I finally have my own shop, problem is I don't have any major tools. I was wondering what tools can you guys not live without. I have the basic stuff like angle grinders and hammers, wrenches, sockets, a chop saw. What I'm talking about are tools like a torch, a mig or tig set up, a large capacity compressor, you know the tools you have to pinch a few pennies to get. If you had to start over with nothing what order would you acquire your tools. Thanks
I bought new Smiths torches in 70. Then a used commercial Miller mig in the late 70s. I still have both. Torches are good to have but the mig is so useful on a daily basis, that if I had to give one up? I would keep the mig. but I would miss the heck out of the torches. Big compressors are nice, but you can get by with smaller for now, then go big or run dual smaller ones for blasting etc. work with what you have kind of thing.
large air comp, torch, 220 mig welder, air lift, milling machine, tire machine, metal band saw all that stuff is nice. if i were you i would be looking for all that stuff, just buy what is a really good deal first.
In order of importance: Mig, lathe, oxy acetylene torch, vertical mill, guard dog, radio Almost forgot about having an overhead I-beam as a monorail with an 2ton electric chain-fall, that comes in real handy. Fits between the dog & radio.
Pocket screwdriver. The one with the little magnet on the end. No, it won't weld anything or cut metal, but I use it constantly, and misplacing it is like losing a thumb!
BEER FRIDGE, Internet and a TV. then MIG, TIG, torches, lathe, drill press, band saw, and a first aid kit
My old coke machine with beer and beverages (always handy), oh yeah, and the mig welder, compressor and torch
If ya ask me it's my belt sander. It's a low cost tool that is very useful. Every home shop needs one.
i vote for hands and fingers as well as brain cuz with out them tools would be nothing but metal objects.
compressor and welder... but i too have a beer fridge and internet in fact i am in the shop right now being productive...
Yup. My first car was built with little more plus the knowledge I gained here. I had hand tools, a drill, an angle grinder and MIG welder. If I were just starting out and could do it over knowing what I now know... I would first buy torches and a stick welder so I could gas weld sheet metal and use the stick for chassis work, adding a MIG as soon as I could.
Full fridge closely followed by an open bathroom. Okay I suppose a good Mig welder and good hammers and dollies would work for me also.
if i could start over i would take the safety glasses, face mask and gloves a little more serious. as far as production tools. the best air compressor you can afford, of course a welder at least a 220 mig if you can afford it, i still really like my old stick welder. as soon as one could save up for it. a plasma cutter. 1. safety equipment 2. air compressor 3. welder 4 plasma cutter
Your noodle, without the ol' thinker those tools wouldn't be squat. Then a drill, a grinder, and a welder. I try to learn a new trick or how to use a tool in a different way everyday to keep my brain limber. Those mental gymnastics can be brutal thats why you need the beer fridge.
Actually yes...depends on what your marking so I can see the line..he he..........and I like the ultra fine line Sharpie !.........I just cut the quarters off the new Roadster drag car tonight.........I could not use them fancy tools to make the cuts...until I layed it out w/ the Sharpie !.....Tools are good but I love my markers and poster board.....Littleman
You mean like this : Just talked about this the other day. The 4" grinder, it really isn't the most important but without a doubt its the most supportive. Depends on what you do greatly. For some its a parts washer and others have no need for one. If you play with raw steel, its by far the things that cut it.
The Jalopy Journal
