Tools you can't live without in the shop

[Nick Kent]

I've been welding now for a few years and really enjoy it. I'd like to get a wish list together of tools and machines that I could use in a shop. So, what does everyone out there find they can't do without? Or at least what tools or machines really make the process quicker and more efficient? Now, there isn't really anything to big or small that can't be mentioned here so let's hear it. Thanks, Nick. Already on my list is a plasma cutter.

[Atomik777]

chopsaw. and a million clamp of all shapes and sizes.

[specter]

About a half of truck filled with welding clamps and of course a welder since its kind of hard to run a welding shop without some kind of welder.

[Rabidfish]

The one thing I wouldn't want to work without: Education... any and all I can get!
Ditto on the clamps. If you have 100, you'll need 50 more.

[tapwelder]

I am really enjoying and finding many uses for my American Bender (www.americanbender.com). Quite accurate and versitile machine. I would like to say my lathe, however I tend to end up making stuff that I could purchase and making up for the $ save in time spent fabbing.

[mla2ofus]

I also agree on the clamps, you can never have too many. Also a 4 1/2" grinder along w/ a die grinder w/ flap wheels. Of course then you need an air compressor and--------------------- well, you know. The list just keeps growin'!!!!
Mike

[bensweld]

To the list already mentioned i would add a drill press and hydraulic press with brake.

[eyspy]

A wench to pass me a beer when I get hot ...........

[MarkBall2]

Originally Posted by eyspy

A hot wench to pass me a beer ...........

Fixed it for ya

[Ken Dennis]

Clamps, drill press, drill bits, band saw, work/welding table, more clamps, a couple of vises, several sizes of angle and bench grinders, hammers of all sizes and shapes, tape measure, even more clamps, straight edge, angle finder, square, yard stick, gotta have more clamps and so on and so on!
Oh!
And a welder or two.

[farmersamm]

Gotta be this one.

Opens dog food cans, AND beer bottles!!!!

[Atticabob]

For that once in a while when welding isn't prudent.... Duct Tape

[steve45]

I buy tools all the time, even tools I don't currently have a use for. Somehow, they all end up being used once in a while. My wife used to question the need for such tools, but now she comes to me about once a month and asks, "Do you have a tool that I can use that will..."

Overall, I can only remember one tool that was a complete waste of money--an engine moving tool that was supposed to allow me to tilt the engine in my front wheel drive car to access the spark plugs in the back. It didn't move the engine nearly far enough to do the job. (The engine has to come out to remove the plugs).

[Atomik777]

Originally Posted by steve45

Overall, I can only remember one tool that was a complete waste of money--an engine moving tool that was supposed to allow me to tilt the engine in my front wheel drive car to access the spark plugs in the back. It didn't move the engine nearly far enough to do the job. (The engine has to come out to remove the plugs).

Let me guess some version of either the pontiac 6000/ corsica/lumina series.

Or a v6 rav 4

[JeffB]

The tools I use most often are vice grips, clamps, a square, tape meaure, soapstone, chop saw, flatbar, prybar, crowbar, and several sizes of sledgehammers, mainly 3 and 4 pounders. That's besides the welder, plasma cutter, grinders, O/A torch with a cutting tip and keeping a heating tip handy for bending purposes, and almost forgot a bench vise. Not to mention drill press and a hand drill with HSS bits.

[farmersamm]

The ol' Noodle is probably the best tool you own. Without the Noodle, the other stuff is just a bunch of metal

[WFM]

I call it liquid wrench - my oxy/acetylene burning outfit.

[farmersamm]

Looks like a stout rotisserie!!!

[WFM]

Yes it is. You must have missed the thread.

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=28859

[TozziWelding]

B f h

[farmersamm]

WFM- Now I remember!!!

Tozzi- The coolest stuff you got was, if I remember, the deals for lifting plate. I can't remember exactly

[steve45]

Originally Posted by Atomik777

Let me guess some version of either the pontiac 6000/ corsica/lumina series.

Or a v6 rav 4

You're close! '93 Olds Cutlass with a 3.4 DOHC engine. The engine has to be dropped to change the spark plugs, the oxygen sensor, the alternator... No wonder Olds went out of business!!!

[limegreentj]

angle grinder, cut off tool, hack saw, jig saw (i use that for everything) A WELDER OF COURSE! torches, bench grinder, and a good set or sockets and ratchets

[TozziWelding]

Originally Posted by farmersamm

WFM- Now I remember!!!

Tozzi- The coolest stuff you got was, if I remember, the deals for lifting plate. I can't remember exactly

A plate dog, woof woof.

[farmersamm]

That's the one!!!