It’s been a long time since we bumped this discussion topic to the surface. So, what tool did you buy today (or recently?)
My latest:
– I got the new small Bosch tablesaw with collapsible stand. So far, I’m really liking the unit. The fence stores neatly under the table, the push stick is securely mounted, but easy to grab during the middle of a cut, the saw has plenty of power, and the whole stand setup is just A+. The only things I haven’t worked out yet, probably because I just need to read the manual, is how to calibrate the little pointer on the measurement rail…I must be doing something wrong, because the little adjustable clear plastic widget doesn’t seem to have enough adjustment to register an accurate reading. Oh fine, I’ll read the manual.
– Also, a new sparker for my MAPP gas torch. I’m tired of the onboard lighters quickly failing, so I’m going the old fashioned route, the way my dad used to do it.
– Next? I think I need a new heavy duty 50′ extension cord, probably 12 gauge…maybe 10, though. Orange, yellow, or Bosch blue (if they make this size)…that’s the decision to be made.
Replies
A little different than what you may have intended, but I recently THREW OUT a couple tools to help protect some family members!
I threw out a couple super cheap table saws when I was moving extended family possesions. When I say cheap - I mean like $99 or less saws. Which ordinarily doesn't make a tool necisarily bad... it's what they did with them.
One was mounted on a homeade welded metal table with a plywood top - basicly an extension surface all around. But the supports blocked access to the power switch. It wasn't even, so there was a piece of steel screwed on to try to keep wood from catching as it was passed through onto the plywood deck. The fence was broken, and it had a piece of copper pipe crimped onto the tightening mechanism. No guards, of course, and a throat plate opening about 2" wide.
The best part - it was on non-locking cheap casters. Yep, nothing like trying to feed a board into a saw while simutaniously trying to keep the saw from rolling away from you.
The other saw was of similar quality, but was at least mounted on a sturdy stable NON-ROLLING base. Except in addition to no blade guard, it had no fence.
Just yesterday I walked through a big box store and spotted a $129 table saw, with rivening knife and a sturdy looking fence. Sometimes you need to save the family from themselves.
Next up, the sidewinder saw whose cut is nowhere near the markings on the shoe!
Come on now! Where is everybody?!
Today I spent some simple money, about $2 to be exact. Two new carpenters pencils - one "hard" and one "medium", mostly because I don't know which type of lead I like, and I figured it's time to find out.
Maybe I'm becoming a persnickety carpenter.
Justin,
About 80% are over at BT Classic. Here is the tool thread you are looking for with over 1500 responses.
http://forums.delphiforums.com/breaktimeclass/messages/?msg=10.1465
Jason really sold ya'll on a crappy upgrade.
KK
True, but.......
What you say is true. But, you know, on a "per capita" sort of basis, there's more interesting "real construction" talk here than there. BTC is mostly a gab fest. Both sites, taken together, still don't add up to the Breaktime of yore. Its a shame.
Too broke for new tools
A lot of folks are too broke for new tools. I have freinds who are giving up everything nonessential to get by, and selling their less frequently used, or duplicate tools.
Personally, in the last month: I bought a new set of t-handled allen keys; the Frued box joint blade set; some shaft collars to use a drill stops; and, a used Incra miter guage plus some some 80/20 aluminum extrusion off eBay to make a dedicated setup to go with the new Frued blade set.
Actually the "new" (to me), Incra miter guage is going to stay like it left the factory, and replace the original Delta miter guage that came with my saw. The Delta miter guage has been permanently modified: Locked at 90-degrees, and had the 80/20 extrusion attached to it. So it now will function as a dedicated jig for the box joint blade set.
>>>Actually the "new" (to
>>>Actually the "new" (to me), Incra miter guage is going to stay like it left the factory,
Sounds like an interesting setup for the box joint kit. It would be nice to see some pics of it in action, if you feel inclined.
Jigs,
Curious...how did you permanently secure the miter gauge at 90 degrees? Or do you mean you just won't be adjusting it from 90 degrees for other cuts?
Drilled hole and a roll pin
You get the head set to 90-degrees, and then drill an 1/8th hole down through the head by the scale, and into the bar.
You then drive an 1/8th inch roll pin into the hole.
I guess you drive the pin back out if you wanted to adjust it.
Come on now! Where is everybody?!
Since you asked, we were in...........
Nashville, Asheville, Burnsville, Micaville, Celo, and Lexington.
Come on now! Where is everybody?!
You had to ask?!?!?!?
While replying to YOURSELF?!?!?!?
Entertaining, it is.
new tool
I bought an asphalt driveway sealant squeegee. How cool is that?
Now all you need is an old pickup with out-of-state tags and you're in business!
Festool TS 55 track saw
I'm going to be ripping some long wooden countertops and cutting down a custom door made out of oak bead board. And I'm just generally tired of trying to get 3/4" ply through my portable tablesaw by myself. I'd ordered the Dewalt kit wth the 55 and 106" rails but the long rail got damaged during shipping. Took this as a sign (excuse?) to get the higher end tool. This is on the short list of times when Festool's pricing is actually competitive (unless you're buying the kit). There's a T track on the underside of the guide rails so the accessories are universal and you don't have to spend $$$$ to get a set of clamps, square guide or angle guide. Should arrive tomorrow.
EthanB,
I have to agree with you on the Festool pricing in this case...I've always said that if there's one tool Festool makes that is top notch and that I feel is justifiable, it's that plunge saw setup. Good purchase there, you're going to love it. I'm curious, though...did you get the TS55 or the TS75? I only ask because I don't know how thick those countertops are...
I bought ten brand-new AA batteries today.
Nothing new, but some old stuff
I went down Boulder City, Nevada, to spend a week working on my Mom's estate and brought home some of the tools that were Dad's:
A Craftsman drill press circa 1979;
a Montgomery Wards radial arm saw, (something I bought Dad for Father's Day in 1973), a strange but cool tool in that it has 20,000-rpm, and 10,000-rpm spindles on the side opposite the saw blade with adapters for 1/2-inch shaper cutters, and 1/4-inch shank router bits, (I plan to use it mostly as a pin router);
A Starret combination square, with 18 and 24-inch blades;
A Brace and about thirty bits;
A mess of my old air tools I had left there because I didn't have a compressor and Dad did, and after I quit pounding tin in an autobody shop, I really didn't have much need for. But, since I also have Dad's 69 F-250, that has never been hit, spent most of it's life in southern Nevada, (NO RUST), and never was wrenched on by anyone other than Dad and I, (and thus isn't all buggered up), I am actually looking forward to pounding out a few dents, and restoring it.
So, nothing new, but some cool tools with sentimental value.
OK, I actually just bought a few new tools worth reporting about:
Craftsman 1/2" 6 point metric deep well socket set: I've got alot of other socket sets, but didn't have the 1/2" metric set. Why Craftsman? The big, clear, easy to read size written on the side. I almost bought a set from Harbor freight for about 1/3 the price, but it didn't have the clear numbering on the side. I also looked at sets from HD and other sources, for some reason people think tools in all black are a good idea... they've never dropped them into a dirty engine bay at night. I just wish the numbers were written on both sides.
Nail Jack 11" nail remover: I'm stripping my roof, and one section I'm leaving the deck intact and recovering with new material. It had 2 layers of shingles with nails AND staples. I had seen this tool in the magazines, and decided this was the time to pull the trigger and get it. Well worth the $30! It had no trouble with nails of all sizes, nor with intact and broken roofing staples. I see they are licensing their product out (I see a Pasload version on their blog site), this is a good tool to get!
Does this count?
3 pails of Chevron 1000THF to change out the trans fluid on my backhoe. $190. New $60 filter for the hydraullics from SSB tractors, 2 new brake cylinders from Steve's tractor supply $150.
Not the thrill of a shiney new tool but needed doing.
Joe H @ http://www.sun-pump.com
Hey,
Could be put in the renovation/repair today thread, but there isn't one.
Might have to enter it on a different line of your schedule C.
No more Schedule C for me!
No more 15% off the top to Uncle, I'm collecting it now. SS ck #1 last month, all those years of paying in have turned to paying out.
Can't write off the backhoe but retired is good.
Kinda bored so started a web biz, hope I don't make enough to get back into Schedule C.
Joe H http://www.sun-pump.com
A pair of crimping pliers, a conduit bender, and a special little gadget for taking apart the wiring harness on my truck.
Thats kind of like running trim with a serated framer
The special little tool, is desinged to let you slide it into the molded connectors, and release the barb on the crimp fitting that holds it in the connector.
You can use wire cutters, and then have to figure out how to clean up the mess you just made out of the wiring harness, with the splced in short pieces it takes to get the thing long enough to reach. None of the manufacutrers makes the harness with an extra inch of slack, so if you cut you have to add wire to get things to reach.
The new plastic connector that hooks onto the ignition switch came with seven 10-guage wires about 4-inches long. Which leaves 7, 5/16-inch diameter butt connectors in one place to try and wrap back into a bundle. Of course you could just leave them hanging and end up with a job that looks like one of my brothers drugoid buddies did it... Definetiley not my style.
And, like a lot of things: It was easier and faster to use the special tool to pop the existing wires out of the old connecter, and just insert them into the new connector. No stripping, and no crimps while lying upside down so you can reach up under the dash into hole that it would be hard to fit the crimpers into. Well worth the ten bucks the tool costs.
It's like a lot of things: Professional quality results require the right tools, knowledge, and practice.
I've done the same thing with a piece of brass tubing from a hobby shop.
>>and a special little gadget
>>and a special little gadget for taking apart the wiring harness on my truck.
>Think most people refer to them as wire cutters.
I was gonna say bolt cutters.
Dewalt 611 Router.
Just showed up in the mail today.
Kind of disappointed that the "case" is a tool bag that doesn't even have a pocket for the collet wrench, nor any way to store bits, and doesn't protect the tool at all.
But the router itself looks good. I'll let you know more about what I think when I try it out next week.
Internal pipe Wrenches
Got a couple of sets of internal pipe wrenches for the guys to carry on the service trucks. Hadn't needed them in the last five years or more. And, now that we own them we will probably never need them again.