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After living with my parents, I have grown accustomed to using my fathers tools when I am working on my projects. Since I have moved out, I realized how important it is to have tools in a house. I will try to compile a small guide on acquiring some tools, please take note that this is a basic guide and will by no means be complete.
The tools you need always depend on what kind of projects you work on. For example, If you work alot on electronics, a basic kit would be composed of a Soldering iron, wire strippers etc... If you enjoy fixing cars, wrenches and a socket set would be more appropriate. I will try to list as many tools I can possibly think of, If I miss anything or you have other suggestions don't hesitate to write a comment and I will add them to the list.
The tools you need always depend on what kind of projects you work on. For example, If you work alot on electronics, a basic kit would be composed of a Soldering iron, wire strippers etc... If you enjoy fixing cars, wrenches and a socket set would be more appropriate. I will try to list as many tools I can possibly think of, If I miss anything or you have other suggestions don't hesitate to write a comment and I will add them to the list.
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Signing UpStep 1Budget / Where to acquire
It's always better to invest into a few good tools than randomly buying things just to fill up your inventory. Start buying tools you would see yourself often using. Once you have all the essentials, then you could go ahead and buy more specialized tools or stuff you would use less often.
Keep your eyes peeled for sales, this is when you can find good deals, multi-packs and clearance items that will last you forever at a fraction of the cost. This technique is the one that i am currently using. I am trying to spend the least amount of money as possible and making small purchases over a period of weeks.
If you need a specialized tool that you do not own, ask around, maybe a relative could lend you theirs for a short while, trade schools, high schools and small businesses around your neighborhood might be willing to lend them to you. If all else fails, you could even rent some power tools and scaffolding at certain tool rental companies.
Keep your eyes peeled for sales, this is when you can find good deals, multi-packs and clearance items that will last you forever at a fraction of the cost. This technique is the one that i am currently using. I am trying to spend the least amount of money as possible and making small purchases over a period of weeks.
If you need a specialized tool that you do not own, ask around, maybe a relative could lend you theirs for a short while, trade schools, high schools and small businesses around your neighborhood might be willing to lend them to you. If all else fails, you could even rent some power tools and scaffolding at certain tool rental companies.
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"Middle of the road"/average tools are adequate if they won't be used so often;
Some cheap tools can be used as backups or spares - especially when they won't be used too often, (if at all..);
A good use I have found for those $2 Chinese-made 'Swiss Army Knife' knock offs is using them as back-up knives in my car and bike tool-kits ~ where they might not get used for several years (if ever..), it would be a waste to keep quality knives there..
My basic fixed power tools for garge/workshop are a 16-speed drill press, and a bench grinder ~ and I currently want to add a sander/linisher for my next major purchase there.
Woodworking tools would include a Triton saw table, and a router/jigsaw table - a bandsaw would be nice if I had the room for it..
Major portable tools would include a 240 volt generator (I am in Oz..), and a decent air compressor..
IF I had the room for metal working tools, after the basic oxy' and electric welders, a small lathe and a cut off wheel would be nice - and maybe a powered hacksaw...
Ah, to dream..
Tx!
I suppose just like any other contractor you could ask them for references, or to see some of their work.
1, I was thinking about getting a HFreight arc welder (the lowest priced model). How is their quality on those?
2, I'll need to repair an old platen press (1890's) where the cast iron handles that hold the feed paper broke at the bolt holes, happened when someone tried to move it by leveraging those arms.
They're about 2" x 2". What is the best way to weld them, Arc welder or flame weld?
Thanks!!
I prefer welding cast iron with stick arc weld myself. Sometimes cast iron has to be preheated with a torch before, and even after you weld it to relieve stresses.
I'd have to see it but from how you describe what you need to do it sounds like a big job to me. It doesn't sound like anything for a small welding machine, or a new user to tackle really.
I've done some pretty hair brained jobs over the years myself. Most hold up, ones that don't I do again and try to do more carefully. The beauty of welding is if it doesn't work you can always cut/grind the old work out, and try it again.
I bought a small sledge hammer. The first time I used it, about the 5th hit, the handle broke and the head went flying down and hit where a friend had been standing a minute ago.
I do buy their stuff, just today I bought 2 of their 12" wood clamps. Hopefully they won't explode or anything........
So if you'll excuse me I must beg out of this tired matter.
For the sustained grind session I break out my 9 inch heavy duty angle grinder. I've killed so many 4 1/2 inch ones! I just may have killed more of those now than Dremels. But for the longest time the single tool I've had the most failures with was by far Dremels.
I have 2 B&D RDX mototool knockoffs now along with a Foredom flexshaft tool hanging up on a swing arm and ready to go at all times. Just so I can spread the wear. I'm almost to the point where I have a tool for every bit. Changing them is such a hassle!
Then I have this:
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/4004/rotarybox.jpg
Which I call my rotary tool box. But more often I just break out this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_curette
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemostat