27 Homemade Generators For Running Small Appliances and Power Tools

Imagine having your very own DIY generator that you’ve crafted from scratch, practically for free. Drawing energy from the sun or wind to fuel your electronics, no matter where you find yourself, is within reach, even if you’re not an expert. It’s a project I’ve personally delved into, perfect for powering up devices in places like our home, office, campsites, or remote cabins, where traditional electricity might not be an option. In my experience, these homemade generators are invaluable, especially when working in off-grid locations where power tools are essential.

1- Portable DIY Solar Power Generator 

I remember stumbling upon Lewis02’s DIY solar generator project on Instructables a while back. What intrigued me was its simplicity and portability. Unlike bulky traditional generators, this one was designed to go wherever you go, making it ideal for camping trips or outdoor adventures.

The thought of being able to turn on a light, catch up on my favorite TV shows, or listen to music even in the midst of nature was incredibly appealing to me. It’s not just about embracing modern conveniences; it’s about enhancing the camping experience without compromising on sustainability.

With this portable solar power generator, I could envision myself enjoying the serenity of the wilderness while still having access to the comforts of home. It’s amazing how a simple DIY project like this can revolutionize the way we approach outdoor living.

2- Bicycle Power Homemade Generator

Clean and free power provided with the use of an old bicycle. A project close to my heart! Use these DIY generator plans to build your own free electricity generator with old bike parts and a few other components.

Below are short steps to make this bicycle power homemade generator.

Build or buy the bicycle stand. Make the front bike stand by a 4x4x24” wood blocks. Sandwich the two support blocks on either side of two high blocks by sawing about 4 inches off of the 2x4s. Attach the motor to the back wheel or chain as you like. Find a motor that will mount the cylinder and attach the motor to the upper plate of aluminium.

I would like to recommend this diy bicycle power generator to you as it is made using what you already have in hand i.e bicycle and some other componenets. Run this generator without fuel, sun, winds etc. by doing some cycling as well as getting a healthy exercise at the same time.

With a multi meter check the voltage coming out of your motor and connect the positive output of motor to the positive input of charger and vice versa with the ground wire. Use 18 Amp-h battery and connect the terminals. Connect inverter to the battery to convert DC to AC.

3- DIY Wind Generator

I recall coming across the Mother Earth News article featuring their homemade wind generator project. What struck me was its simplicity and the idea of harnessing renewable energy from the wind. The thought of having a reliable source of electricity, especially on days when solar panels might not be as effective, was intriguing.

The project’s emphasis on using just four basic components highlighted the accessibility of renewable energy solutions. It felt empowering to know that with a little DIY spirit and some basic materials, anyone could contribute to reducing their reliance on traditional power sources. I could envision myself taking on this project, not just as a way to generate electricity but also as a step towards living more sustainably.

4- Homemade Gas Generator

These free plans will show you how to build a small and powerful gas generator. It is a DC generator that is run by a 4 stroke gasoline engine.

This would be great to use at an off grid homestead or hunting camp. It would also be very useful for charging the car battery when you are miles away from a charging station. A gas generator has many uses and it is a valuable tool for anyone who is wanting to find ways to cut back on the amount of on-grid power they use.

The 4 stroke gas engine is small, lightweight, and uses very little gas. This is the size motor that is typically used on weed eaters and leaf blowers. They are lightweight and powerful enough to handle several tasks at once, like powering a small appliance, charging electronics, and providing lights.

The small size makes it a portable homemade generator by instructables so you take it wherever you go. Its usefulness and low building cost make this a must-have item. These free plans are detailed and make building this DIY generator easy.

Everyone should have a homemade generator on hand just in case of an emergency and the power goes out. The small size of this gas generator makes it easy to keep stored on a shelf in the garage until it is needed. You will feel more secure during rain storms when you know that you have a source of electricity that is free and easy to use.

5- Science Project Generator

This mini homemade generator building project would be great for a school science project. It’s an easy build for a student and teacher or parent can easily work along side the child to teach some basics about how electricity works. This project would provide a good teaching tool for the classroom or home.

It’s not only good for a science project, these free YouTube plans show you how to create a mini functioning generator. The DIY generator is small but it has enough power to charge a cell phone or run a small fan.

If you don’t have enough electric outlets in your home to charge all of the family’s electronic devices, a DIY mini generator like this one could be very useful. it would also be good for charging your phone or iPad while traveling. The small size of this DIY generator by Mini ideas on youtube makes taking it along with you very easy.

Place the mini generator in your backpack and take it to school, on a camping trip, road trip with friends, or any time that you may be away from an electrical outlet and can’t charge your phone.

It is always disheartening when your phone battery is almost dead and you have no place to charge it. This mini generator will solve this problem and you won’t have to worry about a dead phone or laptop battery again.

This project is easy and inexpensive to complete when you follow these detailed plans.

6- Battery Powered DIY Generator

Encountering a captivating DIY generator project on Instructables.com, crafted by a skilled DIYer, left a lasting impression on me. Their ingenuity in repurposing everyday materials to generate electricity caught my attention. It was inspiring to see how accessible and practical renewable energy solutions could be, even in the realm of DIY projects.

What impressed me the most was the simplicity of their design and the clear step-by-step instructions they provided. As someone who enjoys hands-on projects, I could immediately see the potential of building a similar generator for myself. The thought of having a reliable source of power, created from scratch, sparked my curiosity and motivated me to delve deeper into the world of DIY energy solutions.

7- Recycled Flywheel and Alternator

This is a great way to recycle used car parts to create free electricity for your homestead or camp site. This YouTube video will show you how to take a used flywheel and alternator and put them together to generate enough electricity for your home.

This DIY electric generator will generate 7kw 230v. That is enough electricity to run low watt household appliances, like lights, television, and refrigerator with plenty left to charge all of your electronic devices.

The cost is minimal if you have a flywheel and alternator on hand. All thats left to build is a small metal frame to sit the generator on and a little wiring. It is an ideal build for a mechanic and easy for the non-mechanic with this instructional video.

This homemade generator by Electric Multi Workson Youtube is easy to take along with you when you go camping so you can have the comforts of eletricity without the discomfort of a power bill. This would be nice to take along with you for tailgate parties during the football season. It could power small cooking appliances, a television, and a small fridge that will keep beverages cold while you enjoy the football game.

Build this flywheel and alternator generator for use at home so you can live off grid or at least reduce your electric bill each month. Then when you are ready to travel for a day or two and will need electricty at your destination, take this homemade generator along with you.

8- Mini Homemade Solar Generator

As small and portable as a personal ice chest, this mini homemade generator by instructables is actually built with a small ice chest. Don’t let the small size fool you, this DIY generator can provide the power to light up a room.

Here are brief steps to make this homemade generator.

Drill 5 holes on the top of lid, four for the panel to be mounted on the lid and one for panel wire. Bolt the panel to the lid and ran the wires throw. Place the 12v socket and applied glue to the nuts. Drop the battery and plugged in the battery. Plugged in the power and test the lamp with a compact fluorescent bulb. See also some other DIY solar generator projects.

9- Simple DIY Generator

Sometimes simple is all you need, like this simple and effective diy generator by creative-science.org. This basic design and step-by-step instructions on how to build a generator will even give a novice DIY’er free electricity for small appliances and power tools.

10- Backyard Homemade Wind Generator

Easy and inexpensive to build, yet this DIY wind powered generator by thekevdog can produce as much power as a high-dollar, store-bought solar panel. Follow the easy steps detailed in the instructional video and build your own three bladed backyard wind generator and start saving money on your utility bill today. See also DIY windmill ideas to produce electricity on a small level to run some power tools.

Tools require to build this wind generator are:

• Crescent Wrench
• Protractor
• Sandpaper
• Jigsaw

11- Hydroelectric DIY Generator

I go through the Mircea Sandru’s hydroelectric generator project on Mother Earth News.The concept of harnessing the power of a nearby stream to generate electricity was fascinating to me. It felt like a truly sustainable solution, especially for remote locations or off-grid living situations.

What struck me the most was the versatility of this DIY generator. It wasn’t just about living entirely off-grid; it could also serve as a cost-effective supplement to existing power sources. I could imagine myself implementing a similar setup at a remote fishing cabin or campsite, where electricity is needed intermittently. The idea of having access to power without relying on a monthly utility bill was both practical and empowering.

12- Tool Box Homemade Generator

An old plastic tool box can house a portable homemade generator like this one by intrepidoutdoors that you can take anywhere. For less than $200, these DIY plans will enable you to power up your power tools wherever the job needs to be done. Since the DIY generator is housed inside of a tool box, it will be easily recognizable on the job site and never get left behind at the end of the work day.

13- Low Power Generator

A great DIY project for a school science project and it really works! Use these plans for building a low power, cheap and easy generator by wikihow for demonstration of what can be accomplished with a few components and little ingenuity.

14- Free Energy Generator

Learn how to making a free energy generator like this one by Creative Life in this Youtube video tutorial from easily available and cheap material. Use this guide to make your own inexpensive homemade generator.

15- Easy Homemade Generator

Learn how to build a small DIY generator in this instructional Youtube video tutorial by BOKIN. The detailed video is easy to follow and will provide you with a clear understanding of how generators work and will enable you to build one for your own use.

16- Van de Graaf Homemade Generator

What does a nail, a soda can and a rubber band have in common? They’re all components of the Van de Graff homemade generator by sci-toys and this idea will show you how to make a generator to power small appliances. The step-by-steps instructions are easy to follow for this unique project.

17- Small DIY Generator

Learn how to build a small electric generator like this one by DIY King in this Youtube video tutorial using a gas-powered engine.

This homemade generator is powered by a 4-stroke gas engine and will provide enough electrical power to meet basic household needs. Great to have on hand for times when the power goes out at home.

18- Phone Charger DIY Generator

When the power goes out and your cell phone battery is dead, you need an emergency source of electricity. This homemade generator by TKOR on youtube will provide enough electrical energy to charge a phone and power a light bulb in case of an emergency.

All you need is a cordless drill and a couple of other common household items and you can power your way through an electrical emergency with this easy to build generator.

19- Thermoelectric Homemade Generator

These detailed plans will show you how to make a generator by wired that has no moving parts and is very reliable. Thermoelectric generators are the types used on space crafts where reliability is essential.

This DY project would also be good for use as a school science project since it is easy to build with items you probably already have on hand.

20- Powerful DIY Generator

If you are looking for a DIY generator by instructables that can provide enough electricity for an off-grid homestead, this is the one.

Each brushed magnet in this homemade generator will provide 110 volts of electricity, and the number of magnets used in this DIY project is up to you. High voltage electricity is produced with a very low RPM so the electrical output is steady and reliable.

21- Lawn Mower Engine DIY Generator

Don’t trash that old rusty lawnmower if the engine is still good. Re-use the lawnmower engine and give it new life as part of a homemade generator.

These free plans provide written instructions as well as detailed pictures of how the project should look at each stage of the building process. Used lawn mower engines can be purchased cheaply for this project if you don’t have one on hand.

22- Hydroelectric Homemade Generator

For less than $50 you can build this hydroelectric DIY generator by publiclab that will provide enough power to run small appliances and power tools.

Great for use in a small workshop that is not wired for electricity or for an off-grid homestead that is near a running source of water. When trees or surrounding landscape prevent the building of a homemade wind generator, a water-powered generator can provide the needed electricity.

These detailed instructions also include a list of materials you will need for this DIY project so the build will be easy and inexpensive. Power up what you need, when you need it, without increasing the monthly electric bill.

23- Bicycle DIY Generator

What can you do with an old bicycle, an old treadmill and a few pieces of leftover lumber? Build a functional homemade generator like this one by The Do It Yourself World on youtube that can provide electrical power for your household.

This is one of the most most popular idea in our roundup. You also get healthy exercise with this completed Bicycle DIY generator project. When you want to generate electricity, you have to take a ride on the bicycle. The bicycle is stationary, so it won’t take you anywhere but it will give you heart-healthy exercise and enough power for small appliances and power tools.

This bicycle generator is easy to take with you on camping trips and will give the kids something to do if they get bored.

24- Small Homemade Generator

Make sure you always have a power source to recharge a phone battery no matter where you are with this easy to build DIY generator by Mr Electron on youtube.

Easy to build and compact so you can take along with you wherever you go. Ideal for backpacking, camping, or other long-distance travel where you might not be close to an electrical power source for several hours.

25- Lawn Mower Powered DIY Generator

The engine on a lawnmower is powerful and is perfect for use on a DIY generator by instructables. These free plans show you how to use a lawnmower engine to build a 500-watt generator that can power small appliances and power tools.

Most of the parts for this DIY project were gathered from junkyards and recycle centers, so the cost of the build is very cheap.

26- Recycled CD Homemade Generator

This would make a great science project for school and for inspiring children to take old things and make re-purpose them into something new.

One of the main components of this homemade generator by instructables is old CDs. Energy is generated when the CDs rotate and enough electricity is generated to power an LED light bulb. Not only is this a great science project and learning tool but it’s also a functional generator that can provide light without the use of electricity.

Have your kids build a couple of these DIY generators to keep on hand in case of an emergency.

27- Screw Hydrogenerator

If you would like to be able to use water power to generate electricity, check out these free plans that will show you how to make a generator that can do just that. There is an instructional video to watch and written instructions for you to follow.

This is great for the family that likes to spend time hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting out in the wilderness. After you build this homemade generator by interestingengineering, all you will need is a little running water to start generating electricity. A small creek or branch out in the wilderness will enable your screw hydrogenerator to generate enough power to enjoy some of the comforts of home.

This generator is lightweight and easy to carry along with you in a backpack. You will be able to have electric lights after dark and have enough power to run an electric fence around your camp to protect you from predators.

This simple design uses water power to turn the large screw and as the screw turns, it generates electricity. A simple wood frame holds everything in place while the water pours over the screw. The screw is made from lightweight plastic sheeting and the frame could be constructed from PVC pipe to make the entire generator even more lightweight and portable.

Even when you are roughing it out in the wilderness, it is still nice to have a few basic comforts of home and this little generator will help provide those comforts.

Conclusion:

Save on your electricity bills or get a free energy source when you are in a remote area. By using solar, wind power, hydro and mechanical power you can make your own homemade generator to run small appliances and power tools. From our list of  diy generators you can select any one that you find easy and comfortable to build to suit your needs.

Here we have prepared a questionnaire to answer some common questions.

FAQ’s

How a does generator works?

An electric generator works on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Turning the rotor inside the generator makes an electric current flow in each section of the wire coil. Each section becomes a separate electric conductor and the motion is turned into electrical energy.

A gas powered generator has an internal combustion engine which provides the mechanical force needed to generate an electrical current through copper wiring. The engine fires and is converted to electricity which travels directly into the home or building.

Generators are used as a back-up power source for homes, businesses, and medical facilities.

Can generators be AC or DC?

Generators can be either AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) and they can produce either type of power. However, you may need different generators for different power needs.

The rings inside of a generator are the difference-maker between AC and DC models. An AC generator has slip rings that provide a smooth surface and a DC generator has split rings that communicate differently

As a general rule, portable generators produce only DC power but can be fitted with an inverter so they can also produce AC power.

What are the different types of generators?

There are two basic types of generators known as AC and DC. However, this basic type branch off into 7 other categories:  Portable generators, Diesel generators, Solar generators, Inverter generators, Whole House generators, Gas generators, and Natural Gas generators.

Each category of generator works in essentially the same way the defining factors for the best one will be how you need to use a generator.

How do you make electricity with magnets?

Moving a magnet around a coil of wire pushes the electrons in the wire and creates an electrical current. This motion induced energy, called kinetic energy, is converted into electrical energy by a generator.

References:

Forbes, Home Improvement Electrical, by By Kelly Weimert,Corinne Tynan and Samantha Allen, “How Much Does A Generator Cost?” https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/electrical/generator-cost-guide/

WebMD, “Generator Safety: Tips for Running One Safely”, by Alexandra Benisek, published: September 18, 2023, https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/generator-safety-what-to-know

Linked In, Meromac, Published May 24,2023, “Best Practices for Extending the Lifespan of Your Generator”, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/best-practices-extending-lifespan-your-generator-metromac