tools you have

[mo khan]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering how many tools you all have in your workshop- power and hand tools- that you actually use in everyday projects. I like to keep my tools to a minimum. I have a mitre saw, a plunge router with a fence (not a table), a jigsaw and a cordless drill. I also have a hand plane, 2 chisels,a  Jap back saw and some general hand tools- mallets, screwdrivers and clamps.  That's it. I have never felt the need to buy anything more. Anyone here agree (or strongly disagree!) with me? 

[don carmen]

You , no doubt, get it.

Don.

Rick Sherman said:

I started collecting tools when I was very young, still have my first wood saw that I received as a BD present as part of my tool kit from my Grandmother. Today that saw would be a lethal weapon, got my first set of stitches w/ that saw. That was around 1959 and still remember working outside w/ my father who was working on the family car a Willy's 4 door black sedan. The amount of tools collected in 50 plus years is mind boggling. I worked in a hardware store then a lumber yard w/ hardware and spent my extra money on tools not drugs, beer or booze. My wife always knew where I was and my purchases never resembled anything most women would want.

I have been down sizing the last few years, sold my milling machine, metal lathe, jointer, shaper a couple of stationary sanders, automotive tools, extra mechanics tools, and alot of hardware. Also sent a car load of hand tools, picks, axes, levels, metal working and concrete working tools to Haiti after the earth quake.

After all this I still dont have the room or time to itemize what I have, My friends and neighbors come to me b4 going to Home Depot or Lowe's for hardware or to rarely borrow a tool (big no no). The insurance company took pictures and said lets just guesstimate the worth for the policy.

Forgot to mention I used to field test tools for Bosch and a couple of other companies. I have used all my tools w/the exception of the antiques I collect and would not want to damage them.

Yes I am a Tool Junkie, limited to what I can do now a days to simple projects and helpers when I get them. I was a GC who grew to turn key dental and medical office design, build, equip and service much of the equipment. Hold many licenses from a few states in many phases of construction and mechanical design and fabrication.

I love to design, build and enjoy the end results with the use of countless tools and hardware either store bought or shop made. The one tool that I use but the use, I HATE was paperwork for accounting, taxes and permits.

Sorry for the long history, stirred the emotions of life b4 forced retirement.

Can't have to many tools or to many years to enjoy them.

[Ken Darga]

Chuck,

Great info and read.

Thanks for sharing.

 

I had made plans a few years back, to build a large workshop, in the back of the lot---but---with easements, utilities, city codes/ordinances and restrictions, it was denied.

[Michael Utterback]

Humm..... That would work... I think i might have one of those actually.... Ill have to see if i can find it.  Thanks for the tip!    LOL its funny how every one is Spamin what tools they have when you asked such a simple question.

mo khan said:

Michael, I have an old dowel jig that has 3/8 inch holes, and I use that to drill straight holes :)

[Steven Akers]

I'm impressed.  I thought I was a sicko for having so many tools but it looks as if I have some catching up to do.  Gotta go.  Going shopping!

[Steven Akers]

I want one of those HVLP turbine sprayers.  Gotta find something to paint so I can justify buying one....

[Dennis Dorries]

WOW!  You must not be a "real" woodworker!  (HA!)  There always seems to be room for "ONE" more tool!  (HA!)  I have a 10" table saw, 12" band saw, 12-1/2" planer, 6" joiner, belt sander with sanding disc, oscellating sander, 12" compound mitre saw, three cordless drills, one electric drill, 1 biscuit jointer, three routers, 1 5" hook & loop sander, kreg pocket hole set, hand held electric belt sander, 7" circular saw, drill press, and a whole box full of wood tools, sockets, screw drivers, etc.  AND I use all of these tools from time to time in various projects.  I may not "NEED" more tools but I always "WANT" more tools!  (HA!)

[Rick Sherman]

Just tell the wife you are spraying the plants and flowers with a fine mist as not to hurt them with a standard water hose:)

Steven Akers said:

I want one of those HVLP turbine sprayers.  Gotta find something to paint so I can justify buying one....

[don carmen]

just don't let the hvlp get into her hands!

Rick Sherman said:

Just tell the wife you are spraying the plants and flowers with a fine mist as not to hurt them with a standard water hose:)

Steven Akers said:

I want one of those HVLP turbine sprayers.  Gotta find something to paint so I can justify buying one....

[Brad R Everetts]

I'm a firm believer in the theory the one with the most tools wins and it sounds like Ken has a sizeable lead on most of us. Luckily this race is a marathon and not a sprint.

[Ken Darga]

Brad, 

I know guys who have more tools than I---they're avid woodworkers and remodelers.

Most have some larger equipment, for performing larger size tasks, such as shapers, large joiners and cutting machines.  I've seen some shops that are really set-up nice.

Check-out some of the photos, that some shop owners posted on Kreg forums---very nice.

 

I need all my tools, however, not all at once,  to perform all the tasks and projects I've done and currently undertake.
I'm pretty much set-up to perform most repairs and remodeling tasks---I've been doing it for many years.

 

I've sold a few power and hand tools, I no longer needed, before I moved to my current residence, over 20 years ago---4 & 6" joiners, shaper, floor model drill press, lathe, power saws, radial arm saw, big air compressor, sprayers, and more.   

I've kept a few, just as keep sakes---like some hand drilling, mortising, planing, and cutting tools.

They don't make drills, chisels and planes anymore, like those that were available many years ago.

I'm sure they've been replaced by newer more modern equipment.

Brad R Everetts said:

I'm a firm believer in the theory the one with the most tools wins and it sounds like Ken has a sizeable lead on most of us. Luckily this race is a marathon and not a sprint.

[Leslee]

 Hi, Guys.

I was reading about everybody's tools lists. I have two drills and one cordless. A compound miter saw, kreg jig, skil saw, router, jobsite contractors table saw, finish sanders, and many hand tools. My favorite tool is my old electric drill. I bought it for five bucks. It is still working strong. I think it is better than my hammer drill I bought because I lost this drill when I packed my tools up from the move a few years back. I was cleaning up my shed that is where my shop is. I found it in one of my unlabeled boxes. Boy, was I happy to find it.

[Johnny D. Rich]

I have too many to list here. Well, not really, but I have a lot. I did just get a new one today actually. Although I don't know if it qualifies as a new tool though. Today I got a Kreg Precision Band Saw Fence. Yay! After months of trying to decide whether to build one or buy one, the 20% off coupon from Rockler made the decision for me.