Angle grinder woes

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

I have a 10 month old angle grinder. Very happy with the form and fit etc.  Sometimes I run it off of my portable generator which indicates a 240 volt output.

Yesterday, the grinder would not run off of the generator, but when plugged into the workshop grid supply, it worked. back to the generator (which ran the hoover and a different angle grinder) and it would not run. – Yes the other appliances had been unplugged from the generator.

The angle grinder does not have any form of external speed control and is 900watts (115mm dia disc) and is of generic Chinese origin.

Any ideas as to what is going on?

Bob

[DC31kParticipant @dc31k]

It is the electronics in the generator. For some reason, they do not sense that a demand is being made on the machine, so do not spring into action. It happens even with a good Makita grinder.

Use a resistive load on the generator (e.g. halogen light, kettle) as that then convinces the generator electronics to produce an output, and then the grinder will work.

[FulmenParticipant @fulmen]

You could also try using an ac motor with some inertia as a dummy load.

[Bob WorsleyParticipant @bobworsley31976]

Ummm, is the genset an old rotating lump of steel type, or the newer inverter type? What is odd is that it did work, but now doesn’t, suggests something has changed.

 

[FulmenParticipant @fulmen]

That could be as simple as having another load connected on the previous attempt. Newer angle grinders tend to have soft start circuits that could confuse a generator.

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

I’m with Fulmen, The soft start may well be the trouble. I have always had a resistive load on the genny to take at least some of the spike out as a heavy load is disconnected. Using a genny that does not have automatic voltage control can wreck electronics quickly and all of mine are old and heavy ! I seem to think I had the same trouble with a soft start grinder. Noel.

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

Interesting that the few times I have used it on the generator, it was cold weather, recently it has been HOT.

[Speedy Builder5]

On Speedy Builder5 Said:

Interesting that the few times I have used it on the generator, it was cold weather, recently it has been HOT.

Build an insulated box, put the generator inside it and then use it to power a chiller unit to cool itself.

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