MadModder
The Shop => Tools => Topic started by: Brass_Machine on March 24, 2009, 09:25:30 AM
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To help some of us who are starting out (and me), What would be a good list of tools (besides the big stuff) to have in your shop? I would like to keep an emphasis on shop made tools, but that is not a requirement. I see things like:
Bog's tramming tool
Various depth and thickness gauges
A vice stop
Steve Bedair's ball turner (the one Ralph made famous!)
etc...
Let's hear from you guys. Oh yeah... pictures would be nice to go with...
Eric
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Hi Eric
I've had in mind :scratch: doing a short thread on making a set of toolmakers clamps, when I did my aprentiship it was one of the first thing we made in the training shop I still use mine regularly.
As for other bits:- Tap wrench:- Die holder both for hand and machine use:- Centre punch this will teach hardening and tempering techniques:- Finger clamps:- Height gauge for setting lathe tools on centre:-
A bit more adventurouse projects could be, Scribing block, A small drill vice, V blocks, Leveling Jacks
One thing that I have found very usfull since starting my home shop was the clamp set I bought this not only made my set ups a lot safer they made my time more productive, not having to scratch arround for the right nut bolt packing etc, this would be a nice useful project particularly if you set out with the aim of trying to make it with the minimum of kit to replicate what a newbie would have to contend with.
Making tools for your shop is a good way of learning techniques and when youre done you've got something that will be useful for years to come.
I must admit I'm a bit of a tool nut, I like making, owning and using tools.
I hope this helps
Thanks for starting and running great forum. :thumbup:
Stew
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Speaking of toolmaker clamps. Check HERE (http://www.kingstonemodeleng.com/MachineShop/clamps/clamps.htm) at my site. I made a few and describe how.
I've started to make a scribing block as described by Geo. Thomas in his books and modified by Guy Lautard in his Bedside Reader. I think I was taking pics when I started that project. Haven't touched it since I started the indexhead project.
Bernd
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I must admit I'm a bit of a tool nut, I like making, owning and using tools.
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Agreed. I am a tool nut too. For the past couple of years, my shop has primarily been used to produce a profit. I make these:
(http://newschoolcafe.com/Pics/RZ350.JPG)
Most of my shop made tools have been used to make that stuff. I figure I need to redo some stuff, make some more tools. With some of our newer members (those who are just starting out with machine tools)... this thread would be a good way to get started making chips. Besides, as a nut I love to see peoples shop made tools.
Eric
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Ok what is it :scratch:
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Ok what is it :scratch:
Doh! I knew I forgot something. That is a kickstand for a sportbike. CF and aluminum. Half the weight of stock and a lot stronger.
Eric
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Ok what is it :scratch:
:lol: :lol:
Shame on you Stew. You weren't paying attention in class again. :wack:
But then maybe you weren't a memeber yet. Eric makes custom kick stands for motorcycles. I think I'm right on that. :scratch:
Edited: I see Eric beat me to the punch. :doh: :bang:
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(http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb227/ghandi1616/March2008012.jpg)
On a customers bike.
Eric
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:doh:
So it is. now that you've told me I can regognise it.
Smart Job :thumbup:
Stew
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OOh nice kickstands!
I will keep an eye out for them when Im at Deals Gap the weekend of the 17th of April.
Tools.. that I think I need. Or that I have run into the need to have. Mostly cause I see how they are used here.. and I smack my forehead and say.. OHHH thats how you can do that so much easier.
Ball Turner (Duh.. and yes the first tool I made)
Parallels for the Mill Vice (OMG I dont know how I got along without them. I was always spending 30 minutes trying to level things.)
Head Tramming Tool. (I use a single dial indicator with an arm about 12" long for the sweep of the tool currently)
Peck Drill (Didnt know How nice it was to have until I have it now.. I use it allll the time whenever I need to drill anything in the Lathe.. and yes I will get the how to post finished LOL)
Mill Stop (need to make one.. thats something in the queue for tools)
QCTP and Extra tool holders!! (Making a batch of tool holders now)
Coolant dispensing method (If you need it... you need it then. .. not in a week. Worth having I think... saves me on tooling already)
SOMETHING TO PUT TOOLING IN/ON. (I need to figure this out. I am thinking desk, table, shelving, cabinet.. not sure. BUt I need something cause the tooling is overflowing the area)
A GOOD LIGHT (I dont have one.. but need a light for my work. Not just a overhead.. a small spot style light.)