Will a 2000 Watt Generator Run a Skill Saw? [Unlock Power]

A skill saw is a power tool for making straight cuts in wood for DIY projects. Sometimes, you may need to work on remote sites without electricity, and you may think of using a generator for emergency power supply. But how much power does a generator deliver? Will a 2000-watt generator run a skill saw?

Yes, but it depends on the saw blade size, motor, and other factors. A 2000-watt generator can run a standard skill or circular saw, having a maximum starting power of up to 1800 watts.

Let’s see what factors affect the wattage of a circular saw and how to choose the right power generator for your projects.

Skill Saw Wattage: 6 Factors Affecting the Wattage

1. Diameter of the Saw Blade:

The size of the saw blade primarily affects the power required to run the skill saw.

A circular saw with a larger blade diameter will need more power than a smaller blade to run at the same speed.

2. Motor Type Used:

The motor used in the skill saw is another major factor that affects its power requirements.

A more powerful motor will demand higher starting and running watts than a low-power saw motor.

3. Skill Saw Amperage:

The amperage of the skill saw decides how much electric energy flows through the saw motor when it operates.

Higher amperage means higher wattage and vice versa.

4. Power Sources Used:

Skill or circular saws come in two versions: corded and cordless. Corded saws are connected to the power outlet, which features higher wattage than the cordless skills saws.

In contrast, cordless skill saws have rechargeable batteries and lower power requirements.

5. Material Thickness:

A thicker wood material needs more power while cutting than thinner boards. So, more wattage is consumed to cut a thick wood piece like hardwood than light wood-like sheets.

But ensure that the skill saw is powerful enough to cut the wood smoothly.

6. Blade Type:

The quality of a skill saw used to make cuts for any project also affects the saw wattage output.

For instance, a high-quality and well-sharp blade will require less power to cut an out-of-shape and low-quality blade.

The tooth count of the blade also contributes to the power requirements for cutting the wood with a saw.

Will a 2000 Watt Generator Run a Skill Saw?

Yes, a 2000-watt inverter generator delivers enough power to run standard-sized skill saws up to 7 ¼”. However, it all depends on the model of the circular saw, its starting power, and running power.

If the generator’s power is more than the starting power consumption of the saw, you can easily operate such a saw on your generator.

Understanding the Starting Vs. Running Power

Knowing the difference between the starting and running watts of a skill saw will assist in making an informed decision when choosing a saw for your projects. Here is a brief detail of both these terms used in power tools;

Starting Power

Also known as the maximum power, the starting power is the wattage a saw requires when initially turned on. This power will always be higher than its counterpart, i.e., running watts, as it battles with the initial resistance of the saw parts and that of the wood to be cut.

Moreover, this starting power helps the saw reach its maximum speed before making the cuts.

Running Watts

The running watts of a skill or circular saw is the power required to maintain a steady workflow when ripping the wood.

After hitting the maximum speed once with the help of starting power, the running watts help the saw maintain the blade speed to make smooth cuts.

It’s a general rule that the starting power of a skill saw or any other power tool will be higher than the running power, and the same is in the case of a skill saw.

So, always ensure that the starting power of the skill saw is less than the total power output of the generator that you’ll be using in remote areas.

How many Watts does Skill Saw use?

Skill or circular saws typically use between 1,000 and 2,000 watts of power. The specific wattage will vary depending on the size and power of the saw. For example, a saw with a larger blade diameter or a more powerful motor will require more power to operate.

Some examples of the wattage of popular skill saw models:

Circular Saw Model	Power Rating
Skil 5080-01 13-Amp 7-1/4″ Circular Saw	1,800 watts
DeWalt DWE575SB 15-Amp 7-1/4″ Circular Saw	1,800 watts
Makita 5007MG 15-Amp 7-1/4″ Circular Saw	1,800 watts
Bosch CS10 15-Amp 7-1/4″ Circular Saw	1,800 watts
Milwaukee 6390-21 15-Amp 7-1/4″ Circular Saw	1,800 watts
Hitachi C7CU 15-Amp 7-1/4″ Circular Saw	1,800 watts
Ridgid R3250 15-Amp 7-1/4″ Circular Saw	1,800 watts
Black & Decker CS1025B 15-Amp 7-1/4″ Circular Saw	1,800 watts
Ryobi ONE+ P505 18V ONE+ 7-1/4″ Circular Saw	18 volts (equivalent to about 500 watts)
Makita XSC01Z 18V LXT 7-1/4″ Circular Saw	18 volts (equivalent to about 500 watts)
DeWalt DCS571B 20V MAX 7-1/4″ Circular Saw	20 volts (equivalent to about 600 watts)
Milwaukee 2550-20 20V MAX 7-1/4″ Circular Saw	20 volts (equivalent to about 600 watts)

Is a 3,000-watt generator enough to run a circular saw?

Yes, a 3,000-watt generator is enough to run a circular saw. A circular saw typically uses between 1,000 and 2,000 watts of power. A 3,000-watt generator will handle a circular saw’s starting and running load with no problem.

Can a portable generator run a circular saw?

Yes, a portable generator can run a circular saw. Portable generators typically range in size from 1,000 to 5,000 watts. A 3,000-watt portable generator is a good size for running a circular saw.

Can a 2200W circular saw with a 2.4 kV generator be run?

Yes, running a 2200W circular saw with a 2.4 kV generator is possible. A 2.4 kV generator is equivalent to 2,400 watts. A 2200W circular saw can run on a 2,400-watt generator with no problem.

What size generator do I need to run a circular saw?

You will need a generator of at least 2,000 watts to run a circular saw. A 3,000-watt generator is a good size for running a circular saw, as it will provide extra headroom if you need to run other tools or appliances simultaneously.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a 2000-watt generator can run a standard 1800-watt circular saw, though understanding starting and running power is crucial. Circular saws typically consume 1000 to 2000 watts, with factors like blade size and motor power affecting wattage. Popular saw models often use 1800 watts.

A 3000-watt generator comfortably powers a circular saw and is portable, while a 2400-watt generator can also run a 2200W circular saw. A generator with at least 2000 watts is recommended for running a circular saw, providing a buffer for simultaneous tool use.