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Power tools have two numbers that matter: running watts and startup surge. A circular saw might run at 1,500W but spike to 3,000W or more the instant the blade bites into wood — compressors, miter saws, and table saws all surge the same way on startup. A power station for job site use has to handle that surge without shutting down, so peak output matters as much as continuous output.

Light, Medium, and Heavy Use

• Light use: Occasional cuts or intermittent tool use — a trim saw or drill used in short bursts throughout the day. Look for 500–1,000Wh of capacity with at least 2,000W of surge output — our Mid-Range collection fits here.
• Medium use: Regular use of one or two higher-draw tools — a circular saw or miter saw used intermittently through a full work day. Look for around 2,000Wh of capacity with 3,000W+ of surge output — our High Capacity collection fits here.
• Heavy use: A framing crew or shop running multiple tools continuously, including compressors, which can surge up to 4,000W. Look for 3,000Wh or more with the highest surge output available, and consider an expansion battery to get through a full day — our Ultra-High Capacity collection fits here.

Most tools run intermittently, so actual work time on a charge is usually longer than the rated runtime suggests — continuous use of high-draw tools is what drains a station in just a few hours. Positioning a solar panel in the sun during the day helps have it ready for the next shift.