- Joined
- Nov 14, 2016
- Messages
- 3,291
As I read threads here, watch videos etc I continue to see misc tools bought up. Since they are general tools and not specific to any machine, they seem to be overlooked in the many I'm buying xyz machine, what should I get with it threads.
Some like sockets and wrenches are likely assumed to be owned by anyone contemplating a more complex tool like a lathe or mill. Others are common tools, but not quite so universal. An example in my case, I find myself looking at a variety of hammers. I have carpentry hammers, not metal working hammers.
Then there are specialty tools, probably nice to have for most, but not critical unless doing work that requires extreme precision or specific techniques. I've been following the various surface plate and lapping plate discussions currently ongoing (I didn't even know what either of these things were a week ago) and these seem to fall into this category. Many of the measuring tools also probably fall into this range. These are tools you tend to buy when you need them.
So if you were starting from scratch to build up a basic kit of general metal working tools for your shop, what are the most important tools you would want to start off with. As I'm sure this could be a long list feel free to shorten to a top 5, 10 or 20 as fits the stamina of your fingers. You are also more than welcome to write a dissertation about the perfect beginners tool kit, you will be guaranteed at least one reader (me).
And remember non-machine specific, although basic machines you feel should be in any shop that has a lathe (drill press, grinder etc) and machine tools like drill bits used in many machines would be appropriate to include.
Just to get things rolling and to reduce redundancy as I suspect everybody would list these, I'll suggest:
3/8" drive socket and ratchet set, metric and SAE, minimum sizes 1/4" / 6mm through 9/16 / 15mm, more is better
Box end wrenches, same sizes as above
Small 6 foot tape measure
Power drill and drill bits 1/16 to 3/8 (1/32 steps) (those of you in metric land substitute for metric sizes as appropriate)
Asst screw drivers, Phillips and standard
Allen wrench set (1/16-1/4" and 1.5mm - 7mm)
Without this minimum selection of tools, I would not have been able to even assemble most of the toys I've bought so far.
Some like sockets and wrenches are likely assumed to be owned by anyone contemplating a more complex tool like a lathe or mill. Others are common tools, but not quite so universal. An example in my case, I find myself looking at a variety of hammers. I have carpentry hammers, not metal working hammers.
Then there are specialty tools, probably nice to have for most, but not critical unless doing work that requires extreme precision or specific techniques. I've been following the various surface plate and lapping plate discussions currently ongoing (I didn't even know what either of these things were a week ago) and these seem to fall into this category. Many of the measuring tools also probably fall into this range. These are tools you tend to buy when you need them.
So if you were starting from scratch to build up a basic kit of general metal working tools for your shop, what are the most important tools you would want to start off with. As I'm sure this could be a long list feel free to shorten to a top 5, 10 or 20 as fits the stamina of your fingers. You are also more than welcome to write a dissertation about the perfect beginners tool kit, you will be guaranteed at least one reader (me).
And remember non-machine specific, although basic machines you feel should be in any shop that has a lathe (drill press, grinder etc) and machine tools like drill bits used in many machines would be appropriate to include.
Just to get things rolling and to reduce redundancy as I suspect everybody would list these, I'll suggest:
3/8" drive socket and ratchet set, metric and SAE, minimum sizes 1/4" / 6mm through 9/16 / 15mm, more is better
Box end wrenches, same sizes as above
Small 6 foot tape measure
Power drill and drill bits 1/16 to 3/8 (1/32 steps) (those of you in metric land substitute for metric sizes as appropriate)
Asst screw drivers, Phillips and standard
Allen wrench set (1/16-1/4" and 1.5mm - 7mm)
Without this minimum selection of tools, I would not have been able to even assemble most of the toys I've bought so far.
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