So, I got myself a "kill-a-watt" thingy just out of curiosity yesterday. Basically, I wanted to know how much power each item in my shop actually uses. As winter approaches, my garage gets cold, and I'll be pointing a heater directly at myself while turning on the lathe (I hope it helps!). But I know the heater runs at 1200 watts (10amps at 120volts), and I have a single 20amp circuit out there.
I didn't write down exact numbers for anything, but the results were interesting. The lathe (1.5hp Jet 1642) only uses about 2 amps, give or take an amp. Disc sander, about the same. Drill press, also about the same, as well as the bench grinder. I was surprised to find that all those tools actually draw about the same amount of electricity, and that it was less than I thought.
Bandsaw - I have a small 1/3 hp 12" bandsaw (I need a new one, suggestions???), and naturally it draws much more. Closer to 7 or 8 amps. I didn't test my compound miter saw, but I highly suspect it's up there around 10 amps as well.
Anyway, bottom line is, I should mostly have no trouble running a heater on that circuit while I turn on the lathe, etc. That's a relief.
(Not coincidentally, I now also know how much power almost everything in my house with a plug uses, right down to the 8 amp toaster...)