You can’t run a commercial-grade induction motor on a flimsy, 100-foot residential extension cord. These machines draw a massive amount of amperage, especially during the initial startup when the motor has to overcome the inertia of the heavy steel flywheel.
Most heavy-duty stationary cutters are wired for 3-phase industrial power (e.g., 220V/380V or 480V 3-phase). 3-phase power is incredibly efficient for heavy machinery because it provides constant, overlapping waves of electrical current, allowing the motor to run cooler and deliver smoother torque. If you are operating on a commercial site, tying directly into the temporary utility pole is the best route.
However, if you are running the cutter off a generator, you have to do the math. An electric motor might run at 3,000 watts, but it can require three to four times that amount (surge wattage) to start. If you under-size your generator, the voltage will drop drastically during a cut. This "brownout" causes the motor to pull excessive amperage, overheating the coils and melting the internal insulation. I always recommend sizing your generator to at least three times the running wattage of the cutter, and using the shortest, thickest-gauge heavy-duty power cable possible to prevent voltage drop.
