One of the ways I have been diversifying my income is to start a small business repairing Motorcycles, ATV’s and Side-by-Sides. There are a lot of these types of vehicles in my area, but not many options for professional repair. I saw this as an opportunity to turn one of my hobbies into an additional income source.
Continue reading Reviewing the US General 5 Drawer Tool CartRecent Posts
Digging Storm Ditches & Driveway Culverts
I am using my Kubota B20 front end loader to cut in some new storm ditches and install culverts alongside my driveway and access roads. I made a custom tooth bar similar to the Piranha Bar out of scrap steel, and it has been working very well.
Continue reading Digging Storm Ditches & Driveway Culverts
Solar Golf Cart!?
Can you realistically run an electric 48 volt golf cart on solar panels? Well, we plan to find out!
I picked up a super cheap Yamaha electric golf cart (48 volt G19) to tinker with. First we need to get it fixed up and running. I came with two new 8 volt batteries, but will need 4 more in order to reach the required 48 volts the controller needs.
Continue reading Solar Golf Cart!?How to Cut a Timber Frame Mortise & Tenon – Part 1
We use a variety of tools to see what works best for cutting Mortise & Tenon joint into some old timber beams.
I have been working on a building a new base for an old pool table to put in our basement. The table was picked up for free because the original base had been ruined. We decided to cut some timber frame beams and build a new base for it with Mortise & Tenon joints.
Continue reading How to Cut a Timber Frame Mortise & Tenon – Part 1
Updated 2022: How To Build A DIY Solar Generator (3,000 Watt) – Part 1
In this series I will show you how to save money by building your own DIY Solar Generator, with all the same features as the commercial made units. The finished result will be a high quality solar generator with more serviceability and customization options to your own needs than the ready made units.
Note: The original design of this DIY solar generator used a 2,000 watt inverter. We have upgraded it to the new 3,000 watt model in the latest version along with LifePo4 battery, and other improvements. Before you build the solar generator following our how to plans, be sure to watch the updates video below for the recent changes!
Introduction
Solar Generators (also called Solar Powered Generators) are extremely useful tools. I started looking into some of the largest portable solar generator units on the market because the idea of a completely silent generator that can run large power loads while never needing gasoline is a really cool concept. Whether you want to run a portable table saw, or go tailgating / camping where the noise of a standard generator would be irritating, these solar generators are really handy.
I soon realized I could build my own — getting to pick the components that best match my needs, and even better save approximately half the cost vs buying a manufactured solar generator. This post will show you step-by-step how to build your own weatherproof indoor/ outdoor diy solar generator!
Solar Generator Build – Quick Links
Part 1 – Component Overview – (current step)
Part 2 – Component Testing
Part 3 – Mounting Internal & External Components
Part 4 – Wiring the Solar Generator
Part 5 – Plexiglass Cover & Design Updates
Part 6 – Solar Panel & Battery Bank Expansion
After seeing what was available, I found myself wanting to design my own DIY solar generator for many reasons. For one it will be a lot cheaper. Second, I can add several features I wanted to add that are not in to the manufactured units. Finally, because it will be an enjoyable project!
By building your own, you will learn all about small off-grid solar setups, and also be able to fix the individual components if you ever have problems with it down the road. You can also easily modify the plans to build a permanent style off grid solar power setup for a cabin or camper.
Continue reading Updated 2022: How To Build A DIY Solar Generator (3,000 Watt) – Part 1
Restoring a Kubota B20 Tractor – Part 8
Another video update! This was filmed a while ago but I just finally got around to editing it down. I also filmed the method I used to load the back tires with 48 gallons of windshield washer fluid. It was easy!!
The tractor has been running great and has been coming in very handy the last several weeks.
Bringing Home a CASE 360 Trencher Backhoe
A while back I picked up a new piece of machinery to help with many of our projects. It is not what I was originally looking for. I had been looking for a backhoe attachment for my Kubota tractor. The Kubota B20 was designed to be a TLB (Tractor / Loader / Backhoe) and has a frame integrated quick attach system designed for the matching BT650 backhoe unit. This is more solid and preferable to 3 point mounted units. The added weight due to this frame design makes them surprisingly capable and the backhoe units for them rarely come up for sale.
Continue reading Bringing Home a CASE 360 Trencher Backhoe
Loading Tractor Tires Quick & Easy
Loading your tractor tires with windshield washer fluid is an easy upgrade giving more traction, better hill stability, and additional weight / ballast. This is also helps with using a front end loader. I decided to use windshield washer fluid since it is inexpensive, easy to obtain, will not freeze, and will not corrode the wheels like calcium and some of the other wheel ballast options.
Restoring a Kubota B20 Tractor – Part 7
Video progress update!
First startup after initial 30-minute run-in and head bolts re-torqued. Now starting to apply load to break in the engine and seat the piston rings.
This is the first time the tractor has moved under its own power in many years! Entire chassis has been split, separated, cleaned up, restored and painted.
Also talk about some of the remaining issues that still need addressed in the steering column, and the front gear case on the left side wheel.
Solar Generator – Final Version and Final Design Updates
The finished large solar generator featured in our DIY How To Build a Solar Generator series. If you are getting ready to follow our video tutorial and build your own solar generator, make sure you watch this video first so you know about the design updates!
In the video below we go over the solar generator features, solar panel kit specs, and our DIY battery bank expansion units. In addition, we show how to upgrade / improve several aspects of the original design including a higher power AC power inverter (3,000 watt continuous, 6,000 watt peak), fully waterproof external switches, mounting improvements, and a better way to store accessories inside the solar generator main case.
Continue reading Solar Generator – Final Version and Final Design Updates