Portable polishing possibility?

epbrown01 · 03-09-06, 06:15

I'm an apartment dweller, so I don't have access to a power outlet to run a PC, and I've done searches on this forum for cordless polishers and found the consensus to be

. I've seen suggestions for running a PC from a power inverter, but I don't like the idea of my car idling for hours to prevent draining the battery or draining the battery with the power off.

I was thinking of getting a second car battery and running the inverter from that. I could trickle-charge the battery when I'm not using it, and when I am I'd get better performance and battery life from even a small car battery than from any cordless model. (I once helped a neighbor jump her new-style Beetle and I had train sets that used bigger batteries than that little thing!) Anyone ever tried this, or have any thoughts?

RAG · 03-09-06, 06:31

You can get a decent generator online (ebay or otherwise) for $250 that will easily run a PC, vacuum, extractor, steamer, etc. I ended buying a Porter Cable generator with a Honda engine because I use it a lot for my business, but I could have bought an equivalent generator for 1/3 the cost.

truzoom · 03-09-06, 06:58

It is very possible to run a PC off an inverter hooked up to a spare battery. One thing you would want to consider is how much drain you'll have from it, as you wouldn't want to run the battery all the way down (charging would take longer, generally just not good for the battery).

Working in a battery store myself, I've pondered the possibilities, and figured that a good sized marine deep cycle (or two hooked in parallel, probably BCI 27) setup with a 1000W inverter would be sufficient for portable polishing, and it would cost you a little less than a generator. It wouldn't make any noise, no tedious maintenance needed (top the battery fluids off if needed), and it will last you quite a while.

Djmigs · 03-09-06, 08:16

another option is a optima deep cycle there are different version put that in your car and you can install the invertor and run the pc with some tunes....but your best bet is what Rag said by a genarator in the long run it will pay for itself just imaging you by two batteries plus trickle charger eventually not lasting either time to by a new one...so in the end you pill either pay for it up front or in the back end.....

epbrown01 · 03-09-06, 09:59

The generator is a good idea - I hadn't even thought of it, but it smacks of overkill. I'd only be using this set-up twice a year for my full detail. I also like the idea of how quiet a battery set-up would be - one less thing for touchy neighbors to grouse about. Thanks for the tips.

Danase · 03-09-06, 10:02

I would look into generators before I would go the battery and trickle charger route. Plus, if you ever loose power in the apartments you will be the only person still watching tv!

CkretAjint · 03-09-06, 12:14

Why not just use 100ft extension cord? That is what I used when I do mine in the apt complex. Park as close to my living area, and I tossed an extension for over the balcony and detailed away. 100 ft was more then adequet. If not buy 2-3 100 ft cords and go to town, they are only like $10 at wally world or sears. ::shrugs::

truzoom · 03-09-06, 01:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by CkretAjint

Why not just use 100ft extension cord? That is what I used when I do mine in the apt complex. Park as close to my living area, and I tossed an extension for over the balcony and detailed away. 100 ft was more then adequet. If not buy 2-3 100 ft cords and go to town, they are only like $10 at wally world or sears. ::shrugs::

Just want to throw in that you will want a proper gauge cord, because for every couple feet you gain, you lose some power.

AL-53 · 03-09-06, 01:47

look at pepboys if one is near you..they have a small one I believe 1250 watts for cheap money....maybe 150.00 or under.....

I just looked on their page..it is 1200 watts....for 129.99

1000 watts continuous output, 1200 watts max. With 2-stroke, 63cc engine, recoil start, voltage regulator.

$149.98 promo price - $20.00 mail-in rebate = $129.99 each

the next one up is a 3150 watt for 249.00

I bought the 3500 watt for 279.00 a few months ago for power back up during the winter...we loose power here if wind blows to hard...lol...

the generator works great....and quiet ..has a huge muffler....

Al

epbrown01 · 03-09-06, 02:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by CkretAjint

Why not just use 100ft extension cord? That is what I used when I do mine in the apt complex. Park as close to my living area, and I tossed an extension for over the balcony and detailed away. 100 ft was more then adequet. If not buy 2-3 100 ft cords and go to town, they are only like $10 at wally world or sears. ::shrugs::

The way my apartment complex is set-up (with parking scattered away from the buildings) added to the fact I'm on an upper floor would mean a lot of cords trailing around creating a trip hazard. There's no way it wouldn't generate complaints.

The generator option is looking pretty attractive, though...

ybajwa · 03-09-06, 02:40

i've heard of pneumatic orbital polishers, i wonder if these are any good, and could they run of some sort of compressed air tank. just a question, i have no idea if this is feasible.

AutoCadillac · 03-10-06, 05:14

You might consider a portable battery pack. It combines a battery, inverter and charger all in one easy to carry (though a bit heavy) container. It looks something like a portable jump starter except a little bigger and heavier and it doesn't have jumper cables but instead a couple of 110 outlets.

I bought one a few years ago at Pep Boys for $99 on sale (regurlarly $149). It is great.

You could probably even use one of the jump starter gizmos as some of them have built in inverters and outlets but probably not has durable as what I have.

You can even get heavier duty models of portable battery systems that come mounted on something that resembles a hand truck. I've seen one on Amazon for $250.