I'm wondering if I can run my SawStop table saw using a generator. After going through some intense storms, I picked up a Firman 7500W (running) / 9400W (peak) tri-fuel generator from Costco. My SawStop model is a 1.75hp running at 110V. While I was able to finish my project once the power was back, I'm curious if this setup could work for future projects. I find that even though the calculations suggest it should be fine, the generator trips its breaker as soon as I try to start the saw due to the inrush demand. I called SawStop, and they mentioned that switching to 220V might help, but they couldn't guarantee it. Are there any generator accessories or modifications that could help manage the power demands when starting the saw?
1 Answer
Generators can often produce dirty power, which means the sine wave isn’t as stable as the grid power. This instability could be the reason why your saw trips the breaker—it struggles with high startup loads. You might want to think about switching to an inverter generator. They're designed for sensitive electronics and can handle those initial spikes better.
Just to clarify, it should be a clean sine wave, not some random wave, so we should keep that in mind for those who aren’t clear on it!
That sounds right! I’m considering upgrading, especially since we lose power for a few days at a time during storms.