Shop tools you wish you had

[brain55]

I was too hard for me to really pick one tool or even limit it to a few tools in the "What shop tools can you not live without" thread. So I decided to start this one.

The two tools I wish I had most are a TIG welder and a plasma cutter. I'm a tool junkie like others here. Being a professional mechanic I have spent a small fortune the last 25 years on tools. Also being a mobile mechanic without a shop has limited my desires. But I still have a drill press, a good MIG welding set-up, a solvent tank, air compressor, and my own hydraulic hose crimping machine, along with plenty of hand tools and test equipment in my mobile shop.

Brian

 

[tcreeley]

I'd love a triphammer!

 

[Johnbro]

I'm pretty well set with tools for working wood, but recently I bought my first welder and fell in love with metal fabrication. So if I had room enough and $$$, I'd buy a TIG welder to work on aluminum and also some cutting/bending gear (like a brake). In the meantime I keep looking for stuff to use the MIG welder (cheap HF 151) on.

 

[Grayson Klassen]

I am pretty lucky I have a both Mig and Stick welders, an Oxy-Acetylene rig, bench grinder, 17" Drill press, and many portable power tools, I would really love a Plasma Cutter good to a clean cut through 1/2" plate. Thats my dream. A metal break and would be good too.

G

PS A nice hydraulic press would be a great addition too

So many tools so little time

 

[mojoinco]

A GOOD hydraulic press -- boys, don't buy a cheap one if you can (consider making one).

An iron worker! With the shear, punch, and brake. That would go a long way towards making the set up quicker.

 

[zythinl]

all i can say is i have 2 mills and 2 lathes and all kindsa stuff inbetween and all i wish i had was yet another larger mill and lathe ) and everything in between

 

[brain55]

I definitely have a good 12-ton press. An Ironworker would be a neat tool to have too.

My mobile shop

Brian

 

[Elviscaretaker]

I'd have to go with a lift. But, it comes down to wanting ANY tool that I don't already have The old beat up tools are the best though, hang them in the shop and explain what they are. Kind of like explaining to your kids what and LP or a 45 is.

 

[mjncad]

I'd like plenty of $$$$$$$$$$$$$ to buy whatever I wanted whenever I wanted.

 

[Grayson Klassen]

Whenever there are tool flyers I always leave them around the house with circles around things I want for the wife to find. :laughing: