Have been building some walkovers, stiles. Could not get any after the first set to come out right, after some serious head scratching, and some serious wasted time, I looked at my SPI combo square. The angle markings are off at least 4 degrees from side to side. There is no way you could ever use this to build a left and a right. Bottom line sometimes its not us. I cringe sometimes when I see some of you fellows talk about buying second rate tools. Don't want you to become frustrated over some thing that you can't control.
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Bad tools
- Thread starter ranch23
- Start date
One thing I realized early on is that "you have to be able to trust your tools". If not you will second guess your work everytime.
I don't think I've ever seen anyone talking about purchasing second rate tools.
Used tools sometimes, tools not made in the US maybe, but never anyone willingly choosing to get second rate tools.
Of course, disposable income enters the equation too, not everyone can afford to buy the best; but second or third best doesn't necessarily mean inaccurate, you just have to pick and choose.
M
I don't think any of us wants bad tools, or second rate. Sometimes we think that a given tool is good, but can end up replacing the tool with a better quality. I agree that many offshore tools are second rate, low quality and the performance sucks. many times its a deal of, get what you pay for. Many low buck tools, are ownly a deal price wise, but in the long run not worth the trouble, and many times performance and life expectancy is very short lived. Many times, Its a live and learn thing.
thats why I've made it a rule (and recently commented about it) - for measuring devices, squares, levels, where I have to completely rely on them for the quality of the rest of the project, I'll pay more and get one of several validated brand names (or find them online/auctions/estates for much less). i'm usually not a brand-name person (and mostly I'm opposed to it) but this is one of those exceptions.
I have mentioned here before that I love my Harbor Freight digital caliper for $9.99 and it is dead accurate. However I only use it for a quick reference when comparing parts or measuring roll pins, bolts, ect. My Mitutoyo Absolute and Starrette stays in the tool box and is used only for precision work on the lathe or mill were I need accuracy. I am planning on them being a once in a lifetime purchase for me and don’t want to drop or damage them. I have also purchased used brand name tools on fleabay that I don’t trust which is a waste of money too. Speaking of my Mitutoyo, does anyone remember when Japanese tools were looked at as junk and made fun of.
I was bitten by a Mitty mic on fleabay once - and never again, will only big on NEW brand named tools - at reasonable prices for that matter. on the other hand - I do have the digital HF mic that seems to be performing quite superbly.
Good plan, get one that's of known accuracy, even if it's expensive, then use it only to validate subsequent purchases for accuracy, and for those really important jobs.
As for Japan, yes I remember. Now in order of preference I think it's Japan, Taiwan, Korea, China.
M