How to Figure Wattage When Desiding on an Inverter

I often get asked how much wattage is needed to run different pieces of sharpening equipment because many sharpeners are mobile, and want to set up an inverter. The basic formula for figuring wattage is Amps times Volts equals Wattage. Start up is a little trickier though. To figure start up, you may have to multiply your amps times two or three before you multiply them by the volts. Here is an example:

Figuring Wattage:
Amps: 3.5
Volts: 120

3.5 x 120= 420 watts

Figuring Start Up Wattage:
Amps: 3.5 x 2= 7 Amps
Volts: 120

7 x 120= 840 watts

So you can see that to start this machine, you'll need at least a 1200 or 1500 watt inverter. You may be able to get away with an 800 watt with a serge, but you need to consider lights and other things you'll be running in your unit.

If you're running something like a clipper blade sharpener, depending on the size of the wheel, you may have to multiply your amps by three. Just remember, you're always better off with too much wattage than too little!

To make things a little easier, here is a link to a great website that lets you figure wattage, amps, ohms or voltage.

Also, in the upcoming August Issue of On The Edge I'll be sharing a trick that will help keep your inverter running better and help it last longer over time. If you're not familiar with On The Edge, click here to learn more.


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First Impressions

Ever go to a fast food restaurant? Notice those pretty pictures of the food above the counter? Well here are some examples of a counter ad and the real product! Yuck!!! And this is what it's like at every one of these restaurants!

So my question is, what does your literature look like, and what do you look like? If they don't match on either side, NOT GOOD!!!!

Your Mother told you, "You only get one chance at a first impression!" This may seem basic, but over and over again I see "Professional Sharpeners" that just don't look that "Professional"!! Don't be one of these!

Tips about this:

• Dress to impress
• Design a nice looking, or unique, business card
• Have colorful, well designed literature

To dress to impress, go to any department store (with your wife or girlfriend if you're male) and buy some nice clothes. As for the card and literature, take a look at Vista Print or any of the other online printers. They have all kinds of templates you can use to design these things and the price is great! Online stuff not your thing? Go to your local Community College and get a Graphics Art Student to design some stuff for you. This won't cost you much and then you can bring the files to a local printer and have them made.

If you're printing your own stuff right now, that may not be bad, just get some unbiased opinions about what you're printing. AND ALWAYS USE GOOD QUALITY PAPER STOCK!!! First impressions are important in a service business! Invest in a Good First Impression!!!!!

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Update On My Mobile Sharpening Station

Back in  2007 I wrote the post below about the Mobile Sharpening station I made for myself out of the Stanley Galvanized Rolling Workshop. Since then these units have disappeared from the shelves of home improvement stores here in the States. Just a few weeks ago I found what looks to be a good replacement, the Hawk Massive Mobile 3-Part Tool Box. Here is a link to it on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Trademark-75-7577-Massive-Mobile-Stainless/dp/B001L56FS4/

The only drawback is the bottom bin doesn't have a hinged storage bin. It looks like you could still cut an opening in it though. In this day and age with gas prices the way they are, many mobile sharpeners are opting for smaller cars and doing scissors work inside salons and dog grooming shops. This unit has been the next best thing to a van for me.

Update:
Scott, in the comments below, pointed out this unit: http://www.amazon.com/Trademark-Tools-75-4650-Oversized-Portable/dp/B002ZZHK9W/ref=pd_cp_hi_1. Take a look. I agree, this is an even closer match and it has worked well for Scott; and he's quite a bit taller than me too.

Here is the post from 2007:

I thought everyone might like to see the Mobile Sharpening Station I use for In-Salon Sharpening.

This is a Stanley Galvanized Rolling Workshop. I bought it from Home Depot a couple of years ago. It comes apart in three parts so it is easy to put in the trunk of a car. I added the 24" x 11 1/4" poplar top by screwing it to the flip-top lid from underneath. I also cut the hinged storage bin out of the bottom to store my machines. Most of the units they make now just have a bin in the bottom, but most flat hone units will still fit in it. (You will see what I mean when you click through the link above) The middle unit on the newer models has a draw in it and a parts bin. It can be a little cumbersome getting it through doors, but it provides a work space for me so I don't have to take up a station in the salon.

The other thing I like about this set up is I get to work at the same height every time. And it's a perfect height for me because I'm...well...short. :) If you are taller than my highly elevated 5' 9'' stature, you could add what ever thickness board you'd need under the 24" x 11 1/4" top.

When I bought it, I think I paid about $80 dollars for it. The aggravating part is that Home Depot only stocks it from time-to-time. (It's out of stock online right now) They are readily available in the UK, but I guess they don't sell as well here in the states. If you'd like one, ask your local Home Depot about it. If they don't have them in stock right then, keep a lookout for it there and online. They will probably have it in the future.

The top picture shows the unit with the Hira-To and and Ookami in it. The bottom shows it with my equipment on top, ready to work.