Selecting fabricating tools...

[lil_Blue_Ford]

So I'm finally getting to work on my choptop project... Since the windshield got smashed a couple years ago, I decided that it would be a good time to get the major work done while it was parked - upgrade the front axle, new extended radius arms, new brackets and trans x-member, roll cage, etc. So I started accumulating the parts I needed and now it's time to get started....

But I have discovered that I could use some fab tools since I can't find anyone local that I can borrow the tools I need from (and they will likely be used again and again with other projects), I'm thinking of getting some fab tools - for starters a tube notcher and possibly a tube bender. Then probably a chop saw or bandsaw and whatever else comes to mind as useful.

That said, I would like some input from you fabricators as to what tools to go with. I hate buying cheap junk - every once in awhile I get suckered into it and end up regretting not spending a few more bucks for something quality. Although I have bought some cheap tools that did a decent job (like the $15 4.5" grinder I picked up at a traveling tool sale that lasted 3 years of abuse before the brushes went). Basically I want something decent for a reasonable price.

So what tools would you get and why? (Or what do you have and how do you like it?)

[martin]

A good BFH and a good angle grinder. The two most useful tools in the shop.

[Bennybooster]

You can notch tube with an angle grinder, it takes more time but it is way cheaper

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Originally Posted by martin

A good BFH and a good angle grinder. The two most useful tools in the shop.

I have plenty of BFHs (I have a selection between sledges, ball peen and machinist/mash hammers) and I have a pair of Bosch 4.5" angle grinders plus my el-cheapo angle grinder. So I already have those bases well covered, lol.

Originally Posted by Bennybooster

You can notch tube with an angle grinder, it takes more time but it is way cheaper

I thought about that, I've read about how to do it with an angle grinder or chop saw, but I need to notch some tube for my cage and I have 5 bumpers to build for myself. When I got to thinking about it, just seemed like I might be further ahead to just bite the bullet as it is and get a notcher.

Then again, I haven't done a whole lot of metal fab yet, so...

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Nobody else has any tool recommendations?

BTW, I'm going to add something else to the list... a small paint sprayer, like a touch-up gun or similar. I'm getting tired of buying rattlecans and they don't really put all that thick of a layer on, it would be cheaper to buy paint by the can anyway. My compressor is only a 10 gallon but I have an extra tank I can hook up when I need a little more capacity (supposed to put out 5.6 CFM @ 90 psi), I'd hope that would be enough to spray a little paint. Mostly I'll probably use oil based primer and tractor paint (Valspar).

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I've got

2 4.5" grinders (just cheapies) one for a cut off, one for a flap wheel
1 5" grinder (good dewalt one) for grinding
Jet 14 speed drill press
3/8" corded porter cable drill
1/2" corded porter cable drill
1/2" cordless dewalt drill
bench mounted disc/belt sander combo
bench grinder
6" horizontal bandsaw
6" throatless Beaverly Shear
tube notcher
80 gallon compressor
Lincoln 180 Mig Welder


Think thats about it...

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Originally Posted by Sasquatch_Ryda

I've got

2 4.5" grinders (just cheapies) one for a cut off, one for a flap wheel
1 5" grinder (good dewalt one) for grinding
Jet 14 speed drill press
3/8" corded porter cable drill
1/2" corded porter cable drill
1/2" cordless dewalt drill
bench mounted disc/belt sander combo
bench grinder
6" horizontal bandsaw
6" throatless Beaverly Shear
tube notcher
80 gallon compressor
Lincoln 180 Mig Welder


Think thats about it...

What brand of tube notcher do you have and how do you like it?

As far as drills go, I have a Milwalkee right angle drill, love that thing to death for working on vehicles, it's big, but it does a really nice job drilling holes, especially when I have to drill half-inch holes for mounting something. I have some smaller corded and cordless stuff I use to.

I also have a Milwalkee sawzall. 'Nuff said, lol.

[88_Eddie]

the ones that are my most favorite and that i use the most are:

mig welder
angle grinder
sawzall
drill
electric impact gun (i always thought they were POS's, but this one has come in handy multiple times)

then there's all my sockets/rachets/wrenches too

[86 slo-vo]

If you've got the money, look into a plasma cutter. Not cheap but are worth every penny.

Me personally,
90gal speed air compressor
Big drill press
14" vertical bandsaw
4x6 horizontal bandsaw
Chop saw
3 grinders
2 sawzalls
Bench grinder
Disc sander
Tube notcher
Tube bender
55 ton press
Plasma cutter
220 welder
110 welder

And I still find tools that I need.

Obviously you can't afford everything at once, just keep a good eye on Craigslist and eBay and watch for the good deals.

[crawlin91]

Originally Posted by 86 slo-vo

If you've got the money, look into a plasma cutter. Not cheap but are worth every penny.

^This x10,000
for all the times I want to make a nice smooth even cut
cut anything with an arc
cut in hard to reach places
bend sawzall blades or explode a cut off wheel
or spend too much time trying to grind to fit perfect
I wish I had a plasma. Without a doubt my next tool purchase.

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Originally Posted by Sasquatch_Ryda

I've got

2 4.5" grinders (just cheapies) one for a cut off, one for a flap wheelcheck x 8 [wire wheels too]
1 5" grinder (good dewalt one) for grindingcheck x 2
Jet 14 speed drill presscheck x 2, one is 6-speed bench model that goes down to 60 rpm, good for large holes
3/8" corded porter cable drillcheck
1/2" corded porter cable drillcheck
1/2" cordless dewalt drillcheck
bench mounted disc/belt sander combocheck
bench grindercheck x 2 including wire wheels
6" horizontal bandsawcheck
6" throatless Beaverly Shear
tube notchercheck
80 gallon compressor20 gal x 2 including gas portable
Lincoln 180 Mig Welder lincoln weldpac 100


Think thats about it...

Originally Posted by 86 slo-vo

If you've got the money, look into a plasma cutter. Not cheap but are worth every penny.

Me personally,
90gal speed air compressor
Big drill press
14" vertical bandsaw
4x6 horizontal bandsaw
Chop sawcheck
3 grinders
2 sawzallscheck
Bench grinder
Disc sander
Tube notcher
Tube bender
55 ton press 10 ton press
Plasma cutteron wish list
220 welder 220V 295 amp stick
110 welder

And I still find tools that I need.

Obviously you can't afford everything at once, just keep a good eye on Craigslist and eBay and watch for the good deals.

And I own an oxy/acet cutting and welding kit, a metal fab table, 7 1/4" skill saw with a metal blade for thin sheet and aluminum, corded and cordless impact guns, lots of vice grips and f-clamps and c-clamps, 5 pairs jack stands, 5000 watt generator, three safety kits, three fire extinguishers and all the safety gear to operate all of the above. Now I just have to make sure to use said safety gear at ALL times.

I think if I was starting out, and assuming I already had hand tools, I would get in the following order;
-3/8 drill
-1/2 drill
-4.5" grinder
-drill press
-4 x 6 horizontal band saw
-go to night school to get the basics of the following, it WILL be money well spent
-mig 110V [more amps is good] for ease of use
-oxy/acet. is getting old school but in a pinch I can do with it [just about] all that I can do with mig, tig, stick, plasma.
220V stick for heavy welding
Other tools as your knowledge expands.
And as with any thing worth learning, lots and lots of practice.
Good luck,

Richard

[AlaskanRider]

I recently slapped a metal wheel on my 8.5 inch wormdrive. Its been great for my bumper project, makes long clean straight cuts for super cheap. Saves me alot of cleanup compared to my mediocre torch handling.

And the disks cut a lot as long as Im patient and dont smoke em.