Bare-bones tools necessities for "home" shop????

[Big Wave D]

Thank you zman007007,

It's all of those simple things that are small in themselves but add up to doing a job right.

Are there any books that anyone consider a must have for the work library of instruction???

 

[rjmack]

compressed air makes a big difference too.

i consider mine bare bones 18cfm single stage.

 

[Big Wave D]

rjmack,

Hadn't really thought about that one.

I have a nice compressor unit but it doesn't put out that kind of CFM's.

Out of curiosity, at what pressure can your compressor deliver that rate of flow?

125 or 175psi?

 

[rjmack]

Out of curiosity, at what pressure can your compressor deliver that rate of flow?

i think that's 125, but the pressure switch cuts out at about 100 psi.

thats enough to run any air tools including a plasma cutter, or paint a car. i think it was about $1000 dollars. one thing to keep in mind, you probably want cast iron. i have had aluminum compressors and they were really just throwaway stuff. didn't last long, not worth fixing.

not that i don't use throwaway quality tools in some circumstances, but you're probably not going to have a spare compressor kicking around.

 

[MF RED in MT]

Something to drill with.
Something to cut metal.
Something to weld metal.

I also agree with rip - K.I.S.S. . KC

 

[rhett]

Are there any books that anyone consider a must have for the work library of instruction???

This E=Book may be downloaded if you Sign Up for a Scribd account (free).
Slow internet connection, beware the file is 67.9MB.

The_Lincoln_Electric_Procedure_Handbook_of_Arc_Wel ding(742_pages)-67.9MB

 

[rankrank1]

Bare Bones metal shop:

a) hacksaw $5
b) 1/2" drill and decent drill bit set $60
c) 4 1/2" hand held electric grinder. These can be had from Harbor freight for $15-$20 and the the one I have has held up to 15 years of abuse. By changing the disc wheel you can either cut or grind metal very efficiently and cheaply.
d) Lastly I would add an Lincoln AC-225 buzzbox which can be had for under $300 brand new or under $100 used if you shop around. If you are willing to spend a a little more you can even upgrade to the AC/DC capable machine for about $150 more which is money well spent - but you did say bare bones.
(Note: With the buzzbox you can obviously weld, but you can also heat metal and braze with it using a twin carbon arc torch which can be made for next to nothing or you can buy a used one for about $60 and you will not have to buy an expensive oxy/acetylene gas set-up. You can cut metal with it by soaking 6011 rods in water, use carbon rods, or even power a small gouge system like an Arcair if you have an air compressor. You can also weld aluminum pseudo-tig style if you can master the twin carbon arc torch head mentioned earlier. Granted none of these are the absolute best tool for the job, but they will work and do it very cheaply which is perfect for the home hobbyist).
e) I would invest in a 12" chop saw if I was doing a lot of fabrication, but you could get by cutting with the 4 1/2" grinder with cut-off wheel if not. $100 from Harbor Freight or $200 for a better name brand unit.
f) Electric sawz-all. Under $100 and you can also use on any carpentry projects involving wood.

That is about as bare bones as I can think of. FWIW, I never would have bought my MIG welder if I new that a buzzbox was so versatile for the home hobbyist. I am currently trying to get set up with my own twin carbon arc to heat metal on an older buzzbox that I picked up cheaply at auction a few years ago. This will save me from leasing gas bottles and buying expensive gas for the very rare times that I need extreme heat. Twin carbon arc actually burns hotter than even oxy/acet and I will never have to worry about being out of gas.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

I may think a little different. I turn money from my "home" shop, so I think of what I need to do simple money jobs.

Small Drill press with machinist vice. (HF 39.99 special will get you started but I have a floor model)
Bench Grinder
Hand Held Grinder
Chop Saw
Sturdy workbench/Table with heavy vise.
Stool/ Old office chair with wheels
Hammers, with 3 lb and ball peens in mix
Small Welder, with DC capability or MIG with at least 140 amps.
Hand drill
Torch with welding/brazing tip and cutting tip

 

[yankeerider]

I started with oxy/acetylene torch. Can cut with it, heat thicker sections to bend, and weld. You'll also need a hammer for bending, steel scraps for various jigs and to serve as an anvil for bending. A variety of clamps. Don't forget the safety items: welding goggles, gloves, clear goggles. A hand grinder is key, although in the early days I carried pieces to the bench grinder I already had. A heavy duty hand drill is important, a drill press even better. Next add a stick welder- low cost, and can can handle thicker material more easily than the oxy torch. (Today, I love my Hobart 210, but I survived 20+ years without a Mig).

 

[Big Wave D]

I keep reading over and over about HF or Harbor Freight.

First, I am assuming that the initials are referring to the latter.

That being said, my question is this. Is this a brick and masonry store or just an online retailer? If the former, what states/areas of country are they located in?

Seems like they have a loyal following but also generate a "love them, hate them" attitude towards what they sell. It seems that their price point is their greatest asset.

Thanks to all, taking lots of notes on this one.