Today is the second time I have entered this site and I have enjoyed reading the ideas and joining in the discussions in this forum. I thought I would try posting my own topic here. I will give a brief background of my self before I continue with a list of my favorite tools. I am 43 and have been involved in one form of carpentry or construction over the last 25 years(over 50,000 hours). I still get excited over most of my projects and many of my clients tell me that my enthusiasm is contagious. I have been in business for myself since 1986. When I was 12 I knew I wanted to be a carpenter, I was the biggest pain in the @$$ to all the carpenters building homes in my neighborhood when I was growing up in the 60’s. Ok here is the list of stuff in my favorite stuff , Dewalt …..biscuit joiner, 14.4 cordless drill, 4” random orbital sander, sawsall. Makita…. 7 1/4 circular saw, 8 1/4 table saw, power planer with adjustable bevel fence. Bosch….. Jig Saw, 2 1/4 HP D handle router, Laminate finish router (for smaller routing jobs). Hitachi ….. 81/2 ” slide compound saw with Forrest Chopmaster 60 tooth carbide blade. Master…. brad nailer. Milwaukee…. electric drill and hammer drill, 4″ grinder. Rousseau…. table saw stand. Pony style bar clamps and Jorgensen steel clamps (can never have too many clamps). Berger … transit. My favorite circular saw blade …. Marathon 7 1/4 inch (they cut nice last a long time and are only 10 buck so if one gets ruined it is easy to toss on put in a new one) My favorite chop saw blade manufacturer is Forrest no close second here they are the best!!! My favorite gluing system is the West System ( 2 part epoxy). My favorite, most used and most versatile router bit is the carbide dovetail bit. This can be used for mortising hinges and routing stair tread stringers free hand and a ton of other applications.
Edited 1/5/2003 10:04:39 AM ET by ww_aficionado
Replies
I've got a no. 2 pencil with an eraser that serves well from start to finish on most jobs. It's lightweight,easily recalibrated and inexpensive.Has saved time and money and more than payed for itself over the years.After that I like my block plane. Skip
Hi Skip,
Yes those are two little gems there. Nothing like running your block plane over a piece of end grain with a razor sharp blade to give you satisfaction. I also bought a battery operated pencil sharpener at Staples which I keep by my side all day to ensure a perfect pencil point all day.
My favorite tool, since I'm still recovering from back surgery, is my homemade stool. I made it from 3/8" mahogany plywood. It's 12" high and the seat is 12"X12" with an elongated slot for carrying. Great when installing locksets or any of those other jobs requiring bending or squatting. Also a good place to set when I'm taking a break.Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
3 legs or 4?
Good morning Larry,
Doesn't have legs. It's 4 sided. Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
And I'll bet it's got storage space for something inside.Character? I never had any problem with character. Why, people've been telling me I was one every since I was a kid.
rez, Ya, inside holds misc. hardware collected over time and I throw in small hand tools depending on what the job is. If it gets much heavier I'll have to put wheels on it. I'm thinking about putting a cushion on the seat for my old bones but my productivity would really go down the toilet then. Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
I'm confused- is your favorite saw blade Forrest or Marathon?
I've got to know.......................What is your favorite hammer?
Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Hi Pro
My favorite circular saw blade is the marathon blade, because of its low price it is disposable and it also seems to last a long time so it is a great general purpose blade. But for doing higher quality trim work and installing maple and oak cornices nothing compares to the durability and performance of the Forrest Chopmaster Blade. The Forrest Blade is also over $100.00. So its use is relegated to trim work. Sorry I wasn't very clear there.
Edited 1/3/2003 7:08:29 AM ET by ww_aficionado
Edited 1/3/2003 7:09:19 AM ET by ww_aficionado
Hammer......what's hangin in your tool belt???Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
hehehehehehehe you're one funny cat, Bob.
LOL- Jim - so are you................:-)Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
just ask Jim what sort of hammer HE uses Bob......(if he's not too embarrased to tell you).Quittintime
That's not a Hammer, That's a Catspaw with a rubber handle.Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
That's enough from you two yahoos.
You know, I was considering a career in long haul driving. I was thinking "...when we get too old to climb around on farming and such, it might be nice. I could even take my Hammer (Kathy) with me...". But then again, I haven't learned to "put the hammer down" - I am always picking it up...and I've been sober for a long time now, haven't been hammered in several years...this is all just too confusing.
Got to go hammer out some details on a proposal.
I'm thinking all this talk about "cat's paws" belongs over in the "Calibrating hairs" thread.
Hi Pro,
I have three hammers that I use. The first is a Cooper 16 oz. fiberglass hammer(curved claw). This is the first hammer I bought when I started working. I still enjoy using it. My second hammer is a Cooper 20 oz. hammer. I have replaced this hammer several times and always replace it with the same model. It is fiberglass, with a curved claw. I usually go back and forth between these two if for no other reason than to have a different feel in my hand from day to day and week to week. My third hammer does not get much use anymore. When I was younger I spent 5 years of almost framing exclusively. It is a Vaughan 24 oz. framing hammer, with a strait claw and wooden handle, and smooth face. This hammer has sentimental value also. The head was given to me by my exboss and the best framer I have known. I have changed the handle many many times. I really enjoy the feeling of hitting in a spike with this baby when there is a brand new handle on her. I compare it to hitting a perfect drive over 200 yards at the driving range. As the inside of the handle starts to fracture you don't feel the sweet spot any longer but the hammer still has a nice feel in my hand. I will only use a fiberglass or wooden handle hammer. I will not use a metal handled hammer because I feel that there is no give in the handle and the full force of the blows of the hammer are transferred to the wrist, elbow and forearm with no shock absorption. I have never had problems with hand pain or tendon or metacarpal syndrome. I firmly belive that you are at greater risk for these ailments when using a metal handled hammer. Remember when tennis pros switched to aluminum rackets in the 70's. There was an epidemic of arm, wrist and shoulder injuries. I don't even think they still make aluminum tennis rackets anymore.
Please tell me your opinion on blades and hammers Pro.
Edited 1/3/2003 7:27:34 PM ET by ww_aficionado
Hey ww ....welcome , It's good to see somebody else has tools with a personality of there own , have many of my own. I've found breaktime is enjoyable just like hammer swinging that is " Estwing" hammer swinging and cuttin somethig with a "Freud " blade.
Cooper???????? What's a Cooper hammer?
If you keep replacing these fiberglass hammers you might consider a wood handled hammer , then all you need to do is replace the handle instead of the whole hammer.
Bye the way, How many hammers have you replaced in your 50,000 hours?
You asked me which I like.
My everyday hammer is a 1994 22oz. Hart Woody
I use Freud Marathon & Dewalt blades for framing
Systimatic 12" are my chopsaw blades
Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Hi Bob,
Thanks for the reply. Cooper is simply a a fiberglass hammer with a rubber base for a handle. I like the rubber, I have large hands and it has a rather thick handle which I like. I have probably replaced three or 4 hammers in 25 years, but I have never broken one of these hammer. When things get crazy at work I find that is when I start to lose tools (misplace, forget where I put them, or simply leave them on the site). I don't lose a lot of tools. I find that thee tools I lose the most are framing square, flat bar, and hammer.
I would suggest you try the Forrest Blade. After they dull a bit you can send them back to the manufacturer to be resharpen for roughly about $30. They come back nearly as good as a new blade (95 to 99%). I have tried having saw blades and hand saws resharpened before with little luck. I find I get the blade back sharp but the sharpener never gets the pitch on the teeth correct and I end up with a blade that is sharp but cuts with a terrible burr. I quit using Frued blades many years ago. I found I was having trouble getting a strait cut with them. For some reason I was cutting a slender curf in the center of my cut. I switched off them and have never encountered this problem again.
You can find the Forrest Blade at http://www.amazon.com/toolcrib if you are interested in trying something new.
ww_af,
Favorite tools. Ok, I'm with you on most of those. I like the Bosch bulldog 1/2 sds hammer drill. The Makitas are my favorite over all line (did you know you can regrease those sealed bearings and extend tool life over and over?) You didn't mention the Dremel with the 409 cutting discs and diamond disks. You didn't mention Ingersoll air chisel or die grinder with scotch pads. I like that 5 in one painter's scraper. We just used the west system epoxy too. Wow, I didn't know what real epoxy was.
I want to hear about that dovetail router bit for freehanding hinges.
Thanks,
Fonzie
Seriously now my favorite hammer is a task force metal handled straight claw 16 oz. that I would never have picked but that a situation left me it for a day.On circular saws I've settled down with marathons.My favorite shop tool is my Delta contractors tablesaw and blade choice depends on what I'm cutting,plywood,laminate hardwood etc. and thought I've heard real good things about the Forrest blades they seem pricey to me.A battery powered drill seems indespinsable and I've got three,all different brands. Skip
Old chinese proverb, "It is a poor craftsman that curses his tools."
Hi Fonzie,
Glad to share this info with you. My ex-partner had the mortising jig for hinges and locks. I have a much simpler method that is much faster. I would have by door done by the time my partner would get his clunky jigs out of the box.
What is so great about mortising this way is the simplicity of it. I start with a laminate trimming router. I chose this router because it small and easy to handle. Stand your door on edge. Take the butt hinges and trace the outline of the hinge on the edge of the door using a sharp pencil. Using a sharp razor knife score the pencil line. The rest is simple. Set the router to the required depth and then rout out the hinge. The dovetail bit undercuts and when you come up to the scored line the wood breaks off beautifully. You will be surprised how easy it is to get a perfect cut freehand with the dovetail bit. I also use this method when I am cutting out stair stringers, or any mortising function.
I also have the dremel tool and love the versatility. You are right this is an excellent tool. Please tell me about the Ingersoll air chisel and die grinder, this sounds very interesting fonz.
Edited 1/5/2003 8:11:58 AM ET by ww_aficionado
Like the way you mortise hinges! Will try very next time. Also gives me good reason to buy a laminate trimming router. Thanks for the tip, it's printed and goes in my special application file. Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
ww_aficionado,
Thanks. I do it that way too but used a straight bit. I think I'll try that dovetail trick. A good procedure I have found is to use a marking gage (with 1/8- of blade sticking out) to mark/knife the back line of the hinges. This quickly marks them all the same, all in line, easier & faster. After setting the point of the razor knife at the end of the hinge, I reach for the tri-square and mark/knife that. It yields more precision I have found than tracing the pencil. Then I run the pencil (.9mm auto) down the knife cut (to see).
By the way, I forgot to mention how much I love those Marathon blades too. Did you know if you get bored sometime for 10 minutes you can touch up the teeth with a hand diamond stone easy? There is no set of course to worry about. Everywhere you make a good point where there isn't one helps. But they're so cheap you have to be real bored. I use old ones to cut through built up roofs and the like (just spray WD 40 and go 6 ft or so). Actually, they work so good I'm not motivated to check out Forrest blades.
The air chisel. I have a friend who is a expert machinist. He GAVE me an Ingersol air chisel (normal use would be muffler removal, minor masonry). He had a good cold chisel for this that looks like a 1 inch wood chisel that he put a slight bend in at the end and sharpened that will really remove wood. He shaped another bit special for removing mortar for tuck pointing. It is much easier faster and gentler than hand chiselling.
The die grinder is a friendly tool for sharpening paddle bits, etc. I put a cheap diamond blade on it for special cuts (outlets in ceramic). There are these handy little scotch pads, about 1 1/2 diam that work great for cleaning and polishing.
Hope this helps,
Fonzie
I also have the dremel tool and love the versatility. You are right this is an excellent tool. Please tell me about the Ingersoll air chisel and die grinder, this sounds very interesting fonz"......
I'll try to post you a pic of this and these two bits soon WW.
Fonzie
ww_,
Well here is the picture of the air chisel: The one bit has been heated and custom bent and sharpened for wood removal (high sills, etc). The other bit has been thinned for cleaning out mortar deep. It really works great on both counts. The spring on the end was an added accessory called a "beehive". It's nice because it's smooth and out of the way.
Fonzie
thanks Fonzie, I save the picture in my documents. Will this air chisel work off the standard job site compressor? My friend bought an air sander last year and then found that the compressor didn't have the capacity to run it.
I am just finding out how friendly air tools are myself. As to "will it work on a small compressor" I guess than depends on what you mean by work. You will have to let it catch up sometimes, but I am happy with it. I have a good pancake type.
Here is the die grinder set up I mentioned. I prefer this right angle one though more expensive. (about 50 vs 20) It came with a 1/8 collet too. Those little scotch pads screw on. You'll find them in an automotive parts store in three grades. They have been really handy, though I can't think of a good example just now.
Fonzie- I have no trouble downloading a 124KB photo but I recall other posters with smaller, older computers that have a hard time trying to download anything over 60 as it takes them a long time to get the pic.
Another poster recommended around 72 pix at a 400 or so wide for ok clarity and I try to keep the pics as close to around 40 KB if I can, to make it easier and faster for the older computers.
You have some interesting stuff. Keep 'em coming.Character? I never had any problem with character. Why, people've been telling me I was one every since I was a kid.
WW,
This particular air chisel has the added plus (a real plus) of a variable speed effect. The more you pull the trigger the harder it hits. The cheap one I had was one you tried to adjust at the handle.
The "friendly" part of the air die grinder over, say the RotoZip is that the former doesn't develop hardly any flywheel action. If it jams, it just stops, no jerk.
I'd like to ask you one: Have you got a favorite design of utility knife?
Hi Fonzie,
No particular preference on the utility knife. I have 4 or 5 kicking around. The one I like is the Stanley retractable. I like the bright colors. I have knives in yellow, lime green, red, and I still have a couple of the older silver ones kicking around.
Out Of all the tools I have worked with it took my the longest to gain respect for the razor knife. I have never cut or hurt myself with any power tools in 25 years of wood working because I use caution and have respect for the damage a spinning blade can do a hand, finger, or other body part. I cut my self several times with razor knives before I gave it the same respect. The worse cut was 18 stitches in my arm, 10 sutures in the skin and 8 of the dissolvable type in the muscle under the skin!
"Out Of all the tools I have worked with it took my the longest to gain respect for the razor knife. I have never cut or hurt myself with any power tools in 25 years...I cut my self several times with razor knives before I gave it the same respect..."
I have had the same experience, ww. I always tell new helpers that's the only tool that has sent me to the emergency room for stitches. I've had my hammer leave some scars on my face when nailing in a corner though. Luckily the missus digs scars.
Glasses Jim,Glasses-you won't hit yourself in the face, if your glasses allow you to be further from the target in which you are trying to strike. :-)Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Any of the metal banana contour handles work ok as long as the ease of blade movement is there and the blade can stay stable. Bought a slew of them at a closeout a while back. Like hammers, tape measures and clamps, it's hard to have too many.Character? I never had any problem with character. Why, people've been telling me I was one every since I was a kid.
I'd like to ask you one: Have you got a favorite design of utility knife?
Just bought the new Stanley that combines a utility knife and a serrated pocket knife with a positive locking blade. Comes with a nylon pouch to attach to your belt. Works well, and it's very handy to have the serrated knife blade available in addition to the utility knife blade. BTW, the handle swivels open without need of a screwdriver to access stored utility knife blades.
I am waiting for the new cell phone/utility knife combination to come out !
Interesting thread. My favorite tool is the one I own, generally. In most cases, I would say I do not have enough experience with other brands to know which I prefer. But...
I really like the Klein phillips screwdriver. I can move screws with it that won't budge with any of various other screwdrivers kicking around my tool box. I don't know if it's because the tip is superior or if the cushioned grip allows me to apply more torque, or both, or something else, but it really does make a difference.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
P.D. you cracks me up " whats hanging in your tool belt " you know the one around your waist. Bet it ain't red handled that bends in the middle.
I like my estwing 20oz leather handle' but then again, I don't hand nail so much anymore. I really don't know what I would use if I did. Before "air" , I used my Hart for framing. I have to say my favorite tool to use is my mortise plane that my wife gave me for xmas 2 years ago. I get all excited and can't sleep when I have door to hang the next day!
Scott
My brother says he has had the same hammer for over 25 years. It's had 5 handles and 2 heads.
Forrest blades are most definatly the best IMO. You get what you pay for. Resharpening by Forrest isnt all that expensive and they do the best sharpening job on the best blade.
I like the titanium hammers. Less fatigue on my wrists when banging all day, although now with them new fangled air machines they have the only thing I worry about instead of wrist fatigue is the tripping over the hoses two stories up.
Be hammered
Namaste
Andy"Attachment is the strongest block to realization"http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
All that you mentioned, plus the 8" japanese pry bar, use it all the time, paslode nailers (cordless), smartlevel (digital readout) 18volt deWalt flashlight. Oh, and I hardly ever use a hammer anymore but I love my Hart Trimmer with a wood handle.
Jeff
My favorite tool is any one I don't have two of!!!
One ongoing search I have had over the years is for the "perfect" utility knife. I have bunches. I'm a sucker for those new "quick change", whatever improvements.
I have settled on this one which a friend help me adapt (he made the knurled knob). The "O-ring" siliconed in works as a lock nut.
The slit tubing inside keeps the stored blades from getting dull.
closed:
Looks like it needs a paint job Fonz.........Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Since I started work in the cab shop, I have started using a whole new breed of tools. When i framed or did trim work, it was chop saws, skilsaws and table saws. Now I'm using pocket hole drills, definitely one of my favorites, random orbit sanders, I got the Bosch and belt sanders. I usually don't like PC stuff, but the 4x24 whisper series belt sander is a jewel. I got the DeWalt 618 router kit for Christmas and that is one fine router. Good balance, plenty of power and the soft start is really nice, too. I have a new hammer in my collection, too. Wierd looking sucker with a big rubber thing on the end of it instead of a head and claws.
Ive always had great luck with PC, just wondering what your "problems" are with them? No big deal, just curious
I've just never had much luck with them. Remember, I'm coming from a framing background. The PC nailers aren't exactly the first choice of most framers. They didn't even make framing nailers when I first got into the business. I have to admit, I really like that 4x24 sander, though. Its lighter and less money than the Makita I saw at the tool store.
Bob,
I actually have the PC framing nailer, I was going to buy a different one but was at the PC outlet picking a few things up and they had one dirt cheap since it doesnt get used everyday I picked it up. Its worked great so far not had a jam yet after about 5 boxes knock on wood :)
I have become very anti-Porter Cable of recent. Purchased what should have been a nice 12" compound mitre saw, set it up, went to sawing - the cast aluminum fences (lowers) on either side of the blade are machined concave! impossible to get a straight cut. So I bought it in summer, didn't notice this while doing lots of framing, and now need it for more precision work. I think I am going to end up making plywood fences for the thing. It sucks on PC's part.
I have a large PC air compressor less than 1 yr old. It is flaky on starting at the low pressure kick-on. Recently bought a PC air recip saw, very small hand held thing. Couldn't cut 1/4" cast iron with it. oh well.
Remodeler
I will agree of recent some of there tools seem to have taken a turn for the worse but most of my PC tools perform well on a daily basis. I just picked up there 10" sliding Miter saw it seems to work well, I wanted to get bosch but I was in sams and saw the PC for 200 bucks on close out so I couldnt pass it up
remodeler, sorry to hear about your bad experiences with PC. I've got the 19.2volt drill and saw and beat on them pretty hard. They're about 2-3 years old and have been absolutely trouble free. Also have a PC profile sander which doesn't get as much use but performs well.Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
Harry,
I also have the PC profile sander not to question you but I cant stand mind, it vibrates like all hell but the profile pads work well for sanding by hand
Yeps, they sux, it isn't just yours.
CAG, I've also got a Makita sander that doesn't get much use since I got the PC. That hand sanding thing doesn't sound like something I want to do. What sander do you like?Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
Harry,
are you talking about the 5 inch random orbit sander or the detail sander? I have the PC RO Sander and it works well, but they have a profile sander which you can use to sand edge details and it sucks in my opinion
Neil
Morning CAG,I'm talking about the PC detail sander.Guess I'm the only one dumb enough to like it. Course don't use it a lot but when I do it seems to get the job done.Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
Well glad some one likes it :) Just vibrates to much for my liking and never had much luck with it. Seems I can do it almost as fast by hand. But what ever works for you go for it
Neil
Evening CAG, well today I did some framing and hung sheet rock so my favorite tools for today were my Senco framing nailer and Milwaukee screw gun. Your opinion on those two?Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
No opinion on either, have never used either, well probably used a senco framer in my past but not enough to know much about it...
CAG, so far the senco gun has been reliable. Only downside in my opinion is the nails are held by plastic which flies out when shooting. Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
OK, gotta put in my favorite tool: A battered 28 oz. wafflefaced Estwing hammer.
The waffleface is pretty flat, and sure, its mostly air hammers doing the work these days. But back in the mid 1980s, that became my first "real" hammer (i.e., the first one that didn't come from the local 5&10 store). An alcoholic uncle/itenerant carpenter gave it to me (along with a tool belt that still hangs in my shop). The uncle died only a couple of years later, but I've still got the hammer, still use it more days than not.
The postscript to this is that a few years ago, someone broke into my shop. Took a rolling tool chest, cherry-picked a few power tools, rolled the air compressor out the door and left. When I got there, the first thing I looked for was that Estwing and that tool belt. They were both still hanging on the back wall. Insurance could replace the rest of my tools, and did, but those two items are special.
Jay
Mornin JayH, Hey I got one of those big waffle head Estwings. Got mine in 86. Doesn't have the sentimental value yours does but when something needs doing it comes out along with the Milwaukee sawzall.
I also had some power tools stolen a few years ago. Long story but the short version is the guy stole them for drug money, got caught, went to jail, and I got my tools back before they got re-sold. The guy did a nice job of cleaning them up too. didn't hardly recognize them.
My oldest working power tool is a 3"x21" Sears belt sander. Got it back sometime in the 70's when bell bottoms and leisure suits were all the rage. Remember that?
Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
The only thing I don't like about it is, like all the utility knives I have owned, it doesn't seem any of them are up to getting encouragement from a hammer.
Yeah, I hate it when I can't use my box knife for a chisel. So, I see you're into that bright florescent orange. I think all tools should be painted that color so you can find them easier.Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
>>florescent orange
And still sometimes I can't find it. It's more embarassing yet when you loose a cordless drill!
Speaking of that, am I the only one that gets really upset when I lose a tool? It drives me nuts. I get that from my mom I think. She used to go through the whole house organizing it as she went looking for something.
Fonzie
No your not the only one :) After thinking about its lossing the cheaper tools that pisses me off most, For some reason my pry bars seem to take a walk often, Im on my 3rd in a year.
but Im going to steal your idea with the orange paint and spray some on my tools...
Who ever came up with black as the industry standard must not have been on to many job sites its the hardest color to see on the floor imho
I spent four months on a job and all I lost was a tape measure and my 1/2" drive rachet. But I still cry about that rachet because I'd had it since highschool.Character? I never had any problem with character. Why, people've been telling me I was one every since I was a kid.
I feel your pain of the lost rachet :) seriously I recently lost my 1st hammer "bessy" my nickname for her that I bought with my first paycheck of my first job at a hardware store when I was 14. I miss the hammer and wish I could I find it, nothing spectacular about it, just an estwing 16 oz but it was my first tool I bought out of my own money from my 1st job and I have used it since :(
>>I spent four months on a job and all I lost was a tape measure and my 1/2" drive rachet. But I still cry about that rachet because I'd had it since highschool
They become like old friends, it's beyond monetary value. One I hated the most was a short straight edge (one of 5 pieces I could connect together for different lengths). I went back to attics, made calls, it seems obsesive to people who don't work with tools.
By the way, do you have any other names for tools?
No real other names for tools just that hammer, that I had since I was 14, 25 now and your right I didnt mind spending the 30 dollars for the new hammer, just want that one back lol, There a quite a few tools Im very fond of that I inherited from my grandfather when he passed away and subseqently I dont bring those to a job site, Ive actaully gone and bought a new tool the same as what I have to make sure I dont loose it. You got any names for your tools?
Neil
>>You got any names for your tools?
Yeah, but I stole most of them (the names, that is). The big long cro-bar we call "the key to the city" from an episode of "This Old Box".
The small drilling hammer we call "the Little General".
Fonzie
Sorry to hear about your lost ratchet Rez. Funny how we become attached to our tools. I was doing a good sized renovation job and instead of picking my tools up every night, I love the luxury of leaving everything set up for the next morning (I love it when I can do this, as my least favorite part of the day is set up and breakdown). I usually pick up everything on Friday just to keep track of all my tools. This particular Friday I left quite a number of tools behind. When I came to work on the following Monday morning I found a brand new sledge hammer with a note attached to it. It seems the homeowner borrowed my sledgehammer over the weekend and broke the handle and went out and bought the fanciest fiberglass handled sledge-O-matic he could find to replace the one he had broken. I in turn left him a note and told him to give me 5 bucks to replace the handle and we would be square. I told him the sledge had a sentimental value to me. He replied that all it was, was a slab of iron. I agreed but I have slammed in so many sheets of 3/4 inch tongue and groove with that hammer and banged down walls for over 20 years and even though he was right I just couldn't part with my sledge. I'm sure this will make sense to you too ! ! !
I had a little 8" four in hand wood rasp that I'd had since 1972 that one of my crapenters borrowed and never returned. He never returned, either. REALLY torqued me.
I've got some nippers that I probably end up using somewhere on every job. Old things but tough. If that one left me I'd be hurtin' even tho' I carry a same size spare. Funny how that goes. Like a security blanket or something.
Getting a thing for old wooden handled hammers. Get them whenever they cross my path. Hate wearing a toolbelt so I end up leaving them all over the site along with utility knives and tape measures. One of the privileges of solo work.Character? I never had any problem with character. Why, people've been telling me I was one every since I was a kid.
Hey Rez,
I to have evolved into a solo worker. I have had as many as 3 guys working for me and worked with a partner for 4 years (though he was more like an employee that I split the profits with). It got to the point where I was becoming a manager instead of a craftsman. I started to feel the dread of Monday morning looming on Sundays at about 2:00.
Now that I have become a solo act I am really enjoying work again. My true love lays in being a craftsman, not being a business man/manager/motivator of others/ foreman. I can sell enough for myself and I occasionally hire a friend to help out on things I can't handle on my own (e.g. lifting a bay window, framing an addition. I work about 42 weeks a year solo and I love it !!
agree with working solo. I know I'll be where I'm supposed to be when I'm supposed to be there. If the job's too big for me I pass and go on to others. seems to always be plenty of small jobs that the other guys don't want. Other favorite tool is my Swiss army knife. Couple a sharp blades, screwdriver, can opener, corkscrew, even has a slot in the handle for a small pair of tweezers for splinter extraction.Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
Ha! I've been tempted to get one of those but too many other things of greater import in line in front of it. Biscuit joiner, central shop HD table saw, replacement beltsander. electric planer, pour workshop floor yanayana.
I do carry a couple of those razor sharp tweezers in the dayglo plastic caps with me. It's amazing how quickly you can stop whatever you're doing to go find those things when you need them.Character? I never had any problem with character. Why, people've been telling me I was one every since I was a kid.
Hey rez know what you mean. So many tools so little money. I quit smoking back in October so the money I was spending on cigarettes,($5.00 a day), I put in a jar on the kitchen counter and use to buy tools. Already bought a Delta collapsable stand for my miter saw. It has a table extension for the saw, adjustable roller "outriggers" for supporting long pieces and nice big wheels for moving. Next big purchase may be clothes if I don't get my appetite under control. I've already gained about 12 lbs. Now that I think about it some cheese and crackers would be real good about now.
Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
Harry,
How's that Delta Miter Saw Stand working for you? I checked it out at HD, after seeing a magazine article in which several were compared, and ended up buying the Ridgid after looking at both side by side. It's amazing how few places even carry them.
The magazine article said it was a *project* to assemble it, and it looked like it had many parts to come loose, rattle around, or slip out of alignment compared to the Ridgid, which is mostly welded and took all of 5 minutes to assemble. The biggest advantage to the Delta is the extension fence to the left of the saw, and the vacuum cleaner-like cord reel.
I've decided to build my own extension fence and add it to the Ridgid. Haven't started building it yet, but the design has two cabinet grade plywood shelves, each mounted on top of full-extension glides, which slide to the left of the saw and provide about a 3-foot reach.
Just curious about your experience with the Delta - wouldn't dream of second-guessing your purchase,
Jazzdogg
jazzdogg, it was a pain in the butt to assemble. took me about 3 hours with one coffee break to question the wisdom of my choice but now that it's together and the saw securely bolted down I really like it. So far no parts coming loose but hasn,t been in use that long. I believe the value/price ratio is good. Paid $186.00 for it and those big ole 13" wheels will take it places it probably shouldn't go. Mine has vacuum cleaner like brackets on the back for an extension cord but the reel sounds much better.Thanks for not second guessing my purchase, I'm very sensitive and that would hurt like H#**. Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
Ha! Is that the Delta Kickstand that you got? Your description sounds like it. I've had mine for a couple years now and would get another without a second thought. I'd roll that puppy out of the van with my Dewalt 12" miter saw bolted down to it. Roll it up stairs, across little gullies. Love that thing. The one I have wasn't designed for the Dewalt so I had to kinda custom fit it but it is the handy dan of saw stands. I usually close up the wheel side and roll it around like a wheelbarrel and leave it that way when traveling. What saw do you have on yours?Character? I never had any problem with character. Why, people've been telling me I was one every since I was a kid.
morning rez,
yup it's the Delta stand. Like I said before a real beast to assemble but now that it's together gotta love it. The saw I have on it is a Hitachi 10" dual slide that bevels both ways. Had it almost a year now and don't know how I made it so long without it. Other saw was a Makita 10" miter that I had for about 15-16 years. Reliable saw, except for the blade guard, but very limited capabilities by today's standards and heavy as all get out. Anyway my tool guy gave me $20.00 for it on trade so we're both happy. I still remember my first job with that Makita. Boy was I dumb, still not real smart but a lot dumber then. Set the thing up on the floor to cut all the base and casings then wondered why my back and knees where so sore. Wasted a few pieces of trim with wrong way 45s too. Used my old Estwing hammer to nail every piece in place and went through quite a bit of wood filler on a few "whoops". That job was more exciting than my first wife and looked about as bad. Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
Here is a doweling jig that is a real favorite of mine. A few years back a machinist friend of mine made it extreemly more versatile.
The insert goes into the 3/8 in hole (I think) and accepts a #40 drill bit. I was able to buy a bunch of these #40 long drill bits by the pound (at a Hoods lumberyard).
This system enables you to locate a center hole or a then follow with any size bit. Also the jig can be set on a surface and a pilot hole drilled at right angle to the surface (like locating cabinet knobs).
Recently I have been using it to drill the pilot for the miter on casing, shimming the thinner side of the "teardrop".
Hi all!!
Wood Beaver here and the best tool on the back of my truck is the good ole' plastic
MILK BOX!!!! It's a ladder, a tool box, a shelf, a garbage container, and the list goes on!!!!!! Fill me in on a couple of more uses!!! You guys all have to admit it is a great thing for contractors!!!
Oh yeah I LOVE PORTER CABLE!!!!! I have Porter Cable EVERYTHING!! Even underwear!!
WoodBeaver
>>MILK BOX!!!! It's a ladder, a tool box, a shelf, a garbage container, and the list goes on!!!!!! Fill me in on a couple of more uses!!! You guys all have to admit it is a great thing for contractors
WoodBeaver,
This is not a good picture, I mean it doesn't do justice to what all is in this milk crate. But you can get the idea.
That sucker is gettn heavy isn't it?
Yeah...it is. But it's hard for me to think of removing anything in it. They've all earned their space.
Fonzie, from the looks of that milk box it must take 3 men and a mule to move it. I use the buckets with the tool aprons. Got one for carp., tile work, elec., and plumb. I'd like to show pictures but I'm low tech here.Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
yep, apron buckets. With pockets inside and out. Black and gold.Character? I never had any problem with character. Why, people've been telling me I was one every since I was a kid.
My index finger. It's up my nose all the time!
scott
Better there than another.Character? I never had any problem with character. Why, people've been telling me I was one every since I was a kid.
Well you know the saying,
" Thumb in bum, Mind in neutral"I'm all here....... 'cause I'm not all there!
Yep Rez black and gold and one red one.(wife found that one somewhere, she's got a white one for her gardening tools). Seems most tools miss the inside pockets and end up in a pile in the bottom. Have to dump them and reorganize about every month or two depending on kind of job I'm doing.Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
That's hilarious. Black and gold toolbuckets and the delta saw stand. Don't tell me you use Paslode Impulses.Character? I never had any problem with character. Why, people've been telling me I was one every since I was a kid.
morning rez, no don't use Paslode Impulses. Too big for the bucket! HA
Gotta admit though, there are times when I'd like to have one. Save a lot of set up especially for small jobs.
Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
Ya, kinda pricey but a miracle tool in some situations. I was bracing an old curved stairway once that had slid out from it's moorings. Had to cut a little entry hole to get in there from underneath. Open stud wall and someone had blown in insulation that had filled the space under the stairs. I don't know how many trashbags of the stuff I moved out of there.
Working solo so I had to crawl in, measure, crawl out,cut, crawl in, nail, measure, crawl out, over and over. I was laying in there on my side doing this tap tap thing with the hammer when it dawned on me how easy the thing would be with a nailer. Went and got the Impulse and haven't looked back since.
Getting a bit older now and as the years progress I try to intentionally limit the abuse to the body and swinging the hammer over and over, well, I don't need the exercise and value well functioning wrists and elbows.
I bet if you tried the Impulse for a while you'd get sold on it. Character? I never had any problem with character. Why, people've been telling me I was one every since I was a kid.
evening rez, company just left a while ago. Had 12 people here for a football and chili party. wife and I just cleaned up the mess and I was sending an e-mail to the winner of the pool,GO Raiders. I agree, laying on your side tapping with a hammer is not something to look forward to. Setting up that compressor and dragging that hose around has lost it's luster too. So I guess the paslode is the next step. Do you have framing and finishing Paslodes or just for framing? Harry's Homeworks
Rhode Island
Got the framer and the straight trimmer. The angled trimmer wasn't out when I got the straight or I'd have went with the angled. Love the things. Half of good living is staying out of bad situations.
The other...proper application of risk.