8 replies to this topic

[Whisper101]

crossed fingers- I hope this is the right thread, talio already closed it on another one - crossed fingers

Hey all. I am currently on the market for a scroll saw, in large part because of my NERF addiction. So it came to me as I was researching possible saws, why not a have a stickied thread where members could:

- review tools that have been particularly helpful or detrimental to thier work
- give pointers on tool usage
- ask questions about specific tools

a format:

EXACT tool name
manufacturer
price where you purchased it
how you like it, why/why not
any specific tips to it

I know something like this would be extremely useful to me and I was just thinking about how much easier this might make tool selection for all uf us modders.

Here's my example:

Dremel stylus
Dremel
$69.99 at ACE Hardware
I love it; there's nothing you can't do wiht it. An absolute essential
My one caution- most of the attachments (i.e. router, crosscut blade, grout remover) will not work with it.

Enjoy!

[HOTH]

I think that this is an excellent idea. If this ends up getting stickied, here is my entry:

Jet JWBS-10OS 10-Inch Band Saw
Jet Tools
$299 on amazon
My favorite tool to use.
Very precise cuts, all edges are nice and clean. Easy to use. Can be dangerous if not used responsibly.

[Blue]

Wow, I was actually thinking of making a thread where I could get ideas of what I could do with a scrollsaw, this may actually become very useful. If you have a scrollsaw and use it, writing what you use it for here would be useful.

Anyways, buy the dremel 300 if you are looking for a dremel. I got mine off ebay for under $50 shipped used,and it can do anything you want. It uses the key-less chuck, and uses the usual sized metal rod thingies... Bits? Not sure what you call them. Anyways, It can go pretty fast, so you can cut quickly or grind or whatever it is you are doing, but it is not at all out of control. Maybe a little bit when you set it to the highest setting, I normally use the middle setting. It is corded, so you never run out of charge, which is the most important thing of all. One thing I don't like is that I often find I am holding it in a way that covers the air vents, which makes it get pretty hot. Overall, one of the best additions to my modding things since goop.

[Whisper101]

HOTH- Thank very much. It will not be stickied, per the orders of Talio. This is however, maybe something members could keep going. Get a tool, list it here. Same as one would do for a mod... I plan on adding a scroll saw review (probably a Ryobi) sometime very soon.

Whisper...

[Echnalaid]

Brick
Brick company?
Free, outside the house
Simple and extremely effective
Use it to get the Maverick turret pin back together and other bashing tasks

I don't own a hammer

[Noob 001]

This is a good thread idea, sorry Talio closed the other. Here's an entry for ya.

PowerLock S60
SOG
Given as gift to me, but can be found at SOG's site.
A true multi-tool. The pliers are useful for gripping, twisting, and everything pliers are usually good for, as well as having clippers capable of cutting tubing. The awl serves all my hole-poking needs, the knife is good for trimming, the hacksaw is good for sawing. The screwdriver can be used to disassemble guns, and the file serves as an impromptu Dremel for those too poor to afford one. It is a ruler too and has heft enough to use as a hammer in a pinch.

Don't accidentally stab your friend with it.


__________________________
Pseudo-psig

-Sword or pistol?
-Sword.
-As you wish. [Hands sword to him]
-It is the only weapon for a gentleman.
-Just so. That means [turns to other combatant], Mr. Van Hoyle, that you have the pistol.

[dog9]

There is already a thread on where to buy modding materials.

[Whisper101]

dog9- Exactly. Modding MATERIALS. Not tools. This thread is not a where to buy thread either. It is supposed to help people understand what tools are best for what purposes. Nobody here is telling anyone where to nuy anything.

[MyRealName]

Just a couple quick tips for anyone sinking money into a set of tools, as I have dropped about $3k in various tools in the past year (with some mistakes.)

-If you want a simple way to look up free reviews on tools is to do a simple search on Amazon.com. Just typing "Scroll Saw" will give you a plethora of products and their reviews from people who have purchased them. There is nothing that guys like more than aiding friends in buying tools... and most of the reviews seem very detailed, if not spelled horribly. I tend to think that those reviews are the most legit. On there you will notice that the DeWalt DW788 is getting about 88 reviews averaging 4.5 stars... but with a price tag of $630, I would pass it up in a heart beat because I am not the guy that will be doing all that scrolling. And this is where I start getting a feel for the market...Amazon works as a great tool to get your feet wet in a set of products.

- One tool that is an absolute must, probably more important than any for any hobby/trade/craft is this: a sturdy, practical ***WORKBENCH***. You will immediately relieve a million pounds of stress off your back and mind, just by having the designated flat top and vises to work on your parts. The bench at the right height for your body type and size to fit your work will relieve so much stress that you will notice that the time will just melt away while you work. to make it cheaply, I have a study table that is made of 2x4s and a 1-1/2" piece of MDF with about 10 coats of polyurethane on it. You want something that is the perfect height for you (and in my case, my 29" inseam) and heavy to really have that rugged feel. I also don't really care about painting on it because MDF is relatively cheap to replace. Trust me kids: You will NEED your bench after you use it for a while. I shudder when I see all of the pics of people's work here on carpet... Don't you guys get claustrophobic? I would go nuts on a rug or kitchen table. (shakes head) A very simple plan can be found and easily modified here.

-An Effeminate place to find cheap tools that get the job done are at your neighborhood pawn shops. Its where I have bought my personal scroll saw: A cheapo, but barely used Craftsman. I can tell it doesn't have the bells or whistles, but for the small load I put on it, it gets the job done. I do a sweep of the pawn shops every 2-5 weeks and nab up anything that looks of usefulness. And make sure to haggle. If you are going to buy multiple products you really have some buying power. I was able to knock off a load off of the pneumatic nailer i really wanted by also buying a lunch box planer with it (that I gave away as a gift to my friend for helping with a home improvement task.) Don't be afraid to deal!

- Last thing: Listening to people talk about tools is awesome. Face to face testimonials are better for sure. However, before you buy: HOLD YOUR TOOLS. If you don't touch them, how the hell are you ever going to love them? I read that DeWalt cordless tools have been the best for years, but they have always felt a little funny in my hands. I never really felt comfy until I held the Bosch Impact driver in Menards... Now I couldn't be happier. You might be a Milwaukee guy or a Hitachi lover... who really knows until you really feel the weight and see yourself working with your tools. They are a huge investment, and if you really care about them, you could use the same ones for the rest of your life.

I hope this helps. I have a workshop that I am always in flux about building and am here to lend a hand if anyone has any questions. Happy hunting guys!

Edit:

I also realized that a lot of the people on here are a little younger than I am and don't always have the square footage to play with to make a workshop a reality. I submit to you guys a Popular Science workbench plan that takes up a very modest amount of space. I would personally put some peg board behind it and you would quickly be able to get ot your fasteners or tools with some hooks. Good Luck!

Edited by MyRealName, 09 January 2010 - 02:23 AM.