So, Inverters? (1 Viewer)

[ntsqd]

The cordless tools thread got me thinking that perhaps some discussion on how to recharge those tools in the field would be good. That usually requires an inverter unless you're hacking the charging stations and running them off a DC-DC power supply. Which be a topic for a different thread (& one that I'm interested in as well).

Good inverters?
Bad inverters?
What has been your experience with these?

 

[e9999]

another solution -besides the obvious generator- is:
- get a 12V DC input charger (Milwaukee for example has one for the 12 and 18V batteries IIRC)

 

[ntsqd]

I'll still need an inverter for other demands, but a 12VDC powered tool battery charger is very attractive. Went looking, the Milwaukee index page lists a vehicle charger that will charge both M12 & M18 batteries, but the link to it gives a 404 error. Searching the p/n (48-59-1810) I get an amazon hit (of course!) as well as others. Amazon wants $140, but the next three hits were all $120, no idea what the shipping does to that picture.

 

[e9999]

I think it was listed on the home depot website for $120 or so. You could have it delivered to your local HD, if any.

But anyway, the inverter approach is likely more versatile and cheaper if you need one anyway and already have the AC charger. Inverters are not that efficient if you use them away from their peak value, though, so you may not want an overly big one, and that may also save money. Last inverter I bought -nothing special- was about $50 for 400W IIRC properly. That should be way more power than your typical charger needs. You may want to check the max draw into your charger and other uses to figure out an appropriate size. But then watch out for starting current surge for motors etc, it's easy to blow the inverters up in that case if you're tight on the upper power limit.

 

[jblueridge]

I just bought a small one to charge camera batteries.
Inverters use a certain amount of juice even when nothing is plugged in.
Can easily pull the battry down if truck just sits for 5:days or so.

 

[wapitimud]

For charging cordless tool batteries, use the 12V charger, rather than an inverter.

The new Milwaukee MX series Li-Ion generator is the way to go. Solid state, contains no moving parts. It's really expensive though.

 

[ntsqd]

Target market for the Li-On 'generator' isn't me, but it is interesting to see things like it coming into the market.