How to make an electric generator?

Question

Being that its hurricane season here on the east coast I was wondering if anyone knew how to make simple electrical generators using an old lawn mower engine? I would go out and buy one but I'm currently in college and cash is tight but I can find old lawn mower engines everywhere. Im looking for some plans that could be used to power a small refrigerator during emergencies

Answer 1

You can get a 1 KW unit from 'Heartland` for under $ 150.

That cheap enough?

Answer 2

Faster easier and cheaper to buy a 5KW genset at HD or Lowes' or any place else that has one.  $150/ KW is a fair price for most units.  Honda is a top name but you pay for it. Do not run one indoors.  Fuel consumption is about 2 gal/hour under load.  This size will let you run a refrigerator or a freezer and 1-4  lights and a microwave. Any more load and you will need a larger unit.  

Answer 3

A lawn mower engine has no power at all.  You need a MUCH more powerful engine to be able to handle the loads required.  A lawn mower might be able to power a flashlight but that's about it.

Answer 4

I wouldn't bother you can get a little 2 cycle 1 kw for about $200 or a used 5KVA for $300 or so or a 12V to120V converter for around $100 with out having to figure out the voltage/governor speed regulation.For a fridge/fan and small light 1 kva should make it.I ran a freezer,fan,light for 8 days after Rita hit no problems(except noise) on one of those  little 2 cycle units.