to be safe for running computers, and other sensitive electronics. The problem is they are only delivering 2000-3000 watts. That may sound like a lot when the Kapex is listed as drawing 1600 watts. But, when you consider that most universal motors draw double or triple their running wattage when starting, all of a sudden you're looking at the Kapex potentially drawing 3200+ watts. I asked Bosch what their GTS1031 table saw (1600 running watts) draws on startup, Bosch responded that the saw draws in excess of 4000 watts on startup.

Even if the Kapex only draws a maximum of 1600 watts, if you are also using a CT dust extractor drawing 1200 watts, now you're still drawing 2800 watts, not to mention startup watts.

Hilti, Max, and other high quality tool manufacturers design their variable speed tools to accomodate compromised power supplies, particularly generators, I would hope that Festool has followed this trend.

After extensive phone conversations with Festool, Bosch, Hilti, Honda, and residential electricians, I elected to purchase a Honda EB5000 to power my work shop. I use utility power for lighting, and my generator for running tools. The EB5000 delivers roughly 5000 constant watts, and can deliver a surge of 6500 watts for 10 seconds to accomodate startup wattage. I have extensively used my CT-26, CT-MIDI, RO-150, RO-90, OF-1400, Mafell MT-55cc, and Hilti TE-1000, all of which have variable speed, on my generator to no apparent ill-effect. I also run a Bosch table saw, DeWalt thickness planer, Makita air compressor, Mafell KSS-400, automatic battery charger, and edging sander without any issues on the generator.

Remember, these tools aren't magical. Make sure you're supplying them with sufficient wattage from a good quality generator, and you should be fine!  [big grin]

 

[City Properties Inc]

I bought a generator to run tools in my workshop several months ago, here's what I learned in my research:

I'd be VERY wary of running on one of the suitcase generators. As important as a "clean" power supply is, even more important is making sure you are getting adequate wattage. Honda makes a EU2000 and EU3000 that are supposed to be safe for running computers, and other sensitive electronics. The problem is they are only delivering 2000-3000 watts. That may sound like a lot when the Kapex is listed as drawing 1600 watts. But, when you consider that most universal motors draw double or triple their running wattage when starting, all of a sudden you're looking at the Kapex potentially drawing 3200+ watts. I asked Bosch what their GTS1031 table saw (1600 running watts) draws on startup, Bosch responded that the saw draws in excess of 4000 watts on startup.

Even if the Kapex only draws a maximum of 1600 watts, if you are also using a CT dust extractor drawing 1200 watts, now you're still drawing 2800 watts, not to mention startup watts.

Hilti, Max, and other high quality tool manufacturers design their variable speed tools to accomodate compromised power supplies, particularly generators, I would hope that Festool has followed this trend.

After extensive phone conversations with Festool, Bosch, Hilti, Honda, and residential electricians, I elected to purchase a Honda EB5000 to power my work shop. I use utility power for lighting, and my generator for running tools. The EB5000 delivers roughly 5000 constant watts, and can deliver a surge of 6500 watts for 10 seconds to accomodate startup wattage. I have extensively used my CT-26, CT-MIDI, RO-150, RO-90, OF-1400, Mafell MT-55cc, and Hilti TE-1000, all of which have variable speed, on my generator to no apparent ill-effect. I also run a Bosch table saw, DeWalt thickness planer, Makita air compressor, Mafell KSS-400, automatic battery charger, and edging sander without any issues on the generator.

Remember, these tools aren't magical. Make sure you're supplying them with sufficient wattage from a good quality generator, and you should be fine!  [big grin]

Tom Thank you for putting it in English.

 

[ifit]

Ive been looking for a generator that will run my kapex for 12 months now
has anyone had any success with one?

 

[skids]

I bought a generator to run tools in my workshop several months ago, here's what I learned in my research:

I'd be VERY wary of running on one of the suitcase generators. As important as a "clean" power supply is, even more important is making sure you are getting adequate wattage. Honda makes a EU2000 and EU3000 that are supposed to be safe for running computers, and other sensitive electronics. The problem is they are only delivering 2000-3000 watts. That may sound like a lot when the Kapex is listed as drawing 1600 watts. But, when you consider that most universal motors draw double or triple their running wattage when starting, all of a sudden you're looking at the Kapex potentially drawing 3200+ watts. I asked Bosch what their GTS1031 table saw (1600 running watts) draws on startup, Bosch responded that the saw draws in excess of 4000 watts on startup.

Even if the Kapex only draws a maximum of 1600 watts, if you are also using a CT dust extractor drawing 1200 watts, now you're still drawing 2800 watts, not to mention startup watts.

Hilti, Max, and other high quality tool manufacturers design their variable speed tools to accomodate compromised power supplies, particularly generators, I would hope that Festool has followed this trend.

After extensive phone conversations with Festool, Bosch, Hilti, Honda, and residential electricians, I elected to purchase a Honda EB5000 to power my work shop. I use utility power for lighting, and my generator for running tools. The EB5000 delivers roughly 5000 constant watts, and can deliver a surge of 6500 watts for 10 seconds to accomodate startup wattage. I have extensively used my CT-26, CT-MIDI, RO-150, RO-90, OF-1400, Mafell MT-55cc, and Hilti TE-1000, all of which have variable speed, on my generator to no apparent ill-effect. I also run a Bosch table saw, DeWalt thickness planer, Makita air compressor, Mafell KSS-400, automatic battery charger, and edging sander without any issues on the generator.

Remember, these tools aren't magical. Make sure you're supplying them with sufficient wattage from a good quality generator, and you should be fine! [big grin]

Thanks Tom great info here

 

[Mike B]

FWIW I've run my Kapex and a CT26 off a Honda EU30is (Aussie Eu3000is) for several months without a hitch. Just make sure Eco mode is off. It started no differently compared to mains.
I had issues with the Kapex protecting itself on cheaper generators but in a pinch the solution was to make sure there was also a purely resistive load (like a small floodlight) on at the same time and it would start right up. Not ideal but would get me working.

 

[AlexThePalex]

One is that the Kapex and other "intelligent tools" should be designed to work on dumb generators, and the other is that generators should be designed to operate on "intelligent tools".

Working on job sites does not always require a generator, but intelligent tools offer protections and performance enhancements.

And there are many differences between Europe and America. Here, most of the time there's a 220 mains line available, even on job sites. Sometimes generators are used, but it doubt with the same frequency as in America with all it's remote locations. So, designing tools with generators in mind is not such a priority for a European tool manufacturer.

But I think the Kapex is well protected anyway, only problem that might occur is that it will probably will not run that efficient off a generator. 

 

[ifit]

Has anyone found a generator yet in the uk that will run a kapex or is there any electricians that know how or if you can dis-able the electronics so it will run on one?

Im at the end of the road with mine, It is ridiculous that I have to have 2 saws and constantly keep swapping them round out of my van depending on where im working

 

[wrightwoodwork]

I'm no expert on generators my guess is you would want one which is safe to run the likes of a computer or some other sensitive equipment. Which has a smooth electric flow. I sometimes think a generator would be hand but to me as a lot of the time I work on my own I don't fancy humping a heavy weight about,  then again it could be handy

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

I regularly run my Festool equipment on a Honda EB5000 generator. My shop has insufficient power to run much other than lighting, therefore I must run my power tools off of a separate power source. To date, my Festool and other power tools have run just fine on my Honda. Festool equipment I have run on my Honda include my RO 150, RO 90, Domino, Kapex, CT-26 and CT-MIDI, EHL-65, among others. Other equipment I've run include a Dewalt thickness planer, Mafell KSS-400 and MT-55cc, and numerous battery chargers.

I can't speak for all generators, but my experience has been that, so long as you are running on a high-quality generator with sufficient wattage to keep up with your tools startup wattage, you should be just fine.

 

[ifit]

My issue is not whether it would be safe to run the kapex but to just get the bloody thing running
5kva is no good, it has to be a portable generator that i can carry 2-3kva
I have tried each and every generator I have come across on site and so far non have worked
I know people say you need a pure sine wave generator but there are non available in the uk that have 110v
So I'm just looking for someone who has a portable generator in the uk that will run a kapex or someone that knows anything about ripping the electronics out of the kapex so it runs like every other saw