Lawnmower Generator

by Daves Homestead

8.7K5810

Intro: Lawnmower Generator

I have long wanted my own generator, but a $500 and up price tag kept me from purchasing one new.  After some internet searching and sleepless nights I found a good tutorial online at http://www.theepicenter.com/tow082099.html.  What I liked best about the tutorial is that Brian at epicenter has already worked out the kinks and sells the materials.  I have no connection with epicenter, and the only things I have bought from them were for this project, but what dealings I have had with them were fair and honest.  He was also kind enough to let me copy some of his wiring diagrams for this article.

A co-worker gave me an older craftsman lawnmower for this project, it did not run, but with a little bartering, it was repaired.  I ordered the plate, an alternator, wiring harness, pulley, and two belts from the epicenter website (approximately $160 with shipping).

10 Comments

graydog111 9 years ago

What did the plasma cut base cost?

ajones97 10 years ago

you talk about a gassifier, but why not an electrolytic ho generator use a big tank n mutiple electodes n should be almost no gas used.

Daves Homestead 10 years ago

For two reasons, one is the inefficiency of using electricity to convert water to hydrogen to run a generator to produce electricity, the other is complexity. While woodgas is no the best way to run a generator, it is relatively simple.

gunman15 11 years ago

their all videos why don you make pics for them?????
No offense.

Daves Homestead 11 years ago

Because I didn't know about instructables when I started doing these projects.

gunman15 11 years ago

ohhhh ok. understood.

heathbar64 11 years ago

what would prevent you from just using the old lawn mower base and cutting a hole for the alternator shaft. it would save the cost of the base you bought and it could be rolled around to the spot you wanted to charge.

Daves Homestead 11 years ago

Absolutely nothing, but I wanted an excuse to try out the base. If I built one again, I would probably do it how you described... However, this way is a little more compact.

Phil B 11 years ago

I did an Instructable on Learning to Weld and in the last step I included links to some alternator welders others have done. You might find those helpful for using an alternator in a welder. One of the links includes a link for using auto batteries to weld.

Daves Homestead 11 years ago

Thanks, that is definitely something I am interested in. Thanks