We may earn a commission from retailer links. We compare published specs and reviews; we don't test products. Details

ShopToolSpecs

Spec-sheet comparisons · free calculators

Compare garage and shop gear by the numbers

Spec-sheet comparisons and sizing calculators for home backup power, welding, and shop dust collection. Every figure links to the manufacturer spec sheet, manual, or public source it came from, so you can check it yourself.

Updated Oct 17, 2026

Size a generator Size a dust collector

Backup power, welding and dust collection

Start with a calculator

Generator wattage calculator

What size generator do I need?

Tick the things you need in an outage and get running watts, starting watts, and the generator class that fits. It starts with a typical outage list: fridge, furnace fan, sump pump and lights.

Open the wattage calculator → Dust collector CFM calculator

What size dust collector do I need?

Enter your biggest machine and duct run and see the CFM and static pressure your collector must really deliver, from Grizzly's published tables.

Open the CFM calculator →

Categories

Backup Power illustrationBackup PowerGuides for choosing a portable generator for home outages: wattage calculator, inverter vs. dual-fuel, and spec comparisons with cited sources.4 guidesWelding illustrationWeldingSpec-based guides to MIG and flux-core welders for home garages and beginners: a five-welder spec comparison and a flux-core vs. MIG guide.2 guidesDust Collection illustrationDust CollectionSpec-based guides to dust collectors for small woodshops, including a CFM and static-pressure sizing calculator and a five-collector spec comparison.2 guides

Top picks, one per category

Our top pick in each category, chosen on maker specs and the published reviews we cite. Tap through for the full comparison.

Spec badge for DuroMax XP11000iH

Backup Power

DuroMax XP11000iH

Best for: All-round 240V home backup on gas or propane, with the smallest propane drop on our list.

  • Running W (gas)9,000 W
  • Running W (propane)8,550 W
  • Voltage120/240V
  • Dry weight216 lb
  • Run time at 25%18 h (7.1 gal)

See the full backup power comparison →

Check price at DuroMaxCheck price at AmazonCheck price at Lowe's
Spec badge for Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i

Welding

Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i

Best for: Gasless flux-core welding on a 120V outlet with the least setup.

  • ProcessFlux-core only
  • OutputUp to 140 A on 120V
  • Duty cycle30% at 90 A
  • Steel thickness (maker)Up to 1/4 in.
  • Weight19 lb

See the full welding comparison →

View Forney spec sheet (PDF)Check price at AmazonCheck price at Lowe's
Spec badge for Shop Fox W1826

Dust Collection

Shop Fox W1826

Best for: A dedicated wall unit beside a table saw or jointer, or a small shop's only collector.

  • Rated airflow537 CFM
  • Motor1 HP TEFC; 120V / 7 A
  • Max static pressure7.2 in.
  • Filtration2.5-micron felt bag
  • Weight51 lb

See the full dust collection comparison →

Check price at Shop FoxCheck price at AmazonCheck price at Home DepotCheck price at Lowe's

Latest articles

Backup Power guide illustrationBackup PowerBest Dual-Fuel Generators for Home Backup: Open-Frame vs Inverter, Spec by SpecFive dual- and tri-fuel generators from 3,500 W to 9,500 W compared on propane output, CO shutoff, 50A outlets and weight.Updated Oct 17, 2026Dust Collection guide illustrationDust CollectionBest Dust Collectors for Small Shops: Spec ComparisonFive current collectors, from a 17 lb portable to a 2 HP canister, compared on specs and published reviews.Updated Oct 17, 2026Welding guide illustrationWeldingFlux-Core vs. MIG: Which Process Should a Beginner Start With?What Hobart's, Lincoln's and Miller's own charts show about thin metal, thickness, wind, fume and aluminum.Updated Oct 17, 2026Dust Collection guide illustrationDust CollectionWhat Size Dust Collector Do I Need? CFM Calculator for Small ShopsFind the airflow and static pressure your collector must really deliver, using Grizzly's published tables.Updated Oct 17, 2026Welding guide illustrationWeldingBest MIG and Flux-Core Welders for Home Use: A Beginner's Spec ComparisonFive 120V-capable welders compared on duty cycle, amperage, thickness claims, weight and included gas gear.Updated Oct 17, 2026Backup Power guide illustrationBackup PowerBest Inverter Generators for Home Backup: Spec-by-Spec ComparisonSix inverter generators from 1,800 W to 9,000 W compared on running watts, propane, 240V, weight and run time.Updated Oct 17, 2026Backup Power guide illustrationBackup PowerInverter vs. Dual-Fuel Generators for Home Backup: Which One Fits Your House?Inverter and dual-fuel aren't opposites. We compare four popular models to show which type fits your house.Updated Oct 17, 2026Backup Power guide illustrationBackup PowerWhat Size Generator Do I Need? Home Backup Wattage CalculatorAdd up running and starting watts for your outage list and see which generator class fits.Updated Oct 17, 2026

How we compare

Maker specs, cited

Every spec comes from the manufacturer's own page, spec sheet, or manual, linked in a Sources list on each page. We re-check them when we update a page.

Reviews summarized, with links

Where other publications tested a model, we summarize what they found in our own words and link to them, so you can read the original.

No paid placement

No brand pays to be included or to rank higher. See how we compare.