Best place to buy tooling......

K

knifer-one

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I am sure that everyone has a preference as to where to buy machine tools and tooling. I generally use Enco since they ship same day and have a big selection from import to top-of-the-line. I do use some sellers on E-Bay for some things.I tend to lean toward the import stuff( this is just a hobby)from Shars or tools for cheap.As far as measuring tools, I try to buy top quality.They retain their value over time.

So where do you shop?
 
Being a rank newbie, I pretty much limit myself to Enco, Harbor Freight and Ebay.
I also bought from Little Machine Shop when they had a sale or two on Starrett stuff.
I bought from Jeff Beck, tools4cheap.net and he is honest and a good guy.

What I do is make a "wish" list of items I want on Enco. I then load them into their shopping cart feature. When they have a discount, either 10%, 15% or 20% off and/or free shipping, I then buy what I can afford from the cart. We post the discount codes in this thread: http://hobby-machinist.com/index.php?topic=92.0

I have also been posting discount coupons from Harbor Freight in that thread also.

I buy some off Ebay, but be careful on tooling. I notice a lot of the stuff on Ebay goes for close to what it sells for brand new, stuff like edgefinders, wigglers, scribes- they seem to sell for almost what they cost brand new, so why buy used?
I almost paid $200 for an SK 1/4" ratchet set I could buy brand new for $230. Some of the tooling they sell is NOT a bargain. There are some vendors who charge top dollar. TNGtool sells parallels and 123 blocks and his prices seem pretty high to me. He also has a "make an offer" option, which in my mind supports my opinion. When I need SB parts, I buy from ipenelopepitstop, texan45, xtrucker and a few others.

McMaster-Carr is expensive but they have great stuff and super fast service.
I have heard good things about Shars, CDCO for QCTP holders.
I have heard good things about Grizzly, but have not had good experiences myself.
I have the catalog from Travers Tool, but have never bought from them.

Best,


Nelson
 
Don't forget eBay -

I find eBay a good source for expensive tooling that typically doesn't get a lot of use today because it's becoming obsolete in the face of CNC. Such things as dividing heads, turret tooling, rotary tables.

I believe I may have paid the all-time record high eBay price for a Hardinge dividing head. Mine is in virtually unused condition, with hardly a nick on the original paint, and complete with all plates and the dead center. Even a the exorbitant price I paid, it was about 75% off new. And when I croak, somebody will get a great hardly used dividing head because there's no way I could put much mileage on it!

The Starrett dial indicator I got last week is a dandy, and I'm bidding right now on an Interapid dial test indicator. I've bought maybe ten micrometers on eBay, and all of them have been fine usable tools. A few had surprises like rust spots or previous owner initials, but I consider that stuff insignificant. New end mills? Sure, got some bargains there, too. I stay away from used ones.

Over the years I've amassed a collection of Hoggson brand steel stamps from eBay in various sizes - I like the ROMAN type face with its serifs - it's got a nice old time look compared to the GOTHIC that seems to be the only thing made these days.
 
I purchase almost 95% of the tools and toys that are required for me to pursue my hobby from ENCO. I usually receive everything in two days from Indiana and I don't think that I have ever paid shipping charges, because I plan ahead and I always keep an eye out for the free shipping codes that seem to be posted everywhere.

I do purchase and occasional oddball cutter or item from the local tool supply company, but they are used to filling large orders for the local machine shops and don't seem as friendly when I only want one of something. Yes, they will sell me things but sometimes it just isn't worth the hassle as they give me the third degree. I think that they were spoiled by Boeing, Chrysler and Ford but that business isn't what it used to be back in the good old days.

Model Maker
 
Has anyone bought these tooling "Package Deals" for $1000 or so from someone selling their tools on Craigslist?


Thanks,


Nelson
 
I use Enco mistly, Shars occasionally.
Currently I have an order in to CDCO, who I have used before. It's been about a month and I'm still waiting.
No shipping confirmation, no order tracking.
 
I buy most of my tooling from Enco, although I recently bought some stuff from Travers and was real happy with the deal. I've also used Wholsale Tools, KBC, Tools4Cheap, and Harbor Freight in the past. I shop for price like we all do, but I also try to buy American made tooling as much as I can.

Corm
 
I usually use Enco for my tooling purchases. Since metalworking is a hobby, I keep a list of needs and wants and wait until free shipping and a percentage off to purchase. Have had good success(quality and price) with Enco with consumable purchases such as band saw blades, sanding belts, and oils.
 
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