Tool thread

[Jess from VA]

Just to change things up (and avoid current events), lets talk about tools (equipment, gear, kitchen, yard, you get the idea).  

My Amazon bench grinder came today (my old one died last year).  DeWalt 6"; Grinding wheels course and fine, buff wheels, wire wheels).

It's mostly used to clean up many of your other tools and equipment (or rusty nuts).  I use the grind wheels once in a while, but otherwise keep it loaded with a stiff wire wheel on one side and a hard cotton buff on the other (with various polish compounds).  They get used all the time.  

I have a small shed workbench, but won't give up the work space.  So I bolt it to a short sturdy stool with rubber feet, and can move it anywhere I want to use it.  It's better throwing sparks outdoors than in my sheds with the gasoline and flammables.  Portable, I can work sitting, kneeling or standing. 

Before removing the grind wheels to stick on the wire and buffs, I used the fine grind wheel to sharpen up some loppers, clippers, hedgers, axe, adze, hatchet, machete, shovels, and anything else I could find that could use an edge.  

So probably, given my previous history, in the near future, I will be known as 3 finger Jess.  

DEWALT Bench Grinder, 6 Inch, 3/4 HP, 3,600 RPM For Larger Grinding Applications (DW756)


https://www.dewalt.com/product/dw756/6-150mm-bench-grinder

So what stuff (tool) do you have?



 

[Chrisj CMA]

Jess. I bought a no name grinder just like yours. I bolted it to a piece of plywood for the same reason you used the stool. I also have a big boy grinder that I use more. I really bought the portable to sharpen knives and axes and things. I have wheels made from MDF imbedded with rubbing compound Ave I use it backwards to sharpen. It’s a whole thing. But it works well

[RP#62]

I've found that if you put a wire wheel on it, it does an outstanding job of removing fingerprints (from your fingers).  Its also great for snatching things out of your hands and slinging them across the shop.

-RP

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've found that if you put a wire wheel on it, it does an outstanding job of removing fingerprints (from your fingers).  Its also great for snatching things out of your hands and slinging them across the shop.

-RP

Escaping wire also make for deadly projectiles.

[Savago]

Not on the same price scale, but I bought a kit of stainless steel tweezers from Amazon that were a life saver when the key of my ST1300 decided to break *inside* of the gas tank lid:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J97YT3X?asc_source=01HDRG07ZP5FJRJVES5GYSHWKK&tag=snx1-20&th=1

The model with a 'eagle beak' curved shape worked perfectly to grip the broken key *inside* of the tumbler and allowed me to extract it.

That would be the SA-15 of the set, can be purchased separately for $5.99, I think I will buy a spare and carry it with my small bag of tools with the bike just in case.

[Savago]

I also carry with me a JIS screw drive set:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E55DL4I?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

It is portable, MADE IN JAPAN and for $12 bucks is a good value.

[Savago]

Also I do all the brake and clutch fluid jobs using a cheap and simple brake bleeder tool:
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/stockton-brake-bleeder-tool?sku_id=1124076

It is simply a valve that allows the fluid to only go in 1 direction.

No need for complicated and expensive 'Mityvacs' and stuff.

[old2soon]

      All mounted to the work bench. A 4" wide bench vise that gets used a Lot-3d hand if you will. A bench grinder from H/F that currently has a coarse wire wheel and a coarse grinding wheel mounted. A small drill press-nothing fancy BUT gits the job done. Also have a 4" hand held grinder with various cut off wheels and a selection of wire brushes. Have a medium sized roll away tool chest with the various hand tools. And I've lost track of the ends and odds scattered around the shop BUT as we all KNOW throw something away and the next day or 2 the thing you threw away is now NEEDED!  Tried sortin the nuts bolts screws waskers and nail boxes but when you Actually Find WHAT you need and do NOT have to make a trip to the hardware store or the auto parts store or wally wurld we all Know hat That Feels!  Sides I Know where most everything is so Tat makes me happy! RIDE SAFE.

[98valk]

I also carry with me a JIS screw drive set:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E55DL4I?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

It is portable, MADE IN JAPAN and for $12 bucks is a good value.

Nice fine there. 
also notice I don't see JIS mentioned anywhere in that listing.

actually there is only one company that is making pure JIS screwdrivers. All others are using the new std, even Harbor Freight phillips screwdrivers work excellent in JIS screws.

""Most JIS advertised screwdrivers sold today by companies like Vessel, Hozan, and others are actually conforming to a new standard: DIN 5260 which is identical (at the tip) to the newer ISO 8764-1.""

https://rtstools.com/jis-vs-phillips-screwdrivers-and-where-to-buy-a-jis-screwdriver/

[NewValker]

Good, a tool thread just in time…..
Since I moved into an apartment, and have the bikes in a container, I no longer have a compressor.
Looking for recommendations for a small compressor to air up tires, blow out the chainsaw etc.
I have 110 power in the container,  debating over a pancake oil-less or Milwaukee has a rechargeable compressor. 
Honestly it might get used 6-8 times a year. Thanks for any info.

Craig

[mbramley]

Also I do all the brake and clutch fluid jobs using a cheap and simple brake bleeder tool:
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/stockton-brake-bleeder-tool?sku_id=1124076

It is simply a valve that allows the fluid to only go in 1 direction.

No need for complicated and expensive 'Mityvacs' and stuff.

 I just bought one of those recently-I love it. I have used check valves of different styles and sizes over the years but that little one does a better job than any of them. I still had to use a vacuum pump when I flushed my clutch line to get the master cylinder primed but it did a great job bleeding both the clutch and brakes.

[h13man]

Difference between a 8" and 6" dia. grinder is night day difference in "handling" while using and more torque. I had a 8" Wilton but someone made me a offer I couldn't refuse as I revised it to use a diamond wheel for carbide tool sharpening. Have a 6" now for 15 yrs. but if come across a 8" in my weekly shopping at sales.....

[Jess from VA]

I wouldn't call DeWalt a no-name brand.  This one is heavier than my last, and the bearings very smooth and when turned off, it spins and spools down for a long time before stopping.

I have also lost fingerprints and had things grabbed out of my hands with a bench grinder.  But I've never had any wires exit any wire wheel.  Of course I always wear good eye protection when using it.  

And I've also taken to wearing semi-disposable gloves (thin weave with latex palms and fingers) for most all outdoor work, since I have a tendency to nick up my hands.  You can easily pick up a dime wearing them.  They're hardly warm, but they're warmer than no gloves at all.  A 10 pack may last a year.



Savago, I like those tweezers.    I get the occasional splinters that are difficult to remove with my old bathroom beaters.  I'm going to order a set of those.

Craig, I recently had to replace my electric air compressor too, and I got this Briggs and Stratton 3-gallon pancake, at Walmart I think (it may be Chinese made).  Works well so far.  For as little as it gets used, I couldn't see spending more for Porter Cable, Makita, Craftsman, Milwaukee, etc.

[Jess from VA]

And now for my next wonder tool.

Fuzzy tooth pics.

My 94yo mom put me on to these, after I was complaining to her about using dental floss (I used wider dental tape).  Brushing is easy, but floss is always a chore with fingers in your mouth.  And I once lifted off an old dental crown with floss.  The gap at the top of teeth may be narrow (having to force the floss through), but the gap at the gum line (where food gets lodged) is always wider.

There are several makers, and they come in up to 5 sizes (of the little brushes).  Brush for as long as you want, then go back with the tiny brushes and you always get the little bits of cavity causers out anyway.

I keep them in both bathrooms and on the kitchen sink.

Marvelous invention.  Much easier and faster to use than floss.

And a dentist avoidance tool.   

[Farside]

Just to change things up (and avoid current events), lets talk about tools (equipment, gear, kitchen, yard, you get the idea).  

My Amazon bench grinder came today (my old one died last year).  DeWalt 6"; Grinding wheels course and fine, buff wheels, wire wheels).

It's mostly used to clean up many of your other tools and equipment (or rusty nuts).  I use the grind wheels once in a while, but otherwise keep it loaded with a stiff wire wheel on one side and a hard cotton buff on the other (with various polish compounds).  They get used all the time.  

I have a small shed workbench, but won't give up the work space.  So I bolt it to a short sturdy stool with rubber feet, and can move it anywhere I want to use it.  It's better throwing sparks outdoors than in my sheds with the gasoline and flammables.  Portable, I can work sitting, kneeling or standing. 

Before removing the grind wheels to stick on the wire and buffs, I used the fine grind wheel to sharpen up some loppers, clippers, hedgers, axe, adze, hatchet, machete, shovels, and anything else I could find that could use an edge.  

So probably, given my previous history, in the near future, I will be known as 3 finger Jess.  

DEWALT Bench Grinder, 6 Inch, 3/4 HP, 3,600 RPM For Larger Grinding Applications (DW756)


https://www.dewalt.com/product/dw756/6-150mm-bench-grinder

So what stuff (tool) do you have?



 

Well that sure does look like it will do the job and much faster than mine. 

[Jersey mike]

This isn’t as flashy as a nice bench grinder but;

One of my favorite go to tools is a 10” magnetic screwdriver, it holds numerous tips in the handle and is a great little tool to have. The unfortunate part is sometimes the magnetic head is a little too wide to fit in small openings. When that happens I have longer tips which will fit the head. The great thing I love about it the shaft is shaped like a pencil (pentagon/hexagon) and is easily spun between 2/3 fingers when starting or removing a screw.

[Jess from VA]

 

               (that thing is a boat anchor)

I generally need to use both hands to carefully hold the work to the wheel (and not bugger it up).

[Serk]

While having the right tool for the job makes life much easier, I find having an acceptable tool for the job ON HAND is even better....

I go almost no where without my Gerber Center-Drive multi-tool. Upgraded from the crappy OEM belt pouch to a very nice Kydex holster a few weeks ago that seems to be working well. It also draws the eyes away from another tool in a Kydex holster that I carry just behind it. 

[Farside]

  This is the only time I use the wife around my work bench. She turns the wheel for me and does a fine job too, makes her feel good that she is helping out. I am due for a new grinder stone.  

[Jess from VA]

It also draws the eyes away from another tool in a Kydex holster that I carry just behind it.

I have a big assortment of nice Kydex and leather for various tools.  And the proper belts to go with them (a great holster and Walmart belt is a poor rig).  

But I have long been sticking my Kahr P380 (with trigger guard laser) in my pocket (front or hip) with no holster at all.  It hardly prints (beyond a cell phone look), and I never have to worry about flashing. And great in hot weather.  Keys, wallet, folder blade, pistol and out the door.  No having to get rigged up (lazy).

I do prefer 9mm, but the 380 with top hollow points will do.

On the (very) rare occasion where I may go someplace riskier than usual, I can upgrade.

And there's always something better in the truck.  

[signart]

My newest tool.
Sometimes I work late and forget to lock the door.

[carolinarider09]

I sometimes go to the store and look at stuff but, in general, because I built the observatory, house, garage and workshop, I don't really have a need for more tools at present. 

Just some of the stuff I have that still works.

The "Radial Arm" saw is a Sears Craftsman device.  I still use it to for ripping boards and cutting precise lengths.  The vacuum is also a Sears Craftsman device. Both circa late 1990's (best guess since I used them to build observatory which was circa 1996 or so.)



I purchased a Dewalt Chop saw in the 2000's sometime (again for house construction).  Not sure of the date



Wife even used it once while we were building the house.



I got a bunch of other stuff, various drills and impact wrenches and nail guns and grinders.



And of course several standard battery operated drills.  Just one, the red one, is Li oh powered and it is the one where the battery lost charge after sitting for a couple of months not being used. Keep one in the charger at all times now.  NiCads seem to not have the issue.



So why it might be "fun" to get some newer stuff, as long as the stuff I have still works, I will just have to be old school. 

What I could use (not often but...) would be a drill press but.....   

[Jess from VA]

The thread wasn't just for new stuff Jim.   Any tools will do (like that old hand crank grinding wheel). 

A lot of my stuff is older; I take care of it and don't wear most out.  Some just dies of old age.

Impressive collection.   Is all that stuff in a garage, or is there a workshop?

I believe I have the identical DeWalt compound miter saw.  I used it to make some 6 and 8 sided planter boxes and a few other things.  But now mostly I just use my circular saws.  I'm no finish carpenter.  Just Harry Homeowner.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

The biggest problem about having tools (for me at least) is having the room for them. I have wanted a lathe for a long time. But I’ve got my garage filled with more “stuff” now than I can easily use. I have a 20 x 20 carport that I’ve thought of converting into a shop. My next big project will be an outdoor kitchen area adjacent to the pool. Maybe after that I will convert the carport. By the time I get everything I want it will be time to go into a home.  

[carolinarider09]

Impressive collection.   Is all that stuff in a garage, or is there a workshop?

It is now in a workshop.  Just built it four or five years ago.

Built the garage first.  Workshop is the same basic design just located 100 yards further down the road.



Here is the workshop, minus the roll up door in the open space. 

[RP#62]

My grinder (see below) was in the shop I was working at when I was 19.  I was a mechanic's helper at the time, doing maintenance for the local Navy Flying Club.  I thought the grinder belonged to the club, but it actually was owned by my boss.  He was one of the best bosses I've ever had and I learned a lot from him and we became good friends.  Some time later, I married one of his daughters.   A couple of years ago, right before he passed away he had me go through his shop and get whatever tools I wanted as he knew he wouldn't be using them anymore.  That's when I saw the grinder and I knew it was that one I used as a teenager as its the only one I've ever seen with the words "no step" stenciled on it.  We used to laugh about that - he said he had no idea why it was on there, that it was on there when he got it.  So when I overhauled the grinder and repainted it, I restenciled "no step" on it, for old time's sake.




-RP

[Jess from VA]

Good story RP.   

My first wife was a farmer's daughter.  When she left, I missed him more than her.   

I seem to recall the "no step" stenciled around Navy yards, boats, and fabric airplane wings near the doors.

 

[Oldfishguy]

This!

[Jess from VA]

Built the garage first.  Workshop is the same basic design just located 100 yards further down the road.

Beautiful work on the garage and shop.  

That much property in my county would be taxed to pieces.

I've always liked those metal roofs.  Seem so much better than shingles, and less prone to leaks (and expensive repair and replacement).  I guess they cost more than shingles to start, but outlast them.

I would kill for a garage and workshop.  My truck is parked in the drive, and all my bikes, tools, and equipment are housed in 2 identical side by side 10 X 12 wood sheds.  Wired for 110, double 3/4" marine grade plywood floors, and brand new shingle roofs and double doors.  I'm on 1/3 acre lot.

Wood floor sheds are considered movable and thus allowed (by county code) to be much closer to the property line than permanent concrete floors (like 3 feet instead of 10/15 feet).  Same deal with building size (and height); I couldn't build one big building (instead of 2 10 X 12's) and put it 3 feet off the property line.  Code enforcement is a big thing in my urban county, and they will fine you (daily) and make you tear things down.  

Years ago, I ended up seeking a (fairly minor) variance in front of the local Board of Zoning Appeals and it cost me 2 property surveys, $2500, and a lot of grief to win.  In preparation for the formal hearing, I was in contact with the Board's clerks routinely, and one told me the Board was leaning toward denying my request.  I told her to tell the Board I was an attorney, and if I lost, I would appeal to Circuit and Appeals courts if necessary (I was highly pissed off at this point).   So, I won my case (actually televised on a local channel).  And stuck to code from then on.   The county is not my friend.

[Timbo1]

I often find myself buying old cast iron tools and repairing them to sell or use in the garage if I have the need.  Between the yard equipment, tools and bikes I'm in desperate need of a second garage.  Most my tools function very well (with some sweat equity) but were for the most part inexpensive for me to purchase.  Some are just cheap tools that I didn't expect to last more than a year or two. 

Dunlap 8" Bench Table Saw MD:103.22880 1940's - 1950's
Craftsman 10" Table Saw w/Vega Pro 48" fence MD:113.298032 1983
Craftsman 12" Drill Press MD:113.24590  Late 1960's - Early 1970's
Craftsman 6" Jointer MD:103.23320 Late 1940's
Craftsman 6" x 10" Belt / Disc Sander MD:103.22500 1950's - 1960's
Craftsman 12" Bandsaw MD:113.243311 1985
Central Machinery 14" Bandsaw
Dewalt 735 Planer
36" x 33" Homemade CNC Router w/2HP Dust collection system
Dayton 6Y945 Belt / Disc sander
Jet BD-920 Metal lathe
Chicago Electric 8" Bench Grinder
Chicago Electric 10" Compound Miter Saw

[Hook#3287]

Years ago, I ended up seeking a (fairly minor) variance in front of the local Board of Zoning Appeals and it cost me 2 property surveys, $2500, and a lot of grief to win.  In preparation for the formal hearing, I was in contact with the Board's clerks routinely, and one told me the Board was leaning toward denying my request.  I told her to tell the Board I was an attorney, and if I lost, I would appeal to Circuit and Appeals courts if necessary (I was highly pissed off at this point).   So, I won my case (actually televised on a local channel).  And stuck to code from then on.   The county is not my friend.

Jess, I feel your pain.

But, as a Code Enforcement Officer, one thing I've learned, everyone hates zoning bylaws and dealing with zoning boards or officials until their neighbor installs a chicken coop next to their property line.

Recently, I updated my older DeWalt 18volt cordless tools, the old batteries just couldn't cut it anymore and replacing them didn't seem prudent.

I updated to new 20volt DeWalts including skill saw, reciprocating saw, impactor, drill and 1/2 mechanics impactor.

Then I bought this

A buddy of mine has a large blueberry field that has been ignored for a decade or so.

As a hobby, I plan on bringing it back to production stage.

[Jess from VA]

But, as a Code Enforcement Officer, one thing I've learned, everyone hates zoning bylaws and dealing with zoning boards or officials until their neighbor installs a chicken coop next to their property line.

I hear you Bill, (and turned in my old neighbor for a dozen violations all under the heading of keeping his place like a big junk and garbage yard, with barking dogs).  They finally moved.

The way it works here is they only respond to complaints.  Well the complaint on me was the terrible neighbor in retribution.  Though my property is always pristine.  My violation was ignorance, but once called, you get the full treatment for anything they may find.    

Walking my big neighborhood for a long time, and knowing the rules now, I see dozens of code violations every day in plain view.  But if no one complains, then there's never any trouble.

There is a rooster somewhere on the other end of my neighborhood and he's crowing off and on all day.  Not that I hear him at my house, and I would not call on it.  But it is a compete mystery where he is located.  That would be irritating, next door (or even down the street).

I eat blueberries ever day (breakfast).       

[Hook#3287]

The way it works here is they only respond to complaints.

Jess, that's the only way I work it, I have a complaint form as a TOOL (now this is related to the op) that has to state the code or bylaw being violated or nothing happens.

People like to use the office as a TOOL to get at their neighbors.

I like using my DeWalts.

[MarkT]

Jess, along the lines of your OP, I got this 3/4hp large grinder from HF about 25 years ago & mounted it on a stand they sell & added locking wheels under it.  My need was to have a large dual-wheel buffer so I removed the grinding wheels and put on it 12" stacked firm sisal buffer wheels.  Run first-cut tripoli rouge on the right wheel and finishing red rouge on the left.  The perimeter moves about 128mph and it has plenty of power so I can use heavy pressure for fast polishing of stuff like my Organ Pipes which are SS.  Also can refresh cutting edges that need honing - like refreshing the edge of knives, sharpen up box cutters in a few seconds instead of replacing the blades.  This buffer has held up well with heavy use - surprising for any HF motorized tool.  Checking the label, it's from Taiwan not mainland China. That explains it.

[MarkT]

Jess -
Along the lines of your floss post -
My hygienist told me about a product called Shower Floss.  Like a Water Pic but installs in your shower & you squirt your teeth when you shower.  Bonus, you can flush the wax out of your ears and keep them clean. In fact my VA audiologist (or ear doctor) said my ears are unusually clean.  Amazon has it.

[Jess from VA]

Nice bench tool Mark.   

No way in heck I'd squirt water in my ears.  It used to take me days to get pool and lake water OUT of my ears.  Maybe a Qtip with some alcohol on it, carefully/gently.  Now like most of my old skin, I'm drying out, and my ears itch if I don't cream them up a little. 

Itchy ears are quite bothersome, esp in a bike helmet with leather gloves on.   

[ptgb]

I just built this... only because I had no room for my new table saw....

...and just maybe because I was running out of cordless tool storage... but mainly because of the table saw









Empty space = MORE TOOLS!!!

[Jess from VA]

Very nice!   

When do you have time to watch the TV?