Shop Power Tools

[Tugboat Andy]

Well, Kmot's milling machine, and Green-boat's mention of the Black and Decker Mouse got me thinking about my little collection of tools. <EDIT> Ooof! how could I forget UMI's thread on the Tech Shop :o. <EDIT> I think we mention the tools we use on the threads from time to time, but I am curious what tools the semi-serious shop should consider?

Currently the only hobby tools I have are an old Delta bandsaw, a cordless drill, and a cordless dremel. I can get most things done to my current satisfaction. I know I could use a small drill press, and a mini-lathe and/or a small milling machine would be a lot of fun to learn how to use! (I have dreams about milling fancy motor mounts and adjustable tension belt drive gearboxes...why is that? :)

For starters, my Makita DA sander bit the dust while working on the barge this summer. The foam pad exploded and it made some horrible internal grinding sounds. :eek: It was a real workhorse and lasted about 14 years including some furniture building, 4 boat rebuilds, and probably a couple other things it shouldn't have been used for. The velcro was pretty worn anyway. So, I'm in the market for a new sander. A lot has changed and now a there are more choices. Anyone have a favorite or a suggestion?

Feel free to pipe up on what tools and brands you like to use. I was looking at the small Harbor Freight drill press but somewhere along the line I think someone said to spend a few extra $$ and get a better one. Anyone have any experience with Grizzly tools?

Thanks and I look forward to the discussion. :)

[toesup]

...got me thinking about my little collection of tools. ...but I am curious what tools the semi-serious shop should consider?

Yeeeeesh Andy... have you watched the New Yankee Workshop recently?.. Now thats a shop!...

You need... power..
A lathe, A milling machine, a belt / disc sander (bench and hand), a bandsaw, a collection of cordless drills, saws etc... a grinder (bench and hand) ... soldering irons

You also need... hand tools..
Various saws, various screwdrivers, chisels, rules (6", 12", 24"), squares, pencils, sanding blocks, planes, clamps (from teeny to HUGE), tube benders, tin snips, files (needle, round, flat, 1/2 round... and Bast**d)

Also..
Workbenches, voltmeters and other test equipment..

I think that list should put the TBA boat werks in to the red eh? :p

EDIT: its not just the lathe and the milling machine, its ALL the other things you need to go with it!..:o

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

I modeled for at least 17 years with only a table saw, bandsaw, disc/beltsander combo and a drill press as my only power tools. At some point I bought an electric sander. Prior to that I has a couple sanding blocks... :p In the middle there I bought a micro table saw.

The hand tools were chisels, hand drill and the assortment of x-actos, "balsa stripper" and screwdrivers, pliers and vice grips, and hex drives. I Doubt I could have gotten by without a soldering iron, propane torch, and the multi meter.

A calculator, straight edge, rulers paper and pencil, and the copiers at Kinkos, or a local print shop were also key items for scaling.

Elmers, epoxy and CA glue... Resin and fiberglass. Plywood and balsa..


The modern shop includes the computer, digital camera, the lathe, the mill, a couple pressure pots, a compressor and a vacuum pump. These have been wonderful additions over the years.

But there is a lot that can be done with a few basic tools and skill.

:cool:

[smart_racer]

Yes as Umi said..."a lot can be done with a few basic tools and skill"...I have the standard... bandsaw, drill press, disc/belt sander combo, compressor/airtools,lots of hand tools and custom build tools

[keith S]

Yes as Umi said..."a lot can be done with a few basic tools and skill"...I have the standard... bandsaw, drill press, disc/belt sander combo, compressor/airtools,lots of hand tools and custom build tools

I agree. The only power tools I use are the drill press, table saw, Dremels, cordless drill ( also known as the poor mans lathe), and mouse sander. All other tools are hand held ( exercise equipment for the hobbiest). If I had more $$ and space I would probebly have more tools.
I know several members of the club here that have Grizzley tools and say they would have nothing else. Of course, they like the fact that the company headquarters is here in my town with a large show room where you can see and try the tools before you buy them and get parts. ;)

[bigford]

nobody has said the most important tool

SHOPVAC!!!!!!