Im looking for one to just run as most small power tools like a grinder or sawzall, at most. What can I get away with comfortably? Some inverters list as 150 watt and 500 peak, Im not even sure what that means. Any help is appreciated of course. (What would I need to run a 15 gal compressor should I find a deal on a higher wattage inverter???)

You were not too clear... do you want to use 12v battery and an inverter to power tools?

If so you probably need a 1500 watt for the larger sawzall, and drills some are 13amps.

Look @ tool power rating and size accordingly to inverter rated to run at that for % duty you need.

Get a *quality* 1000W-ish unit and you're good for *about* 10amps, which will do most run-of-the-mill grinders, drill and sawzalls. Most quality units provide a surge or sustained rating greater than the continuous rating, so you can get away w a tool close to the max provided you're not working it hard the entire time.

Bigger is usually better, but just like anything else I'd rather have a quality unit rated at less rather than a chi-com special w a false rating.

inverter was for car batt so i can get a few things done out where there isnt power plugs. so guess I'll have to spend a bill or so on one
was considering a sima brand.

I would get a 1500w unit. I have a 1200w and have tripped the over current breaker from time to time, otherwise it has worked fine. It does get old listening to my engine run all day long when doing large projects, plus the fuel used is more than a gen set would use.
The startup draw from a compressor is something to be concerned with.

well Im glad I asked, I thought 400w was gonna be enough, I just didnt know exactly how to go about figuring it out.
so you base the rating of the tool by the amps and compare it to the amp draw on the inverter?? Or something else...

well Im glad I asked, I thought 400w was gonna be enough, I just didnt know exactly how to go about figuring it out.
so you base the rating of the tool by the amps and compare it to the amp draw on the inverter?? Or something else...

The tags on power tools are your friends. They'll all state either amps or watts, which *should* be at max load.

watts/volts = amps
or
amps x volts = watts

I usually carry a grinder and drill in my rig which will not overly tax my inverter.

I initially got the inverter more for camping purposes. You might also consider just getting a couple nice cordless tools if that's all you're needing. Any inverter you're wanting will need to be hard-wired (not plugged into a cigarette lighter) so figure on the cost of some nice connectors and welding cable or equivalent (read: copper ain't too cheap these days) to hook it up.

So - to help this guy out and others what are good quality 1500w inverters :smokin:

I don't have this but reviews make it sound pretty nice.

1500 Cobra Inverter (http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-CPI-1575-Power-Inverter/dp/B00126IDDC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1257874472&sr=1-5)

Optima Yellow Top - How many hours could you run... say 300 watts on it ??? (1)

I second the quality over quanity on this one, I threw away my 1st inverter as it was total trash. I only have a 400W unit -- but I don't run power tools off it. I charge batteries, run computers, run lights, etc...

Once you have an inverter, get a regular drop light - with at least 25' of cord on it - put a compact flourcent bulb in it and you find all sorts of handy uses for it. From my experience good CF bulbs last for ever rolling around in drop lights.

Mine is a Coleman brand all in all I am happy with it.

FWIW I found a chart online specifying how strong the inverter needed to be for appliances and such when I bought mine. So search newb:flipoff2::p

In all seriousness, a good 800+ I would think would be able to run stuff for a while. But when you get to that point, why not just pick up a cheap gas generator? All the good inverters I've seen in that power range are $100+. Never looked at the price of generators, but I figure they can't be too much $$ for a smaller one. EDIT: just looked on craigslist, damn, dad paid more than I thought for that little Honda one!

Cobra inverters are supposed to be some of the best for the money. If you really want top quality you need to look at companies like Tripp-lite and Xantrex. There are a few more out there, but the prices are really high. You get what you pay for.

I will probably be putting a 1500W Cobra in my Toyhauler for lighting and small appliances(mostly lights and pump for air mattress). Good performance and good price. If I had the money I would step up to a Xantrex Inverter Charger, those are the shiznizle!

Those little Honda's are $750 to $950.

Inverters are cheap only if you run them with your car.. if you want to build a battery bank then the Honda ends up being cheaper, lasting longer, can do more, and is more portable.

If you only want to use it camping, or with a tool in the yard far from the house then a $100 1500watt inverter is TONS cheaper than a honda... if you want it for power outages, recharging batteries/laptops/etc, powering things for pro-longed periods then the generator is cheaper than a 4 battery bank, inverter, charge controller, and wiring it all up.

All your equipment will run more cooler and efficiently.

I run a 1000 Watt pure sine wave inverter in my Cruiser. I can operate grinders, drills, a computer, lights and a blender.

The pure sine waves draw less current.

I have had great service from the Inverterstore.com in Reno.
They also have lots of ebay auctions.

All your equipment will run more cooler and efficiently.

I run a 1000 Watt pure sine wave inverter in my Cruiser. I can operate grinders, drills, a computer, lights and a blender.

The pure sine waves draw less current.

I have had great service from the Inverterstore.com in Reno.
They also have lots of ebay auctions.

Good info.

What make / model are you using ?

http://www.theinverterstore.com/the-inverter-store-product.php?model=pwri100012s-top-rgb

currently looking at a 1500w one for cheap.

went with this one, other one was sold.
Cobra 800 Watt 2 Outlet DC to AC Power Inverter CPI875
1600W Peak Emergency

went with this one, other one was sold.
Cobra 800 Watt 2 Outlet DC to AC Power Inverter CPI875
1600W Peak Emergency

cancelled the one above and got this one instead Cobra 2500 Watt 2500W DC to AC Power Inverter CPI2550 , hopefully its a good one. now gotta get a compressor.