I'm a handyman looking to set up 120V AC power in my truck for my DeWalt 15-amp portable table saw. I've tried to figure out how many amp hours of batteries I need to run it for a couple of hours, but it's been confusing since DC amp hours don't directly relate to 120V AC amps. Should I go for a 12V or 24V 2000W inverter? I also want to charge these batteries using my truck's alternator and have plans to install 3 100W flexible solar panels on my truck's roof and toolbox, as well as plug in an extension cord at home to charge them.
3 Answers
Honestly, you might want to consider getting a 60V DeWalt cordless table saw instead and work on solar charging those batteries. It could be a more straightforward solution in the long run! Also, check out this great list of materials to help you out on your solar journey.
You should think about using a 3000W pure sine wave inverter to power everything. Depending on your usage patterns, you'll also want to calculate the kilowatt-hours you need, not just the DC amp hours. Your table saw draws around 1.8kW/hr at 120V, so figure out how long you plan on using it to estimate your battery needs. A 48V LiFePo4 battery might be the best way to handle this high power draw!
Great info! How do I figure out how many hours I can run the saw before needing a recharge?
Make sure to get the surge specifications for your table saw since that will impact your inverter choice. You'll need an inverter that can handle that initial draw when the saw starts up—especially if you've got other tools running too!
That sounds like a good idea! I'll look into the cordless option.