Yet Another Cycling Forum

Off Topic => The Pub => Topic started by: pcolbeck on 18 April, 2019, 11:59:04 am

Title: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 18 April, 2019, 11:59:04 am
OK I admit it I'm a tool junkie. I love good tools and hate rubbish ones.
Currently I'm slightly obsessed with German screwdrivers and screwdriver bits, Werea and Wiha, so much better than the standard junk. I have a great fondness for ratcheting screwdrivers of all vintages and good adjustable spanners (old Bahco or King Dick) too. I love trawling car boot sales for unloved classic tools, hand planes, files, chisels and the like.

But my favourite  thing of all for some reason is pliers.

I have far too many old Elliot Lucas pliers some restored and some sitting in the box of rusty stuff to be dealt with at some nebulas time in the future. Of the modern ones I like Knippex.
Today Amazon delivered me two pairs of Japanese "Engineer" brand pliers. I had to have these as they just look so great and are unique in that the ridges on the jaws run at 90deg to normal pliers so you can undo sheared off or rusty screws with them. Plus who can resist something named "Neji-sarus" with styling like something out of Star Wars?

Any other tool o'holics ?

(http://www.engineer.jp/_products/pz58/p/PZ-58.jpg)
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 18 April, 2019, 01:34:16 pm
The missus would say I am, but I never buy anything I don't need.

N.B. variable values of 'need'.
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: rogerzilla on 18 April, 2019, 01:36:34 pm
I have a complete set of tools for 1" headsets, including reaming and facing.  They have saved a lot of trouble with headsets that won't adjust properly, and reduced a few JIS forks to ISO.
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: essexian on 18 April, 2019, 01:42:00 pm
Am I the only one who cringes a little when their wife goes into their tool box...... I know that sounds sexist but its not meant to. It's simply that I have seen her do strange things with the wrong set of pliers.


And yes, I am more than happy to show her what does what but it's easier to do it myself...... blimey, does that mean she has trained me to do jobs I don't want to do when she wants them done......  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 18 April, 2019, 01:46:00 pm
Hello. My name is Jurek and I am a tool junkie.
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: rafletcher on 18 April, 2019, 01:51:50 pm
My wife wouldn't dream of going into my toolbox, she's happy enough to criticise me for using the wrong tool when I'm too idle to  ;D.

I was digging through the cycle tool box the other day, and among the current stuff, I found a set of genuine Campag tools - BB, headset and pedal spanners, cone spanners, crank extractor. No earthly good to me now, but I'm struggling to get rid of them. I will though, soon....

Likewise I have a headset press I'll not be needing any more, but it's only a Cyclo one so might hang on to it in case someone needs to borrow one...
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 18 April, 2019, 02:27:28 pm
My wife steals small ball peen hammers. I keep buying them and they keep disappearing. Every so often I find one in a random draw in the house. She likes rearranging the pictures and mirrors hence the vanishing hammers.
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 18 April, 2019, 05:04:58 pm
My wife steals small ball peen hammers. I keep buying them and they keep disappearing. Every so often I find one in a random draw in the house. She likes rearranging the pictures and mirrors hence the vanishing hammers.
Be thankful she's choosing a hammer.  Mine'd try a pair of pliers to knock in a picture pin...…. Which is why I don't let her near my tools. Yes dear, my tools.
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: Karla on 18 April, 2019, 06:55:25 pm
Pcolbeck, you might know already but the junk/antique shops in Kirkbymoorside have some nice tools; I picked up an excellent East German socket set plus several other items when I worked up there.
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 18 April, 2019, 08:11:29 pm
Pcolbeck, you might know already but the junk/antique shops in Kirkbymoorside have some nice tools; I picked up an excellent East German socket set plus several other items when I worked up there.

No I didn't know so thanks. Its just up the road from me but not really a place you would visit without a reason. From here you bypass it on either side depending on where you are going.  I'll have to have a trip. Pcolbeck junior goes there a lot as that's where a load of his ex school mates came from and my main visits to Kirby have been as a Dads Taxi delivering him to house parties before he could drive.
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 18 April, 2019, 09:10:42 pm
There's a few junkies here. (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=100775.0)
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 18 April, 2019, 09:13:07 pm
I bought a technician's bag to put our tools in in a nice control freak's orderly way because the bag for life we'd been transporting them in previously was driving me up the wall. (Think the brazil nut in muesli effect).
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 18 April, 2019, 09:42:00 pm
Hello. My name is Jurek and I am a tool junkie.
Oh. I thought bringing, for example, a set of laser etched lock picks to the pub to show them off was perfectly normal behaviour.
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: drossall on 18 April, 2019, 10:59:25 pm
Am I the only one who cringes a little when their wife goes into their tool box...
Happily, my wife assumes that the point of getting a husband is to have someone to make use of the contents of the toolbox. And I am able to argue that various tools were obtained to do this or that job that was so ordained. The latest, which arrived today, being one to split a watch bracelet in order to replace a worn catch on hers :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: Aunt Maud on 19 April, 2019, 07:34:24 am
I'm Aunt Maud and I'm an addict for carpentry hand tools and tool chests.

Here's a chest I'm working on during my limited spare time at college, it's made from 200 year old reclaimed Honduran mahogany and a bit of walnut it's 3'x2'x2'.

It's already full of carving tools and a few nice wooden planes.

(https://i.imgur.com/nPuCNf8.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 19 April, 2019, 07:48:43 am
That lid fit.
Good for IP65?
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: Aunt Maud on 19 April, 2019, 07:54:59 am
Sadly, yes.

Everyone keeps asking why I don't put it on wheels, as it would be easy to move. Which is why I don't put it on wheels, as I don't want someone to come along and easily move it.

Currently it weighs over 100kg.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 19 April, 2019, 08:05:23 am
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 19 April, 2019, 08:11:38 am
I bought a technician's bag to put our tools in in a nice control freak's orderly way because the bag for life we'd been transporting them in previously was driving me up the wall. (Think the brazil nut in muesli effect).
An interesting analogy.
Does the bag render your tools radioactive?

ETA - The brazil nut effect (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil_nut) is a thing. In a granular convection kind of way. Or is that what you meant?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 19 April, 2019, 08:48:12 am
My tool case (https://live.staticflickr.com/8498/8389647745_1f1c7966be_c.jpg) from my freelancing days.
It's a Zero Halliburton case.
A Zero Halliburton case was one of the few items of luggage left intact when the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine terrorists blew up four hijacked airliners at Dawson's Field in 1970.
I've fitted the lid with a pair of gas springs.
When you pop the locks, the lid opens automatically.
The speed of the rise is governed by the weight of the tools stored in the lid.
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: Zipperhead on 19 April, 2019, 10:42:00 am
You lot think that you've got problems? I watch youtube videos about restoring old tools (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMrMVIBtqFW6O0-MWq26gqw/videos). (Not that kind Roger, that requires subscription to "specialist" sites).

I'm almost disappointed that the job I need to do on my motorbike this morning won't require the use of my little Wera Zyklops ratchet.
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: Beardy on 19 April, 2019, 10:49:11 am
The problem with getting more experienced1 is that each new job doesn’t necessarily mean the need for new tools and so my tool acquisition growth [TAG] has slowed down considerably in recent years. I’m thinking of taking up horological studies to rectify this problem.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 19 April, 2019, 11:25:04 am
My tool case (https://live.staticflickr.com/8498/8389647745_1f1c7966be_c.jpg) from my freelancing days.
It's a Zero Halliburton case.
Oooooh.  Takes me back to my early career as an engineering geologist working in coastal engineering surveying.  The sparkies keeping the marine geophysical kit working had tool cases like this.  Our tools, on the drilling side, were rather bigger and heavier and there was no way you'd put them in a case.  More like a 20' container......
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 19 April, 2019, 11:28:38 am
You lot think that you've got problems? I watch youtube videos about restoring old tools (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMrMVIBtqFW6O0-MWq26gqw/videos). (Not that kind Roger, that requires subscription to "specialist" sites).

Me too. ScoutCrafter puts one or two out a week.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1KhUcdotTuz2u3i5RSerA

I especially like Geoffrey Croker's channel. Some nice dry wit.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUOfupxqzuqSL_rfzA3PENQ
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 19 April, 2019, 11:29:21 am
^
^
^
^
That Wera Zyklops ratchet is a delight. I'm just struggling to justify buying one.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 19 April, 2019, 01:29:48 pm
I bought a technician's bag to put our tools in in a nice control freak's orderly way because the bag for life we'd been transporting them in previously was driving me up the wall. (Think the brazil nut in muesli effect).
An interesting analogy.
Does the bag render your tools radioactive?

You're gonna have to explain that one to me... ???
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 19 April, 2019, 01:50:34 pm
I bought a technician's bag to put our tools in in a nice control freak's orderly way because the bag for life we'd been transporting them in previously was driving me up the wall. (Think the brazil nut in muesli effect).
An interesting analogy.
Does the bag render your tools radioactive?

You're gonna have to explain that one to me... ???

Brazil nuts are around 1000 times more radioactive than other foodstuffs.
Also - I've edited my post, coincidentally, while you were posting.  :)
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: Torslanda on 19 April, 2019, 03:07:06 pm

Everyone keeps asking why I don't put it on wheels, as it would be easy to move. Which is why I don't put it on wheels, as I don't want someone to come along and easily move it.

Currently it weighs over 100kg.

Bacuase it would become The Luggage . . .
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 19 April, 2019, 05:26:51 pm
I bought a technician's bag to put our tools in in a nice control freak's orderly way because the bag for life we'd been transporting them in previously was driving me up the wall. (Think the brazil nut in muesli effect).
An interesting analogy.
Does the bag render your tools radioactive?

ETA - The brazil nut effect (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil_nut) is a thing. In a granular convection kind of way. Or is that what you meant?

Yes, that's what I meant :)
(That's the second time I've posted that phrase today)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 19 April, 2019, 05:36:09 pm
I bought a technician's bag to put our tools in in a nice control freak's orderly way because the bag for life we'd been transporting them in previously was driving me up the wall. (Think the brazil nut in muesli effect).
An interesting analogy.
Does the bag render your tools radioactive?

ETA - The brazil nut effect (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil_nut) is a thing. In a granular convection kind of way. Or is that what you meant?

Yes, that's what I meant :)
(That's the second time I've posted that phrase today)
S'funny how stuff can become become misinterpreted.
Until I'd looked into it, I'd assumed 'Brazil nut amongst the museli' was a reference to finding something delightful amongst the otherwise dull.
Possibly also true  :)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 19 April, 2019, 05:44:15 pm
Just to be contrary, I've never much cared for Brazil nuts ;)

And prolly what I should have explained, the tool I wanted was always at the bottom, being smaller than the BFO hammer etc.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 19 April, 2019, 05:48:03 pm
I hear you   ;D
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rafletcher on 19 April, 2019, 05:49:35 pm
 I’m extremely allergic to Brazil nuts, and for that matter Walnuts. Near anaphalaxis allergic. I like tools though.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: orienteer on 19 April, 2019, 07:29:50 pm
Brazil nuts contain selenium, an essential element rarely found in our soil in Europe. One nut contains double our daily requirement apparently.  :)

Rather expensive at present due to poor harvests.  :(
Title: Re: Conffesions of a tool junkie
Post by: Aunt Maud on 19 April, 2019, 07:40:49 pm

Everyone keeps asking why I don't put it on wheels, as it would be easy to move. Which is why I don't put it on wheels, as I don't want someone to come along and easily move it.

Currently it weighs over 100kg.

Bacuase it would become The Someone else's Luggage . . .

FTFY
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 03 May, 2019, 06:42:55 am
Oops I appear to have bought a Stanley 5803 hand drill on eBay. I already have several hand drills but just look at the gorgeous 1960s styling and its unused!

(http://www.findmytool.co.uk/images/old/drilling/drills/stanley/5803/large1.jpg)

That's not the actual one, it hasn't arrived yet, just a pic of the same model.

I'm going to have to find a matching 1960s Stanley brace now aren't I ...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 03 May, 2019, 07:19:54 am
Nicely encased to protect your fingers from that nasty pinion.  :)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 03 May, 2019, 07:21:19 am
It's odd, now I can't work out how I survived for years without a couple of Vessel JIS drivers.

I swear tools breed in my shed, though.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 03 May, 2019, 07:40:55 am
It's odd, now I can't work out how I survived for years without a couple of Vessel JIS drivers.

Nah you just buggered up the heads on your motorbike fasteners without realizing why - just like the rest of us did. I had 20 years of playing with motorbikes along with all my mates and can never remember anyone mentioning JIS screwdrivers. Wondering which weird imperial socket or spanner was needed for some doodah on a Landrover yes but motorbike fasteners, they are just Philips aren't they, hang on that's a bit stiff and oops it's cammed out and rounded it out bugger it  ...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tail End Charlie on 03 May, 2019, 07:54:31 am
Yeah, there used to be a whole market for Allen bolt kits for specific motorbikes. My first set was for a Z200, still have the impact driver I bought for that job.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 03 May, 2019, 07:55:14 am
It's odd, now I can't work out how I survived for years without a couple of Vessel JIS drivers.

Nah you just buggered up the heads on your motorbike fasteners without realizing why - just like the rest of us did. I had 20 years of playing with motorbikes along with all my mates and can never remember anyone mentioning JIS screwdrivers. Wondering which weird imperial socket or spanner was needed for some doodah on a Landrover yes but motorbike fasteners, they are just Philips aren't they, hang on that's a bit stiff and oops it's cammed out and rounded it out bugger it  ...
Well if you insist on buying Japanese motorcycles.....

Says he, smugly, admiring the new mid torque range torque wrench bought ready for the engine re-furb on his '73 Tiger 750.  Except that it's going to see action first on the '72 Daytona 500 that he picked up, in bits, yesterday, and is currently awaiting unloading from the back of his car.

Glad I kept those Whitworth sockets over all those years since I last had a British bike.  (But I'll have to confess to having had a Honda Revere in the interim, but I didn't need a JIS screwdriver because it never went wrong, and didn't drip oil over my nice clean, painted garage floor).
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 03 May, 2019, 07:56:13 am
Yeah, there used to be a whole market for Allen bolt kits for specific motorbikes. My first set was for a Z200, still have the impact driver I bought for that job.
Still is.  I'm about to buy my second set of these this year.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tail End Charlie on 03 May, 2019, 08:18:22 am
Yeah, there used to be a whole market for Allen bolt kits for specific motorbikes. My first set was for a Z200, still have the impact driver I bought for that job.
Still is.  I'm about to buy my second set of these this year.
Don't know why, but I find that very reassuring to hear, almost like a bit of my youth still lives on.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tail End Charlie on 03 May, 2019, 08:24:24 am
It's odd, now I can't work out how I survived for years without a couple of Vessel JIS drivers.

Nah you just buggered up the heads on your motorbike fasteners without realizing why - just like the rest of us did. I had 20 years of playing with motorbikes along with all my mates and can never remember anyone mentioning JIS screwdrivers. Wondering which weird imperial socket or spanner was needed for some doodah on a Landrover yes but motorbike fasteners, they are just Philips aren't they, hang on that's a bit stiff and oops it's cammed out and rounded it out bugger it  ...
Well if you insist on buying Japanese motorcycles.....

Says he, smugly, admiring the new mid torque range torque wrench bought ready for the engine re-furb on his '73 Tiger 750.  Except that it's going to see action first on the '72 Daytona 500 that he picked up, in bits, yesterday, and is currently awaiting unloading from the back of his car.

Glad I kept those Whitworth sockets over all those years since I last had a British bike.  (But I'll have to confess to having had a Honda Revere in the interim, but I didn't need a JIS screwdriver because it never went wrong, and didn't drip oil over my nice clean, painted garage floor).
I've also kept all my imperial spanners and sockets from the times I worked on old bikes and cars. I never did fully understand the difference between the sizes and threads etc. Stuff I play around with now are all metric which makes life very much easier.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 03 May, 2019, 10:23:49 pm
Not many to swap on a BSA  Bantam!  I swapped everything to hex socket in 1975. But then I also set the points on Deansgate with a bit of fag paper out of the gutter when it had rattled loose!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 04 May, 2019, 08:40:59 am
I still have (and regularly use) my Britool 1/2" socket set (AF, Whit, Metric), rather like this (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRITOOL-1-2-Drive-Socket-Set-No-NA760C-Metric-Whitworth-AF-/323451132152?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l10137.c10&nordt=true&rt=nc&orig_cvip=true), except mine is too early to have namby pamby rubber on it. Bought secondhand in about ....70? for (what was a princely sum of) £5. Often, a poorly made or buggered up metric nut will have a better fit on one of the imperial sockets.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Torslanda on 04 May, 2019, 09:33:38 pm
Just borrowed* (ahem!) a cotter pin pressing tool from a trade acquaintance. It's many years old and made from forged steel.

I've been warned to ensure the cotter pin exits downwards 'because the pin comes out like a bullet - and you don't want to be pointing at the window!'

*I'm going to do my best to buy it...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 05 May, 2019, 11:13:36 am
I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rogerzilla on 05 May, 2019, 03:54:44 pm
Just borrowed* (ahem!) a cotter pin pressing tool from a trade acquaintance. It's many years old and made from forged steel.

I've been warned to ensure the cotter pin exits downwards 'because the pin comes out like a bullet - and you don't want to be pointing at the window!'

*I'm going to do my best to buy it...
IME they come out with a moderate single tap if they were put in with anti-seize.  They're put in dry at the bike factory, which is why a cotter press is needed 40 years later.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 05 May, 2019, 05:11:51 pm
I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill!
So did I after 'managing' for years with one of those stands you put a drill into.  One of those stands that always seems to bugger up anything you try to drill vertically.

So I bought the Axminster Craft pillar drill.  Should have done it years ago.  Now I can drill vertically, repeatably, and under total control.  Particularly as I also bought a fairly hefty engineer's vice too.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 05 May, 2019, 09:13:19 pm
Got these delivered today from Amazon. Specifically for holding lawnmower pull cord recoil springs but I am sure I will find more uses for them, plus they are orange!

(https://www.grip-on.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/127-10_opt.png)

I already have a selection of Mole grips in various sizes mainly picked up from car boot sales but long nose ones don't seem to come up. Weirdly the 10 inch ones are half the price of the otherwise identically 6 inch ones. No idea why.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 05 May, 2019, 09:25:57 pm
So did I after 'managing' for years with one of those stands you put a drill into.  One of those stands that always seems to bugger up anything you try to drill vertically.

So I bought the Axminster Craft pillar drill.  Should have done it years ago.  Now I can drill vertically, repeatably, and under total control.  Particularly as I also bought a fairly hefty engineer's vice too.

On the basis that I needed to drill a great many accurately-positioned holes in aluminium enclosures for a project a couple of years back, I invested in some of Silverline's cheapest chinesium.  It's been a revelation in terms of accuracy, and while it's clearly been engineered down to a price, the chuck doesn't wobble and it seems more than adequate for plastic/wood/sheet aluminium.  If it breaks, I'll happily replace it with a decent one.   :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 05 May, 2019, 09:32:00 pm
Agreed. I was looking for a decent pillar drill at a not exorbitant price when an unused Aldi one turned up down the road for £30. It was a thoughtful but unwanted gift to a nice bloke who had a 1908 lathe he had restored in his shed (you can imagine what he thought of an Aldi drill). Anyhow its a million times better than using the Wolf drill stand for my electric drill. Of course a week after I bought it a Fobco Star turned up at a sensible price near where I was working so I have that now as well. A different league again and will last forever. Its a restoration project though now as I want to make it nice and whist I sort out the Fobco I am quite happy using the Aldi one, I think they were only about £60 new!

Buy a second hand cheap one then wait patiently for a Fobco, Meddings or Startrite to turn up cheap in your area.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 05 May, 2019, 10:02:17 pm
Oh and don't discount three phase. You can get cheap  2 to 3 phase converters these days that would also let you control the speed of the drill.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 06 May, 2019, 08:12:16 am
I did lurk for a while looking for a used pillar drill, but those that I thought worth a punt were always miles away.  Yes, yes, I know, I drove 450 miles in a day last week to pick up a 72 Triumph Daytona in bits, but that's different, innit?

The Axminister was about twice the price of the Chinesium ones, and I suppose it's still made in China, but at least the keyless chuck runs true and the stand is fairly mahoosive.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 06 May, 2019, 08:23:25 am
I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill! I wanna pillar drill!
So did I after 'managing' for years with one of those stands you put a drill into.  One of those stands that always seems to bugger up anything you try to drill vertically.

So I bought the Axminster Craft pillar drill.  Should have done it years ago.  Now I can drill vertically, repeatably, and under total control.  Particularly as I also bought a fairly hefty engineer's vice too.

I've been using a 30-year-old Bosch hand drill in a 40-year-old E.German drill stand that's built like a tank. It'll drill vertically like a good'un and it's got a 13mm throat, like many of the pillar drills out there, and I can even mount the baseplate backwards, turn the pillar through 180° and drill down beside the bench into tall pieces. However I only have electronic speed reduction, which doesn't give me full power on low speeds, and I haven't got a tilting base-plate.  For my next build I need to drill 49 5mm holes at a consistent 70° to the workpiece and I'm not looking forward to it.  Doing it with a handheld drill & jig doesn't really appeal to me.

They aren't particularly expensive. Think I'll have a look around & start the domestic propaganda machine. After all, the missus got a new chainsaw last month.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: CommuteTooFar on 06 May, 2019, 02:17:28 pm
I had a cheap pillar drill once.  Then the roof of the shed blew off. It is now a lump of rust.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: CommuteTooFar on 06 May, 2019, 02:28:51 pm
I know I am not a tool junkie I have a table saw that arrived last month still in its box.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 07 May, 2019, 08:41:32 am
I did a bit of research yesterday and concluded that unless you pay €€€€ for a pillar drill you get rubbish. So what else is new?

Most tellingly, there are two kinds of transmission, 2-pulley and 3-pulley. The cheap models have two conical pulleys and you're meant to shift the belt up & down to change speed, keeping it horizontal, otherwise it wears out prematurely. 3-pulley machines have an intermediate pulley and two belts: you can get many more speeds and the belts alway stay horizontal. The cheap pulleys are likely plastic, too, vs. steel in the decent kit.

Most of them now have self-tightening chucks, which are a bastard to get drills out of after a heavy job. I haven't yet got arthritis in my hands but I do have tendons and things that go click and hurt (arthritis after all, maybe?), and I want a nice big chuck key, ta very much.

On some of them (e.g. Scheppach) the tilting table is so constructed that you can't get a spanner or a socket onto the hex-head bolt that secures it.

On none of the models I looked at will the table tilt towards the user, so that if you have a series of slanting holes to drill in a wide piece you're screwed. You get a single axis only, perpendicular to the column. Maybe the higher-end models allow 2 axes, but my wallet starts to whimper when I look at them.

That's about it. I'll stick with my old Bosch/GDR model and use jigs.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 08 May, 2019, 09:17:42 pm
Most old high quality pillar drills have only two pulleys and you move the belt to change speed. Doesnt make them rubish. A good pillar drill was always expensive there really isnt a way of making a good cheap one.
Even a hand cranked Stanley Continental breast drill was £70 in 1980.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 09 May, 2019, 09:08:01 am
I'll admit I'm not all that familiar with pillar drills - as I wrote, I haven't got one and I've never had one.  I'm just passing on what I gleaned from looking at the lower end. For what I'm doing, this looks quite adequate:

https://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-craft-ac220rd-bench-radial-drill-105107

but I'd love a test drive before buying.

That Stanley was quite a piece of kit, wasn't it?  I've seen a few of those in joiners' kit and on fleamarkets, but I've never been tempted.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 09 May, 2019, 01:37:58 pm
I'll admit I'm not all that familiar with pillar drills - as I wrote, I haven't got one and I've never had one.  I'm just passing on what I gleaned from looking at the lower end. For what I'm doing, this looks quite adequate:

https://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-craft-ac220rd-bench-radial-drill-105107

but I'd love a test drive before buying.

That Stanley was quite a piece of kit, wasn't it?  I've seen a few of those in joiners' kit and on fleamarkets, but I've never been tempted.
I had something very similar from Axminster, until I gave it away about a year ago. (It had lain, unused, in the cupboard under my stairs for around 13 years).
It was a good piece of kit.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 09 May, 2019, 05:25:01 pm
Just found out about these sprint tools  today https://www.screwfix.com/p/spring-tools-wwa1105-spring-tools-woodworking-set-5-pieces/8831x

You need to see the vid here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjBu-tWdqoc to see them in use, the UK site (www.springtools.co.uk) doesn't seem to be up at the moment, I'm waiting for that to come back on stream before adding to the Very Necessary Tool addiction.

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Wobbly John on 09 May, 2019, 07:05:09 pm
A tip for getting pillar drills back perpendicular to the table if you have tilted it: Bend a 'Z' shape, only with right angledish corners about 2-3" sides, from stiff wire. put one end in the chuck, and adjust table height until the other end touches it. turn chuck by hand and fettle until the 'pointer' end just touches the table 360deg.  ;)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: redshift on 09 May, 2019, 09:06:23 pm
A tip for getting pillar drills back perpendicular to the table if you have tilted it: Bend a 'Z' shape, only with right angledish corners about 2-3" sides, from stiff wire. put one end in the chuck, and adjust table height until the other end touches it. turn chuck by hand and fettle until the 'pointer' end just touches the table 360deg.  ;)

"Sorry chaps, I can't come out tonight' cos I'm tramming my drill press..."

Classy Excuses, No. 211 in an occasional series.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 09 May, 2019, 09:10:22 pm
A tip for getting pillar drills back perpendicular to the table if you have tilted it: Bend a 'Z' shape, only with right angledish corners about 2-3" sides, from stiff wire. put one end in the chuck, and adjust table height until the other end touches it. turn chuck by hand and fettle until the 'pointer' end just touches the table 360deg.  ;)

"Sorry chaps, I can't come out tonight' cos I'm tramming my drill press..."

Classy Excuses, No. 211 in an occasional series.

There was a time when that was a regular event around these parts...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 09 May, 2019, 09:15:15 pm
A tip for getting pillar drills back perpendicular to the table if you have tilted it: Bend a 'Z' shape, only with right angledish corners about 2-3" sides, from stiff wire. put one end in the chuck, and adjust table height until the other end touches it. turn chuck by hand and fettle until the 'pointer' end just touches the table 360deg.  ;)

"Sorry chaps, I can't come out tonight' cos I'm tramming my drill press..."

Classy Excuses, No. 211 in an occasional series.

There was a time when that was a regular event around these parts...

My boss's daughter has moved into new premises with her boyfriend recently.
He has helped them move.
His words:
They cannot fit a plug.

It's endemic.
How did that happen?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 09 May, 2019, 09:26:53 pm
They cannot fit a plug.

It's endemic.
How did that happen?

*googles*  The Plugs And Sockets (Safety) Regulations 1994

Ever since then appliances have had to be supplied with an appropriate plug, with moulded plugs proliferating soon afterwards.  The tail end of Gen X were only just old enough to be competent with mains electricity while appliances were still being supplied with bare flex.

And of course nobody since can afford to own a house, so have no DIY skills to speak of by default.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: redshift on 09 May, 2019, 09:34:14 pm
When we became a 'service economy,' stopped manufacturing and stopped teaching practical science and engineering in schools, that's when.  In my industry (Broadcast Engineering, which is a bit niche, I know) there's almost a 30-year skills gap.  We have to teach basic soldering, fault-finding and suchlike to graduates - stuff I learned in school (or at least, while I was school-age).

Oh, and definitely since they started putting moulded plugs onto appliances prior to sale - that's very much a lost skill for lots of millennials.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 09 May, 2019, 09:47:16 pm
There have been a couple of times when I've been bemused by my peers not knowing how to wire a plug.  I mean, sure, I've had an affinity for electrons[1] since a formative age and naturally tended towards situations where those skills were actually used, but we *were* taught this stuff in school.  I suppose if you've basically never needed to do it, you just recycle the neurons.


[1] I'm positive.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: drossall on 09 May, 2019, 10:48:15 pm
They cannot fit a plug.
I think I commented on this to a thread involving Kim before. As physics students around 1980, we got a lecture on wiring plugs, because so many post-graduates were electrocuting themselves.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 10 May, 2019, 08:01:13 am
A tip for getting pillar drills back perpendicular to the table if you have tilted it: Bend a 'Z' shape, only with right angledish corners about 2-3" sides, from stiff wire. put one end in the chuck, and adjust table height until the other end touches it. turn chuck by hand and fettle until the 'pointer' end just touches the table 360deg.  ;)

Told yiz all the Universe would fall apart without wire coathangers.

Didn't one of the Brontesaurus sisters write a book called Coathanger Abbey?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 10 May, 2019, 08:01:31 am
I learned plug wiring from an early age because my late dad was red-green colour blind (back when wiring was red and black).  He needed someone to show him which one was the red.  It also stopped him from being called up into the RAF in WW2, so they sent him down the mines to join the rest of the men in his family.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 10 May, 2019, 08:58:10 am
They cannot fit a plug.
I think I commented on this to a thread involving Kim before. As physics students around 1980, we got a lecture on wiring plugs, because so many post-graduates were electrocuting themselves.

Dear oh lor. I think we got that lesson at school when I was 9.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 10 May, 2019, 10:06:21 am
Getting back to pillock drills, I've seen a couple of videos where folk seemed quite happy with the (deep breath) Titan TTB541DBT (https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-ttb541dbt-530mm-drill-press-230v/17643) (breathe in). It fits my budgetary bracket just now.

Any opinions?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 10 May, 2019, 10:25:05 am
They cannot fit a plug.
I think I commented on this to a thread involving Kim before. As physics students around 1980, we got a lecture on wiring plugs, because so many post-graduates were electrocuting themselves.

Dear oh lor. I think we got that lesson at school when I was 9.
We teach it at Scouts from time to time. I learnt it from my Ladybird Book of Electricity. Or if I didn't, I certainly used said tome to advise my Mum which size fuse was needed in the washing machine.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: drossall on 10 May, 2019, 10:39:44 am
Good plan. I might do that (for the Skills Challenge of course). Getting the right fuse is almost a separate task!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 10 May, 2019, 12:38:58 pm
I happened to be in Homebase and saw one of these

https://uk.ryobitools.eu/power-tools/drilling-and-screwdriving/drill-press/rdp102l/rdp102l-1/ which is also in the same price bracket (https://www.homebase.co.uk/ryobi-390w-drill-press-rdp102l_p397232)

It seemed to be better quality than some of the Titan stuff I've seen, although obv it varies from item to item. I liked the front placed switch, too. I liked the motor was lower and more likely genuine wattage than the Titan.

I also managed not to buy it.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 10 May, 2019, 01:11:24 pm
Good plan. I might do that (for the Skills Challenge of course). Getting the right fuse is almost a separate task!

Advice on fuses changed at some point, with 3A or 13A now covering most options[1].

The important thing is to bear in mind that the job of the plug fuse is simply to protect the cable.  The appliance will, if necessary, have its own protection downstream of the cable entry.


[1] The notable exception being the IEC C13 'kettle lead', which probably merits a 10A fuse in accordance with the connector rating.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Beardy on 10 May, 2019, 02:12:21 pm
Good plan. I might do that (for the Skills Challenge of course). Getting the right fuse is almost a separate task!

Advice on fuses changed at some point, with 3A or 13A now covering most options[1].

The important thing is to bear in mind that the job of the plug fuse is simply to protect the cable.  The appliance willshould have, if necessary, have its own protection downstream of the cable entry.


[1] The notable exception being the IEC C13 'kettle lead', which probably merits a 10A fuse in accordance with the connector rating.
corrected that for you.  :)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 10 May, 2019, 02:40:06 pm
<stuff about wiring plugs>

Good plan. I might do that (for the Skills Challenge of course). Getting the right fuse is almost a separate task!

Advice on fuses changed at some point, with 3A or 13A now covering most options[1].

The important thing is to bear in mind that the job of the plug fuse is simply to protect the cable.  The appliance will, if necessary, have its own protection downstream of the cable entry.


[1] The notable exception being the IEC C13 'kettle lead', which probably merits a 10A fuse in accordance with the connector rating.
We combined The Wiring of Plugs* with a Brief Introduction to Ironing. This then morphed into a Short Discussion on Fuses and Fire in The Home when an iron burst into flames.


* This is the cord grip, which in your case you have not got.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 10 May, 2019, 02:48:57 pm
I happened to be in Homebase and saw one of these

https://uk.ryobitools.eu/power-tools/drilling-and-screwdriving/drill-press/rdp102l/rdp102l-1/ which is also in the same price bracket (https://www.homebase.co.uk/ryobi-390w-drill-press-rdp102l_p397232)

It seemed to be better quality than some of the Titan stuff I've seen, although obv it varies from item to item. I liked the front placed switch, too. I liked the motor was lower and more likely genuine wattage than the Titan.

I also managed not to buy it.

I've seen some negative YouTube crits of that Ryobi - an ungreased spindle bearing on one and one of the sockets that take the raising & lowering handles left unthreaded on another. Also a very flimsy pulley cover on top and a hard-to-reach belt tensioning wheel.  Belt tensioning looks very easy on the Titan.

I'll have a gander at the Titan next time I'm in town.  It's hard to find a shop around here that actually has such items in stock, you mostly get "you order it and we'll get it in".
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 May, 2019, 03:29:25 pm
A tip for getting pillar drills back perpendicular to the table if you have tilted it: Bend a 'Z' shape, only with right angledish corners about 2-3" sides, from stiff wire. put one end in the chuck, and adjust table height until the other end touches it. turn chuck by hand and fettle until the 'pointer' end just touches the table 360deg.  ;)

Told yiz all the Universe would fall apart without wire coathangers.

Didn't one of the Brontesaurus sisters write a book called Coathanger Abbey?

No, Coathanger Abbey was by Jane Austin-Westminster.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 10 May, 2019, 08:45:47 pm
They cannot fit a plug.
I think I commented on this to a thread involving Kim before. As physics students around 1980, we got a lecture on wiring plugs, because so many post-graduates were electrocuting themselves.
My father taught me how to wire a plug, probably around the time I was ~ 10 years old, and wires were red black and green. He was in the employ of Hoover at that time.
What he didn't teach me and, to be fair, I only discovered this very recently, is to be very generous with the length of earth wire which you leave inside the plug.
That way, when things have gone awry, and the flex has been ripped away from the plug, the last remaining connection is the earth. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 12 May, 2019, 10:38:14 am
I'm not sure why being able to wire a plug is having knowledge about electrics.

Wiring a plug is just cutting and stripping wires and doing up a few screws! Anyone can do that just by following a diagram and instructions.

Quote
My boss's daughter has moved into new premises with her boyfriend recently.
He has helped them move.
His words:
They cannot fit a plug.

It's endemic.
How did that happen?

 If somebody doesn't know how to do it, it's probably they've never seen it done (and never had the need to wire a plug, as mentioned), it doesn't mean they don't have the ability to do it once they know how.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 12 May, 2019, 05:35:08 pm
What he didn't teach me and, to be fair, I only discovered this very recently, is to be very generous with the length of earth wire which you leave inside the plug.
That way, when things have gone awry, and the flex has been ripped away from the plug, the last remaining connection is the earth. :thumbsup:

This is one of the many safety features of BS1363.  If you strip the wires to the correct length (usually specified on the little bit of cardboard that comes with new plugs) for the channel inside the plug, the earth always gets yanked out last.

I remember my parents having some (presumably non-compliant) plugs where the terminals were all in a neat horizontal row.  Much easier to strip the wires to the right length, and at the time I wondered why all plugs weren't made that way.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: CommuteTooFar on 13 May, 2019, 03:18:00 pm
Today I unpacked my Evolution Rage Table Saw.  Fiddly slightly awkward process, I dropped two bolts into the machine. Found one when i turned it over. Not sure where the other has gone.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 13 May, 2019, 04:04:40 pm
Health to use it, as me Da would always say.  Wish I still had my old Lurem table saw combo. You'd have a time turning it upside down, it weighed 300 kilos.

Anyway, I'm about to go and unpack the Titan drill press I just splurged on. It seemed to come out of the YT reviews OK.

Missus did the dirty on me just as I was turning into the Brico Depôt car park: "I could use a new pair of running shoes..."  :-\  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 13 May, 2019, 04:13:01 pm
Today I unpacked my Evolution Rage Table Saw.  Fiddly slightly awkward process, I dropped two bolts into the machine. Found one when i turned it over. Not sure where the other has gone.

It's hiding inside the venturi tube.

This piece of wisdom is a hangover from many years ago when I was putting a head back together and bolted the air intakes to the horizontal twin Webber DCOE probably that bit too late at night and, after probably half hour of searching, decided it must have fallen on the floor. As has been by now established, it hadn't and got sucked in a mile or so down the road :(

Even if the saw doesn't have a venturi tube, it will have something functionally similar.

In other news I dug up my Wolfcraft saw/router table over the weekend, it's a bench that allows you to convert a skill saw into a table saw, router into table router. While not perfect it does a job and has - thus far - prevented a splurge on something I have no room for.

ETA something like this (http://www.wolfcraft.com/en/products/p/machine_tables-2/machine_tables_master_cut_1500/s/p/index.html). only mine has a router hole and mount in it, too.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 13 May, 2019, 06:16:35 pm
Today I unpacked my Evolution Rage Table Saw.  Fiddly slightly awkward process, I dropped two bolts into the machine. Found one when i turned it over. Not sure where the other has gone.
In other news I dug up my Wolfcraft saw/router table over the weekend, it's a bench that allows you to convert a skill saw into a table saw, router into table router. While not perfect it does a job and has - thus far - prevented a splurge on something I have no room for.

ETA something like this (http://www.wolfcraft.com/en/products/p/machine_tables-2/machine_tables_master_cut_1500/s/p/index.html). only mine has a router hole and mount in it, too.
Drool...……………..
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 13 May, 2019, 06:35:17 pm
In other news I dug up my Wolfcraft saw/router table over the weekend, it's a bench that allows you to convert a skill saw into a table saw, router into table router. While not perfect it does a job and has - thus far - prevented a splurge on something I have no room for.

ETA something like this (http://www.wolfcraft.com/en/products/p/machine_tables-2/machine_tables_master_cut_1500/s/p/index.html). only mine has a router hole and mount in it, too.

I picked up quite a nice Skil circular saw for £10 at a car boot sale the other week with the idea of doing a DIY version of that. Loads of plans and ideas for doing this on Youtube, some very involved that seem to require you already having a table saw to make them which kind of defeats the object ....
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 13 May, 2019, 08:25:04 pm
Well, when I bought it, it was sub-£100 (£70 comes to mind?) and it is now £140 (https://www.screwfix.com/p/wolfcraft-master-cut-1500-multifunction-workbench/9647p) - according to the blurb it is compatible with routers, although I can't see the cutouts I have (circle centre with four radial tracks to secure the device) if it does still work for that, it is really worth having.

I got mine to replicate some victorian mouldings, so it paid for itself. It isn't perfect, but it is bloody good, and with the addition of a clamp behind the guides (to avoid any play) it can be a precision bit of kit, and it folds down. One of the nicest aspects is the PROPER on/off control you get with it.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Wobbly John on 13 May, 2019, 09:02:14 pm
They cannot fit a plug.
I think I commented on this to a thread involving Kim before. As physics students around 1980, we got a lecture on wiring plugs, because so many post-graduates were electrocuting themselves.

Dear oh lor. I think we got that lesson at school when I was 9.
We teach it at Scouts from time to time. I learnt it from my Ladybird Book of Electricity. Or if I didn't, I certainly used said tome to advise my Mum which size fuse was needed in the washing machine.

Plug fitting is still taught on most Science sylabusses. CLEAPSS - the school science safety advisors, say that you should bend the earth pin so that it cannot be plugged in, if students are wiring plugs.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 13 May, 2019, 09:09:22 pm
Nobody does that in Aussie schools. So they take time away from scholastic subjects to teach this sort of thing here? Whatever floats your boat.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Wobbly John on 13 May, 2019, 09:15:12 pm
Well, when I bought it, it was sub-£100 (£70 comes to mind?) and it is now £140 (https://www.screwfix.com/p/wolfcraft-master-cut-1500-multifunction-workbench/9647p) - according to the blurb it is compatible with routers, although I can't see the cutouts I have (circle centre with four radial tracks to secure the device) if it does still work for that, it is really worth having.

I got mine to replicate some victorian mouldings, so it paid for itself. It isn't perfect, but it is bloody good, and with the addition of a clamp behind the guides (to avoid any play) it can be a precision bit of kit, and it folds down. One of the nicest aspects is the PROPER on/off control you get with it.

I have 2 circular saw tables in my garage - I bought one for £30 then I managed to obtain a better one that was destined for a skip (for free). My table router was £32 and before I had them, I had a Workmate style table with drop-in circular saw and router plates - I think it cost me £5  :demon:

I splashed out £50 on a unused Makita sliding compound mitre saw  - still boxed and complete with folding table (Closed bid auction and nobody else bid on it  ;)), and also £50 on my Drummond metal lathe, which is over 100 years old!  :o
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Wobbly John on 13 May, 2019, 09:19:20 pm
Nobody does that in Aussie schools. So they take time away from scholastic subjects to teach this sort of thing here? Whatever floats your boat.

Isn't there legal impications about fitting your own plugs in Aus?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 13 May, 2019, 09:31:01 pm
Indeed, Aussies are much less tolerant than Brits regarding dodgy DIY of stuff that can kill the next (unsuspecting) owner.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 13 May, 2019, 09:59:59 pm
Indeed, Aussies are much less tolerant than Brits regarding dodgy DIY of stuff that can kill the next (unsuspecting) owner.
Sockets in bathrooms are what made me twitch when I was in Sydney.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 13 May, 2019, 10:06:41 pm
They are installed properly and earth leakage devices have been mandatory since 1991. It seemed really odd to me that Brits didn't insist on reliable wiring and that charging of toothbrushes and shavers has to be done outside the bathroom.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 13 May, 2019, 10:22:21 pm
Plug fitting is still taught on most Science sylabusses. CLEAPSS - the school science safety advisors, say that you should bend the earth pin so that it cannot be plugged in, if students are wiring plugs.

I remember a set of those lurking in the physics prep room when I was doing my A-levels.  The dangling end of the cable was properly insulated, too.  Seemed like overkill compared to just turning the power off in the classroom, as they did when I was taught, but never underestimate the power of year 9s armed with stupidity.

My main memory of the domestic electricity part of the syllabus was the teacher (who was, admittedly, a bit rubbish) failing to come up with a convincing reason for ring mains.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 13 May, 2019, 10:23:41 pm
They are installed properly and earth leakage devices have been mandatory since 1991. It seemed really odd to me that Brits didn't insist on reliable wiring and that charging of toothbrushes and shavers has to be done outside the bathroom.
Toothbrush charging and shavers can be done in the bathroom in the UK, as it uses special magica built in isolation transformer. 
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: bludger on 13 May, 2019, 10:26:05 pm
Nobody does that in Aussie schools. So they take time away from scholastic subjects to teach this sort of thing here? Whatever floats your boat.

It's more that you learn to apply scholastic knowledge via practical implementation. When I work with older people they can often give me very thorough breakdowns of how car petrol engines work, as that is the case study used in their maths and science lessons, for example.

I can't remember if I was taught wiring plugs in DT - in any case my dad taught me how with cheapo electronics brought back from the middle east 💁‍♂️
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 13 May, 2019, 10:28:30 pm
They are installed properly and earth leakage devices have been mandatory since 1991. It seemed really odd to me that Brits didn't insist on reliable wiring and that charging of toothbrushes and shavers has to be done outside the bathroom.

We're allowed sockets outside the Safe Area (some official definition of what you're likely to reach with a limb immersed in a bath or sink, I think), though many British bathrooms are small enough that the whole room counts.

We're also allowed low-current sockets fed through an isolating transformer within the safe area:  The two pin ones that tend to have "Shavers only" written on them in large friendly letters.

I'm not sure if an appropriately IP-rated socket (I'm thinking Ceeform, or one of those outdoor sockets that enclose the plug) would be permitted if you wanted to install a washing machine or something, but it would seem like a perfectly reasonable thing to do.


It's ridiculous when you look at what's normal and ordinary in kitchens.  Put it out of splash range and require an RCD, sorted.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Wobbly John on 13 May, 2019, 10:49:10 pm
Plug fitting is still taught on most Science sylabusses. CLEAPSS - the school science safety advisors, say that you should bend the earth pin so that it cannot be plugged in, if students are wiring plugs.

I remember a set of those lurking in the physics prep room when I was doing my A-levels.  The dangling end of the cable was properly insulated, too.  Seemed like overkill compared to just turning the power off in the classroom, as they did when I was taught, but never underestimate the power of year 9s armed with stupidity.

My main memory of the domestic electricity part of the syllabus was the teacher (who was, admittedly, a bit rubbish) failing to come up with a convincing reason for ring mains.

Actually, the recomendation is to bend the earth pin (I drilled and pop riveted ours) AND turn the power off...  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 13 May, 2019, 11:40:47 pm
So, can you use a decent hairdryer in a small British bathroom?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 13 May, 2019, 11:50:37 pm
So, can you use a decent hairdryer in a small British bathroom?

Only a permanently installed one, I think.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Beardy on 14 May, 2019, 08:29:13 am
Plug fitting is still taught on most Science sylabusses. CLEAPSS - the school science safety advisors, say that you should bend the earth pin so that it cannot be plugged in, if students are wiring plugs.

I remember a set of those lurking in the physics prep room when I was doing my A-levels.  The dangling end of the cable was properly insulated, too.  Seemed like overkill compared to just turning the power off in the classroom, as they did when I was taught, but never underestimate the power of year 9s armed with stupidity.

My main memory of the domestic electricity part of the syllabus was the teacher (who was, admittedly, a bit rubbish) failing to come up with a convincing reason for ring mains.
To be fair to him, I don’t believe their is a convincing reason for ring mains.

ETA . Apologies for that, I’ve made an assumption that it was a male teacher.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 14 May, 2019, 10:00:12 am
Nobody does [wiring plugs] in Aussie schools. So they take time away from scholastic subjects to teach this sort of thing here? Whatever floats your boat.

When we did it at school I was startled to be learning about something that actually applied to real life. It felt weird.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 14 May, 2019, 10:05:03 am
Returning to earth after purchasing the Titan drill press, I have realized that I'm going to have to remodel a significant chunk of my workshop to accommodate it, or grow 20cm and another elbow joint to shift the belts on the pulleys.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 May, 2019, 10:27:18 am
In the UK you can buy an electric toothbrush which you're expected to charge from a shaver socket but the toothbrush plug is actually a schuko (or something of that ilk) which only fits with a bit of shoving and even then not completely.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 14 May, 2019, 11:30:53 am
Returning to earth after purchasing the Titan drill press, I have realized that I'm going to have to remodel a significant chunk of my workshop to accommodate it, or grow 20cm and another elbow joint to shift the belts on the pulleys.

May I suggest folding steps ?

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71gr7hebs1L._SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 14 May, 2019, 11:47:39 am
In the UK you can buy an electric toothbrush which you're expected to charge from a shaver socket but the toothbrush plug is actually a schuko (or something of that ilk) which only fits with a bit of shoving and even then not completely.

One of our bathrooms has an electric towel rail (about 60 watts) that's wired to a fused spur box - I chopped the plug off the toothbrush base and just wired it into the same spur box.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 14 May, 2019, 11:52:08 am
Returning to earth after purchasing the Titan drill press, I have realized that I'm going to have to remodel a significant chunk of my workshop to accommodate it, or grow 20cm and another elbow joint to shift the belts on the pulleys.

May I suggest folding steps ?

I have hop-ups & such, but I need to get round the side of the thing too.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 14 May, 2019, 12:22:35 pm
Plug fitting is still taught on most Science sylabusses. CLEAPSS - the school science safety advisors, say that you should bend the earth pin so that it cannot be plugged in, if students are wiring plugs.

I remember a set of those lurking in the physics prep room when I was doing my A-levels.  The dangling end of the cable was properly insulated, too.  Seemed like overkill compared to just turning the power off in the classroom, as they did when I was taught, but never underestimate the power of year 9s armed with stupidity.

My main memory of the domestic electricity part of the syllabus was the teacher (who was, admittedly, a bit rubbish) failing to come up with a convincing reason for ring mains.
To be fair to him, I don’t believe their is a convincing reason for ring mains.

ETA . Apologies for that, I’ve made an assumption that it was a male teacher.

Well yes.  The traditional excuse is that they reduce the amount of copper needed, which was important when these things were standardised after the war.  I suspect the reason we haven't moved over to 16A radials is that troubleshooting and testing the things keeps electricians in business.

And yes, the teacher in question was indeed female.  That's not why she was a bit rubbish.  (That was because she was a) a chemist being made to teach physics  and  b) straight out of teacher-training camp, and not yet wise in the ways of class control.)  I had an inspirationally brilliant female physics/electronics teacher in subsequent years.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 May, 2019, 01:23:14 pm
Plug fitting is still taught on most Science sylabusses. CLEAPSS - the school science safety advisors, say that you should bend the earth pin so that it cannot be plugged in, if students are wiring plugs.

I remember a set of those lurking in the physics prep room when I was doing my A-levels.  The dangling end of the cable was properly insulated, too.  Seemed like overkill compared to just turning the power off in the classroom, as they did when I was taught, but never underestimate the power of year 9s armed with stupidity.

My main memory of the domestic electricity part of the syllabus was the teacher (who was, admittedly, a bit rubbish) failing to come up with a convincing reason for ring mains.
To be fair to him, I don’t believe their is a convincing reason for ring mains.

ETA . Apologies for that, I’ve made an assumption that it was a male teacher.

Well yes.  The traditional excuse is that they reduce the amount of copper needed, which was important when these things were standardised after the war.  I suspect the reason we haven't moved over to 16A radials is that troubleshooting and testing the things keeps electricians in business.

And yes, the teacher in question was indeed female.  That's not why she was a bit rubbish.  (That was because she was a) a chemist being made to teach physics  and  b) straight out of teacher-training camp, and not yet wise in the ways of class control.)  I had an inspirationally brilliant female physics/electronics teacher in subsequent years.
[disclaimer: I am a bit rubbish at this elextrickery business]
I thought there was a safety justification, based on trying to restrict the max length of a spur and load on a spur (or radial)?
A radial, by its nature, can carry a higher load. It will also not get extended, unless you have a real bodger taking spurs and loops off the ring.

A radial might get extended, then extended . . .

The solution to that would be to have mandatory max lengths/load combinations; not beyond the bounds of testing equip I would have thought.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 May, 2019, 11:34:49 am
There is a story that the ring main came about as a result of a post-WW2 shortage of copper, but Wikinaccurate claims this is A Myth.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 17 May, 2019, 04:24:13 pm
I am unreasonably pleased because Screwfix have delivered a Makita belt sander and 1/3 sheet sander this afternoon. I have never had a belt sander before, it's a beast! Hopefully the weather stays dry and I can try it out sorting out the garden table that hasn't been refinished for 10 years.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Wobbly John on 17 May, 2019, 09:28:22 pm
I am unreasonably pleased because Screwfix have delivered a Makita belt sander and 1/3 sheet sander this afternoon. I have never had a belt sander before, it's a beast! Hopefully the weather stays dry and I can try it out sorting out the garden table that hasn't been refinished for 10 years.

If you have a pressure washer, start with that.  ;)

Remember to keep the cable well out of the way of belt sanders. I have a old version of the Makita belt sander, which is still compatable with current belts, sole-plate pad etc, but seems to weigh twice as much, and be more powerful (we have a newer one at work, thus the abilty to compare).
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 17 May, 2019, 09:49:35 pm
Thanks. I do have a pressure washer, did the table last spring. The Makita I bought is an M9400 which is from their red DIY range. Never had anything but blue Makita before but this gets good reviews. Opinion seems to be its based on an older blue 9400 but made in China. That isn't necessarily a bad thing since the old ones were apparantly hard to kill, we will see. The 1/3 sheet sander is a blue Makita as there was only £5 difference between that and the red one rather than £200 between the red and blue belt sanders! My last 1/3 sheet sander was some unknown brand I got form B&Q or Homebase 20 years ago and its only just given up the ghost so I hope this one lasts me out :)

Thanks for the warning re teh cable, I managed to cut the hedge trimmer cable twice last year! Good job I always fit RCDs to outside cable :)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 18 May, 2019, 09:38:49 am
I am unreasonably pleased because Screwfix have delivered a Makita belt sander and 1/3 sheet sander this afternoon. I have never had a belt sander before, it's a beast! Hopefully the weather stays dry and I can try it out sorting out the garden table that hasn't been refinished for 10 years.

Practise on a few bits of scrap first. Newton's 3rd law applies.

https://youtu.be/F9hCPe4KNtg
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 18 May, 2019, 09:58:47 am
I am unreasonably pleased because Screwfix have delivered a Makita belt sander and 1/3 sheet sander this afternoon. I have never had a belt sander before, it's a beast! Hopefully the weather stays dry and I can try it out sorting out the garden table that hasn't been refinished for 10 years.

Practise on a few bits of scrap first. Newton's 3rd law applies.

https://youtu.be/F9hCPe4KNtg
We used to do this with a pair of DeWalts, in the museum workshop where I was once employed.
They have a surprising amount of grunt.
See also: Deploying a compressed airline to spin up the outer race of a bearing, before dropping said bearing onto a concrete floor...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 18 May, 2019, 10:43:00 am
See also: Deploying a compressed airline to spin up the outer race of a bearing, before dropping said bearing onto a concrete floor...

Well now, I've got all of those... the bearings I have are a bit small, though.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 18 May, 2019, 11:21:17 am
See also: Deploying a compressed airline to spin up the outer race of a bearing, before dropping said bearing onto a concrete floor...

Well now, I've got all of those... the bearings I have are a bit small, though.
You need a bearing with an ID of ~ 25mm or more.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 18 May, 2019, 12:47:19 pm
Yeah, all mine are 25mm OD
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 23 May, 2019, 04:48:02 pm
Bosch how I love thee. Delta sander that's at least 10 years old and the pad has de-laminated, glued it back together but I doubt it will hold. Quick Google and a new pad delivered today.
Try that with your B&Q own brand and the like, actually I have with sliding mitre saw that was only three years old, I needed a part and B&Q couldn't even tell me who made the damn thing never mind get a spare.
Bosch even have exploded diagrams on their web site where you can find the exact part number you need.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 25 May, 2019, 04:06:21 pm
Nipped over to the local DIY hole for some work gloves I need and came back with the gloves, a selection of bolts, nuts, washers and wing-nuts, then added one of those el cheapo angle grinders because, as somebody put it, at 12€90 why not plus a bunch of discs and a bill for 57€. Oh, missus went to and got some dog treats. Bloody expensive, dog treats.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 27 May, 2019, 08:27:10 am
Re the el cheapo angle grinder: it works but (a) the return spring in the switch is so strong that it slides the untextured body out of my hand unless I pull back against it with the side handle, (b) it makes a racket to wake the dead and (c) the odour of ozone is impressive.  That may diminish as the brushes wear in.

I reckon this'll mostly serve to push me towards buying a decent one.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 27 May, 2019, 11:52:58 am
Yes similar experience here. I have a big Makita angle grinder and a Powerline or some such cheapo little one. The Powerline is on borrowed time until it gets replaced by a Makita. Small decent angle grinders aren't that expensive. I replaced my old cheap 1/3 sheet sander with a Makita one last week, big improvement especially in noise levels and vibration !
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 27 May, 2019, 12:15:33 pm
Mine was mostly a lock for the stable of a bolted horse: some of the piping we had to get through last Friday were hard to get at with a hacksaw. This one'll do for the next water-heater, in 15 years or so if I'm still around.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hairyhippy on 09 June, 2019, 09:39:42 pm
Yep. I have a tool problem. I have work tools. Upstairs tools. Downstairs tools. Shed 1 tools. Shed 2 tools. Oh and the garage.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 10 June, 2019, 09:01:12 am
Yep. I have a tool problem. I have work tools. Upstairs tools. Downstairs tools. Shed 1 tools. Shed 2 tools. Oh and the garage.

Crikey. I have workshop & house tools and a basic rule that if a workshop tool goes into the house then it goes back to the shop before the day's out.  The converse does not apply.

Meanwhile, anyone here got a plunge/track saw?  They look to be incredibly useful.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 10 June, 2019, 09:34:09 am
A real one or a hankering for one?

With a decent skill saw along with sufficient clamps to create a guide it's hard to justify the cost or storage space. If I was doing it as a day job, it'd be a slam dunk.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: CommuteTooFar on 10 June, 2019, 10:04:36 am
Before buying a track saw its worth having a look at the tracks available.

There are two issues.  Some tracks are usable by other brands of saw. Festool, Makita and I believe Evolution can run on each others tracks.
So with care you can buy cheaper tracks for your saw.

The cheapest saws Aldi/Lidl, Screwfix etc often come with very short tracks. So if your plan is to rip full size sheets you may need to join four sections of track.

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 10 June, 2019, 12:22:13 pm
I just learned that parallel action pliers are a thing and bought some because they look like they'll come in useful.

Wishing this had happened before I upgraded the potentiometers on my bench power supply (which involved a great deal of failing to hold M3 nuts and pinching my skin with with long-nose pliers while I did up the screw from the other side of the panel), but there you go...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 10 June, 2019, 12:37:30 pm
I just learned that parallel action pliers are a thing and bought some because they look like they'll come in useful.

Wishing this had happened before I upgraded the potentiometers on my bench power supply (which involved a great deal of failing to hold M3 nuts and pinching my skin with with long-nose pliers while I did up the screw from the other side of the panel), but there you go...
Most of them look quite cheap and nasty, but I think you'd be struggling produce something giving you parallel action from a conventional forged tool.

As far as parallel jaws go, this delightful tool  is a V.E.G. (Very expensive godsend)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48036243031_e1789fb4f0_o.png)
I bought from Tourettes Tools in Fulham around 20 years ago.
Smooth jaws (so no marky), parallel action, can be locked off a la Mole Grips.
A delight to use - but I think they were something like 45 squid  :o

Great for universal spannering, with little risk of trashing the fastener.

They're currently my tool-of-choice for crimping cable end crimps.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 10 June, 2019, 12:50:17 pm
They seem to mostly be a jewellery thing, which makes sense.  It's small stuff where they're likely to be more useful anyway.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 10 June, 2019, 01:08:23 pm
A real one or a hankering for one?

With a decent skill saw along with sufficient clamps to create a guide it's hard to justify the cost or storage space. If I was doing it as a day job, it'd be a slam dunk.

Used to do the portable circular saw/clamp/lath bit before I got a decent table saw. Nowadays I just have a small table saw with a crappy fence. Track saw looks more precise.

Before buying a track saw its worth having a look at the tracks available.

There are two issues.  Some tracks are usable by other brands of saw. Festool, Makita and I believe Evolution can run on each others tracks.
So with care you can buy cheaper tracks for your saw.

The cheapest saws Aldi/Lidl, Screwfix etc often come with very short tracks. So if your plan is to rip full size sheets you may need to join four sections of track.



Yeah. I've been following Peter Millard's track-saw videos on YT where he compares various el cheapos with Festool. I don't reckon I'd ever need more than 2x70cm tracks. Aldi/Lidl saws are apparently rebadged Sheppach kit & Scheppach tracks are available separately, which is the other consideration with el cheapos.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 11 June, 2019, 02:32:07 am
Most of them look quite cheap and nasty, but I think you'd be struggling produce something giving you parallel action from a conventional forged tool.

Knipex pliers wrenches come in a variety of sizes and are really high quality. Not cheap though.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/KNIPEX-pliers-wrench-chrome-plated-plastic-coated/dp/B000X4KP1C
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 11 June, 2019, 08:00:55 am
Yup. I have a pair of Knipex C-clip spreaders and they're very nicely made. When El Prez did our water heater last month he had a complete Knipex electrician's tool bag (https://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1373&groupID=2526) - his retirement present.

Facom are pretty good too.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 11 June, 2019, 08:51:16 am
Most of them look quite cheap and nasty, but I think you'd be struggling produce something giving you parallel action from a conventional forged tool.

Knipex pliers wrenches come in a variety of sizes and are really high quality. Not cheap though.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/KNIPEX-pliers-wrench-chrome-plated-plastic-coated/dp/B000X4KP1C

They're 'ver nice.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 11 June, 2019, 01:37:50 pm
I have nothing bad to say about their wire cutters, particularly the Super Knips series.

I should probably get some of their wire strippers, but my preferred technique is to use really cheap ones with the locknut removed, so I can strip different diameters by feel.  Doing it properly would seem like faff.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 11 June, 2019, 02:02:11 pm
I note with some disappointment that Lindstrom no longer produce their pliers / cutters with a box joint - A thing of beauty in itself.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 11 June, 2019, 02:51:39 pm
I have nothing bad to say about their wire cutters, particularly the Super Knips series.

I should probably get some of their wire strippers, but my preferred technique is to use really cheap ones with the locknut removed, so I can strip different diameters by feel.  Doing it properly would seem like faff.

I have one of these things:

(https://assets-alpha.megadepot.com/product/image.640x640/martindale/MAWS001.jpg)

Nice enough to use and not much to get wrong unless you put the wire in the wrong notch.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: bludger on 11 June, 2019, 02:53:49 pm
(https://d1vfu4m1fkicia.cloudfront.net/imgs/products/px/950x600_constWH/TOJOOMT_P1.jpg?v=c)

I don't need it. I don't need it. I don't need it. I don't need it. I don't need it.

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TOJOOMT/jobsworth-outdoor-multi-tool
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 11 June, 2019, 02:57:36 pm
(https://d1vfu4m1fkicia.cloudfront.net/imgs/products/px/950x600_constWH/TOJOOMT_P1.jpg?v=c)

I don't need it. I don't need it. I don't need it. I don't need it. I don't need it.

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TOJOOMT/jobsworth-outdoor-multi-tool
You're right. You don't need it.
The more you make use of the hammer and the axe, the less your wire cutters will cut wire.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 18 June, 2019, 08:14:35 am
I'm currently angling for a nail gun on the strength of needing to panel the hall where the dogs rub against it.  Strategy is (a) get nail gun (b) proclaim current air compressor inadequate (c) get new compressor (d) inflate dogs.

Part (a) duly accomplished: Rapid PB131 and a 7-metre air line.  Impressed: it bangs a 5 cm nail through 4.4 cm of pine as if it were hollow.  Compressor restarts after only 15 shots, though - noisy. Plan (b) duly initiated.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 June, 2019, 01:08:01 pm
Be sure to post pictures if things progress as far as (d).
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 18 June, 2019, 01:32:20 pm
Cervantes would give us to believe that it is easier than writing a book...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 18 June, 2019, 01:49:05 pm
Had a good score at a car boot sale on Sunday. Stanley Yankee spiral screwdriver in really nice condition. These are great tools but the choice of bits is limited and they are never with the screwdriver.
You can buy an adaptor that lets them use modern hex bits but is either cheap Chinesium or expensive and German.  This one came complete with a German adaptor and all the whole thing was only £4 !

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 18 June, 2019, 02:58:58 pm
Those used to be the bee's knees in the Sixties.  I still have mine, and I inherited the Inlaw Paw's, which is enormous.  I never much liked them because you had to press like buggery and if you slipped off the screw the bit cut into the workpiece with your thrust and that of the spring combined.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Little Jim on 18 June, 2019, 03:17:35 pm
I still find mine really useful as a big FO screwdriver to shift recalcitrant screws.  You really can get loads of torque with one and there are not many screws that refuse to budge.  Just don't do it with the spiral extended though.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ElyDave on 18 June, 2019, 03:39:12 pm
(https://d1vfu4m1fkicia.cloudfront.net/imgs/products/px/950x600_constWH/TOJOOMT_P1.jpg?v=c)

I don't need it. I don't need it. I don't need it. I don't need it. I don't need it.

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TOJOOMT/jobsworth-outdoor-multi-tool
You're right. You don't.
The more you make use of the hammer and the axe, the less your wire cutters will cut wire.

That axe is good enough for cheese and that's about all, I wouldn't worry
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 June, 2019, 03:44:55 pm
It does look like the type of gadget that does lots of things not quite well enough. In fact it screams to be made in a camo version.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 19 June, 2019, 10:05:23 am
<snip>

That axe is good enough for cheese and that's about all, I wouldn't worry

I suspect that cheese is what the pivot for the pliers/cutters is fashioned from.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 19 June, 2019, 11:01:40 am
I still find mine really useful as a big FO screwdriver to shift recalcitrant screws.  You really can get loads of torque with one and there are not many screws that refuse to budge.  Just don't do it with the spiral extended though.

Yep - I've got the full-size Yankee and smaller one about 10" long - both still in frequent use although I have some newish battery tools too.  The advent of Pozidriv screws has made a big difference to screwing with the Yankee spiral ... and the smaller one has a couple of bits like an old-style Rawlplug tool (the fluted ones that had a holder that you hit with a hammer) that you can drill into plasterboard/soft material.

Latest purchases are a cheapie table saw from Aldi and a Bosch cordless glue-pen/gun .... and a cordless sabre-saw.

.... and one of these (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41Q60ilfOIL.jpg) is a recent acquisition - pure indulgence but creates a neater crimp than just pliers.   [I believe that you can get a similar tool that stamps initials into the cable end crimp!!]

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 June, 2019, 11:27:37 am
Lt. Col. Larrington (retd.) has a spiral screwkidiser wrought from finest Chinesium which is still functional after 45 of your Earth years.  I hope to inherit it, along with his Rolex.  But the grandfather clock can go for firewood.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 19 June, 2019, 02:48:31 pm
Latest purchases are a cheapie table saw from Aldi and a Bosch cordless glue-pen/gun .... and a cordless sabre-saw.

Rob

MrsT is fond of intoning that cheap stuff is more expensive in the long run, but my credo is that if you buy cheaper stuff you can get more - and you're not so worried about breaking it, come to that.  In any case it's 90% Chinesium these days.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 19 June, 2019, 04:30:34 pm
Latest purchases are a cheapie table saw from Aldi and a Bosch cordless glue-pen/gun .... and a cordless sabre-saw.

Rob

MrsT is fond of intoning that cheap stuff is more expensive in the long run, but my credo is that if you buy cheaper stuff you can get more - and you're not so worried about breaking it, come to that.  In any case it's 90% Chinesium these days.

Although it's Aldi the machine is a rebadged version of the same saw sold by Screwfix at twice the price.   Agree in principle on "cheap is expensive" but my usage is pretty minimal and not mission critical for woodworking stuff ... cycle tools are another matter, virtually all Park Tool in my workshop.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 19 June, 2019, 04:34:42 pm
My take on that is that it's fine to buy cheap if you're not sure it's going to get a lot of use, but to always replace a broken / worn out tool with a good quality one.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 June, 2019, 08:15:22 am
When I recently bought  drill, I deliberately bought the cheapest I could find; £15 from Argos. The only reason I bought it was that I didn't want to have to wait till Thursday evenings when I can use one at Bike Kitchen or borrow friends', with the inevitable carting of stuff to be drilled or drill. I figure if it lasts ten drillings that'll be a several of years for me and if I do find I end up using it regularly, I can buy something from Black & Decker or even Bosch.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: JennyB on 20 June, 2019, 09:13:09 am
When I recently bought  drill, I deliberately bought the cheapest I could find; £15 from Argos. The only reason I bought it was that I didn't want to have to wait till Thursday evenings when I can use one at Bike Kitchen or borrow friends', with the inevitable carting of stuff to be drilled or drill. I figure if it lasts ten drillings that'll be a several of years for me and if I do find I end up using it regularly, I can buy something from Black & Decker or even Bosch.


I read somewhere that the average home DIY drill is used (presumably meaning switched on and under load) for a total of only ten hours.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 20 June, 2019, 11:00:40 am
probably ten minutes, not ten hours!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 20 June, 2019, 12:19:07 pm
About one set of shelves worth, surely?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 20 June, 2019, 01:12:11 pm
Latest purchases are a cheapie table saw from Aldi and a Bosch cordless glue-pen/gun .... and a cordless sabre-saw.

Rob

MrsT is fond of intoning that cheap stuff is more expensive in the long run, but my credo is that if you buy cheaper stuff you can get more - and you're not so worried about breaking it, come to that.  In any case it's 90% Chinesium these days.

Although it's Aldi the machine is a rebadged version of the same saw sold by Screwfix at twice the price.   Agree in principle on "cheap is expensive" but my usage is pretty minimal and not mission critical for woodworking stuff ... cycle tools are another matter, virtually all Park Tool in my workshop.

Rob

Trouble is that given the ebb'n'flood manner in which Aldi/Lidl replenish stock you're only likely to see them once or twice a year. The quality, probably at Screwfix too, is likely to be less than consistent.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 24 June, 2019, 09:20:28 am
Finally got to try the Makita Red belt sander on Saturday. Its a beast! Sanded down the garden table top in about 15 minutes, highly recommended as long as you don't need variable speed. Did the legs and the grooves between the slats with a Lidl sending attachment for an angle grinder. That worked well also but the quality of the hook and loop disk for attaching the pads to wasnt up to much. Plastic and melted when used continuously, mind you at £3.00 for the disk and six sanding disks I cant complain, did the job. 3/4 of a tin of Danish Oil and the table doesn't look 20 years old any-more.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 11 July, 2019, 08:12:07 pm
A pillar drill for my home workshop - from Screwfix's "finest" range - cheap-ish and cheerful but does what I want it to - downside is finding bench-space for it.   Also ordered a couple of sets of blades for my Ryobi jig-saw - in particular the wide-blade ones to cut sheet material more easily.

AND  a big treat at the shop today was to purchase a Shimano press-fit bottom bracket removal tool (we already had a press to put them in) - very satisfying using the BIG Park Tool hammer with it :thumbsup:

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 12 July, 2019, 09:09:13 am
That the big Titan?  Quite pleased with mine. Grumbles: table wobbles a bit from side to side while cranking so you have to line up the work afterwards. A bit of a pain if you have work clamped down and have to drill a hole of varying diameters, e.g. to seat a T-nut in a 10mm hole.  Also, the laser is nice but would be nicer if the beams intersected at a less acute angle.

OTOH watching the beast chew 34mm holes as if the workpiece were blancmange is rather impressive. With this fleamarket article at that:

(https://pbase.com/image/169484887.jpg)

That's not the workpiece, BTW, it's sacrificial scrap.

I want to get a proper adjustable fly cutter but all the translations into French I can find refer to insects and sadism*.

Meanwhile, I toddled into the local Leroy Merlin (motto: We have everything you don't need) with MrsT yesterday to get a set of router bits, so of course had a gander at battery-operated circular saws and a serious look at mitre saws, since mine dates from the era when Real Men® didn't extract dust, and anyway the angle stops are inaccurate and there's no way to adjust them.  Lingered long over a nice Redstone then of course came out with just a set of router bits.

I'm going to have to actually produce something one of these days.

*ETA: Hah!  I just did a search on "fly cutter" instead of "... in French" and got trépan.  Shades of Maturin's brain surgery.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 12 July, 2019, 10:18:55 am
That the big Titan?  Quite pleased with mine. Grumbles: table wobbles a bit from side to side while cranking so you have to line up the work afterwards. A bit of a pain if you have work clamped down and have to drill a hole of varying diameters, e.g. to seat a T-nut in a 10mm hole.  Also, the laser is nice but would be nicer if the beams intersected at a less acute angle.

OTOH watching the beast chew 34mm holes as if the workpiece were blancmange is rather impressive. With this fleamarket article at that:

(https://pbase.com/image/169484887.jpg)

That's not the workpiece, BTW, it's sacrificial scrap.
 >> SNIP

Meanwhile, I toddled into the local Leroy Merlin (motto: We have everything you don't need) with MrsT yesterday to get a set of router bits, so of course had a gander at battery-operated circular saws and a serious look at mitre saws, since mine dates from the era when Real Men® didn't extract dust, and anyway the angle stops are inaccurate and there's no way to adjust them.  Lingered long over a nice Redstone then of course came out with just a set of router bits.

I'm going to have to actually produce something one of these days.

*ETA: Hah!  I just did a search on "fly cutter" instead of "... in French" and got trépan.  Shades of Maturin's brain surgery.

Ah - Leroy Merlin .... paradise in France .... makes UK outfits look amateur.  It's the go-to every time I'm in France ..... and it's owned by the same people as Decathlon (and Auchan) which if you ignore most of the cycle stuff has some great clothing and shoes.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 12 July, 2019, 10:51:55 am
Oh, they're definitely not amateur.  They've whittled their wood stock (sorry) down to fast-moving items only, plus 47 kinds of composite.  Even their battens are made up of 30cm chunks (of scrap, most likely) glued end to end - just the thing for a handyman who'll be painting it anyway and doesn't care.

Our local LM took over from a German chain called Obi, who in turn took over from a locally-owned business called Bricker. Back when Bricker had it they had a great stock of wood that you could pick through: I panelled a chunk of our lounge & built a 7-meter bookcase just with wood from their stock, ditto half-a-dozen other bits of furniture. This is a timber-growing region, after all, and we have everything from oak to epicea, but if you want a planed oak board from LM you'll order two weeks ahead and take what you get: no checking for shakes or warp, or picking out the best figure.

When I go there now I come out wishing there was somewhere adequate to shop.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 12 July, 2019, 09:26:17 pm
.... I'm thinking about buying an £80 Aldi Bandsaw . . .

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 13 July, 2019, 07:52:38 am
It'll probably be better than the Metabo I bought two years back.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hairyhippy on 22 July, 2019, 10:07:30 pm
Time to own up. In a moment of madness last year I bought the Festool track saw. It has transformed my life. I love it. So many projects. So much fun. Can't recommend track saws highly enough.

In conjunction with a Paulk style workbench (mine is smaller to fit in  single garage) that I built I am now a very happy wannabe chippy.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 23 July, 2019, 10:13:05 am
Succumbed to an Aldi bench combination belt/disc sander machine ..... running out of bench space!

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 23 July, 2019, 03:43:49 pm
Dusty efforts.  My Scheppach one has an excuse for a dust extraction port that I hooked up religiously to the vacuum when I first had it, but the dust went everywhere notwithstanding.  Nowadays I don't bother.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 04 November, 2019, 09:03:27 pm
Yankee screwdrivers - why the hell did these fall out of fashion !

I have picked up a couple of small ones at carboots over the last couple of years but never really used one in anger. This summer I picked up a big one with a hex but adaptor for a couple of quid.
I cleaned and lubed it and left it on the workbench.

I was putting up a hammer rack (that's another story I have far too many hammers) and the electric screwdriver had a flat battery so I tried the big Yankee, oh wow what a revelation !
So much torque and controllable torque at that, you can feel it and the screw never cams out. Much much better than an electric driver plus its long and narrow so gets into places that you can't get an electric screwdriver. Since then I have used it on a couple of other projects and now its my go to tool for screwing thing into rawlpugs in walls or into wood.

I would still use an electric screwdriver for non torque applications like computer cases where there are loads of machine screws that need removing or screwing in, much faster but for screwing stuff in against resistance Yankee screwdrivers are the dog danglees..
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 November, 2019, 09:41:18 pm
Is that like a Birmingham screwdriver? (Having googled, I know what it is and have even used one, but had never heard the name.)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 04 November, 2019, 10:03:55 pm
Yankee screwdrivers - why the hell did these fall out of fashion !

I have picked up a couple of small ones at carboots over the last couple of years but never really used one in anger. This summer I picked up a big one with a hex but adaptor for a couple of quid.
I cleaned and lubed it and left it on the workbench.

I was putting up a hammer rack (that's another story I have far too many hammers) and the electric screwdriver had a flat battery so I tried the big Yankee, oh wow what a revelation !
So much torque and controllable torque at that, you can feel it and the screw never cams out. Much much better than an electric driver plus its long and narrow so gets into places that you can't get an electric screwdriver. Since then I have used it on a couple of other projects and now its my go to tool for screwing thing into rawlpugs in walls or into wood.

I would still use an electric screwdriver for non torque applications like computer cases where there are loads of machine screws that need removing or screwing in, much faster but for screwing stuff in against resistance Yankee screwdrivers are the dog danglees..

I assume you are talking of the Yankee pump driver

You might think so, but in my dim, distant and speckled past I used to be paid to screw things up (as opposed to it just being a by-product of my employment). In this case, it was curtain fitting (includes rails and blinds) and I can tell you that the Yankee Pump, whilst being a thing of wonder and beauty is not suited for repetitive fixing requiring high torque. It is also precarious using to face fix on the top of a ladder, somewhat better at top fix for obvious reasons. Instead the tool of choice at the time was the Yankee red handled stanley ratchet driver, which I still have (a quick eBay turns up these (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-Ratchett-Screwdrivers-2-Stanley-Yankee-And-2-Guys/274080539418))

As far as I know the pump action were preferred by cabinet makers/shopfitters.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 04 November, 2019, 10:05:45 pm
They are brilliant.  My FiL gave me my one as a Christmas present 38 years ago and I still have it and use it regularly

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 04 November, 2019, 10:07:05 pm
Oh, I assumed that this meant a Stanley ratchet screwdriver, which is what I have.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 04 November, 2019, 10:30:35 pm
They are both Yankee ratchet drivers, one is a pump action which is what pcolbeck was describing. As I recall the pump could be locked in and function as a "normal ratchet" but (a) the ratchet wasn't as good (b) if it came loose (which it did more often as it wore) it would make REELY NARSTY indiscriminate mess of anything, surfaces, objects, flesh.

Possibly where the expression "you'll have someone's eye out with that" originated.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 05 November, 2019, 07:53:33 am
When my father died I raided his tool collection for the tools that I wanted.  He had a couple of Yankee screwdrivers.  I have his spanners (the Whitworth ones are particularly useful for that "what is that size" moment when spannering on my classic Triumph motorcycles) and some small socket sets, a portable vice and some lovely Stanley planes.  The Yankees I passed on.  IIRC they were particularly adept at mangling any fine surface when the bloody things slipped.

I will confess to being a Tool Junkie, but even I have to draw the line somewhere.

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 05 November, 2019, 08:16:07 am
The Yankees I passed on.  IIRC they were particularly adept at mangling any fine surface when the bloody things slipped.

I will confess to being a Tool Junkie, but even I have to draw the line somewhere.

This.  I have a couple of the things but I stopped using them years decades ago.  Just for fun (fun???) I cleaned & lubed one a few months back, tried it, cried "bloody horrible" and put it back on the rack.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Gattopardo on 05 November, 2019, 05:39:02 pm
Machine Mart is now selling JIS screwdrivers https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/6-piece-jis-screwdriver-set/ there are also the more expensive laser ones too.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Wombat on 05 November, 2019, 07:15:24 pm
Machine Mart is now selling JIS screwdrivers https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/6-piece-jis-screwdriver-set/ there are also the more expensive laser ones too.

Ooh, thank you for telling me that!  Why are JIS drivers so hard to get, but essential for all owners of aged Japanese motorcycles, etc.?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: TheLurker on 05 November, 2019, 08:46:19 pm
Yankee (pump action) screwdrivers?  No thank you very much.  Dreadful bloody things.  I've got two festering somewhere in the garage and they can rust in pieces.

Tool pron : http://www.squirestools.com/tools-and-materials.htm

Wonderful.  No pissing about with flash, fancy CSS, JavaScript or any of that crap.  Here, have a PDF copy of the relevant section of our catalogue for you to browse at your leisure and even print off so that you may leave it lying around suitably annotated with strong hints as to what would constitute acceptable gifts.  I know what I'm going to be asking Father Christmas' for this year.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 07 November, 2019, 05:43:52 pm
I had a  a Yankee pump-action screwdriver.
I'm not sure what happened to it - ie: it's lost.
I cannot say that I am saddened by this.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 08 November, 2019, 08:50:46 am
I'm just remembering the moment when the wife of a visiting chum came into my workshop, looked at my array of chisels and exclaimed "gosh, what a lot of screwdrivers!"
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 08 November, 2019, 12:37:00 pm
I'm just remembering the moment when the wife of a visiting chum came into my workshop, looked at my array of chisels and exclaimed "gosh, what a lot of screwdrivers!"

Better than the other way round  :hand:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 08 November, 2019, 01:38:30 pm
Oh, I dunno - using a screwdriver as a chisel won't get you far but driving screws with a chisel will bugger the edge. Regrinding is a bore unless you've got a Tormek or similar. I haven't.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 November, 2019, 05:15:01 pm
Opening paint tins with a chisel is certainly grounds for divorce.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: spesh on 08 November, 2019, 05:17:08 pm
Opening paint tins with a chisel is certainly grounds for divorce being killed utterly to DETH and buried under a suspiciously new patio.

Gratis.   ;)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 08 November, 2019, 05:52:18 pm
What he said ^
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: spesh on 08 November, 2019, 05:55:05 pm
Further to the above, the same should also apply for cow-okers who "borrow" Lindstrom cutters in order to attend to their manicure.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 08 November, 2019, 08:43:21 pm
Seeing the mention of "spiral ratchet" screwdrivers - as in Yankee or Stanley - they are simply brilliant - I have 2 .... small one from about 1969 and the big one I bought when I did a massive house renovation in about 1983.  Looking after them, oiling the spiral etc and they go on for ever.

I have to confess that the old slotted head screws weren't ideal for it but the advent of Pozidriv (and whatever they call cross-head screws nowadays) and the screwdrivers come into their own (although I do have a couple of battery drill/drivers)

..... I'm still hankering after a bandsaw and am considering a seasonal request letter for late December.

Rob

PS: Not exactly tools but I'm acquring some PVC interlocking heavy duty "checkerplate" tiles for my newly expanded workshop.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 09 November, 2019, 09:50:08 am
Opening paint tins with a chisel is certainly grounds for divorce.

Sorting through the Inlaw Paw's stuff after he died I discovered a very nice Marples chisel encrusted with paint.  It gets quite a lot of use these days.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 09 November, 2019, 10:13:31 am
..... I'm still hankering after a bandsaw and am considering a seasonal request letter for late December.

Sore point with me, that.   I only needed a small one, so I bought an 8"-throat Metabo BAS 261 in 2017 and a worse POS for the money I've yet to see - bad design and sloppy assembly.  I had to invalidate the guarantee half a dozen different ways to make it usable.  I get the impression that if you're going to pay less than 800€-1200€ you might as well go to Aldi.  Unfortunately, most low-end machines use the same style of upper blade guide arm, which is specially designed to stop you seeing the blade with both eyes at once. Oh, and if you use the built-in LED illumination on the Metabo it casts a deep shadow right where you don't need it.

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 09 November, 2019, 10:44:47 am
Crappy blunt and abused chisels made from soft steel (or tempered to be soft) make excellent paint tin openers!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 09 November, 2019, 01:50:40 pm
I don't believe in opening paint tins.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: orienteer on 09 November, 2019, 02:10:05 pm
I still have, and often use, a wooden-handled ratchet screwdriver I bought in Woolworths over 40 years ago.

I also have a T-handle ratchet screwdriver with 6 interchangeable bits, made in China, bought in a Japanese 100-yen (=70p) shop about 15 years ago. I keep this in the house rather than the garage for minor domestic maintenance jobs, along with an Aldi cordless driver/drill combo bought about 2 years ago for £29.99.

Oh, another old tool is a double-sided Japanese saw (fine and coarse toothed) bought in a Daimaru department store 45 years ago. These saws cut on the pull rather than push stroke, so the blade is very slim to achieve fine cuts.

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: CarlF on 09 November, 2019, 06:08:34 pm
I have a purpose made paint tin opening tool.

Do I win the tool junkie thread?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 10 November, 2019, 10:54:47 am
Now this man really is a tool junkie..........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guSG03tB2vQ
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 11 November, 2019, 09:39:16 am
Was in Barnetts (A brilliant and huge traditional DIY / lighting and cookware shop in York) on Friday and they had a nice Bahco box of screwdriver bits on special offer. Full set of PZ, PH slotted and Torx. So I bought it. I already have Wera and Weha sets of the more common ones so this will fill in the weird used only once in blue moon sizes. Now I can throw away the quality street tin of rubbish bits I have collected over the years.
I also bought a set of Wiha SoftFinish screwdrivers for normal clean jobs to go with the Were Chiseldrivers I already have for more heavy duty jobs in the garage (these are brilliant by the way they have striking caps and hex shoulders shanks if you need some serious leverage)
This is part of the plane to replace the loads of cheap tools I have acquired over the years with a smaller number of better quality ones.
Next weekend I will be going through my toolboxes and dumping all the crap screwdrivers.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Torslanda on 07 December, 2019, 10:11:55 pm
By the by I need some new pliers for shop use. I have some Park long nose but after 7 years of constant daily use they're getting a bit tired.

Looking for a set, long nose, combi, side cutters.

Bahco? Knippex? Or something else...?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Zipperhead on 08 December, 2019, 01:43:47 am
Bahco? Knippex? Or something else...?

*cough* (https://www.lindstromtools.com/pdf.php)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jaded on 08 December, 2019, 09:24:29 am
Is that like a Birmingham screwdriver? (Having googled, I know what it is and have even used one, but had never heard the name.)

This is a Birmingham screwdriver
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: bobb on 08 December, 2019, 10:07:17 am
..... I'm still hankering after a bandsaw and am considering a seasonal request letter for late December.

Sore point with me, that.   I only needed a small one, so I bought an 8"-throat Metabo BAS 261 in 2017 and a worse POS for the money I've yet to see - bad design and sloppy assembly.  I had to invalidate the guarantee half a dozen different ways to make it usable.  I get the impression that if you're going to pay less than 800€-1200€ you might as well go to Aldi.  Unfortunately, most low-end machines use the same style of upper blade guide arm, which is specially designed to stop you seeing the blade with both eyes at once. Oh, and if you use the built-in LED illumination on the Metabo it casts a deep shadow right where you don't need it.


I was seriously considering the 10" one Aldi have been offering recently (https://www.aldi.co.uk/ferrex-10-inch-bandsaw/p/019596291909000) for £150. Although there are a lot of good reviews around, there were just too many "had to send it back twice" or "had to modify it" reviews to make me pull the trigger - even at that low price.

It seems at the lower price points - whatever the brand (or indeed whatever it's branded as) you get a lot of people raving about them but at least 25% of reviews are terrible....
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 08 December, 2019, 11:10:14 am
..... I'm still hankering after a bandsaw and am considering a seasonal request letter for late December.

Sore point with me, that.   I only needed a small one, so I bought an 8"-throat Metabo BAS 261 in 2017 and a worse POS for the money I've yet to see - bad design and sloppy assembly.  I had to invalidate the guarantee half a dozen different ways to make it usable.  I get the impression that if you're going to pay less than 800€-1200€ you might as well go to Aldi.  Unfortunately, most low-end machines use the same style of upper blade guide arm, which is specially designed to stop you seeing the blade with both eyes at once. Oh, and if you use the built-in LED illumination on the Metabo it casts a deep shadow right where you don't need it.


I was seriously considering the 10" one Aldi have been offering recently (https://www.aldi.co.uk/ferrex-10-inch-bandsaw/p/019596291909000) for £150. Although there are a lot of good reviews around, there were just too many "had to send it back twice" or "had to modify it" reviews to make me pull the trigger - even at that low price.

It seems at the lower price points - whatever the brand (or indeed whatever it's branded as) you get a lot of people raving about them but at least 25% of reviews are terrible....
You, of all people, should know that cheap tools are generally teh meh. ;)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 08 December, 2019, 11:41:12 am
..... I'm still hankering after a bandsaw and am considering a seasonal request letter for late December.

Sore point with me, that.   I only needed a small one, so I bought an 8"-throat Metabo BAS 261 in 2017 and a worse POS for the money I've yet to see - bad design and sloppy assembly.  I had to invalidate the guarantee half a dozen different ways to make it usable.  I get the impression that if you're going to pay less than 800€-1200€ you might as well go to Aldi.  Unfortunately, most low-end machines use the same style of upper blade guide arm, which is specially designed to stop you seeing the blade with both eyes at once. Oh, and if you use the built-in LED illumination on the Metabo it casts a deep shadow right where you don't need it.


I was seriously considering the 10" one Aldi have been offering recently (https://www.aldi.co.uk/ferrex-10-inch-bandsaw/p/019596291909000) for £150. Although there are a lot of good reviews around, there were just too many "had to send it back twice" or "had to modify it" reviews to make me pull the trigger - even at that low price.

It seems at the lower price points - whatever the brand (or indeed whatever it's branded as) you get a lot of people raving about them but at least 25% of reviews are terrible....

IMHO, you are better off hunting for a better quality used machine on Fleabay or wherever, then doing whatever needs to be done to get it back to near-perfect condition.  That way, and I've done this, you end up with a better quality machine, that you know inside out, and you may well have still paid less overall than on some cheapo bit of re-badged new Chinese tat.  That's not to say that the Chinese cannot make good quality tools, they certainly can, but they make tools to a price point set by the UK importers, and that price point is too low to buy anything even half decent.

And breathe...........
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 08 December, 2019, 12:59:16 pm
Is that like a Birmingham screwdriver? (Having googled, I know what it is and have even used one, but had never heard the name.)

This is a Birmingham screwdriver
(click to show/hide)

Made in Digbeth[1]. (https://twitter.com/fokawolf/status/1201925456062226434)


[1] "It's like Stokes Croft, but industrial"
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 December, 2019, 11:28:20 am
A Stokes Croft screwdriver is probably a can of nitrous!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 09 December, 2019, 09:12:06 pm
Is that like a Birmingham screwdriver? (Having googled, I know what it is and have even used one, but had never heard the name.)

This is a Birmingham screwdriver
(click to show/hide)

Made in Digbeth[1]. (https://twitter.com/fokawolf/status/1201925456062226434)


[1] "It's like Stokes Croft, but industrial"

Huh, the spoiler pic is just the lightweight model

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: spesh on 02 January, 2020, 05:04:43 pm
Woodworking toolbox pr0n: https://mymodernmet.com/studley-tool-chest/ :demon:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: perpetual dan on 03 January, 2020, 07:58:07 pm
I was in Japan House ealier. Amongst other things that looked lovely but were too spendy for me were these (my finger included for scale).
(https://betweenbeyond.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200103_195047.jpg)

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 03 January, 2020, 08:18:36 pm
Further to the above, the same should also apply for cow-okers who "borrow" Lindstrom cutters in order to attend to their manicure.

In the same vein, siblings who want to borrow your nice wee cuticle nippers to cut their inch thick adamantine toenails.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 03 January, 2020, 08:42:17 pm
I acquired one of these today   

https://www.screwfix.com/p/marxman-green-chalk-non-permanent-marker/1977K?tc=YT7&ds_kid=92700022888057570&ds_rl=1241687&ds_rl=1245250&ds_rl=1244066&ds_rl=1249796&ds_rl=1245250&ds_rl=1249484&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyvHa3KTo5gIViLPtCh0Vdgp0EAQYAiABEgJ9B_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds   

- really clever and just a fiver.   

I sent Mrs robgul to collect it and she picked up a Dymo labelmaker in Aldi's Special Buys on the way home - all sorts of stuff now bears labels!

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 03 January, 2020, 08:47:59 pm
I sent Mrs robgul to collect it and she picked up a Dymo labelmaker in Aldi's Special Buys on the way home - all sorts of stuff now bears labels!

I'm a big fan of the Dymo embossed label.  It's like living in an episode of Look Around You, and gives homebrew electronics an authentic Back To The Future aesthetic.  But mine has the fatal flaw of lacking a '-' character.  I think they left it off to make room for umlauts or something.

This is inconvenient when you're, to pick a frustrating example, labelling the voltage outputs on a power supply.  But more importantly, it means you can't label things with "-o-matic" suffixes.  Useless!

(I recently thought I'd broken it, but it was just a bit of off-brand label that had got stuck in the mechanism, easily rectified with tweezers.  Which is a shame in that I don't have an excuse to replace it with a proper label printer, but saves me from researching label printers, which are printers and therefore a work of Stan.)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 04 January, 2020, 10:07:32 am
The original daisy-wheel printer.  I've got a 1980s one somewhere, filched from my final employers when they were going bust.  The adhesive was always a bit hit & miss.  Nothing inspires confidence like labelling half a dozen drawers and finding the labels on the floor next morning.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 04 January, 2020, 10:51:46 am
I sent Mrs robgul to collect it and she picked up a Dymo labelmaker in Aldi's Special Buys on the way home - all sorts of stuff now bears labels!

I'm a big fan of the Dymo embossed label.  It's like living in an episode of Look Around You, and gives homebrew electronics an authentic Back To The Future aesthetic.  But mine has the fatal flaw of lacking a '-' character.  I think they left it off to make room for umlauts or something.

This is inconvenient when you're, to pick a frustrating example, labelling the voltage outputs on a power supply.  But more importantly, it means you can't label things with "-o-matic" suffixes.  Useless!

(I recently thought I'd broken it, but it was just a bit of off-brand label that had got stuck in the mechanism, easily rectified with tweezers.  Which is a shame in that I don't have an excuse to replace it with a proper label printer, but saves me from researching label printers, which are printers and therefore a work of Stan.)

I had an embosing one years ago - this new one is the Letratag that prints (thermal) onto either a paper or plastic strip that's self-adhesive with a kiss-cut on the back to peel easily - and it has language options for special characters as well as a whole host of little emojis and icons.  Such fun

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 17 January, 2020, 02:36:47 pm
Received a nice little Stanley vice from Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/STANLEY-MAXSTEEL-Multi-Angle-Vice/dp/B001HBS0I0/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=stanley+vice&qid=1579271642&sr=8-1) this morning: clamps onto a tabletop and swivels on a ball & socket. Only problem: nary a trace of grease anywhere, and patches of rust on the ball making it hard to budge.  OK, it should take all of ten minutes to put right, but still... tut.

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 17 January, 2020, 08:16:05 pm
Just bought a brad gun a.k.a. nail/staple gun - fires 2" nails  :thumbsup:   - it's a battery/cordless model so very portable (stuff at the allotment to make from old pallets)  - been on a bit of a beano with tools recently as I also bought a biscuit jointer last week.

AND related to tools I'm off on 3 days of woodworking course next week to brush up some of my power tool skills.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 18 January, 2020, 09:27:46 am
AND related to tools I'm off on 3 days of woodworking course next week to brush up some of my power tool skills.

Fun!  When I was looking for something in the Inlaw Paw's old stuff a few weeks back I found a playing-card box I made for the Inlaw Maw around 1970.  I did most of it with a B&D drill with a circular saw attachment, including cutting rebates into the edge of ¼" stock.  I wouldn't think of attempting that now.  I didn't even have a Workmate then so I had to work on the floor.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 18 January, 2020, 10:04:08 am
AND related to tools I'm off on 3 days of woodworking course next week to brush up some of my power tool skills.

Fun!  When I was looking for something in the Inlaw Paw's old stuff a few weeks back I found a playing-card box I made for the Inlaw Maw around 1970.  I did most of it with a B&D drill with a circular saw attachment, including cutting rebates into the edge of ¼" stock.  I wouldn't think of attempting that now.  I didn't even have a Workmate then so I had to work on the floor.

Ah - the old B&D "attachments" that turned the basic drill into other tools - IIRC I had a circular saw and a hedge trimmer.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 January, 2020, 10:56:22 am
I sent Mrs robgul to collect it and she picked up a Dymo labelmaker in Aldi's Special Buys on the way home - all sorts of stuff now bears labels!

I'm a big fan of the Dymo embossed label.  It's like living in an episode of Look Around You, and gives homebrew electronics an authentic Back To The Future aesthetic.  But mine has the fatal flaw of lacking a '-' character.  I think they left it off to make room for umlauts or something.

This is inconvenient when you're, to pick a frustrating example, labelling the voltage outputs on a power supply.  But more importantly, it means you can't label things with "-o-matic" suffixes.  Useless!

(I recently thought I'd broken it, but it was just a bit of off-brand label that had got stuck in the mechanism, easily rectified with tweezers.  Which is a shame in that I don't have an excuse to replace it with a proper label printer, but saves me from researching label printers, which are printers and therefore a work of Stan.)

I had an embosing one years ago - this new one is the Letratag that prints (thermal) onto either a paper or plastic strip that's self-adhesive with a kiss-cut on the back to peel easily - and it has language options for special characters as well as a whole host of little emojis and icons.  Such fun

Rob
That would get me labelling everything just for the experience, call it an Adam complex, giving names to all the creatures, plants, rocks and stuff.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 18 January, 2020, 01:16:46 pm
I sent Mrs robgul to collect it and she picked up a Dymo labelmaker in Aldi's Special Buys on the way home - all sorts of stuff now bears labels!

I'm a big fan of the Dymo embossed label.  It's like living in an episode of Look Around You, and gives homebrew electronics an authentic Back To The Future aesthetic.  But mine has the fatal flaw of lacking a '-' character.  I think they left it off to make room for umlauts or something.

This is inconvenient when you're, to pick a frustrating example, labelling the voltage outputs on a power supply.  But more importantly, it means you can't label things with "-o-matic" suffixes.  Useless!

(I recently thought I'd broken it, but it was just a bit of off-brand label that had got stuck in the mechanism, easily rectified with tweezers.  Which is a shame in that I don't have an excuse to replace it with a proper label printer, but saves me from researching label printers, which are printers and therefore a work of Stan.)

I had an embosing one years ago - this new one is the Letratag that prints (thermal) onto either a paper or plastic strip that's self-adhesive with a kiss-cut on the back to peel easily - and it has language options for special characters as well as a whole host of little emojis and icons.  Such fun

Rob
That would get me labelling everything just for the experience, call it an Adam complex, giving names to all the creatures, plants, rocks and stuff.

Our 10 year old grandson labelled their label machine as "LABEL MACHINE" - he also made a label with my name on it and stuck it on the back of my phone!

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: spesh on 18 January, 2020, 01:48:42 pm
<snipped for brevity>
Our 10 year old grandson labelled their label machine as "LABEL MACHINE" - he also made a label with my name on it and stuck it on the back of my phone!

You've got a budding ISO 9000 compliance officer* there.  :demon:

https://dilbert.com/strip/1995-11-07


* Or whatever companies call the person whose job it is to make sure that everything is properly labelled, and that no matter how poor, the company procedures are well-documented and used consistently.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 18 January, 2020, 05:10:40 pm
Gah! I'm trapped in the Dilbert continuum.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 18 January, 2020, 09:39:03 pm
Gah! I'm trapped in the Dilbert continuum.

I worked for AT&T (in the UK) back in the early 90s - Scott Adams (creator of Dilbert) was employed by the firm in the US and the whole management structure and nonsense was his inspiration for the cartoon strip.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: drossall on 18 January, 2020, 10:04:00 pm
Ah - the old B&D "attachments" that turned the basic drill into other tools - IIRC I had a circular saw and a hedge trimmer.
I've still got some of those. I've never seen fit to replace the basic, 2-speed B&D corded drill that I bought after we got married, and I started to need to do some jobs around the house. Later, a friend who was upgrading to Bosch gave me some attachments that he could no longer use. To be fair, I've not really needed them either yet, but you never know.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 19 January, 2020, 08:37:16 am
Ah - the old B&D "attachments" that turned the basic drill into other tools - IIRC I had a circular saw and a hedge trimmer.
I've still got some of those. I've never seen fit to replace the basic, 2-speed B&D corded drill that I bought after we got married, and I started to need to do some jobs around the house.


My dad did the same (with a Stanley Bridges - there's a name to remember). To be fair he did eventually get around to doing some of those jobs. By proxy. When I got big enough to use the things.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 19 January, 2020, 08:57:17 am
Too many tools.

The other day I needed to drill a hole through the frame of my front door to pass a mains cable through it.
Somewhere, I knew I had a 250mm x 8mmØ drill bit (which, TBF, at that length, is pretty unusual) still in its red, telescopic RS box.
Could I find it?
No.
Searched the drill box.
Searched the drill drawer.
Searched the auxiliary drill box.
Searched the cutters box.
Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

With heavy heart I took myself off to B&Q knowing, with some certainty, that I'm unlikely to find anything in there longer than the (inadequately short) 150mm bit I already had in my drill box.
Somewhat surprisingly, I found one at 165mm.
While I didn't think this was anywhere near long enough, my inner optimist persuaded me to part with north of £8.00, on the off-chance that it might work.

No sooner than I was back indoors, that I looked in the drawer yclept 'Holes and Taps', and there it was.
Shiny and unused, in its original RS box - all 250mm's worth of 8mmØ HSS bit.  ::-)

And lo!
The front door frame was perforated, and mains cable passed through accordingly \0/

And the 165mm bit was relegated, unused, to the auxiliary drill box.
Until next time, readers.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 19 January, 2020, 09:01:42 am
Ah - the old B&D "attachments" that turned the basic drill into other tools - IIRC I had a circular saw and a hedge trimmer.
I've still got some of those. I've never seen fit to replace the basic, 2-speed B&D corded drill that I bought after we got married, and I started to need to do some jobs around the house.


My dad did the same (with a Stanley Bridges - there's a name to remember). To be fair he did eventually get around to doing some of those jobs. By proxy. When I got big enough to use the things.

I still use my old B&D 1969 2-speed, mostly to spin a polishing buffer made of old jeans.

(https://pbase.com/johnewing/image/168409637.jpg)

I still have the orbital sander, saw and hedge-trimmer attachments.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Rowan on 19 January, 2020, 10:27:59 am
what sort of flap wheel do you have where you can add your own materials ?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 19 January, 2020, 10:36:07 am
One which requires the operator to wear full-face protection......  ;)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 19 January, 2020, 12:30:19 pm
You got that ^^^ right.  It's an 8mm steel rod with half a dozen lengths of dowel that trap offcuts of old jeans. It's held together with zip ties.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: spesh on 19 January, 2020, 12:58:06 pm
Too many tools.

Gonna have to stop you right there. That simply does not compute.   :demon:

<ponders the spare room with its stacks of power tools in their cases, tool boxes, boxes full of tools, boxes of fixings, et cetera>

Nope, still doesn't compute. The excess tools are merely the ones I haven't used yet.   ;)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 19 January, 2020, 01:35:43 pm
Is it possible to have 'too many fixings' ?

And if so, that will necessitate some sort of definition of 'too many'.

Thoughts ?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: spesh on 19 January, 2020, 01:48:14 pm
Again, there's no such thing. ;D

Sod's Law dictates that if you have what you think is a merely "sufficient" stock of screws, nails and fixing plugs, you'll find yourself running out of the particular item/s you need for a DIY project on a Sunday afternoon after the shops have closed.

Well, that's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it... ;)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 19 January, 2020, 01:56:50 pm
Ah - the old B&D "attachments" that turned the basic drill into other tools - IIRC I had a circular saw and a hedge trimmer.
I've still got some of those. I've never seen fit to replace the basic, 2-speed B&D corded drill that I bought after we got married, and I started to need to do some jobs around the house.


My dad did the same (with a Stanley Bridges - there's a name to remember). To be fair he did eventually get around to doing some of those jobs. By proxy. When I got big enough to use the things.

I still use my old B&D 1969 2-speed, mostly to spin a polishing buffer made of old jeans.

(https://pbase.com/johnewing/image/168409637.jpg)

I still have the orbital sander, saw and hedge-trimmer attachments.

... ah, I forgot that item - that was in use until only a couple of years ago when I bought a couple dedicated machines - one for polisher/brass wire brush and the other with two grades of grindstone

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 29 January, 2020, 02:11:43 pm
Just discovered CutList Optimizer https://www.cutlistoptimizer.com/. Anyone else tried it?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Redlight on 29 January, 2020, 04:49:37 pm
A song for this thread:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_ucLvBG0qY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_ucLvBG0qY)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andrewc on 30 January, 2020, 11:10:21 am
I know nothing about machining, but some people on another forum think this chap is something else, so I thought I'd share the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ_1ju9tfh0
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 31 January, 2020, 08:41:33 am
I know nothing about machining, but some people on another forum think this chap is something else, so I thought I'd share the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ_1ju9tfh0
He is mesmerising, but don't ask him to turn you up a 7/8 UNC bolt...........
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 31 January, 2020, 11:42:53 am
I know nothing about machining, but some people on another forum think this chap is something else, so I thought I'd share the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ_1ju9tfh0
He is mesmerising, but don't ask him to turn you up a 7/8 UNC bolt...........
He's got a video somewhere that shows him getting something flat to within half a micron.  That's 500nm. That's the wavelength of visible light.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 31 January, 2020, 11:55:31 am
Just discovered CutList Optimizer https://www.cutlistoptimizer.com/. Anyone else tried it?

Yep - brilliant.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 31 January, 2020, 12:00:20 pm
Just spent a superb 3 days at Axminster Tools on their 2-day router and 1 day band saw courses.   I was stunned that I was able to build a small cabinet with blind dovetails, normal dovetails, slotted shelf and raised panel door - all with a router (and some jigs) - and cutting shapes and stuff with the bandsaw (although the focus of the course was largely on fitting blades and running it safely)

Highly recommended . . . . . don't be sucked into buying more toys like I was  :thumbsup:  (new router, t-track and nifty straight-edge board clamp)

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 31 January, 2020, 01:05:25 pm
MrsT wouldn't let me near a course like that unless I left my credit cards at home.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 31 January, 2020, 04:45:18 pm
MrsT wouldn't let me near a course like that unless I left my credit cards at home.

It was fine - I got 5% discount so that's all good!      Bought a storage case for the router today - Screwfix's finest.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 31 January, 2020, 04:48:06 pm
The first couple of routers I bought I made cases for, but after the first few uses I built a shelf for them instead. Too handy.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 25 February, 2020, 12:49:59 pm
I bought a cheap watch repair toolkit from the Internet. £30 so its all chinesium and isn't going anywhere near my Breitling. However its already paid for itself opening the backs and letting my change the batteries on a variety of Casio and Timex watches I had in the draw of dead watches. I might even watch a few videos and see if I can get a Seiko 5 that's gone very erratic working properly again (usually something to do with the mainspring getting caught up on something apparently).
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 25 February, 2020, 01:24:06 pm
Got one of those too, and a cheap demagnetizer. Haven't used either in anger except to take the back off a Vostok diver's watch, admire all the twiddly bits, then put it back with a fervent uh-uh.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 March, 2020, 01:14:37 pm
Just received these Were allan keys from Amazon:

(https://products.wera.de/images/products/additional-big/950_9_hex-plus_multicolour_1.jpg)

Lovely! Not a sharp edge on any of them. Supposed to be less likely to damage hex bolts than standard ones as well.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 28 March, 2020, 02:17:56 pm
I've so nearly clicked the button on a set of those a few times. But I really don't need any more allen keys.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 March, 2020, 02:32:35 pm
Part of my lockdown therapy is sorting out the garage. I'm winnowing out the crap. Today its alan keys keys, sockets and the Quality Street tin full of assorted screwdriver bits.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 28 March, 2020, 05:36:54 pm
Just received these Were allan keys from Amazon:

(https://products.wera.de/images/products/additional-big/950_9_hex-plus_multicolour_1.jpg)

Lovely! Not a sharp edge on any of them. Supposed to be less likely to damage hex bolts than standard ones as well.

I have a set of those both metric and imperial i was given as a thank you.  Not the swanky colours though.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Zipperhead on 28 March, 2020, 06:27:03 pm
Just received these Were allan keys from Amazon:

(https://products.wera.de/images/products/additional-big/950_9_hex-plus_multicolour_1.jpg)

Lovely! Not a sharp edge on any of them. Supposed to be less likely to damage hex bolts than standard ones as well.

I bought a set of those, they're so nice that I bought a little Wera tool set, then a bigger Wera socket set.

I don't regret the outlay though, they're always a pleasure to use. I don't leave them in the garage though!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: De Sisti on 28 March, 2020, 06:35:50 pm
Just received these Were allan keys from Amazon:

(https://products.wera.de/images/products/additional-big/950_9_hex-plus_multicolour_1.jpg)

Lovely! Not a sharp edge on any of them. Supposed to be less likely to damage hex bolts than standard ones as well.
How much did they cost?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 March, 2020, 06:55:13 pm
Just received these Were allan keys from Amazon:

(https://products.wera.de/images/products/additional-big/950_9_hex-plus_multicolour_1.jpg)

Lovely! Not a sharp edge on any of them. Supposed to be less likely to damage hex bolts than standard ones as well.
How much did they cost?

£20.60

You can get a magnetised set if you want for a bit more.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 March, 2020, 06:57:47 pm
I bought a set of those, they're so nice that I bought a little Wera tool set, then a bigger Wera socket set.

I don't regret the outlay though, they're always a pleasure to use. I don't leave them in the garage though!

Wera and Wiha kit is addictive I have found, and then there are Knippex and Gedore ....

Knippex Cobra slip joint pliers are the only plumbing pliers that don't make me swear and want to throw them out the window when I am using them. That reminds me I need a couple more in different sizes before I tackle the bathroom.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: De Sisti on 29 March, 2020, 10:05:38 am

(https://products.wera.de/images/products/additional-big/950_9_hex-plus_multicolour_1.jpg)
Quote

How much did they cost?
Quote

£20.60
Quote
Now£24.98 :(
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 14 April, 2020, 08:21:54 pm
Latest acquisition 8 inch Fit Shear Pliers.

(https://theawesomer.com/photos/2017/07/fit_shear_pliers_5.jpg)

This is the sole product of Dürholt Zangen. It's the only thing they have made for about 60 years. You can get them with the lovely red acetate handles like mine or a more modern plastic handle cover but that's it. Nothing like being single minded.I have a strange affection for pliers ans buy loads at car boot sales. I also like red clear handles on tools so these are a double whammy. The box is delightfully retro too.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 14 April, 2020, 08:53:48 pm
Can you please stop.
I have all of the tools that I do not need.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: drossall on 14 April, 2020, 09:33:49 pm
I've just ordered the Cyclus tools for removing Campagnolo bearing cups. Should be interesting...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 15 April, 2020, 08:06:50 am
I have some spangly Axminster/UJK woodworking clamps and other bits on the way to me  . . . and have ordered an "MFT" top for the bench I'm building in the new workshop.   Pix will follow in due course.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jaded on 15 April, 2020, 08:34:29 am
Can you please stop.
I have all of the tools that I do not need.
^ this.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 15 April, 2020, 09:42:00 am
When I sold the French place I had duplicates of everything I had in York and then some.

Luckily I found buyers for most of the big stuff like scaffolding, cement mixers, ladders, wheel barrows and the like.  Some I just had to leave.

I could have sold my home-made work bench but I took it all apart and managed to fit it in somehow on one of my three trips.  So glad I did as I re-assembled it a month ago and it's lovely to have it back.  It was made in one day out of French pine, threaded bar and a lump of bathroom grade chipboard, cost 30-40 euros.  Later I fitted a Record vice. 

(https://i.ibb.co/nCmLKfj/IMG-1572.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 16 April, 2020, 09:00:50 am
Not sure that having a petrol strimmer qualifies me as a tool junkie (but I do have a few more fossil-fuel powered garden tools, so maybe I do qualify).

Anyway, the aforementioned strimmer is getting on for 20 years old and the spare parts pile is near enough fully depleted, so when the primer bulb on the carb spilt and the thing spluttered to an way-over-lean halt, I thought that was very possibly that.

However, on extracting the split bulb - and it certainly didn't owe me anything - and having a measure I resorted to Goo*le. 

Imagine my surprise therefore, to find dozens of generic primer bulbs in my size.  Bought a few - the postage was more than the bulbs.

Fitted one of said bulbs and hey ho, it works perfectly! 

I'm fairly adept at finding long-lost parts for my classic Triumph motorcycles, but long lost parts for 20 yo Chinese made petrol strimmers is a whole new experience.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Wobbly John on 16 April, 2020, 07:56:52 pm
Colin Furze's new video is a tour of his workshop, including most of his tools - perfect for all you tool junkies: https://youtu.be/fqTDfpIpub4  :D
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 17 April, 2020, 09:28:48 am
Can't stand that bloke.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 17 April, 2020, 09:36:02 am
Can't stand that bloke.

Yep he's a bit up himself - a couple of the people I follow on Youtube are interesting for tools and woodwork workshops -

Casual DIY   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOr70KjRTS9zUCY2hKF5E8w
Steve Ramsey   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBB7sYb14uBtk8UqSQYc9-w

Rob

...... installed a couple of the new-fangled LED batten lights in my workshop yesterday - it's as bright as an operating theatre!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 17 April, 2020, 11:29:52 am
...... installed a couple of the new-fangled LED batten lights in my workshop yesterday - it's as bright as an operating theatre!

Ooh do tell I need more light. Which ones did you go for?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 17 April, 2020, 12:35:53 pm
Replaced the tubes in the garage with those last year.  What a difference.  I need more but it looks like the price has risen a fair bit. Mine were shipped from Spain, very fast delivery, too.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 17 April, 2020, 01:15:39 pm
Can't stand that bloke.

Yep he's a bit up himself - a couple of the people I follow on Youtube are interesting for tools and woodwork workshops -

Casual DIY   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOr70KjRTS9zUCY2hKF5E8w
Steve Ramsey   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBB7sYb14uBtk8UqSQYc9-w

Rob

...... installed a couple of the new-fangled LED batten lights in my workshop yesterday - it's as bright as an operating theatre!

I find Paul Sellers very relaxing to watch:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc3EpWncNq5QL0QhwUNQb7w (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc3EpWncNq5QL0QhwUNQb7w)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 17 April, 2020, 01:48:59 pm
Can't stand that bloke.

Yep he's a bit up himself - a couple of the people I follow on Youtube are interesting for tools and woodwork workshops -

Casual DIY   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOr70KjRTS9zUCY2hKF5E8w
Steve Ramsey   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBB7sYb14uBtk8UqSQYc9-w

Rob

...... installed a couple of the new-fangled LED batten lights in my workshop yesterday - it's as bright as an operating theatre!

Ta - I like channels where they use the kind of tools I'm likely to be able to afford.  Some of them use high-end pro stuff I wouldn't get my hands on in a million years.

Just now I'm scratching my head raw over where to attach a router-table top to a bench without blocking access to whatever's under it.  Difficult because every bench or tool trolley in my workshop has something already there.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 17 April, 2020, 01:50:42 pm
Colin Furze's new video is a tour of his workshop, including most of his tools - perfect for all you tool junkies: https://youtu.be/fqTDfpIpub4  :D
Not overstruck by the delivery, but that is 26':17" of tool envy.
I particularly like the ones which he has made himself.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Zipperhead on 17 April, 2020, 02:06:57 pm
Anybody who enjoys the intersection of motorbikes and fine workmanship will enjoy Allen Millyard's channel (if they're not already watching it)  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj4hbNBjmdvXONmcxcLSNhg (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj4hbNBjmdvXONmcxcLSNhg)

I haven't seen anything more complicated than a hydraulic press - and that was for turning two four cylinder crankshafts into a six cylinder one.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 17 April, 2020, 02:45:41 pm
Anybody who enjoys the intersection of motorbikes and fine workmanship will enjoy Allen Millyard's channel (if they're not already watching it)  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj4hbNBjmdvXONmcxcLSNhg (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj4hbNBjmdvXONmcxcLSNhg)

I haven't seen anything more complicated than a hydraulic press - and that was for turning two four cylinder crankshafts into a six cylinder one.

That Velocette V-twin he has made out of two single engines is a thing of beauty.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 17 April, 2020, 03:14:32 pm
...... installed a couple of the new-fangled LED batten lights in my workshop yesterday - it's as bright as an operating theatre!

Ooh do tell I need more light. Which ones did you go for?

Screwfix - 2 x LAP Twin 4ft LED Batten White 43W 4400lm (364CC)   - £30 each - I just have two mounted lengthwise in the centre of a single garage - about 4 feet apart - light is enough for working at either of the two rows of benching along either long wall.

They're fine BUT the connector for the juice is rubbish being a sort of "bare wire and clamp" mechanism - I chopped them off and justr fitted a simple screwed nylon terminal block in each one.   Fitting to the joists was a doddle to with some U-shaped clips that they just op into.   5 stars from me.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Zipperhead on 17 April, 2020, 04:22:07 pm
Anybody who enjoys the intersection of motorbikes and fine workmanship will enjoy Allen Millyard's channel (if they're not already watching it)  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj4hbNBjmdvXONmcxcLSNhg (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj4hbNBjmdvXONmcxcLSNhg)

I haven't seen anything more complicated than a hydraulic press - and that was for turning two four cylinder crankshafts into a six cylinder one.

That Velocette V-twin he has made out of two single engines is a thing of beauty.

Isn't everything he makes? I've had a look at some of them close up and the workmanship is amazing. As Eric used to say "you can't see the join"
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 19 April, 2020, 11:55:20 am
...... installed a couple of the new-fangled LED batten lights in my workshop yesterday - it's as bright as an operating theatre!

Ooh do tell I need more light. Which ones did you go for?

Screwfix - 2 x LAP Twin 4ft LED Batten White 43W 4400lm (364CC)   - £30 each - I just have two mounted lengthwise in the centre of a single garage - about 4 feet apart - light is enough for working at either of the two rows of benching along either long wall.

They're fine BUT the connector for the juice is rubbish being a sort of "bare wire and clamp" mechanism - I chopped them off and justr fitted a simple screwed nylon terminal block in each one.   Fitting to the joists was a doddle to with some U-shaped clips that they just op into.   5 stars from me.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 19 April, 2020, 01:52:22 pm
Been stamping round the workshop swearing for the last couple of days because I needed hinges to go on building my router table and the DIY shops are locked down. Then this morning I did a bit of archaeology, and found 10 in a biscuit-box that had been stashed in a corner and forgotten when we moved here 30 years ago. They're a bit rusty, but who cares for something utilitarian: they work.

Other stuff in the box was a bunch of Ikea-style fixings of the sort that you save after the cupboard or whatever is no longer serviceable. Save, but never use.  I have a lot of stuff like that, including a set of brass-cup drawer pulls that my father never used either.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 19 April, 2020, 09:57:05 pm
Been stamping round the workshop swearing for the last couple of days because I needed hinges to go on building my router table and the DIY shops are locked down. Then this morning I did a bit of archaeology, and found 10 in a biscuit-box that had been stashed in a corner and forgotten when we moved here 30 years ago. They're a bit rusty, but who cares for something utilitarian: they work.

Other stuff in the box was a bunch of Ikea-style fixings of the sort that you save after the cupboard or whatever is no longer serviceable. Save, but never use.  I have a lot of stuff like that, including a set of brass-cup drawer pulls that my father never used either.

Be interested to see how you're building a router table ..... I'm about to make one - the idea being that I can somehow mount the table (without the router attached) on an existing bench or flipcart to save space.  What material are you using for the actual table?

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 20 April, 2020, 05:30:31 am
I'm looking at this as well along with a table saw. A lot of the videos on YouTube use a table saw and router (and possibly a planer thicknesser as well) to build a table saw and router which is typical of a lot of the US stuff on their. Look its easy and cheap to make this - provided you have $50,000 of kit in your massive workshop already. There are a few that start out with nothing but a hand held circular saw and router.
I think I will end up making a ghetto table saw and router and use those to build better ones.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 20 April, 2020, 08:04:49 am
Just so you know it exists, this Wolfcraft table (http://www.wolfcraft.com/en/products/p/machine_tables-2/machine_tables_master_cut_1500/s/p/index.html) does a good job at converting your circular saw, router, jigsaw into a bench unit for occasional use, and folds away (visible in THAT video @ 3:09, behind the sheet of Useful Ply, to the right of the 8" grinder, left of the chuck-it-all-on rack.)

Although the legs are relatively flimsy, the work table is solid and the guides reasonably accurate, they can be firmed up with a clamp. If you have room (!) for a permanent bench then that would be much better, but I have used it successfully over the years to do things like creating 6m of a simulacrum of Victorian architrave mouldings, rebatting for picture frames and the like.

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 20 April, 2020, 08:40:58 am
I'm looking at this as well along with a table saw. A lot of the videos on YouTube use a table saw and router (and possibly a planer thicknesser as well) to build a table saw and router which is typical of a lot of the US stuff on their. Look its easy and cheap to make this - provided you have $50,000 of kit in your massive workshop already. There are a few that start out with nothing but a hand held circular saw and router.
I think I will end up making a ghetto table saw and router and use those to build better ones.

If you've not seen him - have a look at Steve Ramsey on Youtube.  He's pretty down-to-earth on machines and realistic with expenditure . . . I find him quite entertaining too.  Pretty sure he has a couple of videos aimed at the starting-out level with tools etc.

I started out many, many years ago with a Black & Decker drill that you could attach accessories to : circular saw, jigsaw, sander, hedge trimmer . . .   OK at the time but over the intervening years I've bought dedicated machines for those tasks + a table saw, router (2!), multitool, Dremel, mitre saw, bandsaw.  I don't know why I have 4 electric drills - 2 corded, 2 battery????   Space is an issue as I have an almost LBS level cycle workshop side of the garage too!

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 20 April, 2020, 08:45:00 am
I'm still mulling over design.  The top is a 100 x 50 cm x 22 mm sheet of hardwood ply with an alu plate set into it, but beyond that I haven't quite decided how to mount it.  I can either (1) screw it on top of one of my benches with the router hanging down in front and one of the face vices wound all the way out to support one side of the overhang, and maybe another leg to hold up the other, or (2) I can hinge it onto the front of the trolley I built a couple of years ago to accommodate my bench sanders.

1) is simple and fast, and puts it within easy reach of the dust extraction hose, but means that the drawer under the bench, which holds sundry drawing kit, calculator and a few other useful odds & sods, will be inaccessible while it's mounted.

2) is harder. It needs two relatively sturdy hinged legs that will fold away when the table is collapsed but will lock firmly in place when it's in use.  The advantage is that being already on castors I can put it anywhere in the workshop, and even use the sanders with the router deployed.  The disadvantages are that getting the extractor hose to it won't always be as easy, and while one of the sanders works beautifully with the extractor, the other one (belt) puts dust everywhere but the extractor port; so if I use it while the router table is folded down with the router in, the latter will be covered in dust, which could easily be metal.  I'd probably need to enclose the router, or panel three sides of trolley, to protect it.

I'm leaning towards (2) just now - lockdown occupational therapy - but stock to make the legs is a bit of a problem: most of what I have is far too good and the rest is weird-shaped offcuts or MDF, which I hate.  I don't have any of those locking arms you get on folding tables, either, short of cannibalizing something else.

@Ham, thanks for the suggestion.  I was looking at the Triton table too, but I rather overstretched the tool budget in the last couple of years and MrsT's eyebrows are very expressive.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 20 April, 2020, 08:48:14 am
I started out many, many years ago with a Black & Decker drill that you could attach accessories to : circular saw, jigsaw, sander, hedge trimmer . . .

Still got mine (1969 vintage) and it still works, though God help anyone who still listens to AM radio when it's running:

(https://pbase.com/johnewing/image/168409637.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: DuncanM on 20 April, 2020, 01:55:33 pm
I went a bit OCD this autumn, inspired by the ToolboxWars stuff on Cycling Tips (https://cyclingtips.com/2019/01/toolboxwars-a-battle-between-professional-cycling-tool-nerds/). CNC machined foam inserts!
Nice old computer box:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49796875228_cba7998e4a_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iSo17h)IMG_20190831_102954 (https://flic.kr/p/2iSo17h) by duncancmartin (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90461577@N00/), on Flickr
Filled with foam and tools:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49797730722_4994464b90_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iSsoqb)IMG_20190831_103005 (https://flic.kr/p/2iSsoqb) by duncancmartin (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90461577@N00/), on Flickr

In layers that you can remove.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49797420691_f85541d1b1_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iSqNfP)IMG_20190831_103020 (https://flic.kr/p/2iSqNfP) by duncancmartin (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90461577@N00/), on Flickr

I think I even bought the Park tools hammer for this box because I knew it needed a hammer and I didn't want to mess up the foam with a cutout of something rubbish! The Wera allen keys are just awesome.
I can probably stick a couple of thin things underneath the bottom layer, but if I decide I need anything significant, I'm going to have to rethink the whole packing strategy. I'm wondering about the lack of scissors/shears/knife. It's a bit fixie focused, hence the 15mm spanner and regular crank puller.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 20 April, 2020, 08:51:25 pm
Does your fixie generate hideous amounts of static that necessitates fettling it wit those Wera VDE compliment screwdrivers?

Lovely storage execution BTW.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: DuncanM on 21 April, 2020, 11:26:54 am
Does your fixie generate hideous amounts of static that necessitates fettling it wit those Were VDE compliment screwdrivers?
No, I just needed some new screwdrivers to go in there, and the Wera ones shouted buy me loudest!  ;)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 22 April, 2020, 03:50:41 pm
Mum's been moaning that her lawn has become overgrown - the person who normally trims it is, understandably, keeping socially distant.
Mum's accustomed to having the lawn looking smoother than a  snooker table.
I've tried to reassure her that she shouldn't worry about it, and that when all this is over, I'll come over and hand cut it to a height that the mower can deal with it.

To that effect, I've just taken delivery of a Japanese sickle.
Jeezus, that thing is sharp  :o.
However, having given it a swift test drive on my lawn (5m x 5m) I think it'd be fine, but not on a lawn the size of my Mum's (With Mum's lawn you need binoculars to recognise anyone standing at the far end of it).

So I've ordered a scythe.

I'm resisting the temptation to see if I can also score a long, dark hooded gown on eBay.
So I could then don the gown, grab my scythe and nip down the road to sit beside the South Circular.
That'd make a few more people stay at home, wouldn't it?
Public service, and all that.



Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 22 April, 2020, 04:10:09 pm
We want pics !
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 22 April, 2020, 04:38:09 pm
We want pics !
My police officer niece has advised me that if I did this I'd most definitely run the risk of being arrested.
Going equipped.
To mow lawns. ;D

ETA - Am I alone in thinking that it is a bit bizarre that it is possible to pick up a Bosch electric lawn mower, for 2/3s of the cost of  a scythe?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: drossall on 22 April, 2020, 07:42:06 pm
I've just ordered the Cyclus tools for removing Campagnolo bearing cups. Should be interesting...
I enjoyed that. One front hub with one new bearing cup, two new cones and (obviously) new bearings. Basically a 15-year-old hub fully reconditioned and ready for more decades. You still can't quite beat Campagnolo for spares availability - other brands offer cones, but not necessarily cups.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 26 April, 2020, 03:30:13 pm
Not tools, but some very hot machining
https://twitter.com/cctv_idiots/status/1254388121430396928?s=19
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 28 April, 2020, 12:48:26 pm
For verily I didst buy myself an Elementary Screwdriver No 1 for Christmas

https://tinkerandfix.co.uk/collections/elementary-screwdrivers

And the Lord declared that it was a Very Nice Thing Indeed.
First used in anger yesterday as I want to keep it looking nice. I may revise this policy.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 April, 2020, 07:59:09 pm
For verily I didst buy myself an Elementary Screwdriver No 1 for Christmas

https://tinkerandfix.co.uk/collections/elementary-screwdrivers

And the Lord declared that it was a Very Nice Thing Indeed.
First used in anger yesterday as I want to keep it looking nice. I may revise this policy.

Ooh that's nice.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 April, 2020, 08:04:41 pm
Everyone needs a prodder. You know a nice big screwdriver for prodding stuff you really don't want to touch yourself as its either very dirty or too close to dangerous whirly bits.

So here is a nice one I picked up at a car boot sale last year for 50p.

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/riqx1ch5jz4wkux/20200422_190343.jpg?raw=1)

It's a nice Stanley 25c, about 40cm long. Probably about 50 years old and someone has definitely been using it as a paint can opener.

Let see what we can do to make it look a bit better.

Shaft wire wheeled and polished. Handle scrapped and sanded:

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/1s933muxx367h16/20200422_195730.jpg?raw=1)

Two coats of vinyl black, two of gloss red and two of clear coat:

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/6unlzglhaddow02/20200428_192156.jpg?raw=1)

Tip re-profiled:

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/hspcu7uib233ex4/20200428_192224.jpg?raw=1)

I love the art deco ferules on Stanley's of this era:

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/5ziv5a16h5dtp8v/20200428_192300.jpg?raw=1)

Strangely here it is alongside another 25c that's a completely different size.

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/4taqr8ymyucx74i/20200428_192556.jpg?raw=1)

And now its finished it takes its place in the temple of screwdrivers:

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/mwldeibuapqiyyw/20200428_192426.jpg?raw=1)

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 28 April, 2020, 08:07:40 pm
I'm a little concerned you don't have enough claw hammers there.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 28 April, 2020, 08:16:02 pm
Everyone needs a prodder. You know a nice bug screwdriver for prodding stuff you really don't want to touch yourself as its either very dirty or too close to dangerous whirly bits.

Can I add a few thousand volts worth of insulation to that specification?  (DAHIKT)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 28 April, 2020, 08:17:13 pm
I'm a little concerned you don't have enough claw hammers there.

Presumably most of them began life as tape measures.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 April, 2020, 08:19:14 pm
Everyone needs a prodder. You know a nice bug screwdriver for prodding stuff you really don't want to touch yourself as its either very dirty or too close to dangerous whirly bits.

Can I add a few thousand volts worth of insulation to that specification?  (DAHIKT)

Believe it or not that is actually the 40s/50s version of a VDE screwdriver. The yellow washer is supposed to insulate the handle from the shaft. Don't think I would trust it though.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: spesh on 28 April, 2020, 08:22:09 pm
Everyone needs a prodder. You know a nice bug screwdriver for prodding stuff you really don't want to touch yourself as its either very dirty or too close to dangerous whirly bits.

Can I add a few thousand volts worth of insulation to that specification?  (DAHIKT)

A sparky's screwdriver sparks joy (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4003.msg2442468#msg2442468) because it ensures you don't spark?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 28 April, 2020, 08:33:29 pm
Believe it or not that is actually the 40s/50s version of a VDE screwdriver. The yellow washer is supposed to insulate the handle from the shaft. Don't think I would trust it though.

Got to love stuff that pre-dates safety  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Gattopardo on 28 April, 2020, 08:39:19 pm
We want pics !
My police officer niece has advised me that if I did this I'd most definitely run the risk of being arrested.
Going equipped.
To mow lawns. ;D

ETA - Am I alone in thinking that it is a bit bizarre that it is possible to pick up a Bosch electric lawn mower, for 2/3s of the cost of  a scythe?

Get the strimer the scythe will cause you much physical pain after about 5-10 minutes that lasts for a few days.... Don't ask how I know but you can guess.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 April, 2020, 09:14:17 pm
JBB otp is the person to ask about scything.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 28 April, 2020, 10:12:22 pm
Pcolbeck, how did you reprofile the end? We've got a screwdriver a bit like that but the end is more like a hill shape now...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 April, 2020, 10:14:27 pm
Pcolbeck, how did you reprofile the end? We've got a screwdriver a bit like that but the end is more like a hill shape now...

I stuck it in a vice and used a metal file on it. Then smoothed it out a bit with some 240 and 800 grit wet and dry paper. The 800 grit was overkill but there was a bit of it lying around on the bench. The file was a second cut but you could just as well us a bastard file, would just take a bit more work with the wet and dry to clean it up after.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 29 April, 2020, 07:29:47 am
What's keeping the spirit level on the wall ? - I thought maybe magnets, but spirit levels are usually ally bodied.

Also, could you please tidy up the screwdrivers a bit. So that their specifications are all facing the same way.
Thank you.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 29 April, 2020, 07:51:24 am
What's keeping the spirit level on the wall ? - I thought maybe magnets, but spirit levels are usually ally bodied.

Its a Stanley FatMax - it has magnets in the base.

Quote
Also, could you please tidy up the screwdrivers a bit. So that their specifications are all facing the same way.
Thank you.

They spin round of their own accord when the bench grinder/polisher is running. I really need to balance the wire wheel, everything on the bench vibrates and I have to clamp the grinder down or it walks all over bench.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 29 April, 2020, 08:24:44 am
On the subject of old tools I have a collection of screwdrivers, awls, hammers, spanners and more that either I have acquired over the past 50 years or my late father-in law (he was a woodwork teacher) acquired over about the past 75 years.

They're surplus to requirements and I'm looking to sell them (as a job lot) - if anyone's interested drop me a PM and I'll tip them out on the floor and take some pictures - they're all in an ex-military 1950s ammo box at the moment - that's possibly due to go too.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 29 April, 2020, 08:55:41 am
Pcolbeck, how did you reprofile the end? We've got a screwdriver a bit like that but the end is more like a hill shape now...
Flat blade screwdrivers need regular re-profiling if they get a lot of use.  Otherwise they cam out of the screw slot and mangle the screw head.  Then the problems start........

I don't go quite as far as pcolbeck and use wet and dry, but then I only have one claw hammer....

(I'll see your claw hammers, and raise you several sets of Whitworth spanners and sockets though....  And a well-used framing square that was my dad's and could have been his dad's too......)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 29 April, 2020, 02:08:19 pm
For German tool fans these were just delivered this morning:

Knipex Cobra pipe wrench:

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/z7k7sufvw8ia638/20200429_135019.jpg?raw=1)

The only slip joint type type spanner that doesn't make you scream. Loads of adjustment and it stays adjusted plus you can turn it with one hand and the more pressure you put on it with one hand the harder it grips. After installing some new taps which ended up with redoing quite a bit of the plumbing under the sink last week I chucked all my slip joint pipe wrenches except one ancient pair of Cobras out of sheer frustration about how useless they were.

Knipex Pliers Wrench:

Same principle as the Cobra's but with smooth jaws that stay parallel so you can work on nuts without rounding or damaging them. The harder you squeeze the harder they grip due to the cam action.

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/zxlbtlzyuy6t8rk/20200429_135037.jpg?raw=1)

And look these are the "mini" versions, tiny and cute!

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/zjlbkczwvmumbf8/20200429_135144.jpg?raw=1)

Perfect for a mobile toolkit or small spaces and will still cope with things up to about 35mm for the Cobras and 25mm for the Pliers Wrench. and you get a pouch.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 29 April, 2020, 02:14:56 pm
Knipex pliers: The best quality wrong tool for the job.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 03 May, 2020, 08:51:34 am
Spent yesterday at my late Fathers house sorting through the garage. It was quite emotional sorting out all the tools on the workbench I remember from being a kid and that I dismantled and repaired my first motorbike engine on (the Paramo vice is coming home with me next time I go). A lifetime of little draws full of bits and bobs and screws that might come in useful.  Brought home the good stuff, 70s Britool spanners and a nice Draper Japan  1/4 socket set (he gave me his lovely Britool socket socket sets when he decided he was never going to do his own car repairs again several years ago). A lovely Eclipse drift set still in its 60s plastic pouch was a bit of a star find. Chucking stuff in the "for the tip" box was hard. The carpenters tool box that he bought on HP full of basic tools when he and my mum first got married in 1965 came back with me and will get a makeover.
I also found some stuff that I have no recollection of that I think he inherited from my great uncle. Some nice German stuff and then I found the full set of Gedore metric spanners in a bag. Then hang on I though these look a bit rough, closer inspection very very rough. Pulled one fully out of the bag and under the light, oh "Gedore India". They really were nasty. In the tip box they went. I wonder why a company with such a great reputation for high quality tools lent its brand name to an Indian subsidiary banging out cheap rubbish?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 03 May, 2020, 09:01:42 am
Spent yesterday at my late Fathers house sorting through the garage. It was quite emotional sorting out all the tools on the workbench I remember from being a kid and that I dismantled and repaired my first motorbike engine on (the Paramo vice is coming home with me next time I go). A lifetime of little draws full of bits and bobs and screws that might come in useful.  Brought home the good stuff, 70s Britool spanners and a nice Draper Japan  1/4 socket set (he gave me his lovely Britool socket socket sets when he decided he was never going to do his own car repairs again several years ago). A lovely Eclipse drift set still in its 60s plastic pouch was a bit of a star find. Chucking stuff in the "for the tip" box was hard. The carpenters tool box that he bought on HP fll of basic tools when he and my mum first got married in 1965 came back with me and will get a makeover.
I also found some stuff that I have no recollection of that I think he inherited from my great uncle. Some nice German stuff and then I found the full set of Gedore metric spanners in a bag. Then hang on I though these look a bit rough, closer inspection very very rough. Pulled one fully out of the bag and under the light, oh "Gedore India". They really were nasty. In the tip box they went. I wonder why a company with such a great reputation for high quality tools lent its brand name to an Indian subsidiary banging out cheap rubbish?
When my father passed away my brother and I had a couple of weekends clearing the house and garage. Much of the garage contents went to the tip, but I retrieved a garage full (mine) of his stuff. It sat there untouched for about four years until I was laid off. "Aha", I thought, "I'll sort that stuff out."  Four months later ...

And yes, there were a lot of tools.

Then my father-in-law passed away, his father and grandfather both ran engineering companies (and both used to have an exhibit in the marine engineering section of the Science Museum). Sorting out those tools was a gargantuan task.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 03 May, 2020, 09:19:26 am
Spent yesterday at my late Fathers house sorting through the garage. It was quite emotional sorting out all the tools on the workbench I remember from being a kid and that I dismantled and repaired my first motorbike engine on (the Paramo vice is coming home with me next time I go). A lifetime of little draws full of bits and bobs and screws that might come in useful.  Brought home the good stuff, 70s Britool spanners and a nice Draper Japan  1/4 socket set (he gave me his lovely Britool socket socket sets when he decided he was never going to do his own car repairs again several years ago). A lovely Eclipse drift set still in its 60s plastic pouch was a bit of a star find. Chucking stuff in the "for the tip" box was hard. The carpenters tool box that he bought on HP fll of basic tools when he and my mum first got married in 1965 came back with me and will get a makeover.
I also found some stuff that I have no recollection of that I think he inherited from my great uncle. Some nice German stuff and then I found the full set of Gedore metric spanners in a bag. Then hang on I though these look a bit rough, closer inspection very very rough. Pulled one fully out of the bag and under the light, oh "Gedore India". They really were nasty. In the tip box they went. I wonder why a company with such a great reputation for high quality tools lent its brand name to an Indian subsidiary banging out cheap rubbish?
When my father passed away my brother and I had a couple of weekends clearing the house and garage. Much of the garage contents went to the tip, but I retrieved a garage full (mine) of his stuff. It sat there untouched for about four years until I was laid off. "Aha", I thought, "I'll sort that stuff out."  Four months later ...

And yes, there were a lot of tools.

Then my father-in-law passed away, his father and grandfather both ran engineering companies (and both used to have an exhibit in the marine engineering section of the Science Museum). Sorting out those tools was a gargantuan task.

Still have stuff I cleared out of my dad's place. 

It amazes me how little value there is what I thought were good tools.  Seems criminal just dumping it but when even the charity shops don't want it.. 
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 03 May, 2020, 09:29:08 am
Spent yesterday at my late Fathers house sorting through the garage. It was quite emotional sorting out all the tools on the workbench I remember from being a kid and that I dismantled and repaired my first motorbike engine on (the Paramo vice is coming home with me next time I go). A lifetime of little draws full of bits and bobs and screws that might come in useful.  Brought home the good stuff, 70s Britool spanners and a nice Draper Japan  1/4 socket set (he gave me his lovely Britool socket socket sets when he decided he was never going to do his own car repairs again several years ago). A lovely Eclipse drift set still in its 60s plastic pouch was a bit of a star find. Chucking stuff in the "for the tip" box was hard. The carpenters tool box that he bought on HP fll of basic tools when he and my mum first got married in 1965 came back with me and will get a makeover.
I also found some stuff that I have no recollection of that I think he inherited from my great uncle. Some nice German stuff and then I found the full set of Gedore metric spanners in a bag. Then hang on I though these look a bit rough, closer inspection very very rough. Pulled one fully out of the bag and under the light, oh "Gedore India". They really were nasty. In the tip box they went. I wonder why a company with such a great reputation for high quality tools lent its brand name to an Indian subsidiary banging out cheap rubbish?
When my father passed away my brother and I had a couple of weekends clearing the house and garage. Much of the garage contents went to the tip, but I retrieved a garage full (mine) of his stuff. It sat there untouched for about four years until I was laid off. "Aha", I thought, "I'll sort that stuff out."  Four months later ...

And yes, there were a lot of tools.

Then my father-in-law passed away, his father and grandfather both ran engineering companies (and both used to have an exhibit in the marine engineering section of the Science Museum). Sorting out those tools was a gargantuan task.

Still have stuff I cleared out of my dad's place. 

It amazes me how little value there is what I thought were good tools.  Seems criminal just dumping it but when even the charity shops don't want it..
There are various charities working in the developing world that will take them.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 03 May, 2020, 09:52:23 am
Tools With A Mission https://www.twam.uk/ seem to be well organised, I've used them
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 03 May, 2020, 10:11:04 am
... and then I found the full set of Gedore metric spanners in a bag. Then hang on I though these look a bit rough, closer inspection very very rough. Pulled one fully out of the bag and under the light, oh "Gedore India". They really were nasty. In the tip box they went. I wonder why a company with such a great reputation for high quality tools lent its brand name to an Indian subsidiary banging out cheap rubbish?

Because most people would rather buy cheap foreign than pricier home quality. Eventually the brand gets bought up by the very people who undermined it, then devalued as they use it on junk.  Either than or the high-quality home brand shifts its manufacturing overseas or buys stuff to sell OEM under its own name.

BTW, woodworking stuff with pre-war blades stamped "warranted cast steel" is definitely worth keeping.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 May, 2020, 11:38:10 am
Tools With A Mission https://www.twam.uk/ seem to be well organised, I've used them
Tools for Self-Reliance is another. https://www.tfsr.org
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 11 May, 2020, 04:36:31 pm
A holder for spanners and for tap and die set - advice please.
I bought a set of six(?) combination ratchet and open ended spanners in Lidl. Nice tools.
They came in a hard plastic package - but are loose when you remove them.
I do not have a tool board so store everything in a carry around nylon toolbag. Ideas please on how to clip them together.

Similarly I bought a tap and die set from Lidl - again in a wasteful sealed hard plastick pack. these currently live in a ziploc bag.
Ideas on how to give them a neat home please.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Little Jim on 11 May, 2020, 05:20:38 pm
I eventually gave up on small tool boxes and bags when it all got too much and bought a set of metal drawers.  And then another set...  You eventually end up with a full-size cabinet on wheels and realise that you should have just bought one of those to start with.  Have a look on ebay for a second-hand one as they are really expensive new even if you don't buy Snap On.  The drawers that I've got are some unknown brand called American-something-or-other and seem very nearly as good as the Snap On ones that I've seen but they were a LOT less money.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 11 May, 2020, 05:22:03 pm
T'other week in Aldi they had a double wall-board with a set of lidless hook-on boxes & a rack for small tools, all for 19.99€. OK, gimme.  Trouble is that I haven't anywhere handy to put it, and the boxes will fill up with sawdust, so now it's hiding under a bench. Maybe MrsT can use it for planting seeds or summat.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 11 May, 2020, 06:12:18 pm
I eventually gave up on small tool boxes and bags when it all got too much and bought a set of metal drawers.  And then another set...  You eventually end up with a full-size cabinet on wheels and realise that you should have just bought one of those to start with.  Have a look on ebay for a second-hand one as they are really expensive new even if you don't buy Snap On.  The drawers that I've got are some unknown brand called American-something-or-other and seem very nearly as good as the Snap On ones that I've seen but they were a LOT less money.

MachineMart has/had some offers on tool drawer storage stuff.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 11 May, 2020, 07:46:46 pm
A holder for spanners and for tap and die set - advice please.
I bought a set of six(?) combination ratchet and open ended spanners in Lidl. Nice tools.
They came in a hard plastic package - but are loose when you remove them.
I do not have a tool board so store everything in a carry around nylon toolbag. Ideas please on how to clip them together.

Similarly I bought a tap and die set from Lidl - again in a wasteful sealed hard plastick pack. these currently live in a ziploc bag.
Ideas on how to give them a neat home please.
You should keep the taps separate from one another.
They'll damage if they knock together.
Easiest way is a lump of soft wood into which you've drilled some blind holes - one hole for each tap.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 11 May, 2020, 08:03:55 pm
.... in Aldi they had a double wall-board with a set of lidless hook-on boxes ....

Well, it was Aldi
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 11 May, 2020, 08:05:47 pm
You should keep the taps separate from one another.

'tis the BRITISH way   ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfHgUu_8KgA
https://youtu.be/HfHgUu_8KgA
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 11 May, 2020, 09:33:45 pm
You should keep the taps separate from one another.

'tis the BRITISH way   ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfHgUu_8KgA
https://youtu.be/HfHgUu_8KgA

Our student digs was an old house with the attic tank.  We thought nothing of it until I came back after the hols a day or so early and ran a bath.  Out came tiny bones and feathers.  I got into the attic and, yes there was a dead pigeon in the tank, very very dead.  Well rotted in fact.

Some one hadn't bothered to replace the lid and Percy the pigeon was not a swimmer.  It was not a nice job draining and clearing the tank but I was awarded a bottle of whisky (Chivas Regal) out of it from my housemates who then helped me drink it in one session. 

Very pleased to ditch the tanks in our York house.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Vince on 11 May, 2020, 11:35:34 pm
Everyone needs a prodder. You know a nice big screwdriver for prodding stuff you really don't want to touch yourself as its either very dirty or too close to dangerous whirly bits.

So here is a nice one I picked up at a car boot sale last year for 50p.

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/riqx1ch5jz4wkux/20200422_190343.jpg?raw=1)

It's a nice Stanley 25c, about 40cm long. Probably about 50 years old and someone has definitely been using it as a paint can opener.


<Snip>

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/6unlzglhaddow02/20200428_192156.jpg?raw=1)


So you still need a prodder?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 12 May, 2020, 09:44:19 am
This one's a bit past that sort of restoration.  It's a Marples apparently.  Very effective still despite no regrinding for years.

(https://i.ibb.co/XxZNhX5/IMG-5605.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 12 May, 2020, 09:56:40 am
.... in Aldi they had a double wall-board with a set of lidless hook-on boxes ....

Well, it was Aldi

 ;D
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 12 May, 2020, 10:07:50 am
This one's a bit past that sort of restoration.  It's a Marples apparently.  Very effective still despite no regrinding for years.

(https://i.ibb.co/XxZNhX5/IMG-5605.jpg)

That ones perfect for a restoration. So long as the shafts straight it will be great. An hour or so with a wire wheel a buffer and a scraper and it will be nice and shiny any ready for a re spray or just a shellacking of the handle dependant on your taste.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 12 May, 2020, 10:25:01 am
This one's a bit past that sort of restoration.  It's a Marples apparently.  Very effective still despite no regrinding for years.

(https://i.ibb.co/XxZNhX5/IMG-5605.jpg)

That ones perfect for a restoration. So long as the shafts straight it will be great. An hour or so with a wire wheel a buffer and a scraper and it will be nice and shiny any ready for a re spray or just a shellacking of the handle dependant on your taste.

Yeah. I have one like that, that was my father's, but someone had used it as a lever and it's off-true.  That flat bit of the shaft is vulnerable.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: diapsaon0 on 12 May, 2020, 10:43:55 am
This one's a bit past that sort of restoration.  It's a Marples apparently.  Very effective still despite no regrinding for years.

(https://i.ibb.co/XxZNhX5/IMG-5605.jpg)

That ones perfect for a restoration. So long as the shafts straight it will be great. An hour or so with a wire wheel a buffer and a scraper and it will be nice and shiny any ready for a re spray or just a shellacking of the handle dependant on your taste.

Yeah. I have one like that, that was my father's, but someone had used it as a lever and it's off-true.  That flat bit of the shaft is vulnerable.


I've got one too which belonged to my father.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 12 May, 2020, 12:12:53 pm
This one's a bit past that sort of restoration.  It's a Marples apparently.  Very effective still despite no regrinding for years.

(https://i.ibb.co/XxZNhX5/IMG-5605.jpg)

That ones perfect for a restoration. So long as the shafts straight it will be great. An hour or so with a wire wheel a buffer and a scraper and it will be nice and shiny any ready for a re spray or just a shellacking of the handle dependant on your taste.

Yeah. I have one like that, that was my father's, but someone had used it as a lever and it's off-true.  That flat bit of the shaft is vulnerable.


I've got one too which belonged to my father.

That would have belonged to my grandfather.  He liked good tools and left a lot of good stuff to my father who didn't respect such things and always bought cheap if he had to.   I did tidy that up because it had been used as a cold chisel and the handle was rough but it's fine as it is and will snap screws before it slips.  I have two drivers of last resort of which it one, the other is for cross headed screws.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Morat on 13 May, 2020, 11:00:47 am
I've just bought a set of Cobalt drill bits. They're so.... perfect!
1mm - 10mm in 0.5mm increments.

Let's hope I don't snap any.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 26 May, 2020, 10:16:00 pm
Just received two Gedore no 1B spanners of that eBay. A 17mm and a new old stock 12mm. Can a spanner be a thing of beauty? I think they can, these are just lovely. I am going to have to get a full set of the common sizes, might take a while. They have been producing these unchanged for decades. You really have to handle one to appreciate it, they aren't shiny like a lot of spanners just perfectly weighted and quite slim.

(http://alloy-artifacts.org/Photos/tools/gedore_c16mm_1b_wrench_combo_offset_van_f_cropped_inset2_w560_h243.jpg)

Not my picture. It's from http://alloy-artifacts.org.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 27 May, 2020, 12:00:32 am
I just broke my second favourite[1] screwdriver bodging the landlord's shitty kitchen drawer.   >:(

Did I mention that I've replaced this with one[1] of Wera's finest?

I'm particularly taken with the grippy FRIKKIN LAZER treatment of the tip.  I bought a box of posh woodscrews last time I (literally) made the bed, and they came with a corresponding driver bit that was similarly enhanced, which explains why it's always been so suspiciously good at staying engaged when power-driven...

I'm less convinced by the grip.  Though I'm sure what it lacks in twiddle it'll make up for next time I have to apply ham-fisted monkey force to something.


[1] Well, actually two - in the general spirit of the thread it seemed silly not to get a decent PZ0 at the same time.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 27 May, 2020, 12:18:18 pm
With my workshop/garage and an increase in woodworking . . . and therefore dust from machinery I've invested in one of these
(https://i.ibb.co/vm9GTMD/IMG-20200522-153000728.jpg)
- bit difficult to see but it's made by Record, has a fan and filter system that can run at different speeds and a timer to have it running while you're working and then carry on for up to 4 hours to "scrub the air" removing micro-particles.  It has a remote handset, hence being able to hang it from the ceiling and control it.

The difference it makes is remarkable, especially when routing MDF (I, of course, have my respirator mask on for the dusty work)

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 27 May, 2020, 01:54:10 pm
That's what I could do with but (a) my ceiling would fall in and (b) I'd be bashing my head on it all the time.  I've thought of building a DIY one into my dexion shelving, though.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 27 May, 2020, 02:09:54 pm
That's what I could do with but (a) my ceiling would fall in and (b) I'd be bashing my head on it all the time.  I've thought of building a DIY one into my dexion shelving, though.

.... it's just about clear of my head (I'm about 6'4") by about 1.5 inches (will be more when I can get a haircut  ;D) - I now have some yellow fluo tape on the timber frame holding it just as a reminder.

In the same vein - I have insatlled a run of 40mm waste pipe along the wall above the benching with Tee pieces to connect the various dust creating machines (mitre saw, table saw, sander, routers, bandsaw etc) - that connects to a Henry vacuum cleaner ( at the moment it's direct but I have a small cyclone that'll be on a separate collection drum)   Machines all use flexible hoses with 40mm waste pipe push fit connectors - too complicated to make blast gates so I keep all the Tee inputs closed with a simple waste pipe plug and just remove the nearest plug and connect the hose from the machine in use.  The Henry is on a plug-in socket unit that has a remote control.  It all works a treat to capture most of the sawdust.

Rob

Edit:  If you're wonderng, the grey shrouds in the background are lightweight plastic/nylon covers that are fitted over 3 of my bikes that hang in the garage to reduce the dust.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 27 May, 2020, 03:31:21 pm
I ought to do something similar to your 40mm pipe but I'm too lazy.  In the adjoining bit of the barn I've got a Titan vacuum cleaner sucking on an old drum that acts as a cyclone of sorts. The hose goes through the wall, and in the shop I have around 10m of flexible 40mm hose suspended from the ceiling on bungee cords.  It works, and I can plug it into conventional vacuum cleaner tools in the unlikely event that I want to vacuum the floor.

My bikes live in a corner, under the plastic sheeting from a mattress.  Just now I can't work on them because of my defunct ceiling-hook "system". I do have a workstand but the wretched thing was designed to trip people up so it's in the next bit of the barn, in disgrace.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 27 May, 2020, 04:21:24 pm
I ought to do something similar to your 40mm pipe but I'm too lazy.  In the adjoining bit of the barn I've got a Titan vacuum cleaner sucking on an old drum that acts as a cyclone of sorts. The hose goes through the wall, and in the shop I have around 10m of flexible 40mm hose suspended from the ceiling on bungee cords.  It works, and I can plug it into conventional vacuum cleaner tools in the unlikely event that I want to vacuum the floor.

My bikes live in a corner, under the plastic sheeting from a mattress.  Just now I can't work on them because of my defunct ceiling-hook "system". I do have a workstand but the wretched thing was designed to trip people up so it's in the next bit of the barn, in disgrace.

I only have a single garage where I have a "cycle workshop" side and "woodworking" side - the cycle side has a full-blown Park Tool shop workstand (the one with the big heavy steel floorplate) but it's mounted on a trolley with locking castors so I can wheel the plate under a shelf unit, with the arm tucked in the top shelf.  Two of the machines - planer/thicknesser and table saw are also on trolleys with castors so they can be wheeled under the woodworking MFT bench.

I may get round to some pix!

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 May, 2020, 04:28:28 pm
Can a spanner be a thing of beauty? I think they can, these are just lovely.

(http://alloy-artifacts.org/Photos/tools/gedore_c16mm_1b_wrench_combo_offset_van_f_cropped_inset2_w560_h243.jpg)

Not my picture. It's from http://alloy-artifacts.org.
I think the picture proves that you're right.  :)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 27 May, 2020, 05:51:45 pm
Over recent years I've twice decided to buy cheapo tools (at least twice that come to mind)

#1 - 1/2" router. A B&Q Titan. I've had a Trend 1/4" for many years, bought thinking they were first line, and have been distinctly mildly unimpressed. "Little" things like the plunge lock not working properly, led me to buy the Titan as it would only be for occasional use. On a cost per use basis, I suppose it is fair as I don't use it much, but it really isn't nice. I'm thinking I might invest in a second hand Makita or the like. Anyone fancy a Titan? Going cheep?

#2 - a ScrewStation multi tool. How had I survived for so long without a multitool? But boyohboy it gives bad vibes. Replaced now with a Makita bare-body. Anyone fancy the old one? Gives you a good buzz.

All in all, unsurprising outcome for buying cheap.

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 27 May, 2020, 06:24:18 pm
Over recent years I've twice decided to buy cheapo tools (at least twice that come to mind)

#1 - 1/2" router. A B&Q Titan. I've had a Trend 1/4" for many years, bought thinking they were first line, and have been distinctly mildly unimpressed. "Little" things like the plunge lock not working properly, led me to buy the Titan as it would only be for occasional use. On a cost per use basis, I suppose it is fair as I don't use it much, but it really isn't nice. I'm thinking I might invest in a second hand Makita or the like. Anyone fancy a Titan? Going cheep?

#2 - a ScrewStation multi tool. How had I survived for so long without a multitool? But boyohboy it gives bad vibes. Replaced now with a Makita bare-body. Anyone fancy the old one? Gives you a good buzz.

All in all, unsurprising outcome for buying cheap.

I'd hesitate at buying a secondhand router as many will have had a hard life - I had a basic router that did what I wanted (Energer I think) and still does small work - ealry this year I bought a Bosch - dunno which model, about £130 - and it's excellent.

.... and you're right, I've bought a couple of cheapies (Dremel and multitool lookalikes) that turned out to be crap and have been replaced.  That said, I have 3 or of the Aldi Ferrex or Workzone tools and for DIY they are pretty good.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 29 May, 2020, 08:10:58 pm
Japanese pull-saw arrived today from Axminster Tools - superb.   

I need make a very fine cut, about 1.9m long, to remove a mahogany moulding from a bookcase and then re-use it on another section of the bookcase - the sharpness of the teeth (which have almost no "set") and the pulling rather than pushing action has made the job pretty simple - cut about half-way along so far - the blade slices through the glued area between the the moulding and the frame very smoothly, making minimal dust.

Highly recommended.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: orienteer on 29 May, 2020, 10:47:37 pm
I still have a Japanese saw I bought in Japan about 45 years ago, in a Daimaru department store.

They cut very fine as the thin blade doesn't have to resist buckling. The other useful feature having two sides, fine and coarse, which you can flip between; start with the fine, then change to coarse for faster cutting.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 30 May, 2020, 07:31:38 am
I still have a Japanese saw I bought in Japan about 45 years ago, in a Daimaru department store.

They cut very fine as the thin blade doesn't have to resist buckling. The other useful feature having two sides, fine and coarse, which you can flip between; start with the fine, then change to coarse for faster cutting.

Mine is a single-sided blade - with teeth for hardwoods  : https://www.axminstertools.com/hardwood-kataba-saw-250mm-103692   - the handle is very long which makes it very easy to get good long strokes with the blade.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 30 May, 2020, 08:10:08 am
I ought to do something similar to your 40mm pipe but I'm too lazy.  In the adjoining bit of the barn I've got a Titan vacuum cleaner sucking on an old drum that acts as a cyclone of sorts. The hose goes through the wall, and in the shop I have around 10m of flexible 40mm hose suspended from the ceiling on bungee cords.  It works, and I can plug it into conventional vacuum cleaner tools in the unlikely event that I want to vacuum the floor.

My bikes live in a corner, under the plastic sheeting from a mattress.  Just now I can't work on them because of my defunct ceiling-hook "system". I do have a workstand but the wretched thing was designed to trip people up so it's in the next bit of the barn, in disgrace.

I only have a single garage where I have a "cycle workshop" side and "woodworking" side - the cycle side has a full-blown Park Tool shop workstand (the one with the big heavy steel floorplate) but it's mounted on a trolley with locking castors so I can wheel the plate under a shelf unit, with the arm tucked in the top shelf.  Two of the machines - planer/thicknesser and table saw are also on trolleys with castors so they can be wheeled under the woodworking MFT bench.

I may get round to some pix!

Rob

Unfortunately, my workbenches already have all the stuff under them that they can take.

My stand is a 69€ Decathlon effort, very sturdy but with four feet designed to catch the unwary when there isn't a bike on it.  It's also a PITA to take apart & stow, especially if you know you might need to get it out again tomorrow.  I'll have to see if I can make a sort of box girder out of spare boards and fix it across the width of the workshop to support both ceiling and bike hooks.  The roof above the ceiling is a very rough concrete slab that I really do not fancy trying to drill holes in - lots of gravel or whatever in it.

I hate these niggly jobs that get in the way of doing real stuff.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: TheLurker on 30 May, 2020, 09:10:24 pm
Robgul's post reminded me, this is one of my favourite tools.  I've yet to find a better way of undoing cock-ups in balsa airframes.  It lets me cut stringers / ribs out without crushing surrounding wood.  Of course it'd be far, far better to not cock things up in the first place, but...

(https://i.ibb.co/P6m1mY4/SawBlade.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nLgQg0f)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 30 May, 2020, 09:27:21 pm
Quote
Saw blades for No3 scalpel handle.

 (31 TPI, 68 TPI, 48 TPI, 31 TPI).

Made from 0.12mm thick stainless steel.

 ;D
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Morat on 04 June, 2020, 10:11:02 am
Firefox popped this up on my home page. I have a sudden desire for Japanese!

https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/maintain-the-garden/japanese-garden-tools/
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 04 June, 2020, 10:29:24 am
Firefox popped this up on my home page. I have a sudden desire for Japanese!

https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/maintain-the-garden/japanese-garden-tools/

Nice. £79 for a trowel though  :o

Im looking for one of those planting hoes. A pickaxe sized mattock gets used a lot in our garden and a smaller one handed one would be great.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: fruitcake on 04 June, 2020, 11:10:13 am
Bought an all steel dowelling jig made by Stanley. It is designed for lining up the drill bit for drilling holes for dowels. But as a tool that allows you to line up the drill before you do the drilling, it's useful beyond making joints. Kind of a portable alternative to a pillar drill.

I now need to find metric bushings since the imperial ones that come with it are of limited use in the 21st century. (Except for the one that's about 8mm)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Morat on 05 June, 2020, 06:14:09 pm
Firefox popped this up on my home page. I have a sudden desire for Japanese!

https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/maintain-the-garden/japanese-garden-tools/

Nice. £79 for a trowel though  :o

Im looking for one of those planting hoes. A pickaxe sized mattock gets used a lot in our garden and a smaller one handed one would be great.

yes! I'm sure it's an heirloom-quality trowel. I'm just not sure how excited my decendants would be to inherit one :D
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 14 June, 2020, 05:48:48 pm
Heads up for cheap clamps

ALDI has sets of trigger clamps in the special offers this week (14 June) - 2 off 150mm & 2 off small ones (? size) at £4.99 the set.

Small aren't much use but the bigger ones are pretty good for what they do and the price . .. I bought 3 sets today to add to the 2 sets I bought last time they were on offer. They're only in the shops.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Basil on 15 June, 2020, 01:07:30 pm
Some time back I asked a carpenter mate how you get saws sharpened these days.
"You just buy a new one", he muttered.
Today, I finally got round to doing that.  Wow, that was so much easier.  Hot knife through butter.
I really should have done this two years ago.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 15 June, 2020, 01:17:38 pm
I've done that myself a couple of times - I even have a setting tool hanging on the workshop wall. Not very enjoyable, so I haven't done it since. I hardly ever use handsaws these days anyway.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 15 June, 2020, 01:32:06 pm
I've done that myself a couple of times - I even have a setting tool hanging on the workshop wall. Not very enjoyable, so I haven't done it since. I hardly ever use handsaws these days anyway.

You cant resharpen modern saws (unless you buy an expensive one made in the traditional way). Once they are blunt that's it buy a new one, they do stay sharp a long time though. Not sure if you can re set them either, never tried on a modern one. The hardening on the teeth of modern saws makes them just as hard as a saw file so the file doesn't work. Only the tips are hardened but then the metal under that is too soft for a saw blade anyway.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 15 June, 2020, 02:23:10 pm
I've done that myself a couple of times - I even have a setting tool hanging on the workshop wall. Not very enjoyable, so I haven't done it since. I hardly ever use handsaws these days anyway.

You cant resharpen modern saws (unless you buy an expensive one made in the traditional way). Once they are blunt that's it buy a new one, they do stay sharp a long time though. Not sure if you can re set them either, never tried on a modern one. The hardening on the teeth of modern saws makes them just as hard as a saw file so the file doesn't work. Only the tips are hardened but then the metal under that is too soft for a saw blade anyway.

Yep - but then even quite good quality saws aren't expensive nowadays ... and do stay sharp.  I used to get saws sharpened at a place near Tewkesbury years ago but it reached the point where the cost of sharpening and the time/fuel to take and collect made it unecomical.

While we're on the subject of saws - I've just bought a couple of Japanese pull-saws - very sharp and brilliant for very fine cuts.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 15 June, 2020, 02:39:16 pm
Indeed. I was just looking at my collection of abused saws in the garage at the weekend. Had them all at least ten years most probably twenty. I'm thinking I should just chuck the lot and buy new ones, a cross-cut a ripping one, a small toolbox saw and a dovetail saw. I have a couple of old small brass backed cross-cuts that I'll keep as they are nice to look at bu all the old modern saws can just go to the tip I think.
Anyone have any preference for new saws, Bahco, Stanley or something else?

I recently picked up one of those small Japanese pull saws but haven't had a chance to try it yet.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 16 June, 2020, 08:16:08 am
Bahco.

Still have my grandfathers old saw as a curiosity.  It has a sticker on saying where it was last taken to be sharpened.

Was using this yesterday to remove a tree stump - it reaches the parts where other bars cannot go:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41VwQUGGXjL._AC_SL1010_.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 16 June, 2020, 08:22:03 am
I have one of those. Brilliant for digging fence post holes as well along with one of these:

(https://www.clarketooling.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/177439E2-B1E4-4D60-8F82-714A3D43A3D5-huge.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 16 June, 2020, 08:29:08 am
Bahco.

Still have my grandfathers old saw as a curiosity.  It has a sticker on saying where it was last taken to be sharpened.

Was using this yesterday to remove a tree stump - it reaches the parts where other bars cannot go:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41VwQUGGXjL._AC_SL1010_.jpg)

When I was getting saws sharpened the firm doing them used to write your name on the blade . . . . I still have an ancient tenon saw with my name on it (must have last been sharpened in about 1988/89)

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 16 June, 2020, 05:43:14 pm
Traditional saws are made from steel that is soft enough to sharpened with a file.

Modern "hardpoint" saws have hardened teeth and cannot be sharpened with a file. They stay sharp longer but are supposed to be thrown away when they get blunt. Although in theory they could be sharpened with a diamond file.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Aunt Maud on 16 June, 2020, 05:56:43 pm
I sharpen and set all my saws myself, it's a doddle and doesn't take much time to do.

The fine dovetail and crosscut saws get set with a nail punch and the others with a setting tool. I think there's nothing like a well sharpened and set handsaw and I prefer these to the plastic handle throw away rubbish.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Basil on 16 June, 2020, 06:21:41 pm
I sharpen and set all my saws myself, it's a doddle and doesn't take much time to do.


Yeahbut, you are the 'Kim' of hard-core carpentry and masonry.  The rest of us here are mere mortals.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 27 June, 2020, 10:21:50 pm
This seems relevant to our interests....

If there is enough sticking out to get hold of then buy a pair of Engineer Neji-Saurus pliers.

Neji-Saurus at Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Engineers-Advanced-Removal-Combination-Neji-Saurus/dp/B07F2KB2JH/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=engineer+pliers&qid=1593283984&sr=8-14)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51i5v3CYlaL._AC_SL1000_.jpg)

They are Japanese and specifically designed for removing things where the head has sheared off or is damaged. They have grooves at 90deg to normal pliers. They work brilliantly and come in different sizes. Also they look cool and have a great name.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 27 June, 2020, 11:10:40 pm
I now realise that I have (ab)used such pliers (of inferior quality I suspect, but similar longitudinal grooves) and not realised what they were for.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 June, 2020, 09:43:45 am
As well as the various sizes of pliers they also do a set of mole grips designed on the same principle in case you have a bigger job, you also see Vampliers which look the same as Engineer pliers but are red. These are made by Engineer but rebranded for a US tool distribution company. I haven't got the mole grip version so no idea how well these work. Interesting company in that apart from the pliers they really seem focused around precision tools for electronics.

https://www.engineertools-jp.com/home (https://www.engineertools-jp.com/home)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71RQOpMt96L._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 28 June, 2020, 11:06:32 am
I have a couple of their crimp tools.  They're in no way comparable to a connector-specific ratchet crimper that's 5 times the price, but they make up for that by being able - with a bit of practice - to give acceptable results on a wide variety of small connectors.  Think JST and Dupont connectors, up to the sort of thing you use on dynamo wiring.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 29 June, 2020, 12:56:55 pm
As reported earlier my old B&D circular saw needs to be pensioned off for less critical work  (making fences etc) so a new track/plunge saw from Mr Screwix's Emporium was purchased today  :thumbsup:   Admittedly a "value" model but it does what I want to do with nice smooth and straight cuts.

First job for the saw will be cutting some panels to make a dust-extraction hood for my mitre saw - it has a pipe etc but the sawdust sprays out from the blade and covers everything - there will be a second suction pipe to the cyclone/shop-vac.

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 30 June, 2020, 02:54:50 pm
In the market for mole grips, any recommendations?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 30 June, 2020, 03:03:48 pm
In the market for mole grips, any recommendations?

Grip-On. (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grip-On-111-10-Adjustable-Self-Locking-Pliers/dp/B000KOQB68/ref=lp_3368352031_1_4?srs=3368352031&ie=UTF8&qid=1593525689&sr=8-4)

They come in different sizes and jaw shapes. Plus they are a fetching shade of orange.

I have some long nosed ones and they are very nice (well for mole grips which by definition are an abomination that should be avoided if at all possible).


Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 08 July, 2020, 05:14:38 pm
Thank you for the recommendations for a Japanese pull saw.  I was given one for Fathers day.  Truly magnificent.  The plants in the garden are now suddenly smaller, neater and a lot of wood has gone into the garden waste bin.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 08 July, 2020, 07:32:17 pm
I fabricated some "blast gates" for my workshop (wood) dust extraction system today - an idea from YouTube that I think I've enhanced.  They seem effective  :thumbsup:

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 10 July, 2020, 03:47:23 pm
Just got these stealth precision side cutters:

Super Knips!

(https://www.knipex.com/fileadmin/site/knipex/scripts/mediando/images/KNIPEX/Produktfotos/web/zoom/7861125ESD-01-3.jpg)

Not sure why Knipex colour all the ESD cutters grey.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 10 July, 2020, 08:55:19 pm
I have the much less stealthy non-ESD version.  They're lovely.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 10 July, 2020, 09:07:43 pm
I have the much less stealthy non-ESD version.  They're lovely.

Aren't they. I'm saving them for best for components on PCBs I ordered some Italian Piergiacomi which supposed to be really good but are 1/4 the price for general work. I'm upgrading my no brand cutters which are blunt now anyway.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 11 July, 2020, 07:57:07 am
Looking around for a bench grinder (which I have been looking at for years, and still not acquired one, so may well still not, nowt wrong with looking though, any recommendations?) I discover something curious.

Branding is important. Manufacturers that don't want to "pollute" their main brand create a secondary brand for cheap stuff. Now, it appears we are seeing this taken to another level. Those German sounding brands made of chinesium? Scheppach? Einhell? Well..... meet Ozito (https://www.homebase.co.uk/ozito-by-einhell-150w-bench-grinder_p389350)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 11 July, 2020, 08:30:17 am
Looking around for a bench grinder (which I have been looking at for years, and still not acquired one, so may well still not, nowt wrong with looking though, any recommendations?) I discover something curious.

Branding is important. Manufacturers that don't want to "pollute" their main brand create a secondary brand for cheap stuff. Now, it appears we are seeing this taken to another level. Those German sounding brands made of chinesium? Scheppach? Einhell? Well..... meet Ozito (https://www.homebase.co.uk/ozito-by-einhell-150w-bench-grinder_p389350)

I've got a couple of cheapie bench grinders (a Clarke/Machine Mart with grinding stones and an unbranded one with a brass brush mop on one side and cloth mop on the other) - OK for DIY stuff but if you really push on the grinding wheels you can stop the motor!

Rob
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 13 July, 2020, 08:00:02 am
^^ What he said.

Mine's a 150W job, so didn't expect it to be very powerful.  I use it for polishing bits of motorbike,or cleaning up rusty metal with ScotchBrite wheels, and it's good at that. Not used the grinder much but it's fine for sharpening things, but I'd not expect it to grind the corners off 1/2" steel plate.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Moleman76 on 14 July, 2020, 07:42:20 pm
Those German sounding brands made of chinesium? Scheppach? Einhell? Well..... meet Ozito (https://www.homebase.co.uk/ozito-by-einhell-150w-bench-grinder_p389350)

price looks like einhell of a deal
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 14 July, 2020, 09:25:36 pm
My brother has a 3d printer and now has the spec for making me saome adaptors for the dust extraction ports on various woodworking machines - they should help me bid farewell to some of the cobbled together fittings and the odd length of duct tape.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rogerzilla on 14 July, 2020, 09:27:03 pm
I now have a fork threading die, bought from a chap who used it once.  He used it on a chrome fork so I doubt it's at its best, but it will be fine for cleaning threads.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Gattopardo on 14 July, 2020, 09:34:19 pm
Looking around for a bench grinder (which I have been looking at for years, and still not acquired one, so may well still not, nowt wrong with looking though, any recommendations?) I discover something curious.

Branding is important. Manufacturers that don't want to "pollute" their main brand create a secondary brand for cheap stuff. Now, it appears we are seeing this taken to another level. Those German sounding brands made of chinesium? Scheppach? Einhell? Well..... meet Ozito (https://www.homebase.co.uk/ozito-by-einhell-150w-bench-grinder_p389350)

Scheppach is german, I thought.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 14 July, 2020, 09:40:14 pm
Looking around for a bench grinder (which I have been looking at for years, and still not acquired one, so may well still not, nowt wrong with looking though, any recommendations?) I discover something curious.

Branding is important. Manufacturers that don't want to "pollute" their main brand create a secondary brand for cheap stuff. Now, it appears we are seeing this taken to another level. Those German sounding brands made of chinesium? Scheppach? Einhell? Well..... meet Ozito (https://www.homebase.co.uk/ozito-by-einhell-150w-bench-grinder_p389350)

Scheppach is german, I thought.

I believe that the company is German but products (some/all?) are made in China.  I have an Aldi branded planer/thicknesser that has Sheppach in the manual as the tech support and warranty source but the machine is labelled as made in China.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Gattopardo on 14 July, 2020, 09:52:53 pm
Looking around for a bench grinder (which I have been looking at for years, and still not acquired one, so may well still not, nowt wrong with looking though, any recommendations?) I discover something curious.

Branding is important. Manufacturers that don't want to "pollute" their main brand create a secondary brand for cheap stuff. Now, it appears we are seeing this taken to another level. Those German sounding brands made of chinesium? Scheppach? Einhell? Well..... meet Ozito (https://www.homebase.co.uk/ozito-by-einhell-150w-bench-grinder_p389350)

Scheppach is german, I thought.

I believe that the company is German but products (some/all?) are made in China.  I have an Aldi branded planer/thicknesser that has Sheppach in the manual as the tech support and warranty source but the machine is labelled as made in China.

Have a sliding mitre saw that I bought second hand and can't fault it.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 14 July, 2020, 10:06:09 pm
I have a Scheppach wet tile cutter, I can't fault the value and used carefully it is capable of accurate work. Unlike me  ;D (but it is chinese)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 14 July, 2020, 11:33:31 pm
Re bench grinders. I have this cheap 200mm Screwfix one that coast about £40

https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-ttb521grb-200mm-electric-bench-grinder-240v/85634

400W so its OK but it needs bolting to a piece of wood and then clamping to a bench or it will walk all over the place but that might be the wire wheel on it being unbalanced. I also run a cloth mop for polishing. The LED light attached to it is pointless though its so dim.

eBay and Gumtree etc are your friends though if you want a better one. I picked up a Blue Point (Snap On) one for £30 and its actually made by Baldor if I remember rightly (its hiding in a dark corner of the garage waiting for new wheels). Good ones come up but you have to be patient. Its not like there is much to go wrong with these things and with good old ones you can take them apart and replace the bearings if you need to.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 15 July, 2020, 07:18:21 am
It's ok, I laid down and fanned myself for a while and the feeling passed. Actually did the job with a Dremel, not as good but effective enough. My main issue is space, and the lack of it (a certain video refers....)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 15 July, 2020, 09:15:25 am
Looking around for a bench grinder (which I have been looking at for years, and still not acquired one, so may well still not, nowt wrong with looking though, any recommendations?) I discover something curious.

Branding is important. Manufacturers that don't want to "pollute" their main brand create a secondary brand for cheap stuff. Now, it appears we are seeing this taken to another level. Those German sounding brands made of chinesium? Scheppach? Einhell? Well..... meet Ozito (https://www.homebase.co.uk/ozito-by-einhell-150w-bench-grinder_p389350)

Scheppach is german, I thought.

My Bosch circular saw is Chinese made. As was the McAllister one before it. Chalk and cheese though. Wish I'd paid for Bosch much sooner.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 15 July, 2020, 02:29:38 pm
Collected an "as new" s/h dovetail jig (for woodworking router) today at a snip, and even better was that it was on a journey to collect some rather special and expensive plywood that I had CNC cut for a table I'm making.

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 23 July, 2020, 12:27:19 pm
Different sort of tools, the start of a home electronics lab. I think I am sorted for power supplies for quite a while now.

Elektro-Automatik PS 3016-20B Bench Power Supply 0-16V 0-20A

This one is incredibly heavy and has a fan.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/iv0o01nb0elpadw/20200723_120126.jpg?dl=0)

Hameg / Rohde & Schwarz HM7042-3 Bench Power Supply 2x0-32V/2A - 1x2.7-5.5V/5A

This one is silent. Probably get used the most.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/q43s79biesl9aic/20200723_120816.jpg?dl=0)

There is a Teutonic theme going on here I think.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 23 July, 2020, 12:40:17 pm
I have a Rapid Electronics branded HY3005D2 (not sure who actually made them), which I scored for not-very-much on eBay when the one I'd molished around a PC ATX power supply as a PSO turned out to be inadequate for some project that required 48V.  It's enormous, as you'd expect for the power rating, but no fan to make noise.

I've improved it somewhat by adding switches to disconnect the outputs (saves plugging and unplugging leads) and - more critically - replaced the pots with 10-turn ones to avoid accidental release of magic smoke while knob-twiddling.  0-30V in a single turn didn't leave much room for overshoot.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 23 July, 2020, 12:57:04 pm
Both of mine are from eBay. The Hameg was spendy !
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: SoreTween on 23 July, 2020, 07:06:46 pm
Bet mines louderer[1]  ;D  It's 3U 19" rack size and depth.  0[2]-60V and 125-50A.  Saved it from a skip years ago and easily fixed it but since then it's sat unused in far from ideal storage conditions.  When we moved house the movers managed to break the output disconnect switch and one of the corner handles >:(   Last week I needed to move it and for a larf plugged it in as I dragged it past a socket.  And popped the house MCB.  A project for the winter.

[1]But not at the moment.
2I have my doubts it goes all the way down to zero but can't remember.  The front panel gives no clues.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 23 July, 2020, 08:26:36 pm
Bet you can make some really big sparks with that.  Well, not at the moment.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Gattopardo on 23 July, 2020, 10:20:07 pm
Want a power supply, as I feel it will be useful ;)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 24 July, 2020, 08:07:26 am
60V and 125-50A.

That's a welder, innit?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 24 July, 2020, 11:36:17 am
60V and 125-50A.

That's a welder, innit?

Certainly if your screwdriver slips...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Morat on 25 July, 2020, 11:27:05 pm
I bought two Torque Wrenches :)
Nowt Flash - just Halfords mechanical ones - but I'm now covered from 30-600NM

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 01 August, 2020, 08:36:21 pm
I seem to have bough a chainsaw.  Oops.

(https://media.screwfix.com/is/image//ae235?src=ae235/6285K_P&$prodImageMedium$)

The FiL had a big laylandii hedge to cut back in order to put up a fence and it was reported to have really thick branches he had been doing one by one with a hand saw.
Opportunity for new power-tools identified, and off we go. As it turned out the hedge wasn't really that bad and my hedge cutter handled 99% of it (top tip if you have hedges of any size get a hedge cutter as well as a trimmer  - wish I had known this years before I knew there was a difference) and I lopped off the remaining bigger branches with a pruning saw.
Never mind now I have a chainsaw to play with tomorrow. I have some apple that's been waiting about 10 years to be cut into smaller bits ...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Aunt Maud on 01 August, 2020, 08:38:21 pm
Did you supplement the purchase with copious amounts of the correct PPE ?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 01 August, 2020, 11:27:34 pm
Want a power supply, as I feel it will be useful ;)

It's empowering...

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: TheLurker on 02 August, 2020, 09:09:40 am
Have ordered and am now waiting, excitedly, for a second-hand* one of these :  Harlan Rubber Stripper (http://www.gryffinaero.com/models/ffpages/tools/rubberstrip/harlan/harlan.html) to be delivered




*For younger readers, "pre-owned".
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 02 August, 2020, 12:22:39 pm
Have ordered and am now waiting, excitedly, for a second-hand* one of these :  Harlan Rubber Stripper (http://www.gryffinaero.com/models/ffpages/tools/rubberstrip/harlan/harlan.html) to be delivered




*For younger readers, "pre-owned".

I had to Google what a "rubber stripper" was - visions of a very flexible female removing clothes? - anyway I now know it's to do with model aircraft.   

Does Keil Kraft still exist? - that was the make of balsa wood kits when I was making them back in the late 1950s/early 60s
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: TheLurker on 02 August, 2020, 02:09:11 pm
Quote from: robgul
Does Keil Kraft still exist?
Sadly, no.  Ceased trading late 1970s or maybe *very* early 1980s.  The good news (if you are on a toy aeroplane nostalgia kick) is that many of the plans can be found on Outerzone and Ripmax have, in the last 18 months, started releasing updated laser cut kits (correcting many errors while on the way) of some of the more popular designs,
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 02 August, 2020, 02:16:24 pm
Quote from: robgul
Does Keil Kraft still exist?
Sadly, no.  Ceased trading late 1970s or maybe *very* early 1980s.  The good news (if you are on a toy aeroplane nostalgia kick) is that many of the plans can be found on Outerzone and Ripmax have, in the last 18 months, started releasing updated laser cut kits (correcting many errors while on the way) of some of the more popular designs,

Interesting, I did wonder.  Not my bag any more - I'm into REAL WOODWORK* now making all sorts of stuff from MDF, plywood and old pallets - no patience for models

Rob

* Fully equipped man-cave - cycle workshop one side, woodwork machinery the other.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Zipperhead on 02 August, 2020, 08:32:56 pm
Did you supplement the purchase with copious amounts of the correct PPE ?

As long as he's got some Gaffrer tape, he can use that to attach the chainsaw to his stump. Or someone else can in the case of a double stump.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 August, 2020, 02:50:50 pm

A while back when ordering some stuff from Wolf tooth, I got a Disc brake truing tool to get me over a postage threshold.

This last week I've had to setup or adjust several sets of disc brakes, and am rather glad I had the tool in the bottom of my tool box.

It surprised a number of bike mechanics when I produced a tool actually designed for the job...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EebvbHYWAAE6lIU?format=jpg)

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ElyDave on 05 August, 2020, 04:26:18 pm
My Niwaki Japanese one handed planting hoe has arrived.

It is truly wonderful, as is my right handed weeding hoe

(https://i.imgur.com/5SgXauZ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/hRyTgcl.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Wobbly John on 05 August, 2020, 05:02:08 pm
Ver nice.

I use an 'onion hoe' that I designed and made myself as an introductry metalwork exercise (forged swan-neck handle and brazed on sheet metal blade) for the Year 10 students about 20 years ago...  :smug:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 05 August, 2020, 08:34:03 pm
My Niwaki Japanese one handed planting hoe has arrived.

That's lovely. So lovely I just ordered one for Mrs Pcolbeck on your recommendation.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ElyDave on 05 August, 2020, 09:24:54 pm
My Niwaki Japanese one handed planting hoe has arrived.

That's lovely. So lovely I just ordered one for Mrs Pcolbeck on your recommendation.

And my work here is done
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 06 August, 2020, 09:15:18 am
My Niwaki Japanese one handed planting hoe has arrived.

That's lovely. So lovely I just ordered one for Mrs Pcolbeck on your recommendation.

And my work here is done

:) I also ordered her some No. 304 Okatsune Snips as she is planning on digging out a cut flower bed now she has retired and has the more time for gardening. Actually I'll be digging out the bed - that's my role in gardening groundwork's, fencing etc and lawn mowing I haven't got a clue about plants but Mrs Pcolbeck has green fingers.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rr on 06 August, 2020, 04:44:34 pm
Thanks to this thread I am casting lustful looks at wera joker spanners.

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 06 August, 2020, 04:53:50 pm
Thanks to this thread I am casting lustful looks at wera joker spanners.

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk
They're ver' nice.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rr on 06 August, 2020, 05:13:53 pm
Thanks to this thread I am casting lustful looks at wera joker spanners.

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk
They're ver' nice.
Stop it!!

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 06 August, 2020, 05:15:19 pm
Thanks to this thread I am casting lustful looks at wera joker spanners.
The slippery slope.

Stand away from the Wera catalogue !!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Wombat on 06 August, 2020, 05:36:01 pm
What about Knipex, is that safe to look at? 

Oh bugger, I've done it again.  Those nippers were so nice...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 06 August, 2020, 05:37:31 pm
rr could we perhaps interest you in the following catalogues, no obligation to buy of course just for some browsing :)

Wiha (https://www.wiha.com/gb/en/)
Knipex (https://www.knipex.com/en/homepage-2020/)
Gedore (https://www.gedore.com/en-de)
Witte (https://www.wittetools.com/en/)

Please be careful that they don't function as a gateway drug to:

PB Swiss (https://www.pbswisstools.com/en/)
Stahlwille (https://www.stahlwille.co.uk/)

And unless you have a will of iron don't even go near Japanese tool catalogues.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Little Jim on 06 August, 2020, 06:25:25 pm
As we are a cycling forum no thread about tools should be without a mention of Abbey Tools www.abbeybiketools.com (http://www.abbeybiketools.com)

I particularly like their Crombie Tool and when I win the lottery I'll buy one of their dishing gauges...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Efrogwr on 06 August, 2020, 08:09:57 pm
I fancy a P & K Lie wheel truing jig.... but I'll have to make do with my ancient Var one.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 06 August, 2020, 08:13:08 pm
As we are a cycling forum no thread about tools should be without a mention of Abbey Tools www.abbeybiketools.com (http://www.abbeybiketools.com)

I particularly like their Crombie Tool and when I win the lottery I'll buy one of their dishing gauges...
They're ideal for doing little bits on your bike when you have one of your yachts moored in Monaco.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Little Jim on 07 August, 2020, 05:37:21 pm
 ;D and the Ti versions will not go rusty with the salt in the air while on your yacht.  But in all seriousness I am very impressed with how well the Crombie tool works, it's a really good fit in the lockring and is easier to use than the Park Tools socket with a ratchet handle as there is no play whatsoever when you are holding it as well as being lighter.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rogerzilla on 21 August, 2020, 03:16:57 pm
The fork die I bought recently (used once by its original owner) has paid for itself by

1. Cleaning the skanky threads on the Merckx fork
2. Enabling me to sell an otherwise useless 26tpi fork (with long steerer) by cutting off the 26tpi bit and threading it for 24tpi.  It makes beautiful threads and my fussiest alloy headset race goes on smoothly.  It was quite a fun job, and requires a fair bit of welly even with lashings of cutting oil.

Bike-specific dies cost a bomb but this appears to have the correct thread profile and came from a general tools factor.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 01 September, 2020, 08:22:17 pm
I lashed out £10 on a Gumtree purchase of a scroll-saw (a.k.a. electric fretwork machine if you did school woodwork in the same era as me) - pretty much in as new condition with retail at about £160 - I have had to buy some blades though.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Valiant on 01 September, 2020, 09:17:48 pm
I have a thing for Elu routers. I have 6 of them. Of the same model (MOF96). There's just something about them.


Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 03 September, 2020, 07:27:28 pm
This fits SOO well with YACF memes   https://twitter.com/_youhadonejob1/status/1294555754586931204
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 04 September, 2020, 08:56:26 am
This fits SOO well with YACF memes   https://twitter.com/_youhadonejob1/status/1294555754586931204

The super glue is missing.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 September, 2020, 11:08:58 am
This fits SOO well with YACF memes   https://twitter.com/_youhadonejob1/status/1294555754586931204

The super glue is missing.

And the cable ties.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 04 September, 2020, 11:27:28 am
And the hammer.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Chris N on 04 September, 2020, 11:29:41 am
NOW it's a yacf meme.  A bunch of know-it-alls pointing out what's wrong with a joke.  ;D
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: canny colin on 06 September, 2020, 07:08:10 pm
My Vessel 220w-3 Screwdriver set has just arrived from Yokohama . 3 interchangeable double ended bits . 6mm slotted/ no 2 Jis   , no 1 Jis / No 3 Jis , No 2 pozy / No 3 pozy  . I tell you it's dead lush. I am so smitten I have ordered another one. For £ 12.00 off Ebay you canny fall off .
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 07 September, 2020, 08:04:39 am
My Vessel 220w-3 Screwdriver set has just arrived from Yokohama . 3 interchangeable double ended bits . 6mm slotted/ no 2 Jis   , no 1 Jis / No 3 Jis , No 2 pozy / No 3 pozy  . I tell you it's dead lush. I am so smitten I have ordered another one. For £ 12.00 off Ebay you canny fall off .

Thanks for the tip(!)
Ordered one.  It's worth it just for the bits (https://advrider.com/f/threads/jis-vs-phillips-bs-or-real-once-and-for-all-video.935980/)

Quote
Henry Phillips invented and patented the Phillips® design in 1936. The Phillips® design was a great solution for the automobile production lines since it was designed to “cam-out” after a certain torque was reached to prevent over-tightening of the screw. Another advantage over the use of flat head screws was that the Phillips® self-centering design allowed operators to engage the tip of the driver into the screw head very quickly and easily.
Japanese engineers developed their own cross-point design similar to that of the Phillips®. The Japanese cross-point drivers also have the self-centering and quick tool and screw engagement, however the “JIS” (Japanese Industrial Standard) design allowed torque and over-tightening to be controlled by the operator and not at the head of the screw. This key difference is why Phillips screwdrivers cannot properly engage "JIS” (Japanese Industrial Standard) screws.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 07 September, 2020, 08:58:12 am
NOW it's a yacf meme.  A bunch of know-it-alls pointing out what's wrong with a joke.  ;D

And a cludge.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 07 September, 2020, 09:10:42 am
And the hammer.

Isn't WD40 a chemical hammer?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: jsabine on 09 September, 2020, 04:10:48 pm
NOW it's a yacf meme.  A bunch of know-it-alls pointing out what's wrong with a joke.  ;D

And a cludge.

Better than a cludgie.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Gattopardo on 09 September, 2020, 04:31:58 pm
I have a thing for Elu routers. I have 6 of them. Of the same model (MOF96). There's just something about them.

Do we need to have an intervention?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Gattopardo on 09 September, 2020, 04:33:27 pm
My Vessel 220w-3 Screwdriver set has just arrived from Yokohama . 3 interchangeable double ended bits . 6mm slotted/ no 2 Jis   , no 1 Jis / No 3 Jis , No 2 pozy / No 3 pozy  . I tell you it's dead lush. I am so smitten I have ordered another one. For £ 12.00 off Ebay you canny fall off .

Just for the JIS and vessel that is good.

My machine mart JIS screwdrivers weren't much less, but they don't sell them any more.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 22 September, 2020, 05:08:14 pm
Got a bit of a deal on a spindle/bobbin sander for the woodwork section of my workshop . . . it's either handheld or clamps to the bench.

AND being a bit old skool with some of my tool using habits I discovered that you can get a converter for a Yankee (a.k.a. spiral ratchet or pump) screwdriver to take modern screwdriver bits - https://www.axminstertools.com/hex-bit-adaptor-for-yankee-srewdrivers-7mm-9-32-504596?qty=1  - and only 6 quid.  It's in my basket ready for when I place my next order with Axminster Tools.  [I have 3 Yankee screwdrivers  :thumbsup: ]
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 22 September, 2020, 06:51:33 pm
I have one of those adaptors for a Yankee screwdriver. Got it along with a Yankee for £2 at a car boots sale :)
I was helping with a datacentre move last weekend and one of the guys brought a big Yankee with an adaptor. It was brilliant for screwing kit into racks where the rails are mounted well back and its awkward to get in with a normal screwdriver.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 22 September, 2020, 07:21:03 pm
I have one of those adaptors for a Yankee screwdriver. Got it along with a Yankee for £2 at a car boots sale :)
I was helping with a datacentre move last weekend and one of the guys brought a big Yankee with an adaptor. It was brilliant for screwing kit into racks where the rails are mounted well back and its awkward to get in with a normal screwdriver.

Exactly - the long version is just the job for that situation - that's the one I'm getting the adapter for . . . the other two are the "regular" version which I really just keep for reasons of nostalgia with one I bought in 1969 and the other that came from my late father-in-law which is probably late 1950s/early 1960s.

I also picked up a couple of squares last week - one is a Record, the other a wooden/brass Footprint - oh, and a long Stanley Surform rasp.  I was out on the bike and a chap was having a yard sale - tricky riding home with them in my jersey back pocket!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 07 October, 2020, 06:59:15 pm
I need some tool advice. This may not be the correct thread.
I need to cut a what looks like a stainless steel pipe to length. (This is a support bar in a shower)
I bought a rotary pipe cutter from Screwfix which worked fine - up to the poitn I discovered the stainless pipe is too thick.
A junior hacksaw is doing nothing to it. Next step is a cutting disc I assume,
I have a big bosch  mains powered drill and a smaller Silverline battery powered drill.
Looking for advice on using a cutting disk with either of these. Waht do I buy and what do I mount the disc on?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 07 October, 2020, 07:05:26 pm
having grooved it with the pipe cutter, your best bet is to finish the job with a hacksaw, or lay your hands on a better pipe cutter.

( I assume you didn't buy this one https://www.screwfix.com/p/irwin-record-handicutter-15-45mm-manual-multi-material-pipe-cutter/84140)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Valiant on 07 October, 2020, 07:18:09 pm
I need some tool advice. This may not be the correct thread.
I need to cut a what looks like a stainless steel pipe to length. (This is a support bar in a shower)
I bought a rotary pipe cutter from Screwfix which worked fine - up to the poitn I discovered the stainless pipe is too thick.
A junior hacksaw is doing nothing to it. Next step is a cutting disc I assume,
I have a big bosch  mains powered drill and a smaller Silverline battery powered drill.
Looking for advice on using a cutting disk with either of these. Waht do I buy and what do I mount the disc on?

Happy to put it through my mitre saw if you can get to E14?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 07 October, 2020, 07:21:38 pm
( I assume you didn't buy this one https://www.screwfix.com/p/irwin-record-handicutter-15-45mm-manual-multi-material-pipe-cutter/84140)

I bought this pipe cutter. It worked perfectly.
To the point I discovered the cutting wheel is too small and will not cut into a thick walled pipe.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 07 October, 2020, 07:23:33 pm
I need some tool advice. This may not be the correct thread.
I need to cut a what looks like a stainless steel pipe to length. (This is a support bar in a shower)
I bought a rotary pipe cutter from Screwfix which worked fine - up to the poitn I discovered the stainless pipe is too thick.
A junior hacksaw is doing nothing to it. Next step is a cutting disc I assume,
I have a big bosch  mains powered drill and a smaller Silverline battery powered drill.
Looking for advice on using a cutting disk with either of these. Waht do I buy and what do I mount the disc on?

I wouldn't attempt to use a cutting disc on a drill - a) you'll probably bugger up the cut, b) it's dangerous - the disc fits to an arbor which is like a drill bit and goes in the chuck - but don't do it!!         A cutting disc in an angle grinder would do the job safely.

Best option is a full-size hacksaw, with the tube held in a vice.    If you have a friendly LBS they will have a special clamp for tubes that has an aligment slot for the hacksaw blade to slide in - for cutting fork steerers square to length - a polite word and they might cut your tube for you.   

If you're anywhere near me I have the clamp and saw.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 07 October, 2020, 07:27:00 pm
( I assume you didn't buy this one https://www.screwfix.com/p/irwin-record-handicutter-15-45mm-manual-multi-material-pipe-cutter/84140)

I bought this pipe cutter. It worked perfectly.
To the point I discovered the cutting wheel is too small and will not cut into a thick walled pipe.

Try putting some oil on the wheel/area  to cut and rollers and rotate the cutter turning the knob in very small increments - I've cut lots of chrome steel tube for a shower curtain with one of those cutters - just slowly and loads of rotations to cut slowly.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 07 October, 2020, 08:00:29 pm
( I assume you didn't buy this one https://www.screwfix.com/p/irwin-record-handicutter-15-45mm-manual-multi-material-pipe-cutter/84140)

I bought this pipe cutter. It worked perfectly.
To the point I discovered the cutting wheel is too small and will not cut into a thick walled pipe.

Try putting some oil on the wheel/area  to cut and rollers and rotate the cutter turning the knob in very small increments - I've cut lots of chrome steel tube for a shower curtain with one of those cutters - just slowly and loads of rotations to cut slowly.
^^ wot 'e sed. If it is that one, it is similar to the one I've had for <cough> years, and gone through 1.5mm mild steel quite happily.

Try putting some oil on the wheel/area  to cut and rollers and rotate the cutter turning the knob in very small increments - I've cut lots of chrome steel tube for a shower curtain with one of those cutters - just slowly and loads of rotations to cut slowly.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 08 October, 2020, 07:35:10 am
( I assume you didn't buy this one https://www.screwfix.com/p/irwin-record-handicutter-15-45mm-manual-multi-material-pipe-cutter/84140)

I bought this pipe cutter. It worked perfectly.
To the point I discovered the cutting wheel is too small and will not cut into a thick walled pipe.

Try putting some oil on the wheel/area  to cut and rollers and rotate the cutter turning the knob in very small increments - I've cut lots of chrome steel tube for a shower curtain with one of those cutters - just slowly and loads of rotations to cut slowly.
^^ wot 'e sed. If it is that one, it is similar to the one I've had for <cough> years, and gone through 1.5mm mild steel quite happily.

Try putting some oil on the wheel/area  to cut and rollers and rotate the cutter turning the knob in very small increments - I've cut lots of chrome steel tube for a shower curtain with one of those cutters - just slowly and loads of rotations to cut slowly.

If you're coughing at the time you've had yours I must be choking!  - 43 years is the best guess for mine
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 08 October, 2020, 12:20:53 pm
( I assume you didn't buy this one https://www.screwfix.com/p/irwin-record-handicutter-15-45mm-manual-multi-material-pipe-cutter/84140)

I bought this pipe cutter. It worked perfectly.
To the point I discovered the cutting wheel is too small and will not cut into a thick walled pipe.

Try putting some oil on the wheel/area  to cut and rollers and rotate the cutter turning the knob in very small increments - I've cut lots of chrome steel tube for a shower curtain with one of those cutters - just slowly and loads of rotations to cut slowly.
^^ wot 'e sed. If it is that one, it is similar to the one I've had for <cough> years, and gone through 1.5mm mild steel quite happily.

Try putting some oil on the wheel/area  to cut and rollers and rotate the cutter turning the knob in very small increments - I've cut lots of chrome steel tube for a shower curtain with one of those cutters - just slowly and loads of rotations to cut slowly.

If you're coughing at the time you've ad yours I must be choking!  - 43 years is the best guess for mine

I'd struggle to find an accurate date, but they are similar age, I definitely had it in '81, but can't remember when before that.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Zipperhead on 08 October, 2020, 01:53:31 pm
Given the thread title, it's obvious that what he needs is a new lathe.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: SoreTween on 08 October, 2020, 02:30:22 pm
Yesterday I needed to make adjustments to some aluminium extrusions, parts of the mounting frame for my solar panels.  I could have done it in a few minutes with an angle grinder but it would have been messy and not good for the disk.  A power file was another option.  Instead I used my mill, a lovely thing that has sat neglected and unused since I moved.  It was a very pleasurable couple of hours and produced a lovely finish.  Utterly unjustifiable at a practical level, the job did not remotely need that finish nor warrant the time.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 08 October, 2020, 02:36:43 pm
I've been making some prototypes for timber mouldings to make a display case for my brother's 1/8 scale (yes 1/8 - it's bloody big) model of a car (it's a Citroen Light 15 or Traction Avant if you prefer)  The case will be about 80 x 35cm with acrylic panels.

Very therapeutic although my home-made router bench isn't that brilliant . . . I can see a table with built in router, micro-adjust fences, lift etc etc being purchased soon  :thumbsup: - oh, and of course I'll need a few more cutters  :)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rogerzilla on 09 October, 2020, 10:21:04 am
New project is to restore a 1950s Woden engineer's vice from rusty near-scrap condition (although it looks ok, hasn't been used as an anvil and the handle isn't bent).  I have a small one already but this is a bit of a monster.  They usually just need a lot of surface rust removing and then Hammerite by brush. 
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 09 October, 2020, 10:30:01 am
New project is to restore a 1950s Woden engineer's vice from rusty near-scrap condition (although it looks ok, hasn't been used as an anvil and the handle isn't bent).  I have a small one already but this is a bit of a monster.  They usually just need a lot of surface rust removing and then Hammerite by brush.

Use the Smoothrite paint - for a more original finish . . . just as tough, looks better.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: TheLurker on 09 October, 2020, 03:21:48 pm
Not strictly tools, but it is tangentially related.  If you squint hard enough.

Have returned from holiday with 140 quids' worth of balsa and two or three (small) sheets of 1/64" & 1/32" ply. 

MrsL recently (within the last fortnight) described my study as, "...looking like an explosion in a timber yard."  I don't think I can reasonably disagree with her.  Never mind, it's all in a good cause and if you give me a moment I might even be able to tell you what the cause is.  :)

Oh. Yes.  I did buy another pin chuck with some spare collets as well so that makes the post legit.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 09 October, 2020, 05:55:52 pm
MrsL recently (within the last fortnight) described my study as, "...looking like an explosion in a timber yard." 
;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 24 October, 2020, 04:45:06 pm
Was tempted by a couple of ebay bargains - one is a used but pretty much mint condition Stanley plane to replace one I've lost (how can you lose a plane?) and the other is one of the Makita rip-off Katsu palm routers, which is new.   Oh, and I almost forgot I ordered a couple of lenghs of T-track for some modifications to my main woodwork bench.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Valiant on 24 October, 2020, 05:50:41 pm
Those Katsu aren't too bad, not a patch on the Makita though.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rogerzilla on 24 October, 2020, 07:02:46 pm
Not strictly tools, but it is tangentially related.  If you squint hard enough.

Have returned from holiday with 140 quids' worth of balsa and two or three (small) sheets of 1/64" & 1/32" ply. 

MrsL recently (within the last fortnight) described my study as, "...looking like an explosion in a timber yard."  I don't think I can reasonably disagree with her.  Never mind, it's all in a good cause and if you give me a moment I might even be able to tell you what the cause is.  :)

Oh. Yes.  I did buy another pin chuck with some spare collets as well so that makes the post legit.
A massive, man-carrying glider?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 25 October, 2020, 11:01:29 am

I had to order some stuff from Amazon DE, but was under the free postage threshold. So added on a Ryoba Japanese saw. I've wanted one for ages. Timed it nicely as it was about 40% off the price of the previous week.

Not a Suizan that I'd really like, but it's a good start of my saw collection.

need to think about how to store it tho. Right now it's on the shelf in the living room...

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 25 October, 2020, 02:05:29 pm

I had to order some stuff from Amazon DE, but was under the free postage threshold. So added on a Ryoba Japanese saw. I've wanted one for ages. Timed it nicely as it was about 40% off the price of the previous week.

Not a Suizan that I'd really like, but it's a good start of my saw collection.

need to think about how to store it tho. Right now it's on the shelf in the living room...

J

I "discovered" Japanese saws earlier this year - what a revelation for cutting all sorts of stuff easily and with very clean edges.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 25 October, 2020, 02:18:01 pm
Those Katsu aren't too bad, not a patch on the Makita though.

They're pretty crude, but they do the job.  Noisy as hell, especially when mounted in a table.

I "discovered" Japanese saws earlier this year - what a revelation for cutting all sorts of stuff easily and with very clean edges.

I can saw crooked with them twice as fast as with a western saw.  With an old try-square for a guide my dozuki is great for fret slots, though.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: TheLurker on 25 October, 2020, 03:01:18 pm
Quote from: rogerzilla
Quote from: TheLurker
Not strictly tools, but it is tangentially related.  If you squint hard enough.

Have returned from holiday with 140 quids' worth of balsa and two or three (small) sheets of 1/64" & 1/32" ply. 
....
A massive, man-carrying glider?
Ohh, what a lovely idea.  A Colditz Cock* perhaps?  Alas, 140 quid buys shockingly little balsa so it'll just be my usual ~ 13" to ~ 36" span toys.

*A Grunau Baby knock-off if ever I saw one.

(https://i.ibb.co/c3JR31n/Balsa.jpg)

Most of that lot is 1/32", 1/16" & 3/32" sheet with a few bits of 1/8" & 1/4". 

What that pic. doesn't show is the 25 quids' worth of 1/20" sheet for indoor models that I bought *since* I got back.  Taken with the pre-existing woodpile I should have enough to keep me building for at least a couple or three years at current rates of production.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 25 October, 2020, 05:02:16 pm
Pure filth, Mr TL.  I'm surprised that the mods let you post that pile of pure, unadulterated aeromodelling timber.

Someone should confiscate it and send it to me.

To replace the big pile I gave away...........
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 25 October, 2020, 06:33:26 pm
Was tempted by a couple of ebay bargains - one is a used but pretty much mint condition Stanley plane to replace one I've lost (how can you lose a plane?) and the other is one of the Makita rip-off Katsu palm routers, which is new.

I uhmd and ahed for weeks and eventually bought a Katsu palm router. Its very much a knock of of the Makita. Comes with loads of bits. The dust control doesn't work well but apart form that it's done everything I have asked it to. The last task was knocking 2mm of about 5 meters of beading that was just too big for what I needed. Worked really well.
For occasional hobby use I would definitely recommended it. For serious use go for the Makita.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andrewc on 25 October, 2020, 08:27:32 pm
I'm no tool junkie but the saw I bought earlier in the year to trim branches, cut down 50 year old rose bushes & small trees in my parents garden was well worth the money. 


https://www.chainsdirect.co.uk/products/silky-saws/fixed-blades-saws/silky-zubat-330mm-saw.html


The folding Bahco Laplander is pretty good as well. 
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 30 October, 2020, 08:29:26 am
Well, my alleged Makita rip-off Katsu palm router turned out to be a rip-off of a rip-off of the Katsu - the major difference being the rather crude clamp meachnism that didn't clamp - meaning that the body slipped when powered up.

Raised a return through ebay and got instant acceptance a free post label to return, with a refund due on receipt.
I then got a message (usual Chinese style "Dear friend") asking me not to leave negative feedback and suggesting that they refund all but £2.00 of my payment and I can keep the offending machine.   Seemed reasonable although I would not use the machine as is - it may be something I build into a mini router table at some time?

Anyway - lesson learned and Mr Amazon (on the penultimate day in my trial Prime!) delivered a Katsu genuine Makita rip-off last night - and so far from one quick trial it's great.

Oh, and (as above) I collected the Record No53 woodwork vice - BIG with 10" wide jaws and probably 12" capacity - it's a refurbish job but should look good and be useful when finished.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 30 October, 2020, 08:43:29 am
As an edge trimmer the Katsu is great, but I found that the height adjuster jammed when it was in the router table unless I pushed it up manually at the same time.  A bit of a fiddle when you want to set the bit to a precise distance above the table.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 30 October, 2020, 07:59:57 pm
As an edge trimmer the Katsu is great, but I found that the height adjuster jammed when it was in the router table unless I pushed it up manually at the same time.  A bit of a fiddle when you want to set the bit to a precise distance above the table.

I can see the issue - if I did mount the rip-off rip-off thing in a router table it would be fitted pretty permanently with a round-over bit in it - just for, err - round-overs.  [In reality I'm probably unlikely to use it at all!} - some use of the Katsu today has been pretty good although most of my day has been spent re-arranging shelves and storage in the workshop.  Task over the next day is probably to mount a s/h 30cm kitchen base cupboard on wheels with the drill press bolted on top - the more machinery on wheels the better.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Valiant on 31 October, 2020, 01:27:34 am
What's the diameter of the katsu rip off?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 31 October, 2020, 04:57:44 am
A while back I bought a big Ryobi router for a table. It was fine for about a year then suddenly its bearings packed up with a nasty grinding noise. I replaced it with a budget de Walt that was OK for a while but its depth stop was not dependable.  I also had a de Walt jigsaw and a combination saw. Both functioned OK but not as user-friendly as Makita, Bosch or Festool.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 31 October, 2020, 08:00:43 am
What's the diameter of the katsu rip off?

Exactly the same as the Katsu and Makita equivalents - the spec says 64.8mm  - that's the body without the supplied base - the Makita accessories fit like plunge mechanism and tilting base.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 31 October, 2020, 08:04:49 am
A while back I bought a big Ryobi router for a table. It was fine for about a year then suddenly its bearings packed up with a nasty grinding noise. I replaced it with a budget de Walt that was OK for a while but its depth stop was not dependable.  I also had a de Walt jigsaw and a combination saw. Both functioned OK but not as user-friendly as Makita, Bosch or Festool.

Yep the Bosch router I have is pretty good - the budget Screwfix router has been cobbled into my plywood router table which works fine provided you lock the manual plunge lever VERY TIGHT otherwise it has a tendency to creep upwards under power.  For what I need from the table it does the job.

... and while I was re-organising some stuff yesterday I found that I have THREE pop-rivet guns?? 
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 07 November, 2020, 01:09:34 pm

Package arrived from the UK today. Contents: one Veritas mini router plane. It's tiny, the blade is only about 3mm wide.

I got it for a project I want to make, but I also need a few other tools before I can start.

It's my first plane since I started rebuilding my toolbox. I left my old B&Q one in the UK.

I should probably get a number 4 or 5 to go with it tho...

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 07 November, 2020, 01:25:10 pm
Package arrived from the UK today. Contents: one Veritas mini router plane. It's tiny, the blade is only about 3mm wide.

I'm salivating.  Got no excuses to get one, though.

Yet.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 07 November, 2020, 01:49:03 pm
I'm looking to treat myself with a new Veritas block plane for when I eventually return to work. No hurry though, I've still got my Record 09 1/2 at work which I haven't touched since March, was going to go in part time at least so I can try the new Ray Iles blade I got for it but the new lockdown has put that on hold.

Veritas block planes seem to be out of stock at many suppliers at the moment.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 07 November, 2020, 10:42:26 pm
I'm looking to treat myself with a new Veritas block plane for when I eventually return to work. No hurry though, I've still got my Record 09 1/2 at work which I haven't touched since March, was going to go in part time at least so I can try the new Ray Iles blade I got for it but the new lockdown has put that on hold.

Veritas block planes seem to be out of stock in many suppliers at the moment.

Pretty much all Veritas products seem to be out of stock on this side of the Atlantic. One of the reasons i bought this one now, is that it was the last one I could find in stock, anywhere. I got it for a specific project, and didn't want to risk it not being available when i came to need it.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Davef on 08 November, 2020, 06:40:04 am
A while back I bought a big Ryobi router for a table. It was fine for about a year then suddenly its bearings packed up with a nasty grinding noise. I replaced it with a budget de Walt that was OK for a while but its depth stop was not dependable.  I also had a de Walt jigsaw and a combination saw. Both functioned OK but not as user-friendly as Makita, Bosch or Festool.

Yep the Bosch router I have is pretty good - the budget Screwfix router has been cobbled into my plywood router table which works fine provided you lock the manual plunge lever VERY TIGHT otherwise it has a tendency to creep upwards under power.  For what I need from the table it does the job.

... and while I was re-organising some stuff yesterday I found that I have THREE pop-rivet guns??
Can’t find pop rivet gun. Buy new one.
Can’t find pop rivet gun. Buy new one.
Can’t find pop rivet gun. Buy new one.
Find all 3 pop rivet guns hiding together.
This is a basic feature of the reproductive lifecycle of rarely used tools.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 08 November, 2020, 07:30:59 am
A while back I bought a big Ryobi router for a table. It was fine for about a year then suddenly its bearings packed up with a nasty grinding noise. I replaced it with a budget de Walt that was OK for a while but its depth stop was not dependable.  I also had a de Walt jigsaw and a combination saw. Both functioned OK but not as user-friendly as Makita, Bosch or Festool.

Yep the Bosch router I have is pretty good - the budget Screwfix router has been cobbled into my plywood router table which works fine provided you lock the manual plunge lever VERY TIGHT otherwise it has a tendency to creep upwards under power.  For what I need from the table it does the job.

... and while I was re-organising some stuff yesterday I found that I have THREE pop-rivet guns??
Can’t find pop rivet gun. Buy new one.
Can’t find pop rivet gun. Buy new one.
Can’t find pop rivet gun. Buy new one.
Find all 3 pop rivet guns hiding together.
This is a basic feature of the reproductive lifecycle of rarely used tools.

Did I mention the 4 brick-laying and 3 pointing trowels??    (Admittedly the extras were acquisitions (from my late father & father-in-law) rather than purchases I made)

Having had a really good sort out and cull I now have a box of tools ready to put on Gumtree as and when lockdown permits.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 08 November, 2020, 07:33:45 am
Two new tools:   A spring-loaded bradawl/punch - great for marking drilling positions in timber.    An angled gadget with two small spirit levels to get fence posts upright in both planes.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 08 November, 2020, 08:06:31 am

I should probably get a number 4 or 5 to go with it tho...

J

About £10 or less for a good Stanley or Record one at almost every car boot sale. A number 6, 7 or 8 on the other hand are hard to find at a reasonable price. Took me years to find a 7 and that was £25. Don't want an 8 just too big for me.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 08 November, 2020, 08:55:46 am
I'm looking to treat myself with a new Veritas block plane for when I eventually return to work. No hurry though, I've still got my Record 09 1/2 at work which I haven't touched since March, was going to go in part time at least so I can try the new Ray Iles blade I got for it but the new lockdown has put that on hold.

Veritas block planes seem to be out of stock in many suppliers at the moment.

Pretty much all Veritas products seem to be out of stock on this side of the Atlantic. One of the reasons i bought this one now, is that it was the last one I could find in stock, anywhere. I got it for a specific project, and didn't want to risk it not being available when i came to need it.

J

Paul Sellers probably has a video about making your own.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 November, 2020, 10:59:31 am
Funny you should say that...

https://youtu.be/B_2a_FwjAgk (https://youtu.be/B_2a_FwjAgk)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 08 November, 2020, 11:55:51 am
About £10 or less for a good Stanley or Record one at almost every car boot sale. A number 6, 7 or 8 on the other hand are hard to find at a reasonable price. Took me years to find a 7 and that was £25. Don't want an 8 just too big for me.

A peculiarly British phenomena, car boot sales don't seem to exist here.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 08 November, 2020, 11:57:07 am
A while back I bought a big Ryobi router for a table. It was fine for about a year then suddenly its bearings packed up with a nasty grinding noise. I replaced it with a budget de Walt that was OK for a while but its depth stop was not dependable.  I also had a de Walt jigsaw and a combination saw. Both functioned OK but not as user-friendly as Makita, Bosch or Festool.

Yep the Bosch router I have is pretty good - the budget Screwfix router has been cobbled into my plywood router table which works fine provided you lock the manual plunge lever VERY TIGHT otherwise it has a tendency to creep upwards under power.  For what I need from the table it does the job.

... and while I was re-organising some stuff yesterday I found that I have THREE pop-rivet guns??
Can’t find pop rivet gun. Buy new one.
Can’t find pop rivet gun. Buy new one.
Can’t find pop rivet gun. Buy new one.
Find all 3 pop rivet guns hiding together.
This is a basic feature of the reproductive lifecycle of rarely used tools.

And tape measures.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Polar Bear on 08 November, 2020, 12:26:44 pm
Somewhere in this house there must be a stash of about 20 or more tape measures.  It feels that I buy one almost every year.

There is a decrepit orange-coloured Wilko 5m measure which cost just 99p (bought I believe in the last century) which survives unscathed but all my Stanley ones have mysterious vaporised.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 08 November, 2020, 12:29:57 pm
Somewhere in this house there must be a stash of about 20 or more tape measures.  It feels that I buy one almost every year.

There is a decrepit orange-coloured Wilko 5m measure which cost just 99p (bought I believe in the last century) which survives unscathed but all my Stanley ones have mysterious vaporised.

At an IT conference in the before times, the swag bag included tape measures branded by one of the event sponsors. Quite a few got left behind so i grabbed them. I found them in a bag when tidying up the other day.

I tend to keep all my tape measures in one place central to the flat so i can easily find one. Along with the big spirit level.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Polar Bear on 08 November, 2020, 12:37:31 pm
Somewhere in this house there must be a stash of about 20 or more tape measures.  It feels that I buy one almost every year.

There is a decrepit orange-coloured Wilko 5m measure which cost just 99p (bought I believe in the last century) which survives unscathed but all my Stanley ones have mysterious vaporised.

At an IT conference in the before times, the swag bag included tape measures branded by one of the event sponsors. Quite a few got left behind so i grabbed them. I found them in a bag when tidying up the other day.

I tend to keep all my tape measures in one place central to the flat so i can easily find one. Along with the big spirit level.

J

There is about in our under stairs cupboard marked "Tape Measures".  It contains no tape measures!   :facepalm:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 08 November, 2020, 12:54:49 pm
I distribute tape measures in the same[1] manner as Ventolin inhalers, on the basis that if there are enough kicking around, there's usually one to hand when needed.


[1] Not quite, as there isn't a tape measure in all my bike luggage.  Only when I think I'm going to need to measure an anti-tricycle gate or something.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 08 November, 2020, 07:20:04 pm
Tape measures are like cheap biros, they have an ability to just disappear, travel through alternate dimensions and distribute themselves all over. A few months ago I tidied the garage and Mrs Pcolbeck did one of her periodic draw tidy/throw out frenzies in the house. All the tape measures were rounded up and put in one draw in the toolbox in the garage. I think there were about fifteen of the things. Last week I went to get a tape measure from the toolbox and there were two! No idea where the rest have gone bar the one that turned up in the car glove box yesterday and no one can remember putting it there.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 09 November, 2020, 08:22:11 am
Mine live in the drawer which has the label (Dymo embossed) 'Measuring, Metering & Marking'
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 09 November, 2020, 08:40:13 am
To some extent I have overcome the tape measure issue - in my workshop I tend to use either a 30cm or 1m steel rule if I can . . . both hard to mis-place!

That said I'm pretty anal about putting tools back in their storage space immediately after use (that's both my woodwork and cycle tools)

- the Steve Ramsey YouTube video the other day could have been me with the putting tools away and sweeping up messages :thumbsup:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBIcl3cV1Yc

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 09 November, 2020, 09:29:03 am
To some extent I have overcome the tape measure issue - in my workshop I tend to use either a 30cm or 1m steel rule if I can . . . both hard to mis-place!

That said I'm pretty anal about putting tools back in their storage space immediately after use (that's both my woodwork and cycle tools)

- the Steve Ramsey YouTube video the other day could have been me with the putting tools away and sweeping up messages :thumbsup:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBIcl3cV1Yc

Me too. I positively detest taking tools from the workshop over to the house.  Mind you, part of that is laziness: during a job I'll nip over and get something as I need it, and find at the end that I need N trips to carry everything back again.  I keep meaning to get a bunch of cheapos to live in the house permanently, but I can never quite bring myself to spend the money.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: TheLurker on 09 November, 2020, 09:57:07 am
Quote from: T42
Me too. I positively detest taking tools from the workshop over to the house.
The solution is obvious.  Convert the living room into a(nother) workshop. I'm sure MrsT would give her wholehearted and overwhelmingly enthusiastic support to the idea.

More seriously, don't buy cheapo tools.  You'll loathe them when they don't work as well the good stuff.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 November, 2020, 10:37:45 am
Mine live in the drawer which has the label (Dymo embossed) 'Measuring, Metering & Marking'

You might very well think that; as soon as your back is turned, though, they're on walkabout.  Unless you’re some kind of Tool Whisperer who uses witchcraft to make them stay put.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 09 November, 2020, 11:19:57 am
Quote from: T42
Me too. I positively detest taking tools from the workshop over to the house.
The solution is obvious.  Convert the living room into a(nother) workshop. I'm sure MrsT would give her wholehearted and overwhelmingly enthusiastic support to the idea.

More seriously, don't buy cheapo tools.  You'll loathe them when they don't work as well the good stuff.

Oh, loathing them is OK. I loathe doing stuff in the house. It always involves walls, and walls in this house are a nightmare.  This is what we found when we took the old plasterboard off our bathroom:

(https://pbase.com/image/111594426.jpg)

(https://pbase.com/image/111594424.jpg)

Ceilings and floors are in the same vein.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 09 November, 2020, 11:38:49 am
Mine live in the drawer which has the label (Dymo embossed) 'Measuring, Metering & Marking'

You might very well think that; as soon as your back is turned, though, they're on walkabout.  Unless you’re some kind of Tool Whisperer who uses witchcraft to make them stay put.

There's the AvE method of labelling the tape measures themselves with "FUCK OFF - NOT YOURS".  Which I'm sure doesn't work, but gets a giggle from those familiar with the behaviour of tape measures.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 09 November, 2020, 12:06:28 pm
To some extent I have overcome the tape measure issue - in my workshop I tend to use either a 30cm or 1m steel rule if I can . . . both hard to mis-place!

That said I'm pretty anal about putting tools back in their storage space immediately after use (that's both my woodwork and cycle tools)

- the Steve Ramsey YouTube video the other day could have been me with the putting tools away and sweeping up messages :thumbsup:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBIcl3cV1Yc



Me too. I positively detest taking tools from the workshop over to the house.  Mind you, part of that is laziness: during a job I'll nip over and get something as I need it, and find at the end that I need N trips to carry everything back again.  I keep meaning to get a bunch of cheapos to live in the house permanently, but I can never quite bring myself to spend the money.

Ah - we used to have a minimalist set of tools in the house when you had to go outside to get to the garage.   

I now have one of those open-top tote toolbags and load it with what I think I might need in the house/garden/shed etc ... and then unload it when I get back to the workshop.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jaded on 09 November, 2020, 12:35:11 pm
Mine live in the drawer which has the label (Dymo embossed) 'Measuring, Metering & Marking'

This is where I announce that I haven't been able to label anything since before the first lock-down, on account of my Dymo print labeller going missing. I've not been allowed to buy a new one as I've got two of lots of things...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: redshift on 09 November, 2020, 04:09:00 pm

I should probably get a number 4 or 5 to go with it tho...

J

About £10 or less for a good Stanley or Record one at almost every car boot sale. A number 6, 7 or 8 on the other hand are hard to find at a reasonable price. Took me years to find a 7 and that was £25. Don't want an 8 just too big for me.

I found a remarkably nice No.5 on a car boot sale in the 90's for a couple of quid.  It was just like a Record, but had ?DTK (or something similar) on the lever cap.  Apparently it was "rubbish" and "won't cut anything properly."  When I turned it over, the owner hadn't sharpened it.  I think he'd bought it and hadn't realised they're ground but not honed.  I gave him the money and took it home and that was my 'good' plane until a few years ago when I inherited many of my dad's tools. It went to a good home though, a friend of mine did a traditional wooden boatbuilding course in Porstmouth Historic Dockyard, and I did her a 'starter set' including a couple of planes, spokeshaves, some chisels, brace and a few augers.  All stuff I didn't need, or had received multiples of. 
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 November, 2020, 04:11:46 pm
Quote from: T42
Me too. I positively detest taking tools from the workshop over to the house.
The solution is obvious.  Convert the living room into a(nother) workshop. I'm sure MrsT would give her wholehearted and overwhelmingly enthusiastic support to the idea.

More seriously, don't buy cheapo tools.  You'll loathe them when they don't work as well the good stuff.

Oh, loathing them is OK. I loathe doing stuff in the house. It always involves walls, and walls in this house are a nightmare.  This is what we found when we took the old plasterboard off our bathroom:

(https://pbase.com/image/111594426.jpg)

(https://pbase.com/image/111594424.jpg)

Ceilings and floors are in the same vein.
I think that explains why they put up the plasterboard.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 09 November, 2020, 06:03:07 pm
Mine live in the drawer which has the label (Dymo embossed) 'Measuring, Metering & Marking'

This is where I announce that I haven't been able to label anything since before the first lock-down, on account of my Dymo print labeller going missing. I've not been allowed to buy a new one as I've got two of lots of things...

This is why you label your label printer.

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/random/2020_03_27_21_29_55.sized.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 09 November, 2020, 07:10:25 pm
Mine live in the drawer which has the label (Dymo embossed) 'Measuring, Metering & Marking'

This is where I announce that I haven't been able to label anything since before the first lock-down, on account of my Dymo print labeller going missing. I've not been allowed to buy a new one as I've got two of lots of things...

This is why you label your label printer.

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/random/2020_03_27_21_29_55.sized.jpg)

Our grand-son took that one stage further with a label:  "Label printer label"  on their machine.   Mine just says "Label printer" - annoyingly mine is the Dymo with the ABC keyboard rather than the QWERTY ... my wife was too mean to spend the extra £3
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: spesh on 09 November, 2020, 08:10:19 pm
Mine live in the drawer which has the label (Dymo embossed) 'Measuring, Metering & Marking'

This is where I announce that I haven't been able to label anything since before the first lock-down, on account of my Dymo print labeller going missing. I've not been allowed to buy a new one as I've got two of lots of things...

This is why you label your label printer.

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/random/2020_03_27_21_29_55.sized.jpg)

Our grand-son took that one stage further with a label:  "Label printer label"  on their machine.   Mine just says "Label printer" - annoyingly mine is the Dymo with the ABC keyboard rather than the QWERTY ... my wife was too mean to spend the extra £3


Has he ever expressed a desire to be an ISO 9000 compliance officer?  :demon:

ObligDilbert: https://dilbert.com/strip/1995-11-07
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 09 November, 2020, 09:33:22 pm

Our grand-son took that one stage further with a label:  "Label printer label"  on their machine.   Mine just says "Label printer" - annoyingly mine is the Dymo with the ABC keyboard rather than the QWERTY ... my wife was too mean to spend the extra £3


Has he ever expressed a desire to be an ISO 9000 compliance officer?  :demon:

ObligDilbert: https://dilbert.com/strip/1995-11-07

Shouldn't it be one label saying "label printer" and another attached to that label that says "label printer label"? Then another on that saying "label printer label label"  ?

Blimey that dilbert's going back a bit!

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 09 November, 2020, 10:28:08 pm

Our grand-son took that one stage further with a label:  "Label printer label"  on their machine.   Mine just says "Label printer" - annoyingly mine is the Dymo with the ABC keyboard rather than the QWERTY ... my wife was too mean to spend the extra £3


Has he ever expressed a desire to be an ISO 9000 compliance officer?  :demon:

ObligDilbert: https://dilbert.com/strip/1995-11-07

Shouldn't it be one label saying "label printer" and another attached to that label that says "label printer label"? Then another on that saying "label printer label label"  ?

Blimey that dilbert's going back a bit!

J
For completeness the label printer could be kept in a tin of Droste cocoa.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Chris N on 10 November, 2020, 09:24:42 am
My garage workbench:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50562437436_5ee838427a_b.jpg)
 :smug:

It's better than this now...  The electrician has been to finish the sockets so the orange extension cable has gone, and I've got a bluetooth amp and speakers above the toolboard.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 10 November, 2020, 10:18:02 am
My garage workbench:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50562437436_5ee838427a_b.jpg)
 :smug:

It's better than this now...  The electrician has been to finish the sockets so the orange extension cable has gone, and I've got a bluetooth amp and speakers above the toolboard.  :thumbsup:

Forgive me - what's the green machine? - some sort of drill press??? what's it for?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 10 November, 2020, 10:33:21 am
Chris N  :thumbsup: oh my.. I do like that setup
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Karla on 10 November, 2020, 10:40:16 am
I am about to die of envy.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 10 November, 2020, 10:49:00 am

Our grand-son took that one stage further with a label:  "Label printer label"  on their machine.   Mine just says "Label printer" - annoyingly mine is the Dymo with the ABC keyboard rather than the QWERTY ... my wife was too mean to spend the extra £3


Has he ever expressed a desire to be an ISO 9000 compliance officer?  :demon:

ObligDilbert: https://dilbert.com/strip/1995-11-07

Shouldn't it be one label saying "label printer" and another attached to that label that says "label printer label"? Then another on that saying "label printer label label"  ?

Blimey that dilbert's going back a bit!

J

Damn, I just got caught in a Dilbert timewarp and suddenly it's ten to lunch.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Chris N on 10 November, 2020, 01:16:01 pm
Forgive me - what's the green machine? - some sort of drill press??? what's it for?
That’s a small arbour press. For bearings, pins, clamping stuff etc.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 13 November, 2020, 12:31:27 pm

I learned that my combination square, has a little hidden feature.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmpUhb5WMAElU0_?format=jpg&name=large)

Unscrew that little wheel below the level, and...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmpUkHgWEAAZrAY?format=jpg&name=large)

Marking scribe! Didn't know that was there when I bought it. Don't know how useful it is. Did make me smile to discover it...

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 13 November, 2020, 12:53:58 pm

I learned that my combination square, has a little hidden feature.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmpUhb5WMAElU0_?format=jpg&name=large)

Unscrew that little wheel below the level, and...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmpUkHgWEAAZrAY?format=jpg&name=large)

Marking scribe! Didn't know that was there when I bought it. Don't know how useful it is. Did make me smile to discover it...

J

Yep - I got one of those too BUT beware that type of square isn't always 100% square . . . .  test it by placing it along a known straight edge of a piece of board (e.g. manufacturer's edge) and draw a line on the material - then flip the square the other way on the same edge and draw a line as close to/on top of the first line . . . you may be lucky and they match up, or they may diverge slightly.  [I have WoodWorkWeb on YouTube to thank for that tip]   

Probably OK for most work but a good quality engineer's square is best for precision stuff.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 13 November, 2020, 01:04:25 pm

I learned that my combination square, has a little hidden feature.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmpUhb5WMAElU0_?format=jpg&name=large)

Unscrew that little wheel below the level, and...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmpUkHgWEAAZrAY?format=jpg&name=large)

Marking scribe! Didn't know that was there when I bought it. Don't know how useful it is. Did make me smile to discover it...

J

Yep - I got one of those too BUT beware that type of square isn't always 100% square . . . .  test it by placing it along a known straight edge of a piece of board (e.g. manufacturer's edge) and draw a line on the material - then flip the square the other way on the same edge and draw a line as close to/on top of the first line . . . you may be lucky and they match up, or they may diverge slightly.  [I have WoodWorkWeb on YouTube to thank for that tip]   

Probably OK for most work but a good quality engineer's square is best for precision stuff.

Mine wasn't square when I got it, but the sliding bit has two little nubbins running on the rule, and I was able to file one of these down until the thing was square.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 13 November, 2020, 01:11:44 pm
Yep - I got one of those too BUT beware that type of square isn't always 100% square . . . .
[...]
Probably OK for most work but a good quality engineer's square is best for precision stuff.

This extremely amateur wood-pixie has learned a thing.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 13 November, 2020, 04:35:12 pm

Yep - I got one of those too BUT beware that type of square isn't always 100% square . . . .  test it by placing it along a known straight edge of a piece of board (e.g. manufacturer's edge) and draw a line on the material - then flip the square the other way on the same edge and draw a line as close to/on top of the first line . . . you may be lucky and they match up, or they may diverge slightly.  [I have WoodWorkWeb on YouTube to thank for that tip]   

Probably OK for most work but a good quality engineer's square is best for precision stuff.

Yep, did that when I got it. Have been bitten before by non square squares, and do not tolerate them. I went through the hackspace workshop and binned 4 of them because they weren't square. This did not make people happy. I then got 3 new squares that are square. Which appeased people.

I have a couple of engineers try squares as well, nothing massively expensive, but they are pretty ok. Good enough for most stuff.

I'm pondering getting one of the Priesser squares from here. (Do a text search for "GG 0"). They are rated to an accuracy of 0.000007m (7µm) over a 0.1m (100mm) distance.

https://www.fine-tools.com/praezisionswinkel.html

A lot of the other squares out there only claim to be 0.0001m (0.1mm) over the same distance. Do I need that accuracy? Probably not. Is that going to stop me? no.

I want to get a set of gauge blocks at some point to. But I think I'll wait until I have some better tools to go with it.

Yep - I got one of those too BUT beware that type of square isn't always 100% square . . . .
[...]
Probably OK for most work but a good quality engineer's square is best for precision stuff.

This extremely amateur wood-pixie has learned a thing.   :thumbsup:

Yay! Glad I could pass on my discovery.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: TheLurker on 13 November, 2020, 05:20:44 pm
Quote from: quixoticgeek
I'm pondering getting one of the Priesser squares ...
Oh.  Perfect.  I *need* at least 3 of those, got to make sure that those fuselages and flying surfaces are truly square.  Starts rummaging down the back of the sofa...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 13 November, 2020, 05:57:01 pm
The other squares I have, which are very square, are some Chinese knock-offs of Woodpecker tools that also double as bench clamps (they have a small cutout on the inside of the L to make sure corners fit snugly and screw holes to fix down to a jig-base) - they are 150mm x 150mm.

My tracksaw together with bench-dogs in an MFT top is certainly adequate for most cutting of sheet material (almost all plywood nowadays) for furniture making - mainly cabinets with drawers etc.

... for all that, quite a lot of the stuff I do can suffice by just using the "square" on the handle of a hand-saw :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 14 November, 2020, 09:59:40 am

I'm pondering getting one of the Priesser squares from here. (Do a text search for "GG 0"). They are rated to an accuracy of 0.000007m (7µm) over a 0.1m (100mm) distance.

https://www.fine-tools.com/praezisionswinkel.html


I make that 0.00007m over a metre (ratio of sides in similar triangles).
That's 0.07 mm over a metre length. Or about 1/2 cm out over 100 metres.
Nice !

Your'e going to need lazers to get more accurate than that, certainly any bit of wood wont be straight or stiff enough to worry about needing that kind of accuracy.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: MattH on 14 November, 2020, 06:52:20 pm
Accurate squares are all well and good - but that presupposes that I can mark and cut in a straight line too.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 15 November, 2020, 10:47:25 am
Accurate squares are all well and good - but that presupposes that I can mark and cut in a straight line too.

You been watching over my shoulder?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 15 November, 2020, 06:12:20 pm
I haev rimless spectacles which I like. The arms and nose piece are held on by small hex nuts which are secured by a second cap nut.
I am looking for the tiny socket driver which is needed to tighten them.
There are plenty of cheap small screwdriver sets on Amazon, but I cannot see one with the socket driver. (Nut driver may be a better term)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 November, 2020, 06:15:17 pm
I got one included with the box of one million and one assorted glasses screws I got off fleabay a month or two back.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 15 November, 2020, 06:47:48 pm
Ask your optician/spec maker.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Chris N on 15 November, 2020, 07:21:02 pm
Sounds like a good excuse to browse the Wera website...  While you're there, have a look at this: https://products.wera.de/en/news_and_promotional_products_autumn_winter_2020_2021_adventskalender_2020.html

Measure the nuts first.  You do own a vernier caliper, don't you?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 15 November, 2020, 07:23:39 pm
Chris, I do indeed own a vernier caliper. one of Mr Lidl's finest.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Chris N on 16 November, 2020, 11:01:07 am
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: L CC on 16 November, 2020, 01:39:08 pm
A momentary disappointment

This product is currently not available at any online partner.

However to save you all the 30 second Google - Rapid (https://static.rapidonline.com/pdf/86-8990_v1.pdf)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 16 November, 2020, 02:54:48 pm
I did a bit of delving into their OS & (eugh) accounting/stock-control software back in the 80s when their programmer swore blind that the errors were due to us and not him. Even after I put a finger on his fuck-up he refused to accept that his program would ever execute that bit of code - kinda curious since he wrote it.  Also kinda curious in that when I put a breakpoint on it, it stopped there. Trumpishly, he wouldn't accept that I hadn't made his crap pass that way.

Brass rags all round and Wera didn't offer me any freebies. Not even lunch, never mind tools.  Wera Paris, that was.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 09 December, 2020, 08:50:17 pm

My Diamond sharpening plate arrived. It's the "fine" stone. I'll need to wait until I get the course and extra fine before it's fully useful. I also got a honing guide for chisels/plane blades.


Small issue... I don't have any chisels or planes...

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 10 December, 2020, 02:19:52 am

My Diamond sharpening plate arrived. It's the "fine" stone. I'll need to wait until I get the course and extra fine before it's fully useful. I also got a honing guide for chisels/plane blades.


Small issue... I don't have any chisels or planes...

J

Ich befreie dich von deinen Sünden
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 10 December, 2020, 08:51:13 am

My Diamond sharpening plate arrived. It's the "fine" stone. I'll need to wait until I get the course and extra fine before it's fully useful. I also got a honing guide for chisels/plane blades.


Small issue... I don't have any chisels or planes...

J

After a while, "fine" becomes "extra fine" all on its own.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 10 December, 2020, 10:36:48 am
Good sharpening stones seemed absent from any local DIY stores last time I looked. The one I eventually found shed bits in no time.
Luckily I had inherited some from my grandfather which must be pre-war - unfortunately they were on the other side of the Channel when I needed one.  They don't wear out.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 10 December, 2020, 02:57:21 pm
They don't wear out.

Of course the do. Just very slowly. I have some I picked up at car boot sales that are dished in the middle from use and need flattening.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 10 December, 2020, 04:47:41 pm
They don't wear out.

Of course the do. Just very slowly. I have some I picked up at car boot sales that are dished in the middle from use and need flattening.

Relative to me they don't wear out!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Chris N on 14 January, 2021, 09:41:50 am
Machine tools, however small, are a fantastic way of accumulating more gear...  The amount of stuff needed to make this thing work properly over and above the lump of cast iron on the bench is just amazing.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50831533216_f1e04fb39a_b.jpg)
 ;D
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 14 January, 2021, 09:48:07 am
Talking about sharpening stones, my father had a very fine grade one which was embedded in a block of wood and had a wooden cover. He worked as a laboratory technician. I believe this was used to sharpen either scalpels or hypodermic needles.
I definitely know that scalpels were sharpened and autoclaved in those days.
Can anyone confirm if needles were similarly sharpened?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 14 January, 2021, 10:06:15 am
Yes hypodermic needles were definitely sharpened.  My father remembered in the war when you had to get an injection you wanted to be first in the line as by the end of the day it was pretty blunt.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 14 January, 2021, 10:28:04 am
Machine tools, however small, are a fantastic way of accumulating more gear...  The amount of stuff needed to make this thing work properly over and above the lump of cast iron on the bench is just amazing.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50831533216_f1e04fb39a_b.jpg)
 ;D

Nice !   That's why they generally come with a cabinet you can put all the bits in.

If I ever end up with a bigger garage than we have now something like that is on top of the list, along with a similarly specced milling machine.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Chris N on 14 January, 2021, 11:03:30 am
Rule of thumb seems to be that however much you spend on the lathe or mill, you need to spend on tooling and fixtures.

That's why they generally come with a cabinet you can put all the bits in.

That's what the tool chest and cupboard below are for.  They're not full yet. :thumbsup:

If I ever end up with a bigger garage than we have now something like that is on top of the list, along with a similarly specced milling machine.

I'm trying not to buy a similar mill.  Pillar drill, grinder, sander, 3D printer and the lathe should keep me busy for a while.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 14 January, 2021, 12:36:00 pm
Machine tools, however small, are a fantastic way of accumulating more gear...  The amount of stuff needed to make this thing work properly over and above the lump of cast iron on the bench is just amazing.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50831533216_f1e04fb39a_b.jpg)
 ;D
Oooo.  I'm lusting after a mini-lathe just to learn how to use one.  I don't really have a need now but just having the skill to machine parts would be nice.  Maybe for making model steam engine kits? I' have most of the tools I need to keep my classic Triumphs on the road, but a lathe would be nice.

Which one is this and how do you like it?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: CommuteTooFar on 14 January, 2021, 02:12:37 pm
If it has plastic gears as many cheap Chinese made makes do you can find metal replacements which will greatly improve the performance of the lathe.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Greenbank on 14 January, 2021, 02:15:27 pm
If it has plastic gears as many cheap Chinese made makes do you can find metal replacements which will greatly improve the performance of the lathe.

Bonus points for using it to make replacement metal gears.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Chris N on 14 January, 2021, 02:59:38 pm
Oooo.  I'm lusting after a mini-lathe just to learn how to use one.  I don't really have a need now but just having the skill to machine parts would be nice.  Maybe for making model steam engine kits? I' have most of the tools I need to keep my classic Triumphs on the road, but a lathe would be nice.

Which one is this and how do you like it?

This is a Sieg SC4 from Arc Euro Trade.  Only got it running yesterday but it seems pretty good so far if a little noisy.  I think it should quieten down as it wears in.  I do have some experience with (larger) machines and I'm a little worried that it's too small (210mm swing, 510mm between centres, 100mm chuck and a 20mm throat) but I couldn't justify spending more on a bigger machine.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Chris N on 14 January, 2021, 03:02:43 pm
If it has plastic gears as many cheap Chinese made makes do you can find metal replacements which will greatly improve the performance of the lathe.

It doesn't.  Though it's not a high-end machine, I tried to make sure it was sensibly specified.

Bonus points for using it to make replacement metal gears.

Very tricky on a lathe, so double bonus points if you use it to make replacement gears.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 14 January, 2021, 08:08:29 pm
Which one is this and how do you like it?

This is a Sieg SC4 from Arc Euro Trade.  Only got it running yesterday but it seems pretty good so far if a little noisy.  I think it should quieten down as it wears in.  I do have some experience with (larger) machines and I'm a little worried that it's too small (210mm swing, 510mm between centres, 100mm chuck and a 20mm throat) but I couldn't justify spending more on a bigger machine.
They get good write-ups. I'd been thinking about a Sieg.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 15 January, 2021, 09:43:30 am
Heil.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Aunt Maud on 31 March, 2021, 10:35:33 pm
I bought a turnscrew for turning screws, it has a nice handle.

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Nh4AAOSwbc1fV73E/s-l1600.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 01 April, 2021, 08:15:44 am
Bought a mini-CNC router machine (just the router head so far, may add the laser head later) - just got to address the apparently step learning curve for the software/programs.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ashaman42 on 01 April, 2021, 08:45:06 am
Bought a mini-CNC router machine (just the router head so far, may add the laser head later) - just got to address the apparently step learning curve for the software/programs.
This is something I've been strongly considering. What did you go for? I'll be very interested to hear how you get on.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 02 April, 2021, 09:56:27 pm
I had to pick summat up  from Toolstation today, and - unusually - I succumbed to an advert on the wall for one of these

https://www.toolstation.com/dewalt-dw055pl-xj-laser-distance-measurer/p69360

a laser distance measure, for 50% or less of the normal cost. initial testing shows that it is as accurate as a hand held tape for at least up to 5m - probably more so because it measures internal where you would otherwise have the tape bent. Displays in metric, feet, inches and fractions if you want.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 03 April, 2021, 07:42:36 am
Bought a mini-CNC router machine (just the router head so far, may add the laser head later) - just got to address the apparently step learning curve for the software/programs.
This is something I've been strongly considering. What did you go for? I'll be very interested to hear how you get on.

This:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07MCTLW7V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1  (I didn't opt for the laser kit . . . yet)   Pretty much the same machine is available from Banggood or Aliexpress for about £30 cheaper but I bought from Amazon as if it's no good etc it's easier to return/refund.

It's a bit on the dinky side in terms of the size it can handle but fine for what I envisage.   At the moment it's just been built up (it comes as a kit of parts) and I've yet to get round to even loading the software.  It has a lot of exposed parts and electronics so one task is to make a storage case (from plywood oddments) to store and protect from dust etc in my workshop when not in use.  Some of the learning curve may be helped by my brother's experience with a 3 printer and the (broadly similar) software.

I will report back in due course.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 03 April, 2021, 07:48:04 am
I had to pick summat up  from Toolstation today, and - unusually - I succumbed to an advert on the wall for one of these

https://www.toolstation.com/dewalt-dw055pl-xj-laser-distance-measurer/p69360

a laser distance measure, for 50% or less of the normal cost. initial testing shows that it is as accurate as a hand held tape for at least up to 5m - probably more so because it measures internal where you would otherwise have the tape bent. Displays in metric, feet, inches and fractions if you want.

I was tempted when I was at Toolstation a few days ago - but pulled myself together to be reminded that I have a perfectly good one of these:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/stanley-30m-tape-measure/99741    [Mine actually came from B&Q for IIRC £7 when they were de-cluttering a load of old stock 3 or 4 years ago.]

... mind you when Aldi next has a laser measurer for about a tenner I may push the boat out!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Hot Flatus on 03 April, 2021, 08:26:58 am
Good old Aldi.

Pop in for a pint of milk and some mini cucumbers, come out with a heated buffet trolley and a telescopic light bulb changer.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 03 April, 2021, 08:29:31 am
Good old Aldi.

Pop in for a pint of milk and some mini cucumbers, come out with a heated buffet trolley and a telescopic light bulb changer.


The same concept applies to going into Decathlon or Ikea - go in for something specific and come out with a trolley-full of stuff at not much money.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 03 April, 2021, 08:36:01 am
Good old Aldi.

Pop in for a pint of milk and some mini cucumbers, come out with a heated buffet trolley and a telescopic light bulb changer.

Does the UK still use bayonet fittings?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 03 April, 2021, 08:47:28 am
Good old Aldi.

Pop in for a pint of milk and some mini cucumbers, come out with a heated buffet trolley and a telescopic light bulb changer.

Does the UK still use bayonet fittings?
You can still buy them - if that's what you mean.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Hot Flatus on 03 April, 2021, 08:49:54 am
Good old Aldi.

Pop in for a pint of milk and some mini cucumbers, come out with a heated buffet trolley and a telescopic light bulb changer.

Does the UK still use bayonet fittings?

Not in new builds, they use some weird euro fitting that you can't easily find in supermarkets.

Bayonet and screw are still most easily available bulbs, AFAIK
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 03 April, 2021, 08:59:23 am
OK, early days review, as I fancy myself an influencer.

First thing you notice is how compact it is, about the size of a box of safety matches - that's obviously a two edged sword. Accuracy is quoted as +- 6mm @10m, given how impossible it is to be accurate accurate with a tape over those distances, I tested against a 1m steel rule, and at that distance my one is spot on. Operation is straight forward - press to switch on, it measures continuously until you press again when the measure is held. Press for 4 seconds to cycle through the display dimensions. One slightly disappointing factor is the minimum distance of 160mm, it would have been handy (given the size) if it would have gone down to 75mm or 100mm, but I suppose technology and the speed of light comes into play. Limiting factors are holding it steady over a long distance (eg  when measuring into a narrow recess) and the nature of it being an interior measure, as long as the dot has something to land on you can measure. Works well in sunlight, too, measures when you can't see the dot but it does drop off at some point in strong sunlight, it is difficult to determine exactly where.

I can think of a few jobs recently when it would have been invaluable (eg fitting a fence panel into badly aligned posts). It doesn't replace a tape, but I can see it as being astonishingly useful adjunct, if you can afford it, you are unlikely to regret it (given the title of this thread).
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: MattH on 03 April, 2021, 09:44:47 am
They are very useful things. I borrow a Bosch one from work when I need it - things like measuring how tall a vehicle with roof box is for car park clearance becomes trivial (hold it at roof heigh, maybe against a plank of wood lying on the highest point, then point it at the ground). At work it's used for measuring how high things are from the ground - put the laser on the ground and point straight up. Saves a lot of time faffing with ladders.
Ours has Bluetooth on board, and you can get an app for it. Which seems spectacularly useless. But digging further in to that, I found that Bosch do a bluetooth connected angle grinder (https://www.ffx.co.uk/Product/Get/Bosch-Gws18V10Sc125Cg-3165140960878-18V-125Mm-Bluetooth-Angle-Grinder-Bare-Unit--L-Boxx#FPD). And no, it isn't an April fool.

Quote
Compatible with the new Bosch Connectivity System, when used with the GCY 30-4 connection module (sold separately) enables tradespeople to configure custom settings and adapt them to suit specific tasks – a particularly useful feature for challenging applications. Users can, for instance, set features like ‘KickBack Control’ function to trigger earlier via their smartphones. Users also receive warning messages via the app when the motors of their tools are stopped, for instance, due to overheating.

Now, I don't know about you, but I've been desperate for an app for my phone to warn me that my angle grinder motor has stopped - because how else are you likely to know that ?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Hot Flatus on 03 April, 2021, 09:46:54 am
Good old Aldi.

Pop in for a pint of milk and some mini cucumbers, come out with a heated buffet trolley and a telescopic light bulb changer.

Does the UK still use bayonet fittings?

Talking of which, how many audaxers does it take to change a light bulb?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: TheLurker on 03 April, 2021, 10:16:18 am
Quote from: Ashaman42
Quote from: robgul
Bought a mini-CNC router machine (just the router head so far, may add the laser head later) - just got to address the apparently step learning curve for the software/programs.
This is something I've been strongly considering. What did you go for? I'll be very interested to hear how you get on.
Ditto. V. tempted, esp. with a laser head fitting for balsa cutting.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 April, 2021, 11:37:58 am
Good old Aldi.

Pop in for a pint of milk and some mini cucumbers, come out with a heated buffet trolley and a telescopic light bulb changer.

Does the UK still use bayonet fittings?

Not in new builds, they use some weird euro fitting that you can't easily find in supermarkets.

Bayonet and screw are still most easily available bulbs, AFAIK

There are a couple of spotlight things in the Estate Office of Larrington which, due to the presence of a sturdy shelf, are pointed upwards at about 45 degrees.  The easiest way to extract a dead bulb is with sticky tape.

However, a telescopic lightbulb changer sounds to be just the ticket for the one halfway up the stairs, which otherwise requires dangerous ladder-related antics.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ashaman42 on 03 April, 2021, 11:56:24 am
Bought a mini-CNC router machine (just the router head so far, may add the laser head later) - just got to address the apparently step learning curve for the software/programs.
This is something I've been strongly considering. What did you go for? I'll be very interested to hear how you get on.

This:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07MCTLW7V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1  (I didn't opt for the laser kit . . . yet)   Pretty much the same machine is available from Banggood or Aliexpress for about £30 cheaper but I bought from Amazon as if it's no good etc it's easier to return/refund.

It's a bit on the dinky side in terms of the size it can handle but fine for what I envisage.   At the moment it's just been built up (it comes as a kit of parts) and I've yet to get round to even loading the software.  It has a lot of exposed parts and electronics so one task is to make a storage case (from plywood oddments) to store and protect from dust etc in my workshop when not in use.  Some of the learning curve may be helped by my brother's experience with a 3 printer and the (broadly similar) software.

I will report back in due course.

Ah super, that's exactly what I was looking at, though I might spent the extra few quid and get the laser head too. Though I don't like that it's just goggles for protection, the big cutters at work have a laser proof lid and cutout switches.

I did then think about getting the bigger brother https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Genmitsu-Machine-PROVerXL-Controlled-Engraving/dp/B08L6314MW/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=4030&qid=1616279342&sr=8-1 as it's got a wider range of motion and a beffier spindle. But £1000 vs £200.

Part of me was thinking  buy cheap buy twice but on the other hand I can dip my toe in with the little one and if I find it's getting used I can always upgrade later. And if the novelty wears off instead I'm not out as much money.

I'm also looking at various 3d printers at the moment.

I'm not sure I need either but they're new toys. And the skills will transfer over to work...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 03 April, 2021, 01:50:01 pm
Good old Aldi.

Pop in for a pint of milk and some mini cucumbers, come out with a heated buffet trolley and a telescopic light bulb changer.

Does the UK still use bayonet fittings?
You can still buy them - if that's what you mean.

You can still get them here, too. Just as well, otherwise my 1970s Anglepoise would need a refit.


Does the UK still use bayonet fittings?

Not in new builds, they use some weird euro fitting that you can't easily find in supermarkets.


Probably E27.  First time I ran into those was on a trip to Eindhoven, when I tried to plug in my electric razor.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 03 April, 2021, 01:52:32 pm
This:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07MCTLW7V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1  (I didn't opt for the laser kit . . . yet)   Pretty much the same machine is available from Banggood or Aliexpress for about £30 cheaper but I bought from Amazon as if it's no good etc it's easier to return/refund.

Ooooh shit. Now I need an excuse to buy one.

Why am I thinking of Kafka's In The Penal Colony?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 04 April, 2021, 09:57:40 am
They are very useful things. I borrow a Bosch one from work when I need it - things like measuring how tall a vehicle with roof box is for car park clearance becomes trivial (hold it at roof heigh, maybe against a plank of wood lying on the highest point, then point it at the ground). At work it's used for measuring how high things are from the ground - put the laser on the ground and point straight up. Saves a lot of time faffing with ladders.
Ours has Bluetooth on board, and you can get an app for it. Which seems spectacularly useless. But digging further in to that, I found that Bosch do a bluetooth connected angle grinder (https://www.ffx.co.uk/Product/Get/Bosch-Gws18V10Sc125Cg-3165140960878-18V-125Mm-Bluetooth-Angle-Grinder-Bare-Unit--L-Boxx#FPD). And no, it isn't an April fool.

Quote
Compatible with the new Bosch Connectivity System, when used with the GCY 30-4 connection module (sold separately) enables tradespeople to configure custom settings and adapt them to suit specific tasks – a particularly useful feature for challenging applications. Users can, for instance, set features like ‘KickBack Control’ function to trigger earlier via their smartphones. Users also receive warning messages via the app when the motors of their tools are stopped, for instance, due to overheating.

Now, I don't know about you, but I've been desperate for an app for my phone to warn me that my angle grinder motor has stopped - because how else are you likely to know that ?
It could measure use time for commercial HAVS monitoring
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ashaman42 on 05 April, 2021, 08:45:42 pm
And after a couple weeks umming and ahhing about various CNC milling machines I've gone and hit order.

On a 3D printer. Which itself was the result of a week or so deliberation.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 05 April, 2021, 09:24:35 pm


oops, I may have hit order on two new saws... Nice shiny Japanese saws...

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 06 April, 2021, 09:12:08 am
oops, I may have hit order on two new saws... Nice shiny Japanese saws...

I tidied the garage at the weekend and collected together all the saws I have had for years or brought over from my dads and put them in the dump pile. Cant remember last time I bought a saw (bar a nice Japanese flush cut saw and a Bahco dove tail saw which I am keeping) must be 15 years ago. They are all rusty and blunt. Time for three new saws which should replace the lot.
Probably will buy Bahco ones.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 April, 2021, 09:18:00 am
oops, I may have hit order on two new saws... Nice shiny Japanese saws...

I tidied the garage at the weekend and collected together all the saws I have had for years or brought over from my dads and put them in the dump pile. Cant remember last time I bought a saw (bar a nice Japanese flush cut saw and a Bahco dove tail saw which I am keeping) must be 15 years ago. They are all rusty and blunt. Time for three new saws which should replace the lot.
Probably will buy Bahco ones.
You could spend a week sharpening them.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 06 April, 2021, 09:51:12 am
oops, I may have hit order on two new saws... Nice shiny Japanese saws...

I tidied the garage at the weekend and collected together all the saws I have had for years or brought over from my dads and put them in the dump pile. Cant remember last time I bought a saw (bar a nice Japanese flush cut saw and a Bahco dove tail saw which I am keeping) must be 15 years ago. They are all rusty and blunt. Time for three new saws which should replace the lot.
Probably will buy Bahco ones.
You could spend a week sharpening them.

I don't think you can sharpen hardpoint saws. The teeth are hardened during manufacture. They don't sharpen like an old saw and you can reset them either the teeth just break if you try. I have a couple of vintage saws that I have lined up to attempt to resharpen one day when I get bored.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 08 April, 2021, 05:24:21 pm
Looking at buying a Metabo 18v drill and an impact driver. I have some railway sleeper joinery to do coming up and I really don't think my cheapo Bosch green drill/driver will cope with 200mm self tapping sleeper screws.

All the sets including both and a couple of batteries seem to be sold out. Wonder if it's another post Brexit shortage?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: trundle on 08 April, 2021, 07:48:35 pm
Bought my first 5-20nm torque wrench for bicycle fettling - I can now play guess the torque and give myself points for getting the right value through feel alone.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 09 April, 2021, 03:19:00 pm
Finally found somewhere with Matabo stock. So drill and driver incoming. Never had any 18v stuff before but after borrowing a friends to drill some holes and drive self tapping bolt into concrete a few weeks ago I am looking forward to getting these.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: SoreTween on 09 April, 2021, 04:44:16 pm
Bit late now but my ordinary dewalt 14V managed TIMco InDex screws up to 300mm and the 7mm x 200mm pilot holes through the first timber. Your new shiney will eat the job.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 09 April, 2021, 05:31:03 pm
Bit late now but my ordinary dewalt 14V managed TIMco InDex screws up to 300mm and the 7mm x 200mm pilot holes through the first timber. Your new shiney will eat the job.

The ones I borrowed a few weeks ago were Milwaukee 18v. My friend has them at home "for light work" as he cant be bothered to bring the 24v Hilti ones home from his workshop ...
He has a fabrication and metalwork installation company. I have seen one of the Hiltis in action and they are absolute beasts, very very spendy though.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Aunt Maud on 11 April, 2021, 02:12:51 pm
I bought a new Vicmarc VL 300 lathe for making odd wooden shapes round. It took all day to get it into the workshop on my own and I can turn 4 foot diameter off the end and 2 foot over the bed....Should be big enough.

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 11 April, 2021, 02:23:48 pm
Fun!  I had a crappy Ostblock lathe back in the 90s.  I did a few table-legs & such but the thing was so rough that I never went beyond that.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 11 April, 2021, 07:31:39 pm
Acquired a used but pretty much as new Record 52E quick release woodworking vice - to replace the awful Chinese thing I have fixed to my work bench.   I've been staggered to find out how much the Record vices cost new nowadays.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Aunt Maud on 11 April, 2021, 08:59:54 pm
I keep meaning to mount my record vice on the end of the bench, but it'd be a squeeze getting big stuff in and out of the workshop door.

Nice vices though, have you put hardwood jaws on it ?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Aunt Maud on 11 April, 2021, 09:14:21 pm
Fun!  I had a crappy Ostblock lathe back in the 90s.  I did a few table-legs & such but the thing was so rough that I never went beyond that.

I'm new to turning, but I want to turn some large tondo picture frames, hence the capacity. It runs super smooth and doesn't vibrate even though it isn't bolted down.

Ive got some big turning plans afoot for next year, so I need to get up to speed by doing some large bowls for practice.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 11 April, 2021, 10:39:17 pm

I spent a small fortune on an assortment of tools from fine-tools.com last weekend. DHL have thus far failed to get them out of Germany. Am hitting refresh a lot. I want my tools...

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 12 April, 2021, 07:27:56 am
I keep meaning to mount my record vice on the end of the bench, but it'd be a squeeze getting big stuff in and out of the workshop door.

Nice vices though, have you put hardwood jaws on it ?

Not yet - I have to refettle the bench slightly to take off the old one and fit the new.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 12 April, 2021, 09:23:50 am
Acquired a used but pretty much as new Record 52E quick release woodworking vice - to replace the awful Chinese thing I have fixed to my work bench.   I've been staggered to find out how much the Record vices cost new nowadays.

And you don't want a new one. They are owned by Irwin now and made abroad out of inferior metal.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 14 April, 2021, 04:53:21 pm

New toys!


(http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ey8gnFqXMAswAQ2.jpg)

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 14 April, 2021, 07:52:49 pm

New toys!


(http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ey8gnFqXMAswAQ2.jpg)

J

That marking gauge looks good (Stumpy Nubs on YouTube was using one in a film this week) - I was tempted to get one.

I actually used my old-style CK Tools marking gauge this week marking a parallel cut on some cladding timber for my current garden/landscaping project.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 14 April, 2021, 07:58:54 pm
What are those spanners with cut outs in them ? They look interesting.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: jsabine on 14 April, 2021, 08:14:45 pm
Spanners with factory-fit drillium? What could possibly go wrong?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ashaman42 on 14 April, 2021, 08:15:06 pm
Racing spanners I reckon.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 14 April, 2021, 09:29:14 pm

https://www.fine-tools.com/lightool-spanners.html

Link to the spanners.

I got them to go on the bike tool kit, they are the right size for doing hydraulic brakes.

The marking gauge is lovely. I got it with metric graduations, which was also the only version I could find in stock anywhere. Matt Eastlea has a really good review of the marking gauge. I've also got the mortice marker adaptor for it, which is rather nice.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Aunt Maud on 14 April, 2021, 10:10:53 pm
You should get some replacement blade for that gauge, as they chip a bit. I've got the titemark version of the same thing, they're nice gauges and are easy to use.

What are you going to make ?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 15 April, 2021, 12:50:56 pm

https://www.fine-tools.com/lightool-spanners.html


I do wish you hadn't shared that link, the whole site is full of ooh and aah!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 15 April, 2021, 12:57:46 pm
Agh !  More porn.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 15 April, 2021, 01:05:21 pm
Ooooohhhhhhhhh!!!!!
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no...............
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: spesh on 15 April, 2021, 01:47:59 pm
Ooooohhhhhhhhh!!!!!
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no...............

There's no limit to what you'd buy from there? :demon:  ;)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 15 April, 2021, 01:52:41 pm

https://www.fine-tools.com/lightool-spanners.html


I do wish you hadn't shared that link, the whole site is full of ooh and aah!

Yep. I have quite a wish list assembled already for the next pay day. So many shinies!

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 15 April, 2021, 02:06:08 pm
Dictum is the other German place.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 April, 2021, 06:17:40 pm
Ban this sick filth!!1!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 17 April, 2021, 01:59:59 pm

Noticed this spoke shave on bol.com for €20.99. So ordered it at 2am, when I couldn't sleep.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EzLTd2tUYAMvX-y?format=jpg&name=large)

Package arrived today, went to send the link for it to a friend, discovered it's now €18.99.

yay, more shinies...

J

Edit to add the missing ]
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 April, 2021, 03:04:48 pm
Don't use it on DT or Sapim spokes.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 21 April, 2021, 11:23:44 am
Bought this a while ago on a whim when ordering some others stuff from Axminster.

(https://cdn.axminstertools.com/media/catalog/product/cache/5a7ae93965a290622b2a179c050d4180/1/0/103694_xl.jpg)

Finally got to try it out last night cutting 16mm oak dowels flush after hammering them into sleepers. Brilliant did about 50 in an hour and a half. Highley recommended.

I did screw up on the first one though. Its my first Japanese saw and I forgot that they cut on the opposite stroke to European ones. Hence it went the direction I wasn't expecting as it finished cutting the dowel and straight into my non saw holding hand that was resting on the sleeper. Looked like I had tried to cut my thumb off at the palm, its very very sharp. After cleaning and bandaging my hand I did the rest no problem being very careful to keep my hand out of the way.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 21 April, 2021, 11:39:36 am
Brings new meaning to "Handy 200"  ;D
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: CommuteTooFar on 21 April, 2021, 11:50:17 am
I just bought a Makita 18v set with drill and impact driver and a corded sds drill because last time I tried to use my ordinary 14.4v drill took about 10  mins to drill a hole into my garage wall. 
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 21 April, 2021, 02:02:14 pm
The shaft on my 40 year old sledge hammer broke today (unlike Trigger's broom it's the original)  >:(   - madness is that a new hammer with fibreglass shaft from Mr Screwfix is cheaper than a new hickory handle (by the time you add the delivery cost and new iron fixing wedges)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rogerzilla on 21 April, 2021, 02:48:38 pm
You do have a cool new doorstop, though.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 21 April, 2021, 03:13:40 pm
Bought this a while ago on a whim when ordering some others stuff from Axminster.

(https://cdn.axminstertools.com/media/catalog/product/cache/5a7ae93965a290622b2a179c050d4180/1/0/103694_xl.jpg)

Finally got to try it out last night cutting 16mm oak dowels flush after hammering them into sleepers. Brilliant did about 50 in an hour and a half. Highley recommended.

I did screw up on the first one though. Its my first Japanese saw and I forgot that they cut on the opposite stroke to European ones. Hence it went the direction I wasn't expecting as it finished cutting the dowel and straight into my non saw holding hand that was resting on the sleeper. Looked like I had tried to cut my thumb off at the palm, its very very sharp. After cleaning and bandaging my hand I did the rest no problem being very careful to keep my hand out of the way.

On the side of my flush cut saw it says "wear safety goggles".  Doesn't mention amputations.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 21 April, 2021, 05:09:55 pm
I got these Moore and Wright calipers and dividers the other day.

(https://i.imgur.com/XUvpSC2.jpg)

It works out to under £4 each.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 21 April, 2021, 06:24:18 pm
Nice Hubner !
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 21 April, 2021, 07:33:42 pm
I got these Moore and Wright calipers and dividers the other day.

(https://i.imgur.com/XUvpSC2.jpg)

It works out to under £4 each.
You been in my toolbox?  ;)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51129996688_ceb85c1dd1_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 22 April, 2021, 02:03:21 pm
Haha, I don't need them strictly speaking, I only bought them because I sold some tools last year and have money burning in my Paypal account. My other dividers are stuck at my work place which I haven't been to since last March. I like to have several, each one set a certain measurement.

Here's 3 100 year old planes I bought a few years ago then left on a shelf or somewhere, which I have only just recently got them out to try. All are in good condition in the sense that they haven't been left to rot in a leaky shed.

Left to right:
Stanley no 6 plane, with replacement blade that's already half used up.
Stanley no 20 circular plane.
Copley of London wooden smoothing plane.

(https://i.imgur.com/ntJfJsw.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 22 April, 2021, 06:35:15 pm
Given the thread title...

I won £50 from Sustrans and *didn't* spend it on an angle grinder.   :-[
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 26 April, 2021, 06:41:20 pm
Given the thread title...

I won £50 from Sustrans and *didn't* spend it on an angle grinder.   :-[

You mean you didn't buy a universal bike lock key?

How did you win £50 from sustrans?

I've been waiting for an item to come in stock with fine-tools.com. It was going to be in stock on week 14... then week 17... 19... now 30...

Looks like I'll need to find it for sale somewhere else :(

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 26 April, 2021, 10:18:07 pm
How did you win £50 from sustrans?

By filling in an inclusive cycling seminar feedback survey thing.

I think that's the only thing I've won in a random prize draw since the bouquet of flowers in the school raffle when I was 10.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andrewc on 26 April, 2021, 10:25:50 pm
But a Sustrans funded angle grinder would have been ideal for improving access / removing obstructions on Sutrans paths  :demon:     



Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 26 April, 2021, 10:27:31 pm
But a Sustrans funded angle grinder would have been ideal for improving access / removing obstructions on Sutrans paths  :demon:   

Exactly.  In my defence, I've already got one.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Pingu on 30 April, 2021, 03:54:49 pm
Yes, this is a radiator valve spanner.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51148440456_a14a05e16b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kVP8n3)
IMG_8061_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2kVP8n3) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr


Not a coffee grinder handle.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 08 May, 2021, 07:16:23 pm
Not strictly a tool, but this is my new DIY best friend. Better than shitty decorators caulk anyway
https://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-instant-plaster-filler-white-310ml/72591
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: geraldc on 08 May, 2021, 07:57:31 pm
Fell down a rabbit hole of watching tool reviews on YouTube

https://youtube.com/c/ProjectFarm

Then found myself looking on Amazon looking for a portable jump starter battery that could start a tractor...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 08 May, 2021, 08:52:14 pm
Then found myself looking on Amazon looking for a portable jump starter battery that could start a tractor...

Makita 18V tool battery and some wires fitted with spade connectors found ratting around at the bottom of the toolbox is traditional.  Optional squirt of Start Ya Bastard into the intake.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 09 May, 2021, 12:18:06 am

Package arrived from the states with a pair of Suizan folding japanese saws. One is a Dozuki dovetail saw, and the other is a Ryoba. They are very nice. Obviously haven't had a chance to use them yet, but they feel lovely in the hand. Nicely balanced.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 12 May, 2021, 10:46:58 pm


(http://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1N8hPJXsAIH-iH.jpg)
(http://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1N8UwMWYAAGFPD.jpg)
(http://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1N8dtDXoAgtR1A.jpg)

Much shiny. Many sharp.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ashaman42 on 12 May, 2021, 10:52:14 pm
I've just ordered a pocket hole jig and some associated bits and pieces. To make a desk that I don't entirely need and that's going to cost far too much in wood to be actually worth it.

But eh, I'll learn some new skills. And it'll be something I made all by myself.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 13 May, 2021, 11:13:44 am
Birthday gift today (as requested from Mrs robgul) - an electric pencil sharpener for the workshop!

AND I had ordered one of these which was delivered today .... says it's made in Germany, but as it's from Aliexpress that may be from a province in China that they've called Germany, and Meter not Metre ???

(http://www.cycle-endtoend.org.uk/images/z-Beewee-pix/mini-vernier.jpg)

Mini vernier - probably not pinpoint accurate but adequate for measuring screws/bolts/drills etc.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 17 May, 2021, 05:28:18 pm


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1mku5jXMAUqYNk.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1mkrmkXIAAG4aC.jpg)

More toys arrived today from Germany.

The bronze nut arrived weeks ago from the UK. Am very pleased that it fits.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 17 May, 2021, 05:36:54 pm


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1mku5jXMAUqYNk.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1mkrmkXIAAG4aC.jpg)

More toys arrived today from Germany.

The bronze nut arrived weeks ago from the UK. Am very pleased that it fits.

J
Woss the top one for?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Little Jim on 17 May, 2021, 06:39:21 pm


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1mku5jXMAUqYNk.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1mkrmkXIAAG4aC.jpg)

More toys arrived today from Germany.

The bronze nut arrived weeks ago from the UK. Am very pleased that it fits.

J
Woss the top one for?

I think it is a make-your-own-vice
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 17 May, 2021, 07:05:44 pm
Woss the top one for?

I think it is a make-your-own-vice

Correct!

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 17 May, 2021, 07:19:02 pm
Woss the top one for?

I think it is a make-your-own-vice

Correct!

J
Intrigued.....
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 17 May, 2021, 07:27:47 pm
Intrigued.....

I am making a workbench, that will live on my balcony. It will be primarily used for wood working. I have been thinking from the beginning that I would like a vice on my workbench, but the outdoor location means that any off the shelf, unmodified vice isn't going to work.

Then I noticed a vice screw on https://fine-tools.com/ which listed a 24x5 thread... The pictures showed a trapezoid thread. 24 x 5mm trapezoid thread is a standard metric thread... Maybe I could get a stainless steel nut for the screw...

Well I couldn't find a suitable nut in stainless, but I was able to find one in bronze. Studying the materials datasheet showed that the bronze has reasonable corrosion resistance. Let's see if that works.

The nut alone cost more than the vice screw... then I got stung for €21 in import fees...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExP1qjKWgAQLvjp.jpg)

It's a beefy lump of bronze. Very beautifully machined...

Today a package arrived from Germany, with my Czechia made vice screw. I opened it, and with breath held, tried to fit the nut to the thread.

It works!

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1mku5jXMAUqYNk.jpg)

I have a Bronze nut, that fits the vice screw assembly! My plan is that the bronze nut is permanently attached to the work bench, then the screw and chop can be removed, and stored indoors.

This was quite a gamble, as well as the nut, I had also ordered the 32mm and 25mm auger drill bits to go with it. If it hadn't fitted I could have ended up with €50+ euro of nut I couldn't use, and two drill bits I didn't strictly need. But it fits!

The vice will be a leg vice.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 17 May, 2021, 07:33:52 pm
Awesome  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 17 May, 2021, 11:04:37 pm
...two drill bits I didn't strictly need...

At risk of being philosophical, I'm wondering whether drill bits don't come in "don't need" so much as "the wrong size"...

(How do leftpondians cope?  They have so many more wrong sizes to choose from.)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 18 May, 2021, 06:05:41 pm
At risk of being philosophical, I'm wondering whether drill bits don't come in "don't need" so much as "the wrong size"...

(How do leftpondians cope?  They have so many more wrong sizes to choose from.)

True. There is wrong size, and there is also wrong type. After all, I can't use these auger bits on concrete... or steel...

I cannot get my head round why anyone would think imperial units are a sensible way of doing things...

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 19 May, 2021, 12:02:56 am
I finally remembered to buy a 13mm[1] drill bit recently.  That's usual size for which all the ones I have are wrong.  I'm looking forward to discovering what will take its place as the most "I was sure I had one of those" sworn-about.


[1] 12-and-a-bit-mm is a popular size for panel-mount switches, lights and knobs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GyBfZ1xLhM), and if there's a decent flange, can usually be achieved to a just-about-acceptable standard by getting wiggly with a hand-held 12mm drill.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: nuttycyclist on 19 May, 2021, 01:30:15 am
[1] 12-and-a-bit-mm is a popular size for panel-mount switches, lights and knobs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GyBfZ1xLhM), and if there's a decent flange, can usually be achieved to a just-about-acceptable standard by getting wiggly with a hand-held 12mm drill.

It's too late at night for me to think, or find an online converter, but if I needed a 12-and-a-bit-mm drill bit then I know I'd be heading to my late grandfather's toolbox of imperial bits instead of the metric ones from the hardware store at the end of the road.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 19 May, 2021, 07:17:40 am
You could use a reamer to make the hole a tad bigger. That's what reamers are for.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Beardy on 19 May, 2021, 09:46:42 am
J, you are Get Hands Dirty, AICMFPs ;D
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 19 May, 2021, 12:11:14 pm
[1] 12-and-a-bit-mm is a popular size for panel-mount switches, lights and knobs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GyBfZ1xLhM), and if there's a decent flange, can usually be achieved to a just-about-acceptable standard by getting wiggly with a hand-held 12mm drill.

It's too late at night for me to think, or find an online converter, but if I needed a 12-and-a-bit-mm drill bit then I know I'd be heading to my late grandfather's toolbox of imperial bits instead of the metric ones from the hardware store at the end of the road.

I was disowned by my parents.  The only thing I managed to keep from my late grandfather's toolbox was a hand drill that happened to be in a box of stuff that had come with me to university.

Anyway, the whole point in 12.7mm diameter fuse holders or whatever is that they fit neatly in 13mm holes.  Electronics loves metric for mounting things, and decimal imperial for pin pitches.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Wobbly John on 19 May, 2021, 04:02:45 pm
Birthday gift today (as requested from Mrs robgul) - an electric pencil sharpener for the workshop!

AND I had ordered one of these which was delivered today .... says it's made in Germany, but as it's from Aliexpress that may be from a province in China that they've called Germany, and Meter not Metre ???

(http://www.cycle-endtoend.org.uk/images/z-Beewee-pix/mini-vernier.jpg)

Mini vernier - probably not pinpoint accurate but adequate for measuring screws/bolts/drills etc.

I believe I have a ver ver old one of they in a box of measuring instruments somewhere.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 19 May, 2021, 06:35:57 pm
J, you are Get Hands Dirty, AICMFPs ;D

Now that is a complement! I wish I had Cristiana's talent, and workshop.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 19 May, 2021, 06:37:19 pm
Birthday gift today (as requested from Mrs robgul) - an electric pencil sharpener for the workshop!

AND I had ordered one of these which was delivered today .... says it's made in Germany, but as it's from Aliexpress that may be from a province in China that they've called Germany, and Meter not Metre ???

(http://www.cycle-endtoend.org.uk/images/z-Beewee-pix/mini-vernier.jpg)

Mini vernier - probably not pinpoint accurate but adequate for measuring screws/bolts/drills etc.

I believe I have a ver ver old one of they in a box of measuring instruments somewhere.
I also, the same.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Beardy on 19 May, 2021, 06:48:28 pm
J, you are Get Hands Dirty, AICMFPs ;D

Now that is a complement! I wish I had Cristiana's talent, and workshop.

J
you and me both J, you and me both.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 19 May, 2021, 06:53:57 pm
Birthday gift today (as requested from Mrs robgul) - an electric pencil sharpener for the workshop!

AND I had ordered one of these which was delivered today .... says it's made in Germany, but as it's from Aliexpress that may be from a province in China that they've called Germany, and Meter not Metre ???

(http://www.cycle-endtoend.org.uk/images/z-Beewee-pix/mini-vernier.jpg)

Mini vernier - probably not pinpoint accurate but adequate for measuring screws/bolts/drills etc.
I remember having to make one at secondary school out of cardboard and sellotape. It was either part of maths or science cant remember what they were trying to teach us by making one, Anyway the point is that as long as you were reasonably careful marking out your lines it was actually incredibly accurate. I think we had some samples things to measure that were of a known size to within a thousandth of a millimetre.

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 19 May, 2021, 07:40:14 pm
Birthday gift today (as requested from Mrs robgul) - an electric pencil sharpener for the workshop!

AND I had ordered one of these which was delivered today .... says it's made in Germany, but as it's from Aliexpress that may be from a province in China that they've called Germany, and Meter not Metre ???

(http://www.cycle-endtoend.org.uk/images/z-Beewee-pix/mini-vernier.jpg)

Mini vernier - probably not pinpoint accurate but adequate for measuring screws/bolts/drills etc.

I believe I have a ver ver old one of they in a box of measuring instruments somewhere.
I also, the same.
One of my customers, some years ago, had those as promotional give aways. A bit better than a coffee mug or a mousemat.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 19 May, 2021, 07:44:30 pm
A set of 5 (all the same Pozi - as they do wear out) from Aliexpress - they stop at the right point for the screw head in the countersink so you don't drive the screw in too far.  Excellent.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001956617564.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.4d264c4dcoYpXg (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001956617564.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.4d264c4dcoYpXg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 29 May, 2021, 05:15:10 pm
This winter and "spring" have been so cold that I've kept out of the workshop as much as possible.  Now that it's warming up again I find that I have no desire to go over there and work wood; in fact, I was vaguely totting up what my tools are worth and wondering if they'd fetch enough for a good eBike (probably not).

There's a confession for you.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rr on 29 May, 2021, 10:49:36 pm
A Wera bicycle number 3 set.

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 10 June, 2021, 11:20:02 am
One of my lawnmowers is intermittently having no drive and when it does have drive its slow. So in preparation for pulling it apart to have a fiddle I have ordered a set of Knipex circlip/snap ring pliers.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A1JAHzQGstS._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 10 June, 2021, 12:21:57 pm
One of these arrived this morning from Mr Banggood's Chinese Emporium (UK warehouse - in 4 days from order)   - probably a bit too accurate for the sawdust manufacturing work I do but you never know.
https://www.banggood.com/Drillpro-200-or-300-or-400mm-Stainless-Steel-Precision-Marking-T-Ruler-Hole-Positioning-Measuring-Ruler-Woodworking-Scriber-Scribing-Tool-p-1601316.html?rmmds=myorder&cur_warehouse=UK&ID=6283065
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 10 June, 2021, 01:03:56 pm
I bought a 12 inch steel ruler the other day. The label on it said "all numbers are approximate" which was a trifle worrying.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 10 June, 2021, 02:12:34 pm
I bought a 12 inch steel ruler the other day. The label on it said "all numbers are approximate" which was a trifle worrying.

1ish 2ish 3ish ... 12ish
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 10 June, 2021, 02:16:41 pm
I bought a 12 inch steel ruler the other day. The label on it said "all numbers are approximate" which was a trifle worrying.
Kwality Product?

My 1m Rabone Chesterman steel rule says 'Accurate at 20°C'.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 10 June, 2021, 02:31:53 pm
I bought a 12 inch steel ruler the other day. The label on it said "all numbers are approximate" which was a trifle worrying.
Kwality Product?

My 1m Rabone Chesterman steel rule says 'Accurate at 20°C'.
B&Q's finest I think.  Of course rather than being a comment on the accuracy of the ruler it might be a deeper philosophical point "All numbers everywhere that you can think of, the ones you haven't thought of yet and the ones you'll never think of, are approximate."
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 10 June, 2021, 02:34:35 pm
A German ruler would probably be embossed with a DIN standard which declared the exact accuracy tolerance of the markings along with the temperature that was measured at, what height above sea level, the phase of the moon and whether there was an R in the month or not. They are a tad obsessive about these things.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 10 June, 2021, 02:37:04 pm
I bought a 12 inch steel ruler the other day. The label on it said "all numbers are approximate" which was a trifle worrying.
Kwality Product?

My 1m Rabone Chesterman steel rule says 'Accurate at 20°C'.
B&Q's finest I think.  Of course rather than being a comment on the accuracy of the ruler it might be a deeper philosophical point "All numbers everywhere that you can think of, the ones you haven't thought of yet and the ones you'll never think of, are approximate."

Well given that any ruler is a continuous line all lengths within the range are there to a 100% accuracy just maybe not where the printed indices say they are ....
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 10 June, 2021, 06:14:44 pm
I bought a 12 inch steel ruler the other day. The label on it said "all numbers are approximate" which was a trifle worrying.
Kwality Product?

My 1m Rabone Chesterman steel rule says 'Accurate at 20°C'.
On inspection it actually says 'Standard at 20°C'
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 10 June, 2021, 06:37:57 pm
A German ruler would probably be embossed with a DIN standard which declared the exact accuracy tolerance of the markings along with the temperature that was measured at, what height above sea level, the phase of the mood and whether there was an R in the month or not. They are a tad obsessive about these things.

Mrs A is like that and also insists on symmetry.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 26 June, 2021, 05:27:59 pm
Treated myself to a new battery drill that shares the battery and charger with the impact driver I bought about a month ago . . . and better was that Mr ToolStation was running a 20% off deal today bringing the price for a drill with battery to around £100.

.... it prompted me to count up the drill/drivers I have . . .  worryingly it's now 6  (4 battery and 2 corded) + a Dremel if you can count that + a drill-press machine.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: grams on 26 June, 2021, 06:48:02 pm
A Bourns tool, which is a plastic stick for twiddling multiturn potentiometers.*

Bought on eBay at 11:57 am today, hand delivered a couple of hours later. Proper junkies don't get such good service.

(* one day I'll bore my non-grandchildren by telling them about the twiddly stick we had to use to use to tune the TV preset buttons which had a built-in reduction gear. Near impossible to google up an image of such a thing)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: MattH on 26 June, 2021, 07:32:39 pm
You're right, it is tricky to find. But in googling images of TV tuners, I got a very strong smell-memory of the hot, dusty electronics the was pervasive around old TVs. That's something else that is lost in the mists of time.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: TheLurker on 26 June, 2021, 09:33:08 pm
Aye, but we are back to TVs taking as long as their valve based antecedents to start showing a picture and the, lack of, stability of some of the Freeview channels makes one pine for 405 line sets with their *approximate* tuning.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 26 June, 2021, 09:37:21 pm
one day I'll bore my non-grandchildren by telling them about the twiddly stick we had to use to use to tune the TV preset buttons which had a built-in reduction gear.

"What's a TV preset button?"
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: grams on 26 June, 2021, 09:56:18 pm
We'd need to start by explaining the concept of TV.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: MattH on 26 June, 2021, 09:56:39 pm
When I was growing up, my parents had a 12 inch (later a 14 inch!) black and white Ferguson telly in the corner of the room. They didn't have any of that fancy preset stuff, you had to know that BBC1 was on Ch.52 (or whatever it was) and manually spin the dial to it every time.

I do point out to my kids that we used to watch something smaller than their laptops in the far corner of the room.
Kids today. Don't know they're born.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 27 June, 2021, 07:38:24 pm
Aaah.. Tuning the wireless. The morse and heteronyms signals and Eastern bloc call signs full of mystique and menace. And the pirates.. ooaah .. don’t mention the pirates..

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: redshift on 30 June, 2021, 01:15:45 pm
A Bourns tool, which is a plastic stick for twiddling multiturn potentiometers.*

Bought on eBay at 11:57 am today, hand delivered a couple of hours later. Proper junkies don't get such good service.

(* one day I'll bore my non-grandchildren by telling them about the twiddly stick we had to use to use to tune the TV preset buttons which had a built-in reduction gear. Near impossible to google up an image of such a thing)

Crikey.  I still have loads of tweakers like that lying around (and in my ex-work toolkits) in both hex and straight blade forms.  The sand coloured RS ones were so ubiquitous that people treated them as disposable. We used them for all kinds of reasons - setting Hex switches is/was pretty common - not just tweaking pots.

When we went to 16x9 from 4x3 we had to trim all the vertical heights on the CRTs (the widescreen version of Test Card F was used to get the circle height correct). That required an ultra long tweaker, which necessitated the purchase of a rather nice extra long Draper Expert No.1 terminal driver. Oh, and take off your watches, cover up your wedding rings, and one hand behind your back. It's a bit like "Operation" but the consequences are a bit more real...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 30 June, 2021, 01:25:44 pm
They're a distant relative of the IEC C13 lead, aren't they?  Left unobserved, they'll breed at the back of drawers and the bottom of tool boxes, but have an uncanny ability to be somewhere else when you need them.

Interestingly, I'm sure there was a hearing aid one[1] in the magpile[2] on my desk, but it seems to have crawled off somewhere...


[1] Flat-blade tweaker with a magnet at the other end.
[2] Who else accumulates Precious Things?  Maybe we need a Gallery thread...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: TheLurker on 30 June, 2021, 04:42:02 pm
Quote from: redshift
Quote from: grams
A Bourns tool, which is a plastic stick for twiddling multiturn potentiometers.*

Bought on eBay at 11:57 am today, hand delivered a couple of hours later. Proper junkies don't get such good service.

(* one day I'll bore my non-grandchildren by telling them about the twiddly stick we had to use to use to tune the TV preset buttons which had a built-in reduction gear. Near impossible to google up an image of such a thing)

Crikey.  I still have loads of tweakers like that lying around ...
Pointless digression. First written use of tweaker in a televisual context that *I* know about is from 1962 in, "Paddington at Large" Chapter 23, "Goings on at No. 32".

" 'Your *tweeker*!' exclaimed Paddington, looking most upset.  'That's right,' said Mr. Higgins cheerfully, as he held up a long screwdriver.  'Always carry one of these on account of having to give the old tellys a tweek when they want adjusting.'"
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 30 June, 2021, 05:02:06 pm
Two Nobar TTI torque wrenches incoming. There is lots of alloy on the BMW and I fear I will be cack handed and crack/bend/strip it without the proper torque wrench.
I have a Draper Expert torque wrench already but that up to 230 Nm or something stupid. No use for motorbikes (except maybe the rear wheel nut that fixes teh wheel to the shaft drive). Cant even remember what I bought that one for now. Probably something on the old Range Rover I had back in the early 90s,
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: redshift on 30 June, 2021, 11:55:15 pm
They're a distant relative of the IEC C13 lead, aren't they?  Left unobserved, they'll breed at the back of drawers and the bottom of tool boxes, but have an uncanny ability to be somewhere else when you need them.

Interestingly, I'm sure there was a hearing aid one[1] in the magpile[2] on my desk, but it seems to have crawled off somewhere...


[1] Flat-blade tweaker with a magnet at the other end.
[2] Who else accumulates Precious Things?  Maybe we need a Gallery thread...


I have all the precious things, and inherited many more from my Dad, who played the "He who dies with the most tools wins" game for keeps.  I'd be scared of a gallery thread, as it would mean actual pictures of the enormous pile of Stuff we had to accommodate.  I say "had to" because I.couldn't possibly watch it go in a skip.  :-\
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 01 July, 2021, 12:20:08 am
I mean precious things in the 'magpile' sense.  I forget who coined the term, but it approximately means the collection of random small objects that forms on your desk (or similar space), because they're interesting or important and don't have proper homes.  Items that are on your desk because they're ornamental or something you use while at your desk (pens, etc) don't really qualify.

Mine currently consists of:
-Radiator Key
-Garmin HRM sensor
-Pair of 15mm steel rulers
-Assorted SIMs, SIM adaptors, SD and MicroSD cards
-USAnian 1 cent coin
-Hair tie
-4 BAHA test 'bite-bars (https://www.connevans.co.uk/product/12649093/DCBA92612/Cochlear-Baha-test-rod)' (Maybe one day we'll have enough for a chess set?)
-The Good Tweezers
-WiFi and ANT+ USB dongles
-Postage stamps
-Mystery screw
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 01 July, 2021, 07:59:20 am
I mean precious things in the 'magpile' sense.  I forget who coined the term, but it approximately means the collection of random small objects that forms on your desk (or similar space), because they're interesting or important and don't have proper homes.  Items that are on your desk because they're ornamental or something you use while at your desk (pens, etc) don't really qualify.

Mine currently consists of:
-Radiator Key
-Garmin HRM sensor
-Pair of 15mm steel rulers
-Assorted SIMs, SIM adaptors, SD and MicroSD cards
-USAnian 1 cent coin
-Hair tie
-4 BAHA test 'bite-bars (https://www.connevans.co.uk/product/12649093/DCBA92612/Cochlear-Baha-test-rod)' (Maybe one day we'll have enough for a chess set?)
-The Good Tweezers
-WiFi and ANT+ USB dongles
-Postage stamps
-Mystery screw

This is just crying out for a list.....
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 01 July, 2021, 08:06:12 am
I mean precious things in the 'magpile' sense.  I forget who coined the term, but it approximately means the collection of random small objects that forms on your desk (or similar space), because they're interesting or important and don't have proper homes.  Items that are on your desk because they're ornamental or something you use while at your desk (pens, etc) don't really qualify.

Mine currently consists of:
-Radiator Key
-Garmin HRM sensor
-Pair of 15mm steel rulers
-Assorted SIMs, SIM adaptors, SD and MicroSD cards
-USAnian 1 cent coin
-Hair tie
-4 BAHA test 'bite-bars (https://www.connevans.co.uk/product/12649093/DCBA92612/Cochlear-Baha-test-rod)' (Maybe one day we'll have enough for a chess set?)
-The Good Tweezers
-WiFi and ANT+ USB dongles
-Postage stamps
-Mystery screw

That's not dissimilar to the shelf my screen sits on - I don't have the Hair tie but I do have most of the other items - plus two of those little Tour de France milestone things, a Motorola RAZR phone (the original one) a printers ruler that measures in points - a magifying glass and a gadget for eating mussels (it's like a spring hinged mussel shell that you use like a pair of tweezers, silver plated) - two expired credit cards and my BC membership card.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 01 July, 2021, 08:26:17 am
Here we go......

A chunk of rock salt crystals about the size of a child's fist, smuggled out of a Polish salt mine. I say smuggled cos you're not supposed to remove them - however the mine workers are always willing to let some go for a few dollars.
Another thing which shouldn't be removed are two pieces of glass, about 15mm thick, from the sea-water aquaria that were in The Crystal Palace. The remains of the aquaria are at the foot of the Crystal Palace TV mast.
One of those prisms a surveyor aims his theodolite at, fascinating if for no other reason than if you look into it you can see the reflection of your eye. But if you close one eye the reflection remains there. If you close the other eye, the reflection still remains there. Spooky!
The top 30mm of a magnesium fuel rod from the Magnox reactor at Sellafield.
A turbine blade from one of Concorde's RR Olympus engines.
A mini Slinky - About 25mm Ø and 25mm tall.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: nuttycyclist on 01 July, 2021, 10:01:24 am
I daren't list it... every time my magpile gets too large I find an excuse to relocate to a new desk :$

It's a bit like the floor-drobe.  So much more convenient to roll out of bed, through the floor-drobe and go downstairs fully dressed than trying to hunt through the official clothes hanging in the wardrobe.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 03 July, 2021, 02:39:25 pm
Bad news - my sliding mitre saw fence is bust - a bit of wood kicked back (no idea why) with such force that it cracked the fence in two.  It's a relatively cheap Evolution machine and the part is probably available - but doubtless a value judgement against complete replacement.

In the meantime I shall attempt a repair with epoxy . . .. the cutting I need to do pro-tem isn't desperately accurate.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 03 July, 2021, 04:30:43 pm
Bad news - my sliding mitre saw fence is bust - a bit of wood kicked back (no idea why) with such force that it cracked the fence in two.  It's a relatively cheap Evolution machine and the part is probably available - but doubtless a value judgement against complete replacement.

In the meantime I shall attempt a repair with epoxy . . .. the cutting I need to do pro-tem isn't desperately accurate.

UPDATE - Too broken for epoxy (it's the usual sort of die-cast construction) BUT I've managed to unbolt the two pieces that are now the fence and re-fit them pretty much in alignment - all looks safe so I can use the saw pending a part/replacement.   Taking the dust shroud off the machine (box made from OSB) I had the opportunity for some serious sawdust vacuuming.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: seasider on 06 July, 2021, 06:55:52 pm
Here we go......

A chunk of rock salt crystals about the size of a child's fist, smuggled out of a Polish salt mine. I say smuggled cos you're not supposed to remove them - however the mine workers are always willing to let some go for a few dollars.
Another thing which shouldn't be removed are two pieces of glass, about 15mm thick, from the sea-water aquaria that were in The Crystal Palace. The remains of the aquaria are at the foot of the Crystal Palace TV mast.
One of those prisms a surveyor aims his theodolite at, fascinating if for no other reason than if you look into it you can see the reflection of your eye. But if you close one eye the reflection remains there. If you close the other eye, the reflection still remains there. Spooky!
The top 30mm of a magnesium fuel rod from the Magnox reactor at Sellafield.
A turbine blade from one of Concorde's RR Olympus engines.
A mini Slinky - About 25mm Ø and 25mm tall.
In my younger days I used to fill Magnox cans with U bars and finish and pack elements for Pippa reactor. Happy days.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 06 July, 2021, 08:12:22 pm
Bad news - my sliding mitre saw fence is bust - a bit of wood kicked back (no idea why) with such force that it cracked the fence in two.  It's a relatively cheap Evolution machine and the part is probably available - but doubtless a value judgement against complete replacement.

In the meantime I shall attempt a repair with epoxy . . .. the cutting I need to do pro-tem isn't desperately accurate.

UPDATE - Too broken for epoxy (it's the usual sort of die-cast construction) BUT I've managed to unbolt the two pieces that are now the fence and re-fit them pretty much in alignment - all looks safe so I can use the saw pending a part/replacement.   Taking the dust shroud off the machine (box made from OSB) I had the opportunity for some serious sawdust vacuuming.

Ordered the part yesterday - cost not too bad - arrived today so ready for action again with my woodwork/furniture making projects.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 06 July, 2021, 08:18:50 pm

Bought another saw...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E5oFtCGXoAcfllI?format=jpg&name=large)

It's heavier than I expected, and I'm not sure if I want to keep it. I might give it to a friend as a gift.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 14 July, 2021, 09:53:47 pm

I ordered a set of M4 taps for an upcoming project.

They arrived today, and as I roll them through my hands and look at them closely, I am hit with an overwhelming realisation.

I don't own a tap wrench.

Guess I'm gonna need to buy one.

J

PS I didn't keep the silky saw, I sold it to a friend for what I paid for it, and replaced it with a Opinel saw instead.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 15 July, 2021, 07:34:33 am
A mortiser attachment for my drill press/pillar drill - BNIB bought from a member on a woodwork related forum at a very good price - makes it a bit easier than bashing away with a mallet and chisel to make mortises  :thumbsup:

... and 2 or 3 new router bits arrived too.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 17 July, 2021, 12:19:19 am

Well. I now own a tap wrench. Also realised I didn't have the right size drill bit, so got that. and then decided that the 3 quid ali express tap set may not be great, so got a €10 set at the same time... and a router bit for another project.

And now I need to work out where to store such small parts in my storage system[1]

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E5tGvVPWQAgAc7A?format=jpg&name=large)

This is the saw I replaced the silky with.

J

[1] Pile of crap on my desk
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 17 July, 2021, 07:24:07 am
Having moved to a single "battery platform" with a new impact driver and combo drill I've just ordered an angle grinder (bare, to share the 2 batteries I have)

So, fully tooled up for stealing bikes  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 17 July, 2021, 11:49:07 am
So, fully tooled up for stealing bikes fixing Silly Sustrans Gates™  ;D ;D ;D ;D

FTFY
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 17 July, 2021, 01:02:33 pm
So, fully tooled up for stealing bikes fixing Silly Sustrans Gates™  ;D ;D ;D ;D

FTFY

Slight hitch - ordered for delivery from Toolstation (no stock at local shop etc) . . .  message this morning with a refund saying they don't have stock BUT there's another model at £25 more.   I've queried that stock was there when I ordered . . . and subject to what they say may suggest that they supply the other one at the price . .   we'll see.

I have a partial solution for Sustrans and other gates in the shape of a RADAR key - obv works for toilets too.   [I am eligible  :( )
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 27 July, 2021, 09:17:11 am
I have a hankering for a hydraulic motorbike lift. Both Sealey and Clarke the main UK suppliers of such things to home users will only deliver if you can provide a forklift to take it off the back of the delivery van. Applies no matter who you buy them through as they are delivered direct from Sealey or Clarke :(

That's not very sensible when your trying to sell to hobby mechanics.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 27 July, 2021, 02:06:18 pm
So, fully tooled up for stealing bikes fixing Silly Sustrans Gates™  ;D ;D ;D ;D

FTFY

Slight hitch - ordered for delivery from Toolstation (no stock at local shop etc) . . .  message this morning with a refund saying they don't have stock BUT there's another model at £25 more.   I've queried that stock was there when I ordered . . . and subject to what they say may suggest that they supply the other one at the price . .   we'll see.

I have a partial solution for Sustrans and other gates in the shape of a RADAR key - obv works for toilets too.   [I am eligible  :( )

Update on the angle grinder - no reply from Toolstation - but then found the same thing on Amazon a fiver cheaper as one its flash sale deals.  Really nice tool with soft start rather than the straight to full speed on the old (very old) B&D corded grinder.

AND have ordered a cheapie spray gun (corded, electric) from Screwfix - in the clearance stuff for £10.  Reviews are pretty good and I only really need it to treat some timber for a gate I'm making so if it's no good it'll go back, or I've spent a tenner.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 27 July, 2021, 02:12:05 pm
I have a hankering for a hydraulic motorbike lift. Both Sealey and Clarke the main UK suppliers of such things to home users will only deliver if you can provide a forklift to take it off the back of the delivery van. Applies no matter who you buy them through as they are delivered direct from Sealey or Clarke :(

That's not very sensible when your trying to sell to hobby mechanics.

Either hire a small truck with a tail-lift to take the weight - or find a man-and-a-van (truck with tail-lift) - and collect from the nearest MachineMart shop?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 27 July, 2021, 04:03:57 pm
I have a hankering for a hydraulic motorbike lift. Both Sealey and Clarke the main UK suppliers of such things to home users will only deliver if you can provide a forklift to take it off the back of the delivery van. Applies no matter who you buy them through as they are delivered direct from Sealey or Clarke :(

That's not very sensible when your trying to sell to hobby mechanics.

Either hire a small truck with a tail-lift to take the weight - or find a man-and-a-van (truck with tail-lift) - and collect from the nearest MachineMart shop?

They don't hold stock apparently they just get it shipped direct. I might have to do some phoning around. I can get hold of a forklift (a real one or a front loader with forklift attachment) but that would require knowing the exact time (within a reasons) of delivery. If they could give me a date and a one hour timeslot it would be doable.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 27 July, 2021, 04:54:59 pm
I have a hankering for a hydraulic motorbike lift. Both Sealey and Clarke the main UK suppliers of such things to home users will only deliver if you can provide a forklift to take it off the back of the delivery van. Applies no matter who you buy them through as they are delivered direct from Sealey or Clarke :(

That's not very sensible when your trying to sell to hobby mechanics.
I have one that fits under the engine and lifts the bike so that the wheels are off the ground - lifts the bike a good 18 inches.

The challenge with this type of lift is that if the exhausts or other components get in the way of the two lifting arms then you have to adapt as you should only lift on the engine cradle tubes.

I made a wooden shoe that sits on the lifting arms and has wooden blocks to pick up under the frame tubes under the engine on my 73 Tiger 750.  I still need to make one to fit my 72 Daytona, and I've not looked at lifting my 2015 Bonneville yet.

But the weight of the lift is way less than a full lifting table (but still heavy), and there's a mod on YT showing how to make an extension for the lift type that I have to turn it into a full table lift. 
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 27 July, 2021, 04:59:31 pm
Not sure that type would work with my BMW. There is no engine cradle as the the forks and shaft drive come single sided swinging arm are bolted directly to the engine. The only frame is bolted to to top of the engine to provide somewhere to mount the tank, seat and battery. Given that its a boxer the actual engine casings are narrow as well so might be a bit wobbly.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Zipperhead on 27 July, 2021, 06:07:20 pm
I have a hankering for a hydraulic motorbike lift. Both Sealey and Clarke the main UK suppliers of such things to home users will only deliver if you can provide a forklift to take it off the back of the delivery van. Applies no matter who you buy them through as they are delivered direct from Sealey or Clarke :(

That's not very sensible when your trying to sell to hobby mechanics.

Might I suggest an Abba Skylift (https://abbastands.co.uk/product-detail.asp?item=sky-lift&pid=44)?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 27 July, 2021, 07:51:44 pm
Not sure that type would work with my BMW. There is no engine cradle as the the forks and shaft drive come single sided swinging arm are bolted directly to the engine. The only frame is bolted to to top of the engine to provide somewhere to mount the tank, seat and battery. Given that its a boxer the actual engine casings are narrow as well so might be a bit wobbly.
  Whilst anything's possible, I could see that my lift would be tricky with a Beemer Boxer. I don't like the table lifts much.  They are very convenient but if you want to take the wheels off..........
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: MattH on 28 July, 2021, 11:57:17 pm
I have one of the standard Abba stands with a few adapters, and one of the dirtbike type stands. On the Pan I've been able to do everything so far using just the centre stand and maybe a trolley jack with block of wood under the engine to keep the front end in the air, or an axle stand on the front wheel axle if I've got the front wheel off and want extra stability because it's going to sit there for a while (I've had both wheels off simultaneously for a tyre change, though usually I do them one at a time). On Mrs H's Virago I used straps over roof joists to keep it balanced whilst doing the tyres.

The problem with the Abba stand, the dirtbike stand or using the centre stand is that I end up lying or kneeling on the garage floor. A proper table lift would be good to be able to work on the bikes at a convenient level. I keep eyeing them up, it's been a case of needing to tidy up the garage holding me back - I hadn't realised the fork lift requirement.


Edit to add:
One thing to watch for with the Abba stands is bike compatibility. Of the four bikes in our garage, only one has official compatibility with the stand now - and the adapter kits are common between the normal stand and the sky lift so that will be the same. It is possible to use the swing arm removal kit (which I have) to increase compatibility, but that's a bit of a faff, moves the centre of gravity as it fits in place of your foot peg, and isn't as robust as you're effectively supporting the whole bike on an M8 bolt on each side.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 27 August, 2021, 09:03:16 pm
Added a cordless jig-saw to the common battery platform with recently acquired tools - may need to buy another battery as 2 may not be enough.

Some bike tools sold, subject to collection/payment.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 09 September, 2021, 10:53:30 am
The Beemer is covered in hex fasteners so I splashed out on a set of these Wiha T-handle allen keys:

(https://img.misterworker.com/en-gb/43732-thickbox_default/l-key-with-t-handle-set-comfortgrip-hexagonal-with-side-drive-matt-chrome-plated-6-pcs.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 13 September, 2021, 06:59:11 pm
I took delivery of a Nilfisk GM80 vacuum cleaner  (https://donaghybros.co.uk/vacuums/vacuum-cleaners/cylinder-vacuum-cleaners/nilfisk-gm80cuk-gm80-bagged-vacuum-cleaner-silver.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw7fuJBhBdEiwA2lLMYc-hqFvFj42vYrSI1xwZOTeGYY0JfldLWaMnmG9c3sc4YJRyUtMqkBoCWTgQAvD_BwE) today.
F*ck me! That's going to pull up my carpets.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Zipperhead on 13 September, 2021, 07:31:42 pm
I took delivery of a Nilfisk GM80 vacuum cleaner  (https://donaghybros.co.uk/vacuums/vacuum-cleaners/cylinder-vacuum-cleaners/nilfisk-gm80cuk-gm80-bagged-vacuum-cleaner-silver.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw7fuJBhBdEiwA2lLMYc-hqFvFj42vYrSI1xwZOTeGYY0JfldLWaMnmG9c3sc4YJRyUtMqkBoCWTgQAvD_BwE) today.
F*ck me! That's going to pull up my carpets.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/rwPAsMA679tSg/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47lxw99zn67qqrsluqct28bew9vbff0nr50qtxu05q&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 15 September, 2021, 05:35:46 pm
I took delivery of a Nilfisk GM80 vacuum cleaner  (https://donaghybros.co.uk/vacuums/vacuum-cleaners/cylinder-vacuum-cleaners/nilfisk-gm80cuk-gm80-bagged-vacuum-cleaner-silver.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw7fuJBhBdEiwA2lLMYc-hqFvFj42vYrSI1xwZOTeGYY0JfldLWaMnmG9c3sc4YJRyUtMqkBoCWTgQAvD_BwE) today.
F*ck me! That's going to pull up my carpets.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/rwPAsMA679tSg/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47lxw99zn67qqrsluqct28bew9vbff0nr50qtxu05q&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
Somewhat spookily, your gif shows the model of Miele which my Nilfisk has replaced.
After 20 or so years of sterling service, the Miele developed a fault whereby I'd pull out all the flex and plug it into the wall socket, I'd start doing the hoovering and then notice that the Miele was being dragged back to the wall socket by the flex re-winding into the machine.

ETA: How hard does the Nilfisk suck?
Hard enough that you need to put in some effort to shove it across the carpet.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 17 September, 2021, 05:55:12 pm
I took delivery of a Nilfisk GM80 vacuum cleaner  (https://donaghybros.co.uk/vacuums/vacuum-cleaners/cylinder-vacuum-cleaners/nilfisk-gm80cuk-gm80-bagged-vacuum-cleaner-silver.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw7fuJBhBdEiwA2lLMYc-hqFvFj42vYrSI1xwZOTeGYY0JfldLWaMnmG9c3sc4YJRyUtMqkBoCWTgQAvD_BwE) today.
F*ck me! That's going to pull up my carpets.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/rwPAsMA679tSg/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47lxw99zn67qqrsluqct28bew9vbff0nr50qtxu05q&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
Somewhat spookily, your gif shows the model of Miele which my Nilfisk has replaced.
After 20 or so years of sterling service, the Miele developed a fault whereby I'd pull out all the flex and plug it into the wall socket, I'd start doing the hoovering and then notice that the Miele was being dragged back to the wall socket by the flex re-winding into the machine.

ETA: How hard does the Nilfisk suck?
Hard enough that you need to put in some effort to shove it across the carpet.

They've made a mistake.
They sent me the wrong cleaner.
I ordered and paid for a GM80 model.
They've sent me a GM80P (professional).
Which, ordinarily, comes through the till at ~ £650.00.
Around twice what I paid.
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 17 September, 2021, 06:30:15 pm

After 20 or so years of sterling service, the Miele developed a fault whereby I'd pull out all the flex and plug it into the wall socket, I'd start doing the hoovering and then notice that the Miele was being dragged back to the wall socket by the flex re-winding into the machine.


Just FTR, this seems to be a common issue, I would note that (a) a clothes peg serves as a useful non-return catch, but is still annoying (b) should you choose to take the challenge of de-assembling the item (dissembling?), after admiring the complexity that is the cable return assembly you may well conclude that the item cannot be repaired and that a replacement is north of £40, making the value questionable. You might also continue to (c) to discover that people sell used ones (!!) on ebay for £20+
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 17 September, 2021, 07:06:30 pm

After 20 or so years of sterling service, the Miele developed a fault whereby I'd pull out all the flex and plug it into the wall socket, I'd start doing the hoovering and then notice that the Miele was being dragged back to the wall socket by the flex re-winding into the machine.


Just FTR, this seems to be a common issue, I would note that (a) a clothes peg serves as a useful non-return catch, but is still annoying (b) should you choose to take the challenge of de-assembling the item (dissembling?), after admiring the complexity that is the cable return assembly you may well conclude that the item cannot be repaired and that a replacement is north of £40, making the value questionable. You might also continue to (c) to discover that people sell used ones (!!) on ebay for £20+
I am enamoured of my ground-lifting Nilfisk.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 18 September, 2021, 02:29:13 pm
The brake fluid reservoir cap on the Beemer decided it wasn't coming off. One of the four screws was well and truly stuck and the head was just mangling itself no matter what pressure I attempted to put in the screwdriver. So I broke out the Vessel Impactor screwdrivers for the first time. PH2 fitted perfectly and some whacking with a hammer later the screw was out.
Vessel Megadore screwdrivers are good and JIS compliant as well as fitting Philips but the Impactor with in built impact driver action are brilliant on stuck stuff and much easier to use than a normal impact driver.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 18 September, 2021, 04:18:35 pm
The brake fluid reservoir cap on the Beemer decided it wasn't coming off. One of the four screws was well an truly stuck and the head was just mangling itself no matter what pressure I attempted to put in the screwdriver. So I broke out the Vessel Impactor screwdrivers for the first time. PH2 fitted perfectly and some whacking with a hammer later the screw was out.
Vessel Megadore screwdrivers are good and JIS compliant as well as fitting Philips but the Impactor with in built impact driver action are brilliant of stuck stuff and much easier to use than a normal impact driver.
Ooh! They look nice. But I really cannot justify them as I have a conventional impact wrench with swappable tips.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: MattH on 18 September, 2021, 05:06:32 pm
Vessel impacts FTW!

If you are working on a Japanese motorcycle, they really do the job nicely and I'd say pretty essential. I have a traditional impact driver too, but if it's JIS 2 or 3 then the Vessel is used (partly because it'll already be in my hand to try to undo the screw without percussion pursuasion).
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 07 October, 2021, 09:40:06 pm
The nice people from DHL brought me a box of new shinies today:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FBHUu9QWQAkXhI4?format=jpg&name=large)

Mortice chisels, a bench chisel, a nice saw, and a file brush.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 07 October, 2021, 10:06:19 pm
I took delivery of a Nilfisk GM80 vacuum cleaner  (https://donaghybros.co.uk/vacuums/vacuum-cleaners/cylinder-vacuum-cleaners/nilfisk-gm80cuk-gm80-bagged-vacuum-cleaner-silver.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw7fuJBhBdEiwA2lLMYc-hqFvFj42vYrSI1xwZOTeGYY0JfldLWaMnmG9c3sc4YJRyUtMqkBoCWTgQAvD_BwE) today.
F*ck me! That's going to pull up my carpets.

Gosh that is not being sold for its looks is it?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 08 October, 2021, 11:30:22 am
I took delivery of a Nilfisk GM80 vacuum cleaner  (https://donaghybros.co.uk/vacuums/vacuum-cleaners/cylinder-vacuum-cleaners/nilfisk-gm80cuk-gm80-bagged-vacuum-cleaner-silver.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw7fuJBhBdEiwA2lLMYc-hqFvFj42vYrSI1xwZOTeGYY0JfldLWaMnmG9c3sc4YJRyUtMqkBoCWTgQAvD_BwE) today.
F*ck me! That's going to pull up my carpets.

Gosh that is not being sold for its looks is it?
On the contrary.
Its a design classic, one that has featured in several films.
But beauty lies...... an' all that.  ;)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 08 October, 2021, 06:36:33 pm
Woo, we have just taken delivery of a proper adult sized spirit level \o/
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51564792397_1fecfd5e54.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2myB3hM)2021-10-08_06-46-28 (https://flic.kr/p/2myB3hM) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr

I also liberated a pair of nearly new DM safety boots from my place of employment so I'm all set for the weekend.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Pingu on 08 October, 2021, 09:41:48 pm
Set for what?  :-\
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 08 October, 2021, 09:59:20 pm
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4bnZhfl39RE
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 08 October, 2021, 11:43:58 pm
What's not to like about a woman with spirit and comfortable shoes?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 23 October, 2021, 07:39:03 am
I have just splashed out on one of these (https://www.banggood.com/Drillpro-18V-Cordless-Brushless-Impact-Wrench-Screwdriver-Stepless-Speed-Change-Switch-Adapted-To-18V-Makita-battery-p-1576432.html) Makita knock-offs (about £20 when I bought it). It arrived astonishingly quickly (about 7 days) and appears absolutely fit for the use I intend, which is  dedicated caravan steady raising and lowering. Build quality appears better than imagined, with excess weight being the major downside of note. Whatever its suitability for long term use, I hope it will do the little asked of it for some time. I already have Makita batteries on board for the inflator and the vac.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 23 October, 2021, 08:10:27 am
Shame you can't search their site on knock-off.  I'd like a decent pneumatic one to swap the wheels on the car twice a year.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 23 October, 2021, 09:29:35 am
Hmm interesting. I have been thinking about getting a Makita combi drill type thing....
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 October, 2021, 10:02:16 am
You won't get one off the outfit Ham linked to though, because:

Quote
This Warehouse Can Not Ship To United Kingdom
[…]
This product is not available in your current region, please choose other products.

Ah, those sunlit uplands!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 23 October, 2021, 01:03:24 pm
If you pick another warehouse it gives you ship to UK.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 23 October, 2021, 04:05:10 pm
I have just splashed out on one of these (https://www.banggood.com/Drillpro-18V-Cordless-Brushless-Impact-Wrench-Screwdriver-Stepless-Speed-Change-Switch-Adapted-To-18V-Makita-battery-p-1576432.html) Makita knock-offs (about £20 when I bought it). It arrived astonishingly quickly (about 7 days) and appears absolutely fit for the use I intend, which is  dedicated caravan steady raising and lowering. Build quality appears better than imagined, with excess weight being the major downside of note. Whatever its suitability for long term use, I hope it will do the little asked of it for some time. I already have Makita batteries on board for the inflator and the vac.

I've got one of those, and it's surprisingly skookum (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AERn5japFs8).

Only issue I've had is that the little magnet that secures hex bits in place came loose and pingfuckited with repeated impact-driving.  I've not got round to attempting some sort of bodge, so driving screws in a downwards direction tends to result in ejection of the bit unless you're paying more attention than I'm capable of.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 October, 2021, 07:35:57 pm

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FBgsQ-eXMAQahW7?format=jpg&name=medium)

New toy. (Actually arrived a couple of weeks ago, but forgot to post). It's heavy, but very well made. Need to remove all the grease it's shipped in, and give the blade a once over on the diamond stones.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 23 October, 2021, 08:22:29 pm
^Dictum no 4 plane.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 October, 2021, 10:44:28 pm
^Dictum no 4 plane.

Yep.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jaded on 23 October, 2021, 11:01:13 pm
(Manual) Planes are brilliant!  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 October, 2021, 11:03:33 pm
(Manual) Planes are brilliant!  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Yep. I got a second blade for it as well. Which I plan to regrind with a big camber, so I an stick that in and use it as a scrub plane. For a two in one setup.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jaded on 23 October, 2021, 11:16:00 pm
 :thumbsup:

Drool.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 24 October, 2021, 09:23:08 am
They do some nice spokeshaves too, by the look of it, and less than half the price of my Veritas.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 24 October, 2021, 09:00:40 pm

New toy. (Actually arrived a couple of weeks ago, but forgot to post). It's heavy, but very well made. Need to remove all the grease it's shipped in, and give the blade a once over on the diamond stones.

J

Very nice. I am interested in why though when you can pick up a good usable Stanley or Record No 4 from any car boot sale in the land for about £10.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 24 October, 2021, 09:02:00 pm
Very nice. I am interested in why though when you can pick up a good usable Stanley or Record No 4 from any car boot sale in the land for about £10.

Cos carboot sales do not exist here.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 24 October, 2021, 09:04:32 pm
Very nice. I am interested in why though when you can pick up a good usable Stanley or Record No 4 from any car boot sale in the land for about £10.

Cos carboot sales do not exist here.

Well that explains that :)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 24 October, 2021, 09:08:15 pm
And before you get jealous its only 4s and 110s that are really common. You see an occasional 5 and I waited years for a 7.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Poacher on 25 October, 2021, 10:25:03 am
Planes seem to be regular lots in our local weekly auction, and fetch good money. These are from last Saturday (23/10/21).
Record No. 5, hammer price £45
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/a7f14430054773093f2bc3cae7d8a7aa/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2003/
Stanley No. 6, hammer price £45
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/ef78e85e76f536cd8da68a0ae27e2559/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2004/
Record No. 7, hammer price £60
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/890630bc3f8e3b326d9a885c68791025/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2005/
Record No. 044, hammer price £25
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/7d10cde22ddba290539c2ea469b3baa9/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2007/
Stanley No. 5½, Record No.4 & Stanley No. 60½, hammer price £30
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/db4871d32fc848af59fd79424b1b8d5e/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2008/
14 Wood moulding planes and spoke shave, hammer price £40
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/ecc6196a23a7d477f0c1f8edded7de21/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2009/
Mixed lot of 4, hammer price £20
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/9ed1b605e9aad3cf1a7edff4d5af48ba/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2022/

All hammer prices subject to 24% buyer's premium.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 25 October, 2021, 12:03:27 pm
Planes seem to be regular lots in our local weekly auction, and fetch good money. These are from last Saturday (23/10/21).
Record No. 5, hammer price £45
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/a7f14430054773093f2bc3cae7d8a7aa/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2003/
Stanley No. 6, hammer price £45
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/ef78e85e76f536cd8da68a0ae27e2559/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2004/
Record No. 7, hammer price £60
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/890630bc3f8e3b326d9a885c68791025/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2005/
Record No. 044, hammer price £25
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/7d10cde22ddba290539c2ea469b3baa9/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2007/
Stanley No. 5½, Record No.4 & Stanley No. 60½, hammer price £30
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/db4871d32fc848af59fd79424b1b8d5e/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2008/
14 Wood moulding planes and spoke shave, hammer price £40
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/ecc6196a23a7d477f0c1f8edded7de21/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2009/
Mixed lot of 4, hammer price £20
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/9ed1b605e9aad3cf1a7edff4d5af48ba/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2022/

All hammer prices subject to 24% buyer's premium.

£200 for this still seems like a bargain

https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/c5c68e0349c849a2a362377b79177e06/85b8bffc5290bd741c39072b62f6d71b/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-3044/
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Poacher on 25 October, 2021, 12:38:03 pm
Planes seem to be regular lots in our local weekly auction, and fetch good money. These are from last Saturday (23/10/21).
Record No. 5, hammer price £45
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/a7f14430054773093f2bc3cae7d8a7aa/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2003/
Stanley No. 6, hammer price £45
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/ef78e85e76f536cd8da68a0ae27e2559/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2004/
Record No. 7, hammer price £60
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/890630bc3f8e3b326d9a885c68791025/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2005/
Record No. 044, hammer price £25
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/7d10cde22ddba290539c2ea469b3baa9/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2007/
Stanley No. 5½, Record No.4 & Stanley No. 60½, hammer price £30
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/db4871d32fc848af59fd79424b1b8d5e/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2008/
14 Wood moulding planes and spoke shave, hammer price £40
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/ecc6196a23a7d477f0c1f8edded7de21/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2009/
Mixed lot of 4, hammer price £20
https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/9ed1b605e9aad3cf1a7edff4d5af48ba/33401feaa1a6ee6c23e2e6c45f87171c/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-2022/

All hammer prices subject to 24% buyer's premium.

£200 for this still seems like a bargain

https://www.arthurjohnson.co.uk/catalogue/lot/c5c68e0349c849a2a362377b79177e06/85b8bffc5290bd741c39072b62f6d71b/the-saturday-auctions-23rd-october-2021-lot-3044/

Hmmm, electric bike with no charger or key. Let me think about that for a moment. Provenance?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 25 October, 2021, 02:17:32 pm


Hmmm, electric bike with no charger or key. Let me think about that for a moment. Provenance?

Oh yeah.... for some reason I saw the box and pedals off and thought "new"
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: grams on 11 November, 2021, 09:36:31 pm
Today I saw someone in a YouTube video use the left edge of a digital vernier calliper to measure the depth of a step, and my mind was blown a little.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 11 November, 2021, 10:56:14 pm
Today I saw someone in a YouTube video use the left edge of a digital vernier calliper to measure the depth of a step, and my mind was blown a little.

The oft forgotten way to use Vernier calipers. Very useful when you need it.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 26 December, 2021, 04:20:02 pm
Wera tools. Is it just me? I wants them.

In other news Santa Pingu got me a Makita combi drill driver :)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 26 December, 2021, 04:27:50 pm
Wera tools. Is it just me? I wants them.

In other news Santa Pingu got me a Makita combi drill driver :)
:thumbsup: That sounds very good indeed.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 26 December, 2021, 09:42:36 pm
Two Bahco carbide scrapers - excellent  :thumbsup:    I have a couple of cabinets that need the finish removing before painting.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: MattH on 27 December, 2021, 03:48:39 pm
Wera tools. Is it just me? I wants them.

Nope, I love them. A 12 piece small screwdriver set (73675) is always in my bag for disassembling electronics stuff (though I've now supplemented with and ifixit Mako set for some more obscure bits in a reasonable metal).
A 1/2" Zyklop ratchet replaced my 1980s Kamasa one last year.

Bahco is my other goto - their ratchet spanners and big socket sets are brilliant. The Bahco 2058/s26 mini set is so good I've bought a couple more so I have one in my work bag, one in my bike stuff, and one at home.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 December, 2021, 03:57:55 pm
There is a Kamasa socket set in the cupboard under the workbench at Fort Larrington.  Or rather it says “Kamasa” on the tin box it lives in, but given it was bought in Hong Kong almost fifty years ago it may well be an antique Chineseum knockoff instead.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 27 December, 2021, 04:00:41 pm
Wera tools. Is it just me? I wants them.

Not just you.  I haz them.  (Specifically, hex and torx rainbow allen keys of loveliness, and a set of the precision screwdrivers for electronicals.)

In a similar vein, Knipex.  Particularly the Super Knips.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: MattH on 27 December, 2021, 04:01:35 pm
Oh yes, I forgot the rainbow allen keys. Lovely things that tend not to round off heads.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Zipperhead on 27 December, 2021, 04:32:52 pm
Unlike my Wera tools, I have no use for a fractal vice (https://youtu.be/QBeOgGt_oWU) - but I would love one.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 27 December, 2021, 04:37:29 pm
Wera tools. Is it just me? I wants them.

Not just you.  I haz them.  (Specifically, hex and torx rainbow allen keys of loveliness, and a set of the precision screwdrivers for electronicals.)

In a similar vein, Knipex.  Particularly the Super Knips.

Electrician chum used a complete Knipex tool kit on the job - big effort the size of a suitcase.  When he retired his boss told him to keep it.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 27 December, 2021, 04:38:31 pm

In my on going shiny tools aquisition project:


I was lucky enough to get one of Matt Estlea's marking knives in his latest release. He had a lot of problems with the website being overloaded, so I had resigned myself to not being able to get a knife. But I somehow managed to get it. It arrived just over a week after purchase. There were some issues with the customs declaration, I've been charged VAT/BTW twice, I've emailed Matt, but have not yet received a reply, but did get a refund of the UK VAT.

The knife cost me £75, plus £15 uk VAT (now refunded), £8 postage, and then a further €28.90 in BTW when it arrived in the Netherlands. So this is not a cheap tool. But I've got a lot of useful info from Matt's videos, and viewed this partly as paying him for those as well as the knife.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FG6ZpZXWUAYkaHz?format=jpg&name=large)


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FG6ZlSNWQAEKnNM?format=jpg&name=large)


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FG6ZhZpXMAQQkYa?format=jpg&name=large)

I've not had a chance to use it properly, but so far I am really impressed by the quality of the workmanship. It feels lovely to hold, looks beautiful, and should be easy to sharp (i.e. replace the blades). It is not cheap, this was a present for myself, and I rationalised it a bit as supporting a youtuber I enjoy.

Now I just need to work out how to get a Swann Morton SM01 blade in the Netherlands.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: TheLurker on 27 December, 2021, 05:05:52 pm
I get "nice to handle" tools, but what does that give you that a standard Swann-Morton handle at 3 quid a pop of which I have (*counts*, *blushes*) at least 7 doesn't?


Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 27 December, 2021, 05:11:51 pm
I get "nice to handle" tools, but what does that give you that a standard Swann-Morton handle at 3 quid a pop of which I have (*counts*, *blushes*) at least 7 doesn't?

It feels me with joy just looking at it. Hefting it in my hand. It's just *nice*.

From a financial perspective it makes no sense. But it's one of those tools that when you pick it up you think "this is a nice tool".

I couldn't make it for the price I paid, the cost of machining the stainless steel bit the blade goes into would be horrible.

I mostly see it as supporting a youtube creator I enjoy, while also getting something which is objectively Nice.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 27 December, 2021, 10:28:34 pm
Well, this may seem rather 'dur' to most of you but I have just discovered that socket sets aren't just socket shaped. I had no idea you can get allen, torx, pozi etc fittings...
Every day's a school day.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 28 December, 2021, 09:56:44 am
And furthermore the shanks won't fit an electric screwdriver without an adapter.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 28 December, 2021, 10:02:34 am
Well, this may seem rather 'dur' to most of you but I have just discovered that socket sets aren't just socket shaped. I had no idea you can get allen, torx, pozi etc fittings...
Every day's a school day.

You can even get 1/4" socket to 1/4" (or is it 6mm?) hex adaptors, so you can then use any bit from your bit driver set. I find this very useful.

As is the reverse.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 28 December, 2021, 10:28:10 am
Well, this may seem rather 'dur' to most of you but I have just discovered that socket sets aren't just socket shaped. I had no idea you can get allen, torx, pozi etc fittings...
Every day's a school day.

You can even get 1/4" socket to 1/4" (or is it 6mm?) hex adaptors, so you can then use any bit from your bit driver set. I find this very useful.

As is the reverse.

J

Comes up as 6.3 on the digi Vernier, so 1/4" it is.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 28 December, 2021, 10:58:00 am
Sod's law provides that no matter how many adapters you acquire you'll need a different one for the job in hand.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 28 December, 2021, 10:58:43 am
And furthermore the shanks won't fit an electric screwdriver without an adapter.

Mrs.P, if you can find an adapter like the ones below then grab it (and grab a couple for me!)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51782893605_bee6f70665_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mTSSbr) (https://flic.kr/p/2mTSSbr)  (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jurekb/)

I've had these for at least 30 years, and to say that they are well worn is an understatement.
What it'll let you do (which none of today's offerings will) is:
Very easy to swap the tool over - just pull forward the ferrule on the barrel and swap the ends of the tool.
It even has a tiny allen key in it which allows the pilot drill to be replaced
Alas, I cannot find anyone selling them, or at least I couldn't when I was looking to replace them a few weeks ago.



Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 28 December, 2021, 11:15:23 am
Very easy to swap the tool over - just pull forward the ferrule on the barrel and swap the ends of the tool.
It even has a tiny allen key in it which allows the pilot drill to be replaced
Alas, I cannot find anyone selling them, or at least I couldn't when I was looking to replace them a few weeks ago.

What is the name for it?

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 28 December, 2021, 11:22:47 am
Very easy to swap the tool over - just pull forward the ferrule on the barrel and swap the ends of the tool.
It even has a tiny allen key in it which allows the pilot drill to be replaced
Alas, I cannot find anyone selling them, or at least I couldn't when I was looking to replace them a few weeks ago.

What is the name for it?

J

I've no idea. Adapter?
Pick one/all of the four tasks I've listed above.
If I was more fluent than I am in German, I could probably make those four tasks into one very long word.

ETA - I'm pretty sure that mine would've come from Axminster Tools - But they certainly aren't selling them at the moment. They do similar, but nowhere near as versatile as the ones above.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Neil C on 28 December, 2021, 11:23:56 am
Is this what you are after Jurek?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/DEWALT-DT7612-XJ-DeWalt-Flip-Drive/dp/B000Y8VQ6A

ETA - This looks even more like yours - https://www.ffx.co.uk/product/Get/Trend-Snap-Flip-Set-5027654529447-4Pc-Flip-Driver-Set
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 28 December, 2021, 11:26:49 am

Flip drill bit, reverse drill bit, swap drill bit, seem to be the search terms to find it. I found this one from Rockler:

https://www.rockler.com/quick-change-countersink-drill-bit-driver-bit-set

but there's lots of others out there.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 28 December, 2021, 11:27:19 am
I've no idea. Adapter?
Pick one/all of the four tasks I've listed above.
If I was more fluent than I am in German, I could probably make those four tasks into one very long word.

ETA - I'm pretty sure that mine would've come from Axminster Tools - But they certainly aren't selling them at the moment. They do similar, but nowhere near as versatile as the ones above.

Btw, excellent use of cunningham's law. Nicely done.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 28 December, 2021, 11:29:12 am
Is this what you are after Jurek?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/DEWALT-DT7612-XJ-DeWalt-Flip-Drive/dp/B000Y8VQ6A

I saw those when I was looking for a replacement - they are probably as close as you can get to the one I have. The beauty of mine is that everything is self contained - you're carrying just the one item, as opposed to a box full of bits (no pun intended).
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 28 December, 2021, 11:32:43 am

I saw those when I was looking for a replacement - they are probably as close as you can get to the one I have. The beauty of mine is that everything is self contained - you're carrying just the one item, as opposed to a box full of bits (no pun intended).

If you only want it in one size, they do sell it individually.

https://toolmax.nl/artemide-snelkoppeling-met-houder-maat-12-en-pz2-schroefbit-dt7603-xj-dt7603-xj.html

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 28 December, 2021, 11:34:14 am
I've no idea. Adapter?
Pick one/all of the four tasks I've listed above.
If I was more fluent than I am in German, I could probably make those four tasks into one very long word.

ETA - I'm pretty sure that mine would've come from Axminster Tools - But they certainly aren't selling them at the moment. They do similar, but nowhere near as versatile as the ones above.

Btw, excellent use of cunningham's law. Nicely done.

J
I had to look that up.
Disappointed to see that it has nothing to do with Richie Cunningham and The Fonz  ;)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 28 December, 2021, 11:36:43 am

I saw those when I was looking for a replacement - they are probably as close as you can get to the one I have. The beauty of mine is that everything is self contained - you're carrying just the one item, as opposed to a box full of bits (no pun intended).

If you only want it in one size, they do sell it individually.

https://toolmax.nl/artemide-snelkoppeling-met-houder-maat-12-en-pz2-schroefbit-dt7603-xj-dt7603-xj.html

J
That might work - TBH, in the time that I've had them, I've never found myself in need of a larger or smaller one than the one I have.
It's the mangetout in the world of adapters.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 28 December, 2021, 01:06:36 pm
You people are a bad influence...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 28 December, 2021, 02:26:27 pm
You people are a bad influence...
They are.
I've just given Bezos my hard earned for that DeWalt set. ::-)
Seriously thobut, if we were that bad we'd be saying things like Lamello and Festool to you.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 28 December, 2021, 02:30:23 pm
Hmm, with a lot of "dual/multi-purpose" tools (e.g. screwdrivers with several blades in the handle) I find that they aren't really for serious use.  Someone gave me a set of quite reasonable quality drills with a hex shaft to go in a drill adapter ... accuracy was dubious at the best of times.

My current set-up for most work has two 18v battery tools (same brand/platform) - an impact driver with a spring-loaded bit holder and a drill with hammer feature for, err drilling.   

A couple of other cheapo battery drills are also in the workshop, permanently in  a) screwdriver (pozi) mode and  b) countersink 

I have numerous brad-point drills for wood that that have a countersink "collar" bolted on for single drill and countersink operation - they work fine as they are gripped well in the drill chuck.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 28 December, 2021, 02:35:16 pm
You people are a bad influence...
They are.
I've just given Bezos my hard earned for that DeWalt kit.
Seriously thobut, if we were that bad we'd be saying things like Lamello and Festool to you.

You mean you bought the Black & Decker kit  :demon:

Have to say I was suprised to discover that B&D owned de Walt and has done since 1990
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 28 December, 2021, 02:41:42 pm
You people are a bad influence...
They are.
I've just given Bezos my hard earned for that DeWalt kit.
Seriously thobut, if we were that bad we'd be saying things like Lamello and Festool to you.

You mean you bought the Black & Decker kit  :demon:

Have to say I was suprised to discover that B&D owned de Walt and has done since 1990

I've known that since B&D bought out Elu.
My first cordless was an Elu 9V.
B&D bought them out, painted them yellow and removed half of the windings  from the motor.
My (heavy) 9V Elu had considerably more grunt than did a 12V DeWalt of the time.
The NiCads for it became prohibitively expensive regardless of whether you bought the B&D or the DW batteries (they were interchangeable, but priced pointed as DIY or trade respectively).
Hence I ended up with Makita.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 28 December, 2021, 03:29:34 pm
Apparently, Black & Decker bought DeWalt in 1960 and marketed DeWalt as a premium brand in the early 90s.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 28 December, 2021, 03:34:51 pm
You people are a bad influence...
They are.
I've just given Bezos my hard earned for that DeWalt kit.
Seriously thobut, if we were that bad we'd be saying things like Lamello and Festool to you.

You mean you bought the Black & Decker kit  :demon:

Have to say I was suprised to discover that B&D owned de Walt and has done since 1990

I've known that since B&D bought out Elu.
My first cordless was an Elu 9V.
B&D bought them out, painted them yellow and removed half of the windings  from the motor.
My (heavy) 9V Elu had considerably more grunt than did a 12V DeWalt of the time.
The NiCads for it became prohibitively expensive regardless of whether you bought the B&D or the DW batteries (they were interchangeable, but priced pointed as DIY or trade respectively).
Hence I ended up with Makita.
We had a fair bit of DW kit when I was working for The Science Museum.
It was regarded as disposable, or 'one way' when working overseas.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 28 December, 2021, 06:08:11 pm
You people are a bad influence...
They are.
I've just given Bezos my hard earned for that DeWalt set. ::-)
Seriously thobut, if we were that bad we'd be saying things like Lamello and Festool to you.

Champagne tastes, lemonade pockets  ;D
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 28 December, 2021, 06:13:25 pm
Well, this may seem rather 'dur' to most of you but I have just discovered that socket sets aren't just socket shaped. I had no idea you can get allen, torx, pozi etc fittings...
Every day's a school day.

You can even get 1/4" socket to 1/4" (or is it 6mm?) hex adaptors, so you can then use any bit from your bit driver set. I find this very useful.

As is the reverse.

J

My brain has only just understood what you said there.... :facepalm:
So in theory I only need an adaptor and not a whole load of new bits. Need to go and measure what size our socket set is. It was a hand-me-down from my Dad so dog knows how old it is.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: grams on 28 December, 2021, 06:48:31 pm
My brain has only just understood what you said there.... :facepalm:
So in theory I only need an adaptor and not a whole load of new bits. Need to go and measure what size our socket set is. It was a hand-me-down from my Dad so dog knows how old it is.

If it's got smaller sizes (below about 10mm) it'll be 1/4" drive. Above that 3/8". Most socket sets have both and an adapter. If you have anything for car wheel nuts (~18mm and up) it might also have 1/2" drive, which are also common on bike cassette tools and similar.

You can literally just use a 1/4" hex socket to drive hex screwdriver bits, although they lack the spring/magnet to stop the bit falling out. Likewise 4mm hex bits are common for electronics fettling, and a 4mm socket will work to drive them. My 4mm hex set includes a 4mm hex socket, which is - geometrically speaking - a very short extension.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 28 December, 2021, 10:10:52 pm

I have one of these:

https://amazon.de/gp/product/B000S5IT7I/

When I ordered it I only got the bit with a 1 next to it.

I have since ordered bits to take 1/4" and 3/8" and 1/2" sockets into a hex driver bit, so I could use a wolf tooth components tool

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 29 December, 2021, 01:58:48 pm
I've been for a rummage. It's a 3/8" ratchet but it does indeed have a converter to 1/4". Happy days...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: grams on 29 December, 2021, 02:10:45 pm
I've been for a rummage. It's a 3/8" ratchet but it does indeed have a converter to 1/4". Happy days...

The converter will soon become the most precious thing in the universe. And nowhere to be found.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 29 December, 2021, 02:30:22 pm
Probably doesn't matter as long I can still find the 1/4" socket though?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: grams on 29 December, 2021, 02:36:16 pm
I meant the adapter from 3/8” square drive to 1/4” square drive.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 29 December, 2021, 02:39:09 pm
Ah yes, if I want to use the teeny weeny sockets I guess.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 29 December, 2021, 09:27:38 pm
Unlike my Wera tools, I have no use for a fractal vice (https://youtu.be/QBeOgGt_oWU) - but I would love one.
It's rare for you to confess to not having a vice.  :)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 29 December, 2021, 09:31:31 pm
I've been for a rummage. It's a 3/8" ratchet but it does indeed have a converter to 1/4". Happy days...

The converter will soon become the most precious thing in the universe. And nowhere to be found.

It'll be with the 10mm socket.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Zipperhead on 31 December, 2021, 10:15:59 am
Unlike my Wera tools, I have no use for a fractal vice (https://youtu.be/QBeOgGt_oWU) - but I would love one.
It's rare for you to confess to not having a vice.  :)

Well, my toolbox contains many vices. But I've nothing wrinkly enough (yet) to require a fractal vice.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andrewc on 09 January, 2022, 09:46:27 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKFQ8B4cx64&t=2135s   "Making a £13000 turntable"


Building a plywood plinth from scratch, then veneering it and finally installing a classic Garrard 301 & fitting a £5k tonearm & £5k cartridge.   Very pretty.



Copied from my favourite music & hifi forum https://pinkfishmedia.net/forum/threads/making-a-£13-000-turntable-garrard-301-ikeda-tonearm-and-audionote-cartridge.263245/#post-4569801 (https://pinkfishmedia.net/forum/threads/making-a-£13-000-turntable-garrard-301-ikeda-tonearm-and-audionote-cartridge.263245/#post-4569801)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 10 January, 2022, 09:48:00 am
There's meat for a good sermon in that ^^^.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 10 January, 2022, 11:28:51 am
Just bought a set of Stahlwille 13 series combination spanners off that Amazon as they were 2/3 the price they normally are. I will finally have a set of decent spanners that are all the same!

Now I only have to steel myself to throwing away some of the old junk ones ....
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 10 January, 2022, 06:20:10 pm
Just bought a set of Stahlwille 13 series combination spanners off that Amazon as they were 2/3 the price they normally are. I will finally have a set of decent spanners that are all the same!

Now I only have to steel myself to throwing away some of the old junk ones ....
Send them to your local tool charity.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 January, 2022, 06:52:21 pm


This weekend i realised i do not have any screwdrivers in this country. I've been using my leatherman with bit adapter for the last few years. And i have reached the limits i can achieve with that.

Tomorrow i shall go buy some screw drivers.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 24 January, 2022, 10:16:26 am
Finally got one of these (https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B001Q24318/?coliid=I2TCKBY2TG9LTF&colid=2YOA5XVT1FECO&psc=1).  Been wanting one for years and stuck it on my wish list in hope but nobody ever obliged.  Mentioned it to MrsT a couple of weeks ago: "Oh, that's been on your wish list so long I decided you didn't want it".  Me: <squawk>

So now I have one. :D
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 24 January, 2022, 10:27:42 am
Finally got one of these (https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B001Q24318/?coliid=I2TCKBY2TG9LTF&colid=2YOA5XVT1FECO&psc=1).  Been wanting one for years and stuck it on my wish list in hope but nobody ever obliged.  Mentioned it to MrsT a couple of weeks ago: "Oh, that's been on your wish list so long I decided you didn't want it".  Me: <squawk>

So now I have one. :D

That's the luxury aluminium one - she's too good to you!  - I have a £3 from Banggood plastic model
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 24 January, 2022, 12:09:55 pm
That looks like something that's nice to have but can do without.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 24 January, 2022, 01:09:52 pm
Well yes, but a lot handier than a try-square for squaring round a bit of timber.  Assuming it's square itself, of course.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 24 January, 2022, 03:53:08 pm

I went to a tool shop to buy some screw drivers.

I left a little while later with 8 screwdrivers, a hammer, a file, a tape measure, and 2m of mild steel...

I also ordered another file which will arrive next week.

"What's the Dutch for a bastard mill file?" i not a question you expect to ask often...

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 24 January, 2022, 04:15:04 pm
Misdadiger ?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 27 January, 2022, 05:15:28 pm
Found out this week that no one makes their own in-house ratcheting spanners (except Gedore and theirs are a bit naff apparently) as the Taiwanese have a patent on the best mechanism. So I ordered some Facom ones instead of German ones given they are all made in Taiwan anyway and the Facom ones look pretty.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 January, 2022, 04:16:41 pm
The Facom spanners arrived. Ooh shiny!
These feel very nice. Interesting open end too.

(https://www.facom.com/blobs/medias/s/28a4cdf8030005c2/467R.17_PH05.png)

Plus point they come in a nice tool tidy:

(https://www.primetools.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/467BR.JP10-1-600x1050.jpg)

I already replace my standard combination spanners with Stahlwille open box No 7s so its sockets and ratchets next.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 28 January, 2022, 04:18:57 pm
Very neat.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 01 February, 2022, 02:00:00 pm
Oops I seem to have ordered Facom sockets sets in both 1/4 and 3/8ths drive. Well one of them was on promotion ...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 09 February, 2022, 02:13:57 pm
Today's delivery:

Felo stubby. It also takes a standard 1/4 bit holder instead of the reversible screwdriver bit.

(https://www.onlyqualitytools.com/catalog/Felo/326_965_10.gif)

PB Swiss bit holder. If you want something that really holds your bit well then this is it. The magnets so strong I had to get some rubber gloves to get enough grip to pull a bit out of it.

(https://www.onlyqualitytools.com/catalog2/PB_Swiss_Tools/PB_186.gif)

And yes I do have a thing for acetate handled tools.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: redshift on 12 February, 2022, 04:14:32 pm
And yes I do have a thing for acetate handled tools.

I may have to take pictures of my GPO/BT/BBC Footprint No.1 and No.6 flat terminal drivers, then.  I lost the No.2 some years ago, and the later ones don't have the same handles. :pout:

I also have a set of Xcelite hex drivers with the bit holder that degrades into horrific-smelling butyl compounds, but that's kept well away from the house!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 14 February, 2022, 05:17:58 pm
New tool day!
I'm tickled that in French it's a ponceur eccentrique. Comes in it's own wee handbag too.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51881744436_23751e116d.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2n3Bv67)2022-02-14_05-13-57 (https://flic.kr/p/2n3Bv67) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 14 February, 2022, 06:19:42 pm
New tool day!
I'm tickled that in French it's a ponceur eccentrique. Comes in it's own wee handbag too.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51881744436_23751e116d.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2n3Bv67)2022-02-14_05-13-57 (https://flic.kr/p/2n3Bv67) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr

Sanding tip:  Have a look at Mirka Abranet sanding "mesh" discs . . . available in a wide range of grits - last for ages and when they clog just pull off the mesh disc to clear the dust and refit to the Velcro pad.   [I just bought some on ebay - I think it was from Aberdeen?]   Way better than sandpaper for a good finish.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 14 February, 2022, 07:10:18 pm
Och you told me that at least twice and I forgot. I am a twit.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 19 February, 2022, 05:19:52 pm
New tool day!
I'm tickled that in French it's a ponceur eccentrique. Comes in it's own wee handbag too.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51881744436_23751e116d.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2n3Bv67)2022-02-14_05-13-57 (https://flic.kr/p/2n3Bv67) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr

Had a wee go at the scaffold plank with this today. Wish I'd bought one of these years ago. It was a lot quieter and kicked up a lot less dust than I anticipated. That should make repainting all the terribly painted doors (all 6 of them) in the kitchen a little less painful too.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 21 February, 2022, 09:55:45 am
New tool day!
I'm tickled that in French it's a ponceur eccentrique. Comes in it's own wee handbag too.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51881744436_23751e116d.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2n3Bv67)2022-02-14_05-13-57 (https://flic.kr/p/2n3Bv67) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr

As Descartes said, "je ponce, donc j'éssuie".  His dust collector didn't work too well.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 21 February, 2022, 10:02:30 am
Picked up a light Workmate-style folding workbench in Aldi for 16€.  My pukka Workmate is the original model with thick beech bars and weighs half a metric shitton, so that schlepping it from workshop to house is a pain in the thorax.  This one can live in the house.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 08 March, 2022, 06:46:40 pm
I fell in the Screwfix trap again
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51926414186_cfc260bdd5.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2n7yrRd)2022-03-08_06-43-34 (https://flic.kr/p/2n7yrRd) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 08 March, 2022, 07:10:26 pm
Who can tell me what this is ?

(https://www.pinbax.com/images/p-b-splicing-fid-p3366-5178_image.jpg)

I'm turning my hand to a new skill.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 March, 2022, 07:18:56 pm
Looks like some sort of, er, retaining plunger!
</Starfighter_mechanic>
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 08 March, 2022, 07:24:52 pm
It looks like some sort of giant threading device to me.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 08 March, 2022, 08:03:58 pm
Mrs Pingu has it !!

It's a splicing fid so that I can make a closed loop like this : -

(https://www.pinbax.com/images/ronstan-dyneema-sk75-link-p9602-18490_image.jpg)

to a size of my choosing.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 08 March, 2022, 08:11:40 pm
I had to look that up. Like this?
https://www.pbo.co.uk/practical-projects/make-fids-splicing-28864
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 08 March, 2022, 08:17:08 pm
This explains it better - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5CZzAo0IxE
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 09 March, 2022, 09:08:03 am
Want!

And a mainbrace.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 10 March, 2022, 11:04:34 am
As part of the crap tools replacement I replaced my sockets with Facom sets. I wanted Stahlwille as I had heard really good things about them but the cost !!!!! The Facom ones are really nice and sensibly priced especially at the moment when there is a manufacturers offer running on the sets.
But then I was doing some late night eBay browsing as you do when I stumbled upon a 3/8th set that was new and very cheap plus had "or best offer" option. So I stuck in an offer. I only flaming won it for less that 1/3 of list price which is most unusual I never win anything on eBay and only seem to have success with "buy it now" where you cant lose but bargains are harder to get.
And today the postie delivered this:

(http://pictures.pcolbeck.fastmail.fm/Tools/sockets.jpg)

Everything they say about Stahlwille is true. Just beautifully made. Aircraft quality quick release set and even the extensions and universal joint are locking. Even the plastic case is a nice one.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 10 March, 2022, 07:43:55 pm
I'd mentioned in passing to my Young Lady that a spoon carving knife might be nice to have.  For my birthday she got me these:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/DbpggjH2exR5nE6CusNCueqibcfVW9O-iXwyx_8xr_EVggRSdr4yoigHuetvBLyxRnVr_aR18Sfu6yqrEwhRJYu68-JU91AA-jbGOWTVBYuQbduq12QxB0--Koc2TWVWCswLLIV-stc=w2400)

A set of carving tools. Crook knife, gouge, whittling knife, detail knife, leather strop, stropping compound. All in a presentation box. I am not worthy.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 10 March, 2022, 07:59:16 pm
I'd mentioned in passing to my Young Lady that a spoon carving knife might be nice to have.  For my birthday she got me these:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/DbpggjH2exR5nE6CusNCueqibcfVW9O-iXwyx_8xr_EVggRSdr4yoigHuetvBLyxRnVr_aR18Sfu6yqrEwhRJYu68-JU91AA-jbGOWTVBYuQbduq12QxB0--Koc2TWVWCswLLIV-stc=w2400)

A set of carving tools. Crook knife, gouge, whittling knife, detail knife, leather strop, stropping compound. All in a presentation box. I am not worthy.
Nice kit.
Happy buzz day
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 12 March, 2022, 10:17:21 pm


I have this tool set

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FNrm-kNUcAIfxWc.jpg)

It has a load of ¼" sockets, and a load of hex drive bits. And a small ratchet driver. It's great, but it came from Aldi or Lidl. Does anyone make similar sort of sets but slightly better quality ? My Google Fu is failing me.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andrewc on 12 March, 2022, 10:25:43 pm
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bahco-SL25-Socket-Piece-Drive/dp/B000Y8XCA8/ref=sr_1_1


I have this set & it's quite decent, but not exactly light.  Are you after something for on the bike ?  If so Topeak's Ratchet Rocket stuff may do the job. https://www.topeak.com/global/en/products/75-Mini-Tools/1075-RATCHET-ROCKET-LITE-DX
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 12 March, 2022, 10:31:30 pm
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bahco-SL25-Socket-Piece-Drive/dp/B000Y8XCA8/ref=sr_1_1


I have this set & it's quite decent, but not exactly light.  Are you after something for on the bike ?  If so Topeak's Ratchet Rocket stuff may do the job. https://www.topeak.com/global/en/products/75-Mini-Tools/1075-RATCHET-ROCKET-LITE-DX

Not for use on the bike, I already have a ratchet rocket for that. Great tool!

No, I lent the tool kit above to a friend. And realised the best option is to make it a gift. And replace my own...

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 13 March, 2022, 08:41:00 am
The Bahco ones are pretty good for the price I have a couple

If you want better look at the Facom Nano sets, ther are various conbinations and they are on promotion at the moment.

https://www.primetools.co.uk/product/facom-r2nano-14-dr-super-compact-metric-socket-bit-set/
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 13 March, 2022, 01:55:56 pm
...Topeak's Ratchet Rocket stuff may do the job. https://www.topeak.com/global/en/products/75-Mini-Tools/1075-RATCHET-ROCKET-LITE-DX

Ooo!  Want want want want want want want want...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andrewc on 13 March, 2022, 02:18:53 pm
A Facom Bicycle socket set. https://www.primetools.co.uk/product/facom-r1pico-cycnor-limited-edition-tour-de-france-bicycle-socket-bit-set-free-water-bottle/ (https://www.primetools.co.uk/product/facom-r1pico-cycnor-limited-edition-tour-de-france-bicycle-socket-bit-set-free-water-bottle/)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 13 March, 2022, 02:19:45 pm
You lot are a bad influence.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 13 March, 2022, 04:22:40 pm
Ain't we just? ;D
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 13 March, 2022, 05:23:22 pm
Some years ago I was given the original of this as a present.  https://silca.cc/products/t-ratchet-ti-torque-kit-2nd-generation (https://silca.cc/products/t-ratchet-ti-torque-kit-2nd-generation)

Beautiful.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 13 March, 2022, 05:31:48 pm
Some years ago I was given the original of this as a present.  https://silca.cc/products/t-ratchet-ti-torque-kit-2nd-generation (https://silca.cc/products/t-ratchet-ti-torque-kit-2nd-generation)

Beautiful.
Silca do sell some very sexy looking stuff.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 March, 2022, 07:24:48 pm
I had a Silca track pump, which fell to bits while being transported in the toolbox on my bike-transporting trailer.  Though the barrel – a sturdy piece of Columbus steel tube – is still very handy for fitting the crown races of 1” headsets.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: lissotriton on 13 March, 2022, 07:43:05 pm
...Topeak's Ratchet Rocket stuff may do the job. https://www.topeak.com/global/en/products/75-Mini-Tools/1075-RATCHET-ROCKET-LITE-DX

Ooo!  Want want want want want want want want...
Also a similar ratchet tool from Giant/Liv. A bit simpler and cheaper, but still most of the bits you would need on a bike.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/giant-ratchet-multi-tool
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rr on 13 March, 2022, 10:31:35 pm
You need the Wera bicycle 3 set: https://products.wera.de/en/tools_by_trade_tool_sets_for_bicycles_and_e-bikes_bicycle_set_3.html


Sent from my motorola edge 20 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: MattH on 14 March, 2022, 03:48:25 pm
For small Bahco ratchet sets, I love this:-
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000Y8TIMY
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71fuaS-Y80L._AC_SL1200_.jpg)

It is very small, easy to carry, cheap enough that I have a couple of them stashed in different places, and the right bits to do most minor tasks. The ratchet gets into places others can't as it's so small.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 19 March, 2022, 08:56:32 pm
Not exactly a tool but I've acquired one of those Bisley grey cabinets with loads of small drawers - originally for stationery but useful for tools (with some foam rubber inserts in the drawers)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Clare on 20 March, 2022, 09:24:34 am
We are a three Bisley house. One in the garage, full of bike tools and spares and two in the study, one full of textile craft tools and one full of reels of thread.

Bisleys really are the most brilliant storage solution.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 20 March, 2022, 09:53:28 am
I have a 10 drawer one in the studio/workshop. Containing all sorts of small things.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 15 April, 2022, 10:18:46 pm
Mrs Pingu has it !!

It's a splicing fid so that I can make a closed loop like this : -

(https://www.pinbax.com/images/ronstan-dyneema-sk75-link-p9602-18490_image.jpg)

to a size of my choosing.
And here's my (not quite so professional looking) offering.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52006935891_eed8f72d39_h.jpg)


Which combined with a snap hook makes this : -

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52005910057_b9e769e72a_h.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 16 April, 2022, 07:42:04 am
Garden shredder acquired at an auction (a real, live one not the ebay) - bit of a bargain as it's as new but cost 15% of the new price  :thumbsup:     Works a treat if a bit noisy, takes stuff up to about 40mm - downside is just more space is used up in the shed storing it.

Oh, and a new patio cleaning head for my Karcher pressure washer as a result of a fecking div moment when I threw away the connection tube for the old one thinking it was from the previous, long-gone non-Karcher machine  ::-)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 16 April, 2022, 09:15:59 am
Last week I bought one of these.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-emis216s-216mm-electric-double-bevel-sliding-mitre-saw-220-240v/271fv

Why oh why have I not done this before?  I've made numerous items of garden furniture before, and done woodwork around the house, all with hand saws and a Bosch circular saw.

I was tasked with making some garden planters for a friend's new house, and one of which was to house a cherry tree of sentimental value brought from her previous house.  I made the mistake of asking if she wanted mitred corners to the boards making up the 600mm square 16" deep planter.  Oooooh, yes please!  Can you do that?

The magnitude of the task by the use of hand saws and getting accurate, tight joints then dawned on me so I bought the mitre saw I'd always wanted.

Boy, does it make light work of accurate joints.  I'd already built a 5m long planter with hand tools but it made short work of the cherry tree planter and another long one to take climbing roses.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 16 April, 2022, 09:54:59 am
Last week I bought one of these.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-emis216s-216mm-electric-double-bevel-sliding-mitre-saw-220-240v/271fv

Why oh why have I not done this before?  I've made numerous items of garden furniture before, and done woodwork around the house, all with hand saws and a Bosch circular saw.

I was tasked with making some garden planters for a friend's new house, and one of which was to house a cherry tree of sentimental value brought from her previous house.  I made the mistake of asking if she wanted mitred corners to the boards making up the 600mm square 16" deep planter.  Oooooh, yes please!  Can you do that?

The magnitude of the task by the use of hand saws and getting accurate, tight joints then dawned on me so I bought the mitre saw I'd always wanted.

Boy, does it make light work of accurate joints.  I'd already built a 5m long planter with hand tools but it made short work of the cherry tree planter and another long one to take climbing roses.

I know exactly how you feel - 5 or 6 years ago I replaced the quite large decking at our previous house with some hardwood - IIRC I needed to make something around 100 cuts on 6 x 1" boards - slooooow with a handsaw, not quite so slow with a circular saw . ..  but after cutting 3 boards it was online to order from Screwfix, 10 minutes drive each way and I had a machine!!!

It has proved to be one of the most used tools in my workshop . . . it's now built into my benching with in/outfeed tables and piped dust extraction.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 19 April, 2022, 11:58:41 am
Garden shredder acquired at an auction (a real, live one not the ebay) - bit of a bargain as it's as new but cost 15% of the new price  :thumbsup:     Works a treat if a bit noisy, takes stuff up to about 40mm - downside is just more space is used up in the shed storing it.

We have two. Both Bosch. The first uses a Archimedes screw thing to crush quite large branches etc into bits. It bogs down and gets bunged up and stuck with green or sot stuff though. We've had it for 15 years or so and its now scruffy but just keeps going. The second is one with a spinning blade. This doesn't do thick branches but will mince any soft of green matter nicely. Luckily I have a fairly big (if dilapidated) shed.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 April, 2022, 01:32:59 pm
The other day I pared my Mega-Global Big River Corporation of Seattle, USAnia Wish List down to zero by buying Stuffs.  Now I haz a one o'these:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52026103041_110cd2b849_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ngnnSz)
Shiny Thing! (https://flic.kr/p/2ngnnSz) by Mr Larrington (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/), on Flickr, which means I need to find another excuse for not deep-cleaning the IBM Model M in the Great Hall :-\
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 24 April, 2022, 03:36:31 pm
Garden shredder acquired at an auction (a real, live one not the ebay) - bit of a bargain as it's as new but cost 15% of the new price  :thumbsup:     Works a treat if a bit noisy, takes stuff up to about 40mm - downside is just more space is used up in the shed storing it.

We have two. Both Bosch. The first uses a Archimedes screw thing to crush quite large branches etc into bits. It bogs down and gets bunged up and stuck with green or sot stuff though. We've had it for 15 years or so and its now scruffy but just keeps going. The second is one with a spinning blade. This doesn't do thick branches but will mince any soft of green matter nicely. Luckily I have a fairly big (if dilapidated) shed.

We have a bloke who every so often loads it into his trailer and tractors it off up the village to another bloke who has an industrial shredder. He uses it as bedding for his sheep in winter, or when lambing, or summat bucolic.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rogerzilla on 24 April, 2022, 04:18:44 pm
I've just been using a 2BA socket.  There is no real substitute; no metric or AF size fits a 2BA nut well. Old Moultons use them for the mudguards and rack stays.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 24 April, 2022, 04:42:51 pm
Bought a couple of paint scrapers today - new with spangly wooden handles and brass ferrules . . . quite a strange item to be on sale at an auto-jumble?

Oh, and a lawn scarifier is winging its way here from Mr Aldi's emporium - as it's only going to used a couple of times a year the (included) 3 year warranty seemed to be a good idea . . past experience with a couple of Aldi tools found wanting has been instant refunds at the local store.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: CarlF on 24 April, 2022, 07:18:36 pm
Bought a couple of paint scrapers today - new with spangly wooden handles and brass ferrules . . . quite a strange item to be on sale at an auto-jumble?


To prepare one's Morris Traveller for re-varnishing?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 24 April, 2022, 08:34:01 pm
Bought a couple of paint scrapers today - new with spangly wooden handles and brass ferrules . . . quite a strange item to be on sale at an auto-jumble?


To prepare one's Morris Traveller for re-varnishing?

 ;D - there was a half-timbered Morris Minor on display at the event.   It was the Bicester Scramble at, err, Bicester, today.   

Loads of interesting cars of all varieties, lots of car geeks and nerds as well as pink-trousered chaps waxing on about their exotic Porsches, Cosworths et al - oh, and we saw Dom from The Repair Shop tv prog.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 24 April, 2022, 08:57:07 pm
oh, and we saw Dom from The Repair Shop tv prog.
He's got a series on YouTube about recreating an English Wheel (a gadget made of skill and magic used for shaping panels). Castings! Sand! Patterns!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 25 April, 2022, 07:37:00 am
oh, and we saw Dom from The Repair Shop tv prog.
He's got a series on YouTube about recreating an English Wheel (a gadget made of skill and magic used for shaping panels). Castings! Sand! Patterns!

Yep - it's the highlight of my Sunday evening YouTube viewing  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 25 April, 2022, 08:48:12 am
Garden shredder acquired at an auction (a real, live one not the ebay) - bit of a bargain as it's as new but cost 15% of the new price  :thumbsup:     Works a treat if a bit noisy, takes stuff up to about 40mm - downside is just more space is used up in the shed storing it.

We have two. Both Bosch. The first uses a Archimedes screw thing to crush quite large branches etc into bits. It bogs down and gets bunged up and stuck with green or sot stuff though. We've had it for 15 years or so and its now scruffy but just keeps going. The second is one with a spinning blade. This doesn't do thick branches but will mince any soft of green matter nicely. Luckily I have a fairly big (if dilapidated) shed.
I have what I think must be the same Bosch garden shredders.  The Archimedes screw is no longer available - I've changed mine 2 or 3 times over the years and they are great bits of kit, but mine's on its last legs now because the screw is getting blunt.
So I bought the version with the short spinning blade - works well but the on off switch packed up after only a few weeks and sending it back was too much hassle so I've bodged a work-around until I get around to fitting a new switch.  They do take up a lot of space in my shed though.....
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rogerzilla on 30 April, 2022, 01:00:08 pm
I got a new 26.0 hand reamer from the Bay of Thieves for a tenner.  Great for sorting out the (usually horrid) Moulton F frame seatpost fit.  I do like reamers generally, and other cutting tools like facers.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 30 April, 2022, 03:47:09 pm
Last week I went into our nearest DIY emporium needing a small sliding spanner and came out with the aforesaid, two ratchet ring spanners with hinged heads and a butane weed-burner. Then had to get a butane cylinder and a piezo gas-lighter because I got the cheapskate burner for 50€ instead of the piezo-equipped one for >100€.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 20 May, 2022, 02:27:18 pm
Forgive me, Fadder, for I have sinned...  Went into same shop as above for a litre of white spirit and emerged with this as well:

(https://pbase.com/image/172620532.jpg)

Rationale: the sockets will fit my torque wrench.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 20 May, 2022, 02:32:44 pm
The Bahco ones are pretty good for the price I have a couple

In the end I went for a Bahco one. It works great. Very happy with the purchase.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 20 May, 2022, 03:42:12 pm
Set of 6 "screwdriver straight handle" Allen keys  1.5 thru 4mm -  probably crap as they only cost £1 plus £3.50 postage from Amazon - but as I only want the 4mm for a one off job that's fine.   They replace the spangly set of similar RS keys that I've progressively lost over the past 40 or so years.

My set of Park Tool T-handles remain the wrench of choice  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 27 May, 2022, 07:22:16 pm
Another new toy today - a rail-square that attaches to the rail of my tracksaw making it simpler to make square cuts (although I do have an MFT and dogs/clamps that also work for accurate cuts)    It's the one recommended by Dennis at Hooked on wood on YT.

... and I've had to buy a Shimano cassette lockring tool - I need one with a 12 or 13mm hole to be able to work on e-bikes with solid axles - my faithful Park Tool one has a centre pin for hollow axles.  More expense.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Pingu on 27 May, 2022, 10:58:07 pm
...a rail-square that attaches to the rail of my tracksaw making it simpler to make square cuts (although I do have an MFT and dogs/clamps that also work for accurate cuts)...

OK, those words individually mostly make sense, but grouped together like that  ???
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 28 May, 2022, 07:44:02 am
...a rail-square that attaches to the rail of my tracksaw making it simpler to make square cuts (although I do have an MFT and dogs/clamps that also work for accurate cuts)...

OK, those words individually mostly make sense, but grouped together like that  ???

Ah - watching the first 90 seconds or so of   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-yadqhZshs   will make sense - you'll see the rail square and an MFT (bench with holes in it!)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 11 July, 2022, 04:45:38 pm
Bought an Einhell impact driver after watching this:

https://youtu.be/FMNTZ2Tu5wY

A couple of semi-dodgy points but on the whole favourable. I only need it to drive the 100+ screws I'll need to build a new door for our barn and after that it doesn't matter.  Already tried it and it drives in screws like a bastard, about a second for a 6-cm ø 6-mm screw.

Nice point: the battery from my chain saw, an own-brand effort from a French DIY chain, is compatible with it.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: MattH on 11 July, 2022, 09:26:19 pm
Bought a Makita DTW1002 impact wrench (1000Nm continuous, 1600Nm nut breaking) as my corded Clarke one (450Nm) struggled a bit on some things. I already have 18V Makita kit so could just buy the bare tool.

I should have bought one years ago! Being cordless it's not a faff to get it out and have it where I need it - I didn't use the mains one much as I had to run an extension cable to use it. Rotating the wheels on the camper, jack it up, rattle gun them off, rattle gun back up with a medium torque set, final torque with a torque wrench. Very fast and easy, even tough stuff is no wrist strain.

Taking the wheels off my motorbike to get new tyres, get the bike on the stands and whip off the bolts. No straining on a breaker bar with the bike still on the ground, bike didn't move at all even on stands.

Eldest son used it to disassemble the suspension on his Disco to replace lower arms, again just worked on stuff that his air impact wrench wouldn't touch.

I am genuinely impressed. Not cheap, but makes jobs so easy - and nuts you think are never going to move just spin off.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 12 July, 2022, 08:19:11 am
Bought an Einhell impact driver after watching this:

https://youtu.be/FMNTZ2Tu5wY

A couple of semi-dodgy points but on the whole favourable. I only need it to drive the 100+ screws I'll need to build a new door for our barn and after that it doesn't matter.  Already tried it and it drives in screws like a bastard, about a second for a 6-cm ø 6-mm screw.

Nice point: the battery from my chain saw, an own-brand effort from a French DIY chain, is compatible with it.

Another rave vote for the Einhell impact driver - superb for the money - and over the past 6 or 8 months I've upgraded/swapped out/sold other corded and battery tool to Einhell stuff - with the obvious common battery platform benefit. 

You need to shop around as prices and deals (e.g. "free battery") are many and varied across suppliers.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 12 July, 2022, 01:26:37 pm
That's nice to know, thanks.  Re batteries, the compatible Bricomarché one seems to have a fantastic shelf life as well: I hadn't used it for a couple of years but it still showed 3/3 lights on the charge indicator.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 18 July, 2022, 07:35:42 am
Now looking for an excuse to get the Einhell 18v circular saw. Doing the barn door I'll be working on a ladder and a dangling flex would be a nuisance, but so far I can think of only 3 cuts I'd need it for.

ETA: Oops. Was in DIY shop and happened to notice that their own-brand saw looked [un]surprisingly like the Einhell but cost around 25€ less, so it just sorta fell into the trolley.  ::-)

Then we went on to Aldi and I noticed that their own-brand saw looked just like the one I'd just bought but was 20€ less again. Oh well.

Tried the saw at home: noisy (need to check blade retaining screw tight enough) but efficient.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 19 July, 2022, 10:52:16 pm
My little tiny Bosch ratchet driver thingy came today. Of course I don't have any annoying doorknobs to replace at the moment...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 20 July, 2022, 07:52:08 am
Now looking for an excuse to get the Einhell 18v circular saw. Doing the barn door I'll be working on a ladder and a dangling flex would be a nuisance, but so far I can think of only 3 cuts I'd need it for.

ETA: Oops. Was in DIY shop and happened to notice that their own-brand saw looked [un]surprisingly like the Einhell but cost around 25€ less, so it just sorta fell into the trolley.  ::-)

Then we went on to Aldi and I noticed that their own-brand saw looked just like the one I'd just bought but was 20€ less again. Oh well.

Tried the saw at home: noisy (need to check blade retaining screw tight enough) but efficient.

. . . ah but is that YABF?    (Yet Another Battery Platform) -  Casual DIY on YT has just done a video on the pitfalls of numerous different brand battery tools
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 20 July, 2022, 10:46:37 am
Now looking for an excuse to get the Einhell 18v circular saw. Doing the barn door I'll be working on a ladder and a dangling flex would be a nuisance, but so far I can think of only 3 cuts I'd need it for.

ETA: Oops. Was in DIY shop and happened to notice that their own-brand saw looked [un]surprisingly like the Einhell but cost around 25€ less, so it just sorta fell into the trolley.  ::-)

Then we went on to Aldi and I noticed that their own-brand saw looked just like the one I'd just bought but was 20€ less again. Oh well.

Tried the saw at home: noisy (need to check blade retaining screw tight enough) but efficient.

. . . ah but is that YABF?    (Yet Another Battery Platform) -  Casual DIY on YT has just done a video on the pitfalls of numerous different brand battery tools

Nope, I made sure it used the same battery as the impact driver and our chainsaw.  They're all made by ISC GmbH, in Bavaria.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 20 July, 2022, 01:31:00 pm
Now looking for an excuse to get the Einhell 18v circular saw. Doing the barn door I'll be working on a ladder and a dangling flex would be a nuisance, but so far I can think of only 3 cuts I'd need it for.

ETA: Oops. Was in DIY shop and happened to notice that their own-brand saw looked [un]surprisingly like the Einhell but cost around 25€ less, so it just sorta fell into the trolley.  ::-)

Then we went on to Aldi and I noticed that their own-brand saw looked just like the one I'd just bought but was 20€ less again. Oh well.

Tried the saw at home: noisy (need to check blade retaining screw tight enough) but efficient.

. . . ah but is that YABF?    (Yet Another Battery Platform) -  Casual DIY on YT has just done a video on the pitfalls of numerous different brand battery tools

Nope, I made sure it used the same battery as the impact driver and our chainsaw.  They're all made by ISC GmbH, in Bavaria.

Interesting - ALDI here has just been making a big thing about all their cordless tools all being on the same battery format - there is hope!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 23 July, 2022, 07:11:57 am
Tools, not exactly, but took delivery yesterday of 68 metres of 25 x 195 mm of autoclaved pine boards to build a new barn door with.  I now need to cook up a batch of iron acetate & tea to "age" it before giving it a coat of something brownish to match the remaining door.  At the supermarket I found a wondrous 3-litre preserving jar to put it in, but it's so beautiful I don't have the heart to muck it up.

The doorway being ~4 metres high and my sense of balance being a bit dodgy these days I want to rig myself a safety line, and to that end have bought some "pig's tail" hooks (https://www.bricomarche.com/p/crochet-de-gymnase-a-visser-fil-longueur-90mm-zingue/3026726740126) to screw into the very hefty oak beam over the door. (The hooks I have are bigger and the thread is longer on mine.)  I'm wondering if I should put them in horizontally or screw them up from under the beam.  From what I can remember from the school gym they should be OK vertical, but horizontal would probably be better.  However, I only have 4 and I need to work on both sides of the beam, and 4 vertical hooks would give me better coverage.  I'll be using them for a hoist as well.

Ideas?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 23 July, 2022, 07:29:27 am
Tools, not exactly, but took delivery yesterday of 68 metres of 25 x 195 mm of autoclaved pine boards to build a new barn door with.  I now need to cook up a batch of iron acetate & tea to "age" it before giving it a coat of something brownish to match the remaining door.  At the supermarket I found a wondrous 3-litre preserving jar to put it in, but it's so beautiful I don't have the heart to muck it up.

The doorway being ~4 metres high and my sense of balance being a bit dodgy these days I want to rig myself a safety line, and to that end have bought some "pig's tail" hooks (https://www.bricomarche.com/p/crochet-de-gymnase-a-visser-fil-longueur-90mm-zingue/3026726740126) to screw into the very hefty oak beam over the door. (The hooks I have are bigger and the thread is longer on mine.)  I'm wondering if I should put them in horizontally or screw them up from under the beam.  From what I can remember from the school gym they should be OK vertical, but horizontal would probably be better.  However, I only have 4 and I need to work on both sides of the beam, and 4 vertical hooks would give me better coverage.  I'll be using them for a hoist as well.

Ideas?
   

I had to think about what "autoclaved pine" might be - presumably "pressure treated" is the same thing?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 23 July, 2022, 10:34:35 am
Tools, not exactly, but took delivery yesterday of 68 metres of 25 x 195 mm of autoclaved pine boards to build a new barn door with.  I now need to cook up a batch of iron acetate & tea to "age" it before giving it a coat of something brownish to match the remaining door.  At the supermarket I found a wondrous 3-litre preserving jar to put it in, but it's so beautiful I don't have the heart to muck it up.

The doorway being ~4 metres high and my sense of balance being a bit dodgy these days I want to rig myself a safety line, and to that end have bought some "pig's tail" hooks (https://www.bricomarche.com/p/crochet-de-gymnase-a-visser-fil-longueur-90mm-zingue/3026726740126) to screw into the very hefty oak beam over the door. (The hooks I have are bigger and the thread is longer on mine.)  I'm wondering if I should put them in horizontally or screw them up from under the beam.  From what I can remember from the school gym they should be OK vertical, but horizontal would probably be better.  However, I only have 4 and I need to work on both sides of the beam, and 4 vertical hooks would give me better coverage.  I'll be using them for a hoist as well.

Ideas?
Two hooks either side near the ends of the beam inserted horizontally. Then rig up a strop that latches on to all four and which you can then dangle from ?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 09 August, 2022, 03:30:33 pm
Tools, not exactly, but took delivery yesterday of 68 metres of 25 x 195 mm of autoclaved pine boards to build a new barn door with.  I now need to cook up a batch of iron acetate & tea to "age" it before giving it a coat of something brownish to match the remaining door.  At the supermarket I found a wondrous 3-litre preserving jar to put it in, but it's so beautiful I don't have the heart to muck it up.

The doorway being ~4 metres high and my sense of balance being a bit dodgy these days I want to rig myself a safety line, and to that end have bought some "pig's tail" hooks (https://www.bricomarche.com/p/crochet-de-gymnase-a-visser-fil-longueur-90mm-zingue/3026726740126) to screw into the very hefty oak beam over the door. (The hooks I have are bigger and the thread is longer on mine.)  I'm wondering if I should put them in horizontally or screw them up from under the beam.  From what I can remember from the school gym they should be OK vertical, but horizontal would probably be better.  However, I only have 4 and I need to work on both sides of the beam, and 4 vertical hooks would give me better coverage.  I'll be using them for a hoist as well.

Ideas?
Two hooks either side near the ends of the beam inserted horizontally. Then rig up a strop that latches on to all four and which you can then dangle from ?

Sorry Hatler, didn't see this last week. The trouble with rigging a horizontal rope to hook onto is that the tension set up in the horizontal by a weight in the middle is much higher than if the weight is suspended from a vertical rope: https://dewwool.com/the-formula-for-tension-in-a-rope-at-an-angle/

In the meantime I've acquired a couple more hooks and I'll work with a couple of safety lines I can transfer between.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 09 August, 2022, 03:32:45 pm
After attempting to install some chemical anchors in the garage y'day and failing I have ordered an SDS drill. I didn't realise before that they weren't all 7kg behemoths like my brother's one, so I have ordered one hopefully more suitable for a weak and feeble woman. (Yes, and some bits and ear defenders).
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 09 August, 2022, 03:42:01 pm
Anyway, confession time: the el cheapo 5m steel tape I keep in the house failed to rewind yesterday, so I nipped over to the DIY shop intending to replace it with one of their own-brand el cheapos and get a decent-quality one to use in the workshop.  Came home with a 6.50€ item and a 13.50€ Stanley Powerlock.

Using the Stanley this morning to measure lengths of ~4 metres I was continually frustrated by it coming unhooked or flopping in the middle when I pushed it out much over 1m50. OTOH the 6.50€ one not only has a much bigger hook but stays rigid out to about 2m50.

The Stanley is now with the indoor tools and the 6.50€ one out in the shop.  I'm becoming a cheap-tool enthusiast.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 11 August, 2022, 07:23:22 am
Pallet buster tool* as I was fe up with breaking down pallets with a large, old, screwdriver and hammer as a chisel, followed by a 30" crowbar.  Now an effortless process.  I make furniture and stuff from pallets if you're wondering . . . .

* a bit like a heavy-duty pitch fork that levers the slats from the rails.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ElyDave on 11 August, 2022, 07:30:36 am
I'd mentioned in passing to my Young Lady that a spoon carving knife might be nice to have.  For my birthday she got me these:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/DbpggjH2exR5nE6CusNCueqibcfVW9O-iXwyx_8xr_EVggRSdr4yoigHuetvBLyxRnVr_aR18Sfu6yqrEwhRJYu68-JU91AA-jbGOWTVBYuQbduq12QxB0--Koc2TWVWCswLLIV-stc=w2400)

A set of carving tools. Crook knife, gouge, whittling knife, detail knife, leather strop, stropping compound. All in a presentation box. I am not worthy.

Not been on here recently, but this one definitely had me drooling, I'm definitely in need of a crook knife myself
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 12 August, 2022, 01:55:31 pm
Looking for recommendations for an automotive torque wrench.

The sad tale is that I had a Lidl brand torque wrench, complete with a few large sockets.
I had it in the seekrit location where I hide my garage equipment from Mrs Scum, AKA a self storage unit.
I went there to get garage kit yesterday and it looks like I left the torque wrench in one of their luggage trolleys...duuuh.
Looking for a good brand torque wrench.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 12 August, 2022, 01:56:37 pm
I've been using the same Norbar wrench for over 40 years.
ETA - They're made in the UK.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 12 August, 2022, 02:13:32 pm
Being about to replace a monobloc type tap in a granite worktop (without removing the sink so space is limited 'twixt bowl and wall) - purchased an 11mm box spanner (actually a set of 6 for no money) that will make removal and fitting a doddle, much easier than faffing with an open-ended spanner at an angle. I'll probably never use it again.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: MattH on 12 August, 2022, 04:12:36 pm
Norbar are what I use. The Halfords Advance ones are (or at least used to be...) made by Norbar. My small (0-60) is Halfords, my BFO up to 340Nm one is Norbar branded - https://amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06Y5VYCMH
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 13 August, 2022, 09:55:25 am
Thanks for the torque wrench advice.  Regarding box spanners, to remove Land Rover hub nuts a muckle big box spanner is needed. Yes I know this is unnecessary information.

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 13 August, 2022, 12:13:56 pm
Thanks for the torque wrench advice.  Regarding box spanners, to remove Land Rover hub nuts a muckle big box spanner is needed. Yes I know this is unnecessary information.

Indeed, as a former LR owner I know what you mean!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 18 August, 2022, 10:14:05 am
After attempting to install some chemical anchors in the garage y'day and failing I have ordered an SDS drill. I didn't realise before that they weren't all 7kg behemoths like my brother's one, so I have ordered one hopefully more suitable for a weak and feeble woman. (Yes, and some bits and ear defenders).

Hum... I'll need to drill a single hole* into horrible pebble-filled concrete to take a bit of steel tube for a bolt to fit into.  I can get an Einhell 1600W SDS drill for 84€ or I can rent one for 14€/day plus the hassle of driving to & fro to pick it up & give it back and, I suppose, the cost of a bit.

Now, if the thing could be used as a normal drill I could make a case for buying the Einhell: my youngest conventional drill dates from 1989. **

* make that 2 holes, since I want to rebuild my workshop doors as well and they lack a bolt-hole at the bottom.

** Translation: Red!! Shiny!! Noisy!!! WANT!!!!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 18 August, 2022, 10:33:51 am
Being about to replace a monobloc type tap in a granite worktop (without removing the sink so space is limited 'twixt bowl and wall) - purchased an 11mm box spanner (actually a set of 6 for no money) that will make removal and fitting a doddle, much easier than faffing with an open-ended spanner at an angle. I'll probably never use it again.

Update on this - the 11mm is actually an 11/10 box spanner - so a Park Tool 10mm Allen key in the, err, 10mm end makes a very useful tool to reach up behind the sink bowl and get at the tap's retaining nut to turn it :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 18 August, 2022, 10:49:32 am
Just added these two two my going on holiday toolkit:

Gerber pro-scout multi-tool

(https://www.gerber-store.co.uk/media/catalog/product/i/m/imageedit_18_6293563342.jpg?optimize=medium&bg-color=255,255,255&fit=bounds&height=700&width=700&canvas=700:700)

Not as shiny and precisely made as a Leatherman or Swiss Tool but the pliers are excellent and its not as expensive as the others plus it has a saw blade that's removable and takes the old Black and Decker U mount style jigsaw blades. The lack of precision in manufacturing is deliberate apparently, these were US military standard issue and the thought behind the design was the same as that of the AK47 ie keep it all a little sloppy then it won't bind up if it gets dirty.

Wera Tool-Check PLUS

(https://products.wera.de/images/products/additional-big/tool-check_plus.jpg)

Most of the common bits and sockets for small jobs plus a mini bit holder and ratchet in a really compact form factor.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 20 August, 2022, 10:37:46 pm
I'd mentioned in passing to my Young Lady that a spoon carving knife might be nice to have.  For my birthday she got me these:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/DbpggjH2exR5nE6CusNCueqibcfVW9O-iXwyx_8xr_EVggRSdr4yoigHuetvBLyxRnVr_aR18Sfu6yqrEwhRJYu68-JU91AA-jbGOWTVBYuQbduq12QxB0--Koc2TWVWCswLLIV-stc=w2400)

A set of carving tools. Crook knife, gouge, whittling knife, detail knife, leather strop, stropping compound. All in a presentation box. I am not worthy.

A spoon carving crook knife without also including a jumbo pack of plasters feels a lot like a message..

When I used to be in a reenactment group we used to teach spoon carving. It caused us waaay more injuries than any of the other activities we got upto, and some of those included flaming arrows!

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 25 August, 2022, 03:51:05 pm
Needing to bash a crater in the barn floor so as to cement in a tube to take a bolt, I dived over to the local DIY joint after lunch and got myself their last cold chisel/pointy-thing set for the modest sum of 2€70.  Then I said ****it, I've got wrist tendinitis already, so drove to a BFO DIY emporium and bought their own-brand SDS drill for a whole 50€.  Could have got a Titan one for 76€ but when I could probably have managed with the 2€70 kit that seemed a bit excessive. Anyway the Titan's >6 kilos and the one I bought is more like 4.

Bloody noisy, thobut.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 25 August, 2022, 05:10:25 pm

A spoon carving crook knife without also including a jumbo pack of plasters feels a lot like a message..

When I used to be in a reenactment group we used to teach spoon carving. It caused us waaay more injuries than any of the other activities we got upto, and some of those included flaming arrows!

J

IME, that usually happens in two ways:
People have a reluctance to cut towards themselves (with the proper hold, that is by far the safest way)
Using a double-edged knife, forgetting, and pushing on the blade with the thumb.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 25 August, 2022, 07:59:43 pm
Needing to bash a crater in the barn floor so as to cement in a tube to take a bolt, I dived over to the local DIY joint after lunch and got myself their last cold chisel/pointy-thing set for the modest sum of 2€70.  Then I said ****it, I've got wrist tendinitis already, so drove to a BFO DIY emporium and bought their own-brand SDS drill for a whole 50€.  Could have got a Titan one for 76€ but when I could probably have managed with the 2€70 kit that seemed a bit excessive. Anyway the Titan's >6 kilos and the one I bought is more like 4.

Bloody noisy, thobut.
Shoulda spent another 10E on some ear defenders.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 26 August, 2022, 11:28:40 am
Needing to bash a crater in the barn floor so as to cement in a tube to take a bolt, I dived over to the local DIY joint after lunch and got myself their last cold chisel/pointy-thing set for the modest sum of 2€70.  Then I said ****it, I've got wrist tendinitis already, so drove to a BFO DIY emporium and bought their own-brand SDS drill for a whole 50€.  Could have got a Titan one for 76€ but when I could probably have managed with the 2€70 kit that seemed a bit excessive. Anyway the Titan's >6 kilos and the one I bought is more like 4.

Bloody noisy, thobut.
Shoulda spent another 10E on some ear defenders.

Got plugs and sweaty-as-hell over-the-ear ones.  OTOH I forgot to buy any cement.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 26 August, 2022, 01:33:06 pm
Have we got a thread for godawful design/operating instructions?  This SDS drill has two knobs, one for hammer ON/OFF and the other for rotation ON/OFF. Simple, neh? Except that the hammer knob has a picture of a hammer for the ON position and a pic of a drill for the OFF position, and the rotation knob has a picture of a hammer for OFF and a pic of a hammer and a drill for ON.  The handbook has a look-up table with the corresponding pics and convoluted explanations in the cells.  Given that the hammer knob is described as the selector for turning off hammer operation and the rotation knob likewise, it's a wonder anyone gets the thing to work at all.

It could have been so much simpler...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 26 August, 2022, 03:08:35 pm
Have we got a thread for godawful design/operating instructions?  This SDS drill has two knobs, one for hammer ON/OFF and the other for rotation ON/OFF. Simple, neh? Except that the hammer knob has a picture of a hammer for the ON position and a pic of a drill for the OFF position, and the rotation knob has a picture of a hammer for OFF and a pic of a hammer and a drill for ON.  The handbook has a look-up table with the corresponding pics and convoluted explanations in the cells.  Given that the hammer knob is described as the selector for turning off hammer operation and the rotation knob likewise, it's a wonder anyone gets the thing to work at all.

It could have been so much simpler...

Sounds like you have a re-badged version of my SDS drill - a Bauker 1500W machine - with similar confusing controls.  For the price, and the amount I need to use it the thing is great - but the manual (who reads them?) is the usual thing written by a Chinese author with translation by an Irishman typing while wearing boxing gloves . .  and in several languages.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 26 August, 2022, 03:45:52 pm
You can operate it in these modes
Drill
Drill plus hammer
Hammer (a chisel)

Three modes from two switches, hence one is just 'off'.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 26 August, 2022, 05:00:55 pm
Have we got a thread for godawful design/operating instructions?  This SDS drill has two knobs, one for hammer ON/OFF and the other for rotation ON/OFF. Simple, neh? Except that the hammer knob has a picture of a hammer for the ON position and a pic of a drill for the OFF position, and the rotation knob has a picture of a hammer for OFF and a pic of a hammer and a drill for ON.  The handbook has a look-up table with the corresponding pics and convoluted explanations in the cells.  Given that the hammer knob is described as the selector for turning off hammer operation and the rotation knob likewise, it's a wonder anyone gets the thing to work at all.

It could have been so much simpler...

Sounds like you have a re-badged version of my SDS drill - a Bauker 1500W machine - with similar confusing controls.  For the price, and the amount I need to use it the thing is great - but the manual (who reads them?) is the usual thing written by a Chinese author with translation by an Irishman typing while wearing boxing gloves . .  and in several languages.

Well, it was an Irishman who wrote the bit you quoted above... ;D

But no, my drill is only 850 W.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 26 August, 2022, 07:43:36 pm

Signed up today for the use of another workshop.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FbF-ekZWAAAWcGV?format=jpg&name=large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FbF-icUWYAAIaGy?format=jpg&name=large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FbF-l5bVEAAZj6D?format=jpg&name=large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FbF-b8WVsAIJmNe?format=jpg&name=large)

All available to use for €35 per half day.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 26 August, 2022, 09:09:17 pm
Wow, impressive AND clean
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: toontra on 26 August, 2022, 09:20:30 pm
My recent revelation is the carbide scraper.  Cuts through old layers of paint and varnish like butter and makes prepping surfaces for finishing so much easier.  Carefully used you can feather areas from sound paint to bare wood that would have taken ages by sanding (even with the appropriate machine).
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 26 August, 2022, 10:00:07 pm

Signed up today for the use of another workshop.

What are you planning to make?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: SoreTween on 26 August, 2022, 10:16:38 pm

Signed up today for the use of another workshop.
Enjoy you lucky thing. On this festering isle you're not allowed to hurt yourself. Maker spaces I've seen here abouts (brizzle, glozter) seem to have little more than a 3D printer set to painfully slow and a soldering iron limited to 50C.  The local FoD (wo)mans shed seems to be flying under the radar so far and long may that last.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hatler on 26 August, 2022, 10:45:51 pm
My recent revelation is the carbide scraper.  Cuts through old layers of paint and varnish like butter and makes prepping surfaces for finishing so much easier.  Carefully used you can feather areas from sound paint to bare wood that would have taken ages by sanding (even with the appropriate machine).
Amazing things. We used to use those to scrape the underside of the boat we sailed on. Removed the old anti-fouling without touching the gel coat. Still hard work mind, working over your head.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 August, 2022, 11:19:12 pm

Signed up today for the use of another workshop.
Enjoy you lucky thing. On this festering isle you're not allowed to hurt yourself. Maker spaces I've seen here abouts (brizzle, glozter) seem to have little more than a 3D printer set to painfully slow and a soldering iron limited to 50C.  The local FoD (wo)mans shed seems to be flying under the radar so far and long may that last.

My grate frend Mr Woolrich has in the past been a member of $MODEL_ENGINEERING_CLUB in order to machine bits for Funny Bicycles.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 27 August, 2022, 07:50:27 am
My recent revelation is the carbide scraper.  Cuts through old layers of paint and varnish like butter and makes prepping surfaces for finishing so much easier.  Carefully used you can feather areas from sound paint to bare wood that would have taken ages by sanding (even with the appropriate machine).
Amazing things. We used to use those to scrape the underside of the boat we sailed on. Removed the old anti-fouling without touching the gel coat. Still hard work mind, working over your head.

+1 - Father Christmas (pre-ordered) brought me a pair of Bahco scrapers last year - a wide blade + the small one with several shaped interchangeable blades (a bit like an old-skool shave-hook)  Superb . .  although replacement blades are a bit pricey.

This was on YT the other day   https://www.youtube.com/shorts/X1KEkenh3rg
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 27 August, 2022, 08:29:57 am
Observed to MrsT at breakfast that the strongest fixing I might have used on the barn door would have been clenched-over nails, like the original, but it would take either a hell of a lot of hammering or a heavy-duty nail gun to plant them.

MrsT: "More tools?"

She's got my number. But then she's had it for the last 53 years.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 27 August, 2022, 09:38:40 am

Signed up today for the use of another workshop.



I'd be happy in there.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 27 August, 2022, 10:02:50 am

What are you planning to make?

A mess...

more seriously, i have various projects I want to work on. The work bench for home, some custom shelves, etc...

On the lathe, I just want to relearn how to use them properly.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 27 August, 2022, 11:17:17 am
On the lathe, I just want to relearn how to use them properly.

J

Lord yes. I haven't done any turning in 30 years.  Clunky old GDR lathe is in the barn under polythene.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rogerzilla on 27 August, 2022, 11:40:59 am
I have finally bought a Campag peanut butter wrench.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 27 August, 2022, 01:41:41 pm

What are you planning to make?

A mess...

more seriously, i have various projects I want to work on. The work bench for home, some custom shelves, etc...

On the lathe, I just want to relearn how to use them properly.

J
<click><click><click>
"Hello internet. My name is J and this
<fx:waves fingers> is quixoticgeekhacks.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 27 August, 2022, 11:15:32 pm
I have finally bought a Campag peanut butter wrench.

Campy peanut butter wrench.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 28 August, 2022, 11:10:20 am

<click><click><click>
"Hello internet. My name is J and this
<fx:waves fingers> is quixoticgeekhacks.

Yeah, Quinn may have been my inspiration to seek out a lathe. I will be going through her intro to lathe videos one by one.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: TheLurker on 28 August, 2022, 11:37:11 am
And at the err... less sophisticated end of the spectrum.  Home bodged sharps for cutting tissue lettering.  Swann-Morton no. 15 scalpel blade for scale.


(https://i.ibb.co/jJZ2qkH/Assorted-Tissue-Tools-01.jpg)

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 30 August, 2022, 09:46:08 am
I honestly didn't start off with the intention of buying it, but then, how many of you know about PEI grade 5? See? They're tiles. Very hard tiles. I found out about them when fitting a shower screen into Miss Ham's new downstairs shower (there's a separate story about how I recovered from serious transit damage, discovered several weeks after it arrived). A job which should have taken about an hour, tops. Three holes requiring drilling through the wall tiles. No problem, eh? 15 minutes, 2 bits and 3 mm through the first hole, I decide these tiles are made of stronger stuff. Try just for the lolz on a a scrap in hammer drill mode, tile does NOT break, hole is NOT drilled.

So, I'm now the proud owner of one of these (https://www.screwfix.com/p/marcrist-pg750x-dry-diamond-tile-drill-bit-6-x/78470) and while I was at it, one of these (https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-diamond-tile-drill-guide/84524), which I recommend to the house for hole drilling with diamond bits. 3 holes, 6 minutes.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 30 August, 2022, 10:52:48 am
Nifty, especially the wax cooling system.

Quote
Three holes requiring drilling through the wall tiles. No problem, eh? 15 minutes, 2 bits and 3 mm through the first hole, I decide these tiles are made of stronger stuff. Try just for the lolz on a a scrap in hammer drill mode, tile does NOT break, hole is NOT drilled.

Reminds me of a crack in a 1950's radio programme: you've made a hole in the wallpaper, now make a hole in the wall. BTDT.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 30 August, 2022, 03:53:33 pm
I honestly didn't start off with the intention of buying it, but then, how many of you know about PEI grade 5? See? They're tiles. Very hard tiles. I found out about them when fitting a shower screen into Miss Ham's new downstairs shower (there's a separate story about how I recovered from serious transit damage, discovered several weeks after it arrived). A job which should have taken about an hour, tops. Three holes requiring drilling through the wall tiles. No problem, eh? 15 minutes, 2 bits and 3 mm through the first hole, I decide these tiles are made of stronger stuff. Try just for the lolz on a a scrap in hammer drill mode, tile does NOT break, hole is NOT drilled.

So, I'm now the proud owner of one of these (https://www.screwfix.com/p/marcrist-pg750x-dry-diamond-tile-drill-bit-6-x/78470) and while I was at it, one of these (https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-diamond-tile-drill-guide/84524), which I recommend to the house for hole drilling with diamond bits. 3 holes, 6 minutes.

Yep they work - the diamond thing I have is a hollow bit to drill a 35mm hole in 40mm granite (for plumbing for a coffee machine) - the recommendation was to make a "reservoir" with a ring of plasticine, fill with water and then drill through that - worked a treat at fairly slow speed with a corded drill and my wife with a squezy bottle keeping the water level up.  A bit tricky to get the drill started but once it had bitten t was simple (I have subsequently acquired a "portable drill press" that takes a corded drill and turns a drill into a tool akin to a plunge router.

And the tiles - dunno what they were but my daughter bought some tiles from Wickes for her bathroom wall - again several drill bits worn out for just one 15mm hole . . .  and they could only be cut with an angle grinder.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 01 November, 2022, 02:18:51 pm
Latest acquisition is a 19.99€ laser thermometer, really a collimated infra-red sensor with a laser to show what you're pointing it at.  Bought it for roasting coffee, sort-of calibrated it with a pan of boiling water: 99.N°C, near enough. Measured the hot water coming out of our taps: 57°C so thermostat set to 60°.  This morning our garden averaged 11°C and the ridge of the barn was around 8.5°. Great fun.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 23 February, 2023, 02:40:16 pm
Picked up a set comprising eyelet punch and press-stud pliers plus studs for 7€ in Aldi.  Had one that gave up the ghost ~20 years ago, never needed one since, but still...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 09 March, 2023, 07:55:07 pm
Should get a bit extra dough this month and I've had a hankering for some Japanese type snips.
What I fancy them for is a quick trip out the back door to trim some rosemary off the bush, and maybe something for trimming lavender and thyme that's less unwieldy than my bog standard hedge shears but a bit snippier than my cheap secateurs. At the moment my herb cutting is using a pair of knackered cheapo IKEA scissors
Is this just wasteful tool pron hankering or are they really good?
Something like these or maybe a bit bigger if they exist.
https://www.niwaki.com/mini-snips/#P00061
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 09 March, 2023, 08:04:38 pm
Should get a bit extra dough this month and I've had a hankering for some Japanese type snips.
What I fancy them for is a quick trip out the back door to trim some rosemary off the bush, and maybe something for trimming lavender and thyme that's less unwieldy than my bog standard hedge shears but a bit snippier than my cheap secateurs. At the moment my herb cutting is using a pair of knackered cheapo IKEA scissors
Is this just wasteful tool pron hankering or are they really good?
Something like these or maybe a bit bigger if they exist.
https://www.niwaki.com/mini-snips/#P00061
Before I'd finished reading your post, Niwaki was the word which came into my head.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 09 March, 2023, 08:30:05 pm
You planted it there to begin with.  :demon:
You don't think they might be too lightweight then?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 09 March, 2023, 08:35:41 pm
I've a several of Niwaki stuffs.
None has ever disappointed.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 09 March, 2023, 09:50:32 pm
There's a lot to choose from...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 10 March, 2023, 07:53:34 am
There's a lot to choose from...

Our predecessor in this house must have had some Niwaki tools as we get the odd leaflet/catalogue in the post . . . . nice but eye-wateringly expensive (my wife is the gardener here, I have to shred the leaflets in case she sees them!)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Slave To The Viking on 29 March, 2023, 01:05:20 am
This winter saw the arrival of a Makita lecky chainsaw - identical to the pricier Husqvarna one (apart from being blue instead of orange) despite the advertised spec reckoning it's 200w less powerful. Plug-in jobber as it's just for firewood in the garden, and it's been great. But what's been really great is yet more Fiskars gear. I have to admit, I much prefer the look of traditional wooden-shafted tools and find black and orange plastic a bit...well, it's not as nice, but the XXL splitting axe is an absolute pleasure to use, and the thing I've been umming and ahhing about - the sappie - is wondrous. It seemed so silly: axes are fair enough, as I can't split logs with my hands, but a spiky hook thing just for shifting them around? I can do that by bending and lifting! What's the point?

Well, the point is, dear heart, that you don't have to bend and lift.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 06 April, 2023, 07:59:14 pm
I recently bought a 600mm precision steel straight edge (DIN 874/00) for £100.

The problem is it's too heavy for one of my intended uses for it. I'll probably get an aluminium one and use the steel one to check the alu one for straightness.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 06 April, 2023, 08:26:28 pm
New cordless routers arrived today - nifty set-up from Einhell with a single motor unit that fits two bases - one plunge router, one palm/trim router . .  to go with all the other Einhell codless tools I have on the same battery platform. 

Sold a Bosch router I hardly used and a Makita knock-off palm router plus a Ryobi corded jigsaw and ended up almost neutral on funds.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 07 April, 2023, 07:40:44 am
Looks nice.  I have a few Einhell battery items.  There's a sort of double pleasure to them - getting a decent tool at a decent price and cocking a snook at the expensive brands.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Pingu on 30 April, 2023, 05:08:36 pm
Broom handle + paint scraper + 2 x cable ties = 1 drain cleaning tool.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52859213650_b25e15e87b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2owZhCA)
2023-04-30_05-06-25 (https://flic.kr/p/2owZhCA) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: JefO on 01 May, 2023, 10:14:30 pm
Wanted a set of T-Bar Allen Keys with square ends.
Had to go through Bro in Law (wifey has an account on his business as an employee) and he got some for me.
Couldn't get the cheaper ones, had to get some really nice Carlyle P Allen keys instead.  ;D
They saved me a couple of minutes doing a 5 minute job, because they were exactly the right size and form.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: sam on 02 May, 2023, 11:16:26 am
(https://i.imgur.com/97DWUM3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Qtolt8y.jpg)

Yeah, that didn't work.

(https://i.imgur.com/ikKrbFh.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 02 May, 2023, 06:01:13 pm
(https://i.imgur.com/97DWUM3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Qtolt8y.jpg)

Yeah, that didn't work.

(https://i.imgur.com/ikKrbFh.jpg)

...are you turning it the correct direction? Non-driveside is righty loosey.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: sam on 02 May, 2023, 06:18:04 pm
Pic was taken a number of years ago; I was prompted to unearth it after seeing the drain cleaning tool a few posts up. Afraid I don’t remember anything other than that I broke it. I may have just set it up that way for the picture.

(https://i.imgur.com/aAzKzaq.jpg)

Anyway, Park Tool ended up with some of my money via Wiggle.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: TheLurker on 01 September, 2023, 05:33:18 pm
This is just  to save me sticking pics on imgbb. (https://www.hippocketaeronautics.com/hpa_forum/index.php?topic=27199.msg294219#msg294219)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 04 September, 2023, 09:53:01 am
This is just  to save me sticking pics on imgbb. (https://www.hippocketaeronautics.com/hpa_forum/index.php?topic=27199.msg294219#msg294219)

I've some like the bottom left set probably first bought by my grandfather who liked good tools. Apart from surface corrosion, still perfect.

After having quite a lot of building work done on the house a while back I couldn't find a valued screwdriver I'd bought when I had a VW camper.  Deep in the engine bay a screw need to be removed and was difficult to get a purchase on with enough force to avoid damaging the head so I bought a Stanley Blue Head Pozidriv 2pt, back then still made in England.  Like the long one in this picture:

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/YM8AAOSwd9Bk3msi/s-l1600.jpg)

It has since proved a lifesaver on several occasions. 

After hunting high and low, no sign of my missing screwdriver so I replaced it with a new one, but the tip is not as good and shows signs of wear already.

Ebay has now provided me with a proper replacement that I will look after more carefully! 
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 04 September, 2023, 11:58:44 am
I invested in a couple of Wera Pozidriv screwdrivers for the upstairs toolbox (electronics, for the fettling of), after the demise of my 90s Stanley ones through simple wear and tear.

There's a full set of Stanley drivers in the downstairs toolbox (which does more mechanical stuff), but the Wera Pozi tips work much better.  Not sure if that's by design (better modern materials?) or just on account of being newer, but they seem to be the place to go if you want properly made screwdrivers these days.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 04 September, 2023, 03:29:26 pm
You have solved a mystery for me!

In the late 70's I used to do admin stuff on trade cars from Germany. It involved organizing the keys and of course they had to be tested (the cars, to check they started). The Capri 3 Litres were my favourite although we also got the Jack Regan Granada in large numbers. 

I soon found it was a good idea to look in certain places like under the seats and maybe find the odd spanner left there (apparently human beings used to do the assembly).  One time i got this really nice screwdriver. I had it a few years before it was nicked (I know who and they are no longer with us).  I have often tried to remember the brand.  It looked just like this one only the handle was grey:

(https://static.rapidonline.com/catalogueimages/product/54/69/s54-6902p01wl.jpg)

I still have the spanners.



Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 September, 2023, 04:15:11 pm
A pendant writes: The Sweeney's motah was a Consul GT.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 04 September, 2023, 04:17:02 pm
A pendant writes: The Sweeney's motah was a Consul GT.
Shut it, you slag.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 04 September, 2023, 05:06:54 pm
A pendant writes: The Sweeney's motah was a Consul GT.

It was a legal nicety:

Quote
Initially, the Consul name was chosen, not for continuity’s sake, but because of a threatened law-suit by Britain’s Granada Group Limited. After all, you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between a service station, a rented television or an executive saloon. Luckily, sense would end up prevailing before too many solicitors became too rich from the action.

The dockers didn't care; when taking them off the ship they loved to race up the lines of cars, Sweeney style, to park them. Two were being raced up the line one day and at the end they both went for the same parking spot with interesting results.  Not sure what they did with the wreckage.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 04 September, 2023, 05:09:29 pm
A pendant writes: The Sweeney's motah was a Consul GT.
Shut it, you slag.
My driving instructor did the stunt driving for the first three series of The Sweeny.
As we returned from my having successfully passed my driving test, he drove the Escort 1100 on two wheels and a door handle around the corners.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 07 September, 2023, 05:42:53 pm
A pendant writes: The Sweeney's motah was a Consul GT.

It was a legal nicety:

Quote
Initially, the Consul name was chosen, not for continuity’s sake, but because of a threatened law-suit by Britain’s Granada Group Limited. After all, you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between a service station, a rented television or an executive saloon. Luckily, sense would end up prevailing before too many solicitors became too rich from the action.

The dockers didn't care; when taking them off the ship they loved to race up the lines of cars, Sweeney style, to park them. Two were being raced up the line one day and at the end they both went for the same parking spot with interesting results.  Not sure what they did with the wreckage.

The model name Consul wasn't new for the Sweeney car (although I think it was a Granada) - Consul was a model in the 1950s as the base of the trilogy Consul, Zephyr, Zodiac which ran on with several body shape changes.  IIRC the first Ford Granada model was the car with the very long bonnet and a short boxy boot (car dealers called it the "aircraft carrier")
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 September, 2023, 06:23:18 pm
I have finally bought a Campag peanut butter wrench.

Campy peanut butter wrench.
If your peanut butter needs wrenching, it might have crossed the line from "crunchy" to "concrete".
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 07 September, 2023, 07:22:20 pm
I got a gift from work, some points to spend in a catalogue. I decided to go for a package of Makita bits (drills, screws, nut setters etc). In the catalogue were 7 different sets of these, all similar but different. So then I had to google them all to examine the contents and then make a list to compare them.

That took a while, being an analytical type makes these things a bit of an effort!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 September, 2023, 12:18:12 am
A pendant writes: The Sweeney's motah was a Consul GT.

It was a legal nicety:

Quote
Initially, the Consul name was chosen, not for continuity’s sake, but because of a threatened law-suit by Britain’s Granada Group Limited. After all, you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between a service station, a rented television or an executive saloon. Luckily, sense would end up prevailing before too many solicitors became too rich from the action.

The dockers didn't care; when taking them off the ship they loved to race up the lines of cars, Sweeney style, to park them. Two were being raced up the line one day and at the end they both went for the same parking spot with interesting results.  Not sure what they did with the wreckage.

The model name Consul wasn't new for the Sweeney car (although I think it was a Granada) - Consul was a model in the 1950s as the base of the trilogy Consul, Zephyr, Zodiac which ran on with several body shape changes.  IIRC the first Ford Granada model was the car with the very long bonnet and a short boxy boot (car dealers called it the "aircraft carrier")

I think that was the Mk IV Zephyr/Zodiac/Executive: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Zephyr#Mark_IV  The Mk 1 Grandad was the shape familiar from "The Sweeney".  They did do a 2-door coupe as well because the Germans like that sort of thing.  Our neighbours had one when Fort Larrington was first established in Woking in 1975.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 08 September, 2023, 06:01:01 am
My father owned a Consul. It was the car he courted my mother with, and the one this precious bundle was taken home from hospital in.
Or maybe not so precious - family legend has it that my mother was so pleased to see my father and so keen to escape the maternity ward that she left me behind and a nurse had to rush out and insist that she leave with precious bundle.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 08 September, 2023, 07:59:49 am
My father owned a Consul. It was the car he courted my mother with, and the one this precious bundle was taken home from hospital in.
Or maybe not so precious - family legend has it that my mother was so pleased to see my father and so keen to escape the maternity ward that she left me behind and a nurse had to rush out and insist that she leave with precious bundle.

Are you sure you were the right one?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 08 September, 2023, 08:06:54 pm
I just got a mini 2m tape measure...in METRIC ONLY and whole millimetres. What a revelation! I can use both the upper and lower edges!


STANLEY® FATMAX® Keychain Tape Measure
(https://www.stanleytools.com.hr/EMEA/PRODUCT/IMAGES/HIRES/FMHT0-33856/FMHT0-33856_1.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 September, 2023, 09:49:42 am
Such a brilliant idea! I first bought one in France from Super U.

Now I have one of these that gives the top reading including the case.


(https://www.hss.com/medias/sys_master/images/images/9140869791774.jpg)



Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 09 September, 2023, 05:20:34 pm
Nifty.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 09 September, 2023, 07:54:23 pm
On the topic of tape measures these   https://www.hultafors.co.uk/products/talmeter   are brilliant for measuring between points (like the internal width of a cabinet) - the fold-out piece has the measurement componsated for on a dual scale on the main tape.

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 10 September, 2023, 08:46:41 am
That is how the Stanley 33-932 works.  The scale shown in the window is really the back of the 'tape' that you see as it's pulled from the case. No fold-out piece needed.

US Patent 4574486A (1984, expired 2004)

Quote
A top reading rule has a coilable blade with measuring indicia on both surfaces thereof. On its surface visible through the top reading window, the measuring indicia are offset from the outer end thereof and includes a longitudinally extending central band of a color distinct from the background and directional pointers spaced along the length of the band of a color distinct from that of the band. The pointers indicate the direction of increasing numbers so that a user may readily determine the length represented by graduations intermediate the numbers.

(https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/6d/39/60/0e9470fa7bd64a/US4574486-drawings-page-2.png)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 10 September, 2023, 08:45:10 pm
I got an automatic centre punch recently, I haven't used one before so didn't know quite what to expect, it's actually quite fun to use.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51vlPkXBSiL._AC_UL400_.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 10 September, 2023, 10:25:46 pm
Does it need batteries?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 11 September, 2023, 08:08:30 am
Does it need batteries?

I got one recently - excellent - it works like a hand-held miniature spring-loaded pogo-stick
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 11 September, 2023, 08:37:11 am
Witchfinder Sergeant Pulsifer would love one.


Hm... so would I
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 11 September, 2023, 08:55:30 am
BTW, don't you love wedges?  Working on the barn door last week I used a couple of hardwood wedges to edge the individual 4-metre boards into position vertically & laterally, and it was so easy it was fun.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 11 September, 2023, 11:12:12 am
I got an automatic centre punch recently, I haven't used one before so didn't know quite what to expect, it's actually quite fun to use.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51vlPkXBSiL._AC_UL400_.jpg)
Very handy for removing the threaded part of a machine screw where the head has sheared off.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Diver300 on 18 September, 2023, 05:40:06 pm
In about 2010 I got a Bosch rechargeable drill kit with two batteries. The batteries are still in use, but the drill has been changed as the hammer function stopped working.

The new drill is smaller, lighter and the chuck goes up to 13 mm instead of 10 mm and it's brushless and it takes the same batteries.

I have several other tools that take the same batteries. I think that the list is a hedge trimmer, garden blower, strimmer and a sander.

Today SWMBO got a vacuum cleaner that takes the same battery type, and it was the first item since the original kit that contained a battery.

The battery is smaller (45 mm tall as opposed to 55 mm tall) and heavier (375 g vs 330 g) and it doesn't have the ability to be charged from underneath. It is also twice the nominal capacity of the old ones. I am quite impressed by the fact that Bosch had stuck to the same standard* and have improved the battery capacity so much.

*The micro chainsaw, and the lawnmower, also Bosch, have different batteries.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: MattH on 18 September, 2023, 09:14:23 pm
It's in their interest to maintain the standard as much as possible; once you are bought into a battery ecosystem you are more likely to keep brand loyalty, whereas if they change it every year or two then you'll evaluate other brands every time you buy a tool. I'm using Makita, they've definitely had more money from me than if I had to buy full kits every time. Whilst they do have some different batteries, for the vast majority of stuff if you're on the 18V LXT batteries then bigger stuff (like lawnmowers that may be 36V) just use two of them rather than going to a different type.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 19 September, 2023, 12:03:17 am
This, though it's somewhat easier to come by Anna Daptor than it used to be.

I bought a 4Ah[1] LXT battery recenty.  It's indistinguishable from my 3Ah LXT batteries, apart from 50%[2] more capacity than the less-knackered one.


[1] The current price:performance sweet-spot.
[2] Actually measured, for SCIENCE.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 19 September, 2023, 08:19:55 am
Being a cheapskate, I bought a local DIY emporium's own-brand electric chainsaw some years ago then was rather pleased to find that it was an OEM Einhell so the batteries fitted stuff sold by Aldi and various other cheapskate's paradises .  I have an impact driver and a circular saw using the same batteries.  They're fit for purpose if you're not bent on building Noah's Ark.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: vorsprung on 19 September, 2023, 09:30:34 am
i got a Stihl battery chainsaw a couple of weeks ago.  It has an AK20 battery, about 40m run time
The battery is supposed to work in all the Stihl power tools
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 22 September, 2023, 08:22:53 am
I am now the proud owner of a one of these (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09LCCHQR8) - I did wonder as Makita haven't made one themselves, I wondered why, but I stuck it out and bought one anyway. The one linked to appears to be decent build quality (without any electronic clevers, just posi/negi tives) and the nozzle isn't specially clever, but it works, can cope with a high flow (found out when I trashed one of the inferior glue sticks that came with it) and run time is about an hour an a 5Ah battery. The large trigger gives a whole hand grip and allows excellent control, and the cordlessness makes for a good sticky experience. The battery also makes for an excellent stand. All in all, don't know how I survived as long without, I recommend it to the house (the Makita fanboi house)

(I'm trying to ignore their Makita soldering station)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: MattH on 22 September, 2023, 09:40:08 am
Interesting. I note they do a hot air gun too. Back of a fag packet calculation suggests a 5 minute run time on a 5Ah battery...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 22 September, 2023, 11:51:29 am
I am now the proud owner of a one of these (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09LCCHQR8) - I did wonder as Makita haven't made one themselves, I wondered why, but I stuck it out and bought one anyway. The one linked to appears to be decent build quality (without any electronic clevers, just posi/negi tives) and the nozzle isn't specially clever, but it works, can cope with a high flow (found out when I trashed one of the inferior glue sticks that came with it) and run time is about an hour an a 5Ah battery. The large trigger gives a whole hand grip and allows excellent control, and the cordlessness makes for a good sticky experience. The battery also makes for an excellent stand. All in all, don't know how I survived as long without, I recommend it to the house (the Makita fanboi house)

(I'm trying to ignore their Makita soldering station)

Being on the Einhell platform I'm about to purchase their glue gun . . . looks pretty similar to yours.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 22 September, 2023, 01:19:19 pm
There are a couple of teardown videos of Einhell stuff on Youtube.  Seems generally to be good value for money. I don't think I'd be keen on their planer/thicknesser, though.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 22 September, 2023, 02:19:16 pm
There are a couple of teardown videos of Einhell stuff on Youtube.  Seems generally to be good value for money. I don't think I'd be keen on their planer/thicknesser, though.

I've had the Einhell stuff, progresively swapping old stuff, over about 18 months and pretty pleased so far - I have a cheapie Aldi P/T which is actually Scheppac ... does the job for work that I need. 

We have a couple of Einhell garden tools too - fertiliser spreader (un-powered) and a very light battery leaf blower . . . we have a battery lawn-mower, Mountfield, which is great but I wish we'd bought the Einhell for simplicity with the batteries.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 11 October, 2023, 03:09:16 pm
Just received the chain-link spreader/squeezer that Rob mentioned the other day, and picked up a digital Vernier calliper in Aldi for 8€.  My previous one didn't survive a winter in the workshop.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rogerzilla on 11 October, 2023, 03:11:49 pm
I bought a secondhand Makita belt sander to restore my GWR bench, and it is the best tool ever.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 11 October, 2023, 04:07:05 pm
Just received the chain-link spreader/squeezer that Rob mentioned the other day, and picked up a digital Vernier calliper in Aldi for 8€.  My previous one didn't survive a winter in the workshop.

Tip (possibly) - you may find the the rubber/plastic sleeves slide about - remove and squeeze a dab of glue (UHU works) in and replace sleeves.

. . . and beware - those digital verniers eat batteries even when it's allegedly off - I don't use mine any more having reverted to the good old analogue one.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 11 October, 2023, 04:31:44 pm
They do. Removing the battery is tedious but it solves the problem. 
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 11 October, 2023, 05:05:30 pm
Thanks, Rob, on both counts.  My first digital vernier did pretty well OK until it didn't do at all, even with new batteries. I'll pop the battery on this one, though.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 11 October, 2023, 08:27:28 pm
I got a micrometer from Lidl last week for £7.

I think each store only had a few, they were sold out quite quickly.

I checked it against another micrometer, there's a difference of less than 1/100 of a mm, eg 0.673mm vs 0.680mm.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 11 October, 2023, 09:30:21 pm
I've just acquired a Record* sawdust extraction machine at a very good secondhand price - collecting on Friday. 

It'll replace my Henry and the "cyclone on a box" that works, but only just.  The new one will sit where the box is and the Henry will be freed up for its actual purpose as a vacuum cleaner.  The new machine should also eat the chips comng out of my planer/thicknesser machine instead of having to let them spray all over the workshop floor and then be shovelled up.

* and it's green to match the Record air cleaner/filter machine I have hanging from the ceiling :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 12 October, 2023, 09:08:25 am
Just received the chain-link spreader/squeezer that Rob mentioned the other day...

Tried, works; though jaws a bit too thick to slide easily into just-waxed links.  Might grind them down a little.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 12 October, 2023, 01:58:47 pm
Just received the chain-link spreader/squeezer that Rob mentioned the other day...

Tried, works; though jaws a bit too thick to slide easily into just-waxed links.  Might grind them down a little.

Hmm, must have a lot of wax on your chain - mine works fine with 10 and 11 speed waxed chains.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 12 October, 2023, 02:13:17 pm
Just received the chain-link spreader/squeezer that Rob mentioned the other day...

Tried, works; though jaws a bit too thick to slide easily into just-waxed links.  Might grind them down a little.

Hmm, must have a lot of wax on your chain - mine works fine with 10 and 11 speed waxed chains.

Could be - the chain was an 11s one I waxed ~6 months ago, hung up straight out of the pot and left.  I'll try it again when I'm not labouring under vaccination reaction.  Compared with Park link-pliers there's only about 0.02 mm difference.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Polar Bear on 12 October, 2023, 04:33:31 pm
Dear YACF, I am a tool junkie.

Having become invested in a milk float after more than 2 decades of a car free life has necessitated a bit of tool acquisition.  Not many mind but as each "job" leers over the horizon I find myself submerged in the interwebby temptations of tool goodness.

I have even bought a new tool bag for those "essentials" when venturing beyond the town boundary ...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: cycleman on 12 October, 2023, 07:10:48 pm
I used to race the local milk float. I could beat it uphill in those days  ;) :)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Polar Bear on 12 October, 2023, 07:43:22 pm
Many an early morning cycle commute necessitated weaving through the fleet of milk floats emerging from and returning to the dairy which was on my route.

Ah, happy days.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 13 October, 2023, 01:37:21 pm
We used to cadge lifts off an electric float finishing its round.  This would save us enough bus fare to buy a sherbet fountain each if we were lucky.

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 15 October, 2023, 03:31:10 pm
I am now the proud owner of a one of these (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09LCCHQR8) - I did wonder as Makita haven't made one themselves, I wondered why, but I stuck it out and bought one anyway. The one linked to appears to be decent build quality (without any electronic clevers, just posi/negi tives) and the nozzle isn't specially clever, but it works, can cope with a high flow (found out when I trashed one of the inferior glue sticks that came with it) and run time is about an hour an a 5Ah battery. The large trigger gives a whole hand grip and allows excellent control, and the cordlessness makes for a good sticky experience. The battery also makes for an excellent stand. All in all, don't know how I survived as long without, I recommend it to the house (the Makita fanboi house)

(I'm trying to ignore their Makita soldering station)

Makita Soldering station. I can help you there.
(https://social.v.st/system/media_attachments/files/110/848/507/313/572/464/original/a56a91169395ed05.jpg)

It's 2 3d printed parts, an official Makita spare part (battery connector in the red part), 2 usb-c/usb-a power delivery boards, a pair of switches, and some nuts & bolts.

Into this I plug in a sequr P60 usb-c Soldering iron. This gives me a portable Soldering station, with inter changeable nibs.

While in theory there are 4 usb sockets. If you use both the a and the c connector from the same board. It defaults to 5v from both. Two boards are provided so I can plug a usb fan into the second one for fume extraction.

The horizontal gap is due to a maths error. Have updated the 3d model, but not printed a new one yet. The bolts are over long in the picture as I ordered the wrong ones, since fixed.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: TimO on 18 October, 2023, 12:22:56 am
I've got my Advent Calendar (https://www-de.wera.de/en/downloads/advent-calendar/) for this year.  ;D
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 18 October, 2023, 12:51:06 am
Makita Soldering station. I can help you there.
(https://social.v.st/system/media_attachments/files/110/848/507/313/572/464/original/a56a91169395ed05.jpg)

It's 2 3d printed parts, an official Makita spare part (battery connector in the red part), 2 usb-c/usb-a power delivery boards, a pair of switches, and some nuts & bolts.

I did a bodgier version of this some years ago:  The cheap Makita widget that gives you a pair of 5V USB-A outputs[1], modified to present the raw battery output (via a polyfuse) on a 2.1mm DC jack, leaving the USB gubbins intact because it's bound to come in useful.  TS-100 soldering iron (I think the first of these style portable irons, from before higher-voltage USB became a common thing, and they assumed people would power them with vehicle batteries and laptop PSUs) plugs into that, and the iron's software handles low-voltage cutoff.

Works well, but then so does a suitable USB battery pack.  Which is better probably depends on whether it's primarily about doing a lot of soldering without being tied to a mains socket (eg. when working on vehicle wiring, in a shed, or up a ladder or something) or a neat portable solution you can have with you in case you need to perform a small repair.  The killer feature of power tool batteries being that they recharge extremely quickly, and you can have one on charge and one in use.

Have you considered integrating some sort of iron holder?  That's the thing that I find most annoying about soldering in odd places - very easy to knock the iron off a little lightweight stand when working at floor level.  The battery's enough of a lump that a stand attached to it should mostly stay put.

The other thing that I've failed to research, but is no doubt possible, is some sort of hot air gun that can be powered in the same way.  I'm thinking for heatshrink rather than SMD reflow, without going full paint-stripper.


[1] I'm surprised they haven't come out with a newer version that gives you full laptop-spec USB-C PD.  That would be awesome.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 18 October, 2023, 10:29:37 am


An iron holder is on the to-do list for this winter. As is an integrated fan for fume removal.

I built this as all of my usb power banks are 5v only. And this was easier than buying a new power bank just for the soldering iron.

DeWalt make a gizmo for the other direction. Charge their power tool battery from USB-c. I'd quite like that to happen some time soon for Makita. Currently I have a mains charger and a car charger, which allows me to charge from my solar setup (12v lifepo and 150w of panels).

And yes. Hot air reflow is on the to-do list. Esp as I'd like it for smd work...

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 03 November, 2023, 01:37:01 pm
Had to replace a radiator for Pcolbeck junior. Bought an olive puller from Monument Tools.

(https://cdn.aws.toolstation.com/images/141020-UK/800/36156.jpg)

Blooming brilliant !

Why didn't I get one of these years ago. I've always used the keep belting it with a monkey wrench adjusted to be slightly wider than the pipe method but that takes ages, is difficult in confined spaces and is likely to damage things.
This thing pops the olive off cleanly in seconds. Does 15 and 22mm with the same tool as well (it has adaptors).
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 03 November, 2023, 05:17:48 pm
Could do with one of those before I replace the garden tap.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 03 November, 2023, 06:05:03 pm
If you don't have one, I find the best (fsvo "best) method is to cut an oblique slot in the old olive with a junior hacksaw  then prise it off with suitable old screwdriver.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 03 November, 2023, 11:06:24 pm
A crank remover for plumbers!  I'll file the existence of such things away at the back of my BRANEZ for times of need.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Feanor on 03 November, 2023, 11:15:32 pm
Yes, me too. I've always resorted to the hacksaw cutting of a slanted cut then prizing open with a screwdriver method too, but I never overlook the opportunity to buy new tools.

Hacksawing always carries the risk of nicking the pipe, which you don't want to do.

There are always basket cases where it's been horsed up by a gorilla, and the pipe is so distorted under the olive that it's not re-useable, and will need cutting back and spliced. And that's always where it emerges through a wall or something, so that turns into a fractally recursing world of pain.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jaded on 03 November, 2023, 11:59:09 pm
I got an automatic centre punch recently, I haven't used one before so didn't know quite what to expect, it's actually quite fun to use.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51vlPkXBSiL._AC_UL400_.jpg)

That's the turkey basting sorted this Christmas.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: JefO on 10 November, 2023, 05:10:25 pm
More often than not, you can get away with gripping the olive with a set of pump pliers and just twisting it off the pipe.

You can re-use them after doing that too. Wrapping a bit of PTFE tape around the pipe then over the olive helps getting a seal without having to overtighten them.

I never trained as a plumber per say, but I had the job of plumbing thrust upon me when I took on the role of mechanical maintenance, for the NHS. Fortunately, I worked alongside some long in the tooth plumbers that taught me all the tricks of their trade.

Always use copper olives as opposed to brass ones. (copper is red-ish  -  brass is yellow-ish)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 November, 2023, 05:24:59 pm
You might be able to get away with PTFE over an olive for water, but it is poor practise. PTFE is for thread sealing.

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hbunnet on 10 November, 2023, 05:35:20 pm
You might be able to get away with PTFE over an olive for water, but it is poor practise. PTFE is for thread sealing.

^^This^^
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: JefO on 10 November, 2023, 05:36:24 pm
Yep, I had assumed we were only talking about water.
Actually, PTFE is a lubricant.
It has the lowest coefficient of friction of any material known to man.
It is used to reduce the friction between the mating surfaces, enabling more of the torque (applied to the compression nut) to increase the pressure at the mating surfaces. It does exactly the same thing when applied to the threads. So if you do that too, it gives the best chance of getting a seal.
Whether or not it is regarded as a good practice, it works in a hospital environment.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Feanor on 10 November, 2023, 06:14:15 pm
Using PTFE tape on a compression fitting is a bodge.
But sometimes it's a pragmatic bodge.

Where you are replace some fitting, and the in-situ nut and olive are not proving easy to remove, so you decide to try to re-use them.
Then it's weeping. So you tighten it up a bit more that should be necessary for a compression fitting.
And it's still weeping.
And access is difficult to cut the old olive off.
And cutting back a short length of pipe is impossible because it disappears into the wall.

At this point, I'll try PTFE tape or Fernox LSX or whatever I have to hand, before I resort to cutting into walls etc.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 10 November, 2023, 07:13:03 pm
Using PTFE tape on a compression fitting is a bodge.
But sometimes it's a pragmatic bodge.

Where you are replace some fitting, and the in-situ nut and olive are not proving easy to remove, so you decide to try to re-use them.
Then it's weeping. So you tighten it up a bit more that should be necessary for a compression fitting.
And it's still weeping.
And access is difficult to cut the old olive off.
And cutting back a short length of pipe is impossible because it disappears into the wall.

At this point, I'll try PTFE tape or Fernox LSX or whatever I have to hand, before I resort to cutting into walls etc.

I'm not a plumber but am fairly proficient with stuff, both compression and soldered fittings - a time-served plumber many years ago suggested that using a smear of Fernox LSX on the olive in compression fittings was a good thing . . .  so that's what I do.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: JefO on 10 November, 2023, 08:09:18 pm
My daughter's house had an outside tap leaking on the olive on the tap, with a slow weep of water running inside the wall. There was no way of cutting off the olive the nut was tight against the brickwork outside, and the other end of the pipe the problem was the same - ie nut on the pipe too close to the wall to get access to the olive. Without getting one or other of the olives off, I was stuffed.

So I used a part of a ball joint splitter (the type with a bolt that pushes against the threaded end of a ball-joint) instead of the bolt, I screwed in an inertia hammer. Placed the prongs of the ball-joint splitter behind the compression nut and hammered it and the olive, straight off.

 
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Giraffe on 11 November, 2023, 05:33:47 pm
I remove an olive by cutting it with a junior hacksaw. The correct, diagonal, angle will do it without damaging the pipe. To make sure, I take it almost all the way through then put a suitable screwdriver in the slot and twist - olive off and pipe intact. First used this when working on rads. where the pipe was in concrete!

For sealing, just a smear of a suitable pipe-sealing compound under the olive, on the olive and on the threads. Advantage: doesn't need FO tight; disadvantage: needs removing every time the joint has to be remade.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 November, 2023, 08:05:17 am
I have a saw file, but it is a bit old and in one of those 'guides' that never has the correct angles.

So I've bought two saw files from Germany. According to tool maker Dave Budd, they are the dogs.

Next, several enjoyable hours filing and re-setting a couple of saws.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: drossall on 08 December, 2023, 06:13:14 pm
So what about that tool that you bought but then forgot?

A thread such as this somewhere persuaded me that a VAR chainring-bolt tool would be a good idea, and probably highlighted one at a really good price. I found it this week in the back of a cupboard :-[

Looks a really nice tool. Really should use it next time I have some rings to change ::-) In the meantime, here it is - pen for scale:

(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/czvpycxgb2has0oxg0ub4/VAR-chainring-bolt-tool-small.jpg?rlkey=amd6ha0fuy4immn9jk3jjsc4l&raw=1)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 10 December, 2023, 10:24:47 am
That's just what I need.  At a really good price, of course.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Morat on 11 December, 2023, 03:23:34 pm
I want this: https://mattsoffroadrecovery.com/products/matts-tools-tool-kit
purely so I can keep it in the back of my Jeep "Just in case".
That's a ridiculous expense! but yet.... I wants it
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 11 December, 2023, 04:31:05 pm
That seems like a lot of money for not many tools so I hope there's a torque wrench hiding in there for that price.
At least Wera look good.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Andy W on 11 December, 2023, 04:44:01 pm
So this is what we're all torquing about !
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: grams on 11 December, 2023, 06:52:41 pm
That seems like a lot of money for not many tools so I hope there's a torque wrench hiding in there for that price.
At least Wera look good.

Judging by some of the people he rescues on his YouTube, channel off-roading in the US is a hobby that some people happily throw absolutely mind-boggling amounts of money at. That product exists to milk them.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 11 December, 2023, 09:47:00 pm
A hundred and sixty notes for  four ratchet straps is a bit steep too.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 12 December, 2023, 10:58:26 am
A hundred and sixty notes for  four ratchet straps is a bit steep too.
Indeed. Forty quid from Amazon.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 26 December, 2023, 01:56:15 pm
The man with the red coat obliged with a cordless* hot glue gun to replace a rather useless Bosch "glue pen" and supplement my >40 year old corded hot glue gun -  and I even found that the glue sticks I've had for years but didn't fit the tools I had DO work with the new gun  :thumbsup:

*same battery platform as all but one of my other cordless tools.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 26 December, 2023, 02:02:24 pm

Santa didn't bring any new tools, tho I did treat myself to a new router.

But I did end Christmas day with more tools than I started with, kinda. In tidying up to make the flat suitable to receive guests, I found I now have 3 sets of allen keys... as well as a missing chisel...

Projects for this year include a better tool box...

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rr on 26 December, 2023, 05:28:30 pm
Santa delivered the set of 5 wera joker combination spanners that leapt into my black Friday basket.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: andytheflyer on 27 December, 2023, 10:53:40 am
Present to myself was a DeWalt multitool, using the same batteries as my impact drill and impact wrench.  First job was to repair the bathroom door frame after I'd had to hack my way through the frame to open the door when the locking latch failed.  Second job was door sill adjustment with the sander head.

Brilliant tool - why did |I not buy one years ago??
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: hubner on 27 December, 2023, 10:57:22 am
I got myself 2 Knipex High Leverage side cutters, a 140mm and a 200mm:

https://www.knipex.com/en-uk/products/cutting-pliers/high-leverage-diagonal-cutters/high-leverage-diagonal-cutters/7401140?v=12462

(https://www.knipex.com/sites/default/files/styles/knipex_product_detail/public/pictures/IM0006845.png?itok=Cx0_DZ56)

And also "sharpend" my made in West Germany C.K side cutters with a diamond file.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: JefO on 30 December, 2023, 03:53:40 pm
Could not resist this set, when I was only looking for a 1/4" ratchet driver, to accompany the bicycle torque wrench set that (reading the instructions reveals) you must only use it to finally tighten bolts, not for general use.

Not on sale until tomorrow apparently, but they were in the Hadleigh, (Essex) store today.

 https://www.lidl.co.uk/p/parkside-ratchet-bit-set-81-piece-set/p10010043

Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 30 December, 2023, 04:24:43 pm


Trying to void the warranty on a toaster oven, I discovered two of the screws are annoying triangular head. As this is he second time in a year I've hit up against this I caved and bought a iFixit Manta bit set. 112 pieces of warranty voiding goodness.

Beautiful tools.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 30 December, 2023, 04:37:20 pm
Ooh. I was just thinking we needed to get a set of Wera micro screwdrivers to replace our crappy selection of jewellers flat heads... But now there is something else to look at...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 30 December, 2023, 04:41:04 pm
Ooh. I was just thinking we needed to get a set of Wera micro screwdrivers to replace our crappy selection of jewellers flat heads... But now there is something else to look at...

I have wera 4mm bit driver. I have a wera vario 80 handle. The iFixit kit is nicer to use. But the whole set is bulky. Something for a permanent work bench rather than the portable setup...

Now trying to resist the temptation to disassemble all the things...

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 30 December, 2023, 04:50:03 pm


Trying to void the warranty on a toaster oven, I discovered two of the screws are annoying triangular head. As this is he second time in a year I've hit up against this I caved and bought a iFixit Manta bit set. 112 pieces of warranty voiding goodness.

Beautiful tools.

J
My bold.
I like your style.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 30 December, 2023, 05:02:28 pm
I don't think I need 112 bits, one of the smaller ones will probably do...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 December, 2023, 06:31:08 pm
I don't think I need 112 bits, one of the smaller ones will probably do...

You might very well think that.  I couldn’t possibly comment.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: MattH on 30 December, 2023, 11:24:21 pm
I have the Mako, it's done everything I need so far. A subtle feature is the lid having a sorting tray moulded in, so you can put screws etc. into it and keep them in order so you know which holes they go back into. I liked it so much I bought my son one (he'd been eyeing up mine).

We've got an iFixit Essential at work. It has the tools for prising open plastic cases etc., but the bit holder is plastic rather than metal and doesn't feel anywhere near as nice in your hand.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 30 December, 2023, 11:44:28 pm


We have the pro tech kit, and the manta kit at work. Which is why I was willing to invest in the manta for myself.

The pro tech kit contains mako kit.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: MattH on 31 December, 2023, 09:15:32 am
Wasn't in any way trying to denigrate your choice - they really are beautiful things to use. And if money or space isn't an object the big kit is the way to go; but I think the Mako hits a sweet spot of having most things you'll need and the good quality metal handle rather than the plastic one. I have a lovely older Wera set of a dozen more traditional small screwdrivers, though that has had little use since getting the Mako.

Using stuff like this shows how utterly carp most of the "precision" screwdriver kits you can get are.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 31 December, 2023, 10:55:51 am
Good to hear about the Mako as I ordered a B grade Mako set last night, as well as a Jimmy and another poking type device.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: canny colin on 31 December, 2023, 11:27:07 am
I normally find cycle multi tools very expensive or crap . But have been very impressed with the slim 11 tool from Spa cycle . Even the chain breaker works on eleven speed  . Very canny for 12.50  .  I obviously get no reward for this recommendation , I am open to offers thou .  ;D
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 31 December, 2023, 01:25:44 pm
I normally find cycle multi tools very expensive or crap . But have been very impressed with the slim 11 tool from Spa cycle . Even the chain breaker works on eleven speed  . Very canny for 12.50  .  I obviously get no reward for this recommendation , I am open to offers thou .  ;D

I have a Topeak ratchet rocket. And it's been brilliant. In fact I now have two of them. Great kit. The chain breaker works great, the ratchet thingy is a joy to use. I highly recommend. It's not the lightest tool on the market. But as a usable tool it's far better than any other bike multi tool I've used.

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 31 December, 2023, 01:30:57 pm
I have a couple of multitools, and while they're well-thought-out, I'm coming round to the couple-of-allen-keys-and-a-spanner way of thinking.  It seems that a significant minority of the time a multitool falls short on account of either being an awkward shape or lack of leverage.  To say nothing of partially-arsed chain tools that only work for breaking chains.  And sometimes what you really want is a decent set of pliers.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: canny colin on 31 December, 2023, 02:25:03 pm
I used to always carry a mini park tool chain breaker / set of wera allen keys and a few exquisite  double sided  vessel screwdriver bits with handle  . But I got sick of hunting around on the road side for missing tools . I admit the torx driver is rubbish on the multi tool , but that's because the discs are  on the wrong side on my up wrong trike  Still won't replace my dog bone spanner for the old  trike conversion axel . Viva la difference .   
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: JefO on 31 December, 2023, 03:56:35 pm
I have a couple of multitools, and while they're well-thought-out, I'm coming round to the couple-of-allen-keys-and-a-spanner way of thinking.  It seems that a significant minority of the time a multitool falls short on account of either being an awkward shape or lack of leverage.  To say nothing of partially-arsed chain tools that only work for breaking chains.  And sometimes what you really want is a decent set of pliers.

Presently re-equipping myself with the most minimal bag capacity for UK day rides, I am trying to wean myself off the comfort of a full set of Wera Ball End Allen Keys, and an adjustable spanner, alongside my multi-tools, for my 1950s bike set up. It seemed sensible to take the full-size tools with me just after the refit, as every thread had been undone and replaced, but with 500km on the bike since its rebuild, the time is high to get tough with myself!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 December, 2023, 04:25:27 pm
IMO&E multi-tools fall short of promise in at least five ways: they are an inconvenient shape and bulk; they lack leverage; the metal used is an alloy of fromagium; they don't have all the tools you need; they include several you will never need, which get in the way of the ones you do need.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 01 January, 2024, 10:12:29 am
On the flipside, during a PBP Audax some years ago, I mostly hovered at the back of the group, helping change flat tyres and pacing dropped folk back to the bunch. In the bunch, my trusty Topeak Alien multitool acquired the same sort of reputation as Doctor Who’s sonic screwdriver. Tightening loose nuts on a ‘50s Singer, snugging up loose disc Torx bolts or singlespeeding a carbon wonderbike, completed quickly and efficiently. Several of the problems couldn’t have been solved with a less comprehensive (and lighter) multitool.

The only unfixable problem was when a hydraulic brake hose was pulled out when a rider crashed. Luckily it was just a few kilometres from the arrivee and the rider still finished, just using one brake.

After the finish, some riders presented me with some flashy bubbly for saving their PBPs. I count that as a win.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 01 January, 2024, 08:11:52 pm
I bought my Young Lady an axe for Christmas. A pizza axe from Raven Forge.

Like this.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ABLVV84tKeW_aDGYSIrzazd24Gmmqv8x3cSHm0D0bTPG2z7-cnH8zsnGafttUj80U00h9-QPl3g9OFDQyRxBac4FVbZL9mvCdduC4FkQOXvqe8skbqzMmRlk=w600)

It's a proper bit of kit. 440 stainless steel on an ash handle. There are skanky knock offs on the bay of thieves. Don't give them house room
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 01 January, 2024, 08:23:45 pm
I bought my Young Lady an axe for Christmas. A pizza axe from Raven Forge.

Like this.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ABLVV84tKeW_aDGYSIrzazd24Gmmqv8x3cSHm0D0bTPG2z7-cnH8zsnGafttUj80U00h9-QPl3g9OFDQyRxBac4FVbZL9mvCdduC4FkQOXvqe8skbqzMmRlk=w600)

It's a proper bit of kit. 440 stainless steel on an ash handle. There are skanky knock offs on the bay of thieves. Don't give them house room
Nice tool.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Feanor on 01 January, 2024, 08:28:27 pm
Yes, a nice tool, and the right thing for the job.

I have a 2 foot long mezzaluna type thing, which you rock over the pizza.
I like this, because unlike a wheel, it does not push the toppings all over the place.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 01 January, 2024, 08:32:42 pm
Yes, a nice tool, and the right thing for the job.

I have a 2 foot long mezzaluna type thing, which you rock over the pizza.
I like this, because unlike a wheel, it does not push the toppings all over the place.
I've  a short mezzaluna with parallel blades which is great for herbs and suchlike. It wouldn't really cut the mustard with a pizza thobut.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 January, 2024, 08:42:47 pm
Mustard onna pizza belongs in the “Food Crimes” thread…

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52994407681_656c0de7d8_o.png)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 01 January, 2024, 08:46:37 pm
Mustard onna pizza belongs in the “Food Crimes” thread…

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52994407681_656c0de7d8_o.png)
No.
Mustard on white grapes.
Both lovely individually.
You'd not believe how bad they are when they are combined.
Go on.....
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 01 January, 2024, 08:48:12 pm


From voiding warranties, to bike multi tools, to cutting pizza with axes in just over a dozen posts.

Yep. That's yacf...

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 01 January, 2024, 08:49:24 pm


From voiding warranties, to bike multi tools, to cutting pizza with axes in just over a dozen posts.

Yep. That's yacf...

J
Hold on to your seat...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 01 January, 2024, 08:51:07 pm


From voiding warranties, to bike multi tools, to cutting pizza with axes in just over a dozen posts.

Yep. That's yacf...

J
Hold on to your seat...

Any other VW group car will do
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 01 January, 2024, 08:52:43 pm


From voiding warranties, to bike multi tools, to cutting pizza with axes in just over a dozen posts.

Yep. That's yacf...

J
Hold on to your seat...

Any other VW group car will do
Are you on the right forum?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 01 January, 2024, 08:52:52 pm
Surely no self-respecting pizza-consuming cyclist should be without one of these:

https://www.parktool.com/en-int/product/pizza-tool-pzt-2


(But then my daughter cuts pizza with a pair of scissors dedicated to the function)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 01 January, 2024, 08:53:56 pm
Surely no self-respecting pizza-consuming cyclist should be without one of these:

https://www.parktool.com/en-int/product/pizza-tool-pzt-2


(But then my daughter cuts pizza with a pair of scissors dedicated to the function)
I use scissors to cut pizza.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 January, 2024, 08:57:09 pm
Surely no self-respecting pizza-consuming cyclist should be without one of these:

https://www.parktool.com/en-int/product/pizza-tool-pzt-2


(But then my daughter cuts pizza with a pair of scissors dedicated to the function)

I've got one.  The handlebars broke off in the washing-up >:(
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Gattopardo on 01 January, 2024, 08:59:29 pm
Mustard onna pizza belongs in the “Food Crimes” thread…

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52994407681_656c0de7d8_o.png)
No.
Mustard on white grapes.
Both lovely individually.
You'd not believe how bad they are when they are combined.
Go on.....
English or french?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: spesh on 01 January, 2024, 09:02:09 pm


From voiding warranties, to bike multi tools, to cutting pizza with axes in just over a dozen posts.

Yep. That's yacf...

J
Hold on to your seat...

Any other VW group car will do
Are you on the right forum?

I believe Ham was riffing on the ownership of Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEAT) for the purposes of humour m'lud...  ;)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 01 January, 2024, 09:09:48 pm
Surely no self-respecting pizza-consuming cyclist should be without one of these:

https://www.parktool.com/en-int/product/pizza-tool-pzt-2


(But then my daughter cuts pizza with a pair of scissors dedicated to the function)

I've got one.  The handlebars broke off in the washing-up >:(

Here's mine, plus a lightweight racing model I picked up at an exhibition.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ABLVV845_vKQgfdSoe9Nl7V_moPzBv6iifaLp7vLSNGgG2SnECE3R4l0ziERhoLiGM0p34fLfUMPVyiEXTGE_gdBE2xnoACsId5jjYKe7VS0_WDPcH2o_GYn=w600)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Feanor on 01 January, 2024, 09:21:12 pm
This is kind of thing I have, and recommend:

https://www.bakerybits.co.uk/pizza-cutter

(https://www.bakerybits.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/519e06ca167ac706f70f0277bcd1d4fd/image/2796898f/rocking-pizza-cutter.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: rogerzilla on 01 January, 2024, 09:22:57 pm
I was told by a Glaswegian colleague that they just fold them in half, dip them in batter, and deep-fry them.  No slicing involved.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Feanor on 01 January, 2024, 09:28:20 pm
I was told by a Glaswegian colleague that they just fold them in half, dip them in batter, and deep-fry them.  No slicing involved.

Yes, it's all a scam.
Actually, what we do here in Scotlandland is take Rowies (https://www.scottishrecipes.co.uk/butteries.php), deep-fry them and chuck some cheez on top.
Hey, don't diss it till you've tried it...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Ham on 01 January, 2024, 09:29:39 pm
I was told by a Glaswegian colleague that they just fold them in half, dip them in batter, and deep-fry them.  No slicing involved.

Yes, it's all a scam.
Actually, what we do here in Scotlandland is take rowies (see posts passim), deep-fry them and chuck some cheez on top.
Hey, don't diss it till you've fried it...

That aches for a bit of FTFY
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Pingu on 01 January, 2024, 09:30:10 pm


From voiding warranties, to bike multi tools, to cutting pizza with axes in just over a dozen posts.

Yep. That's yacf...

J

Hold on to your seat...

Any other VW group car will do

Hold on to your Fast Appreciating Future Classic just trips off the tongue  :P
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 01 January, 2024, 09:47:53 pm
I bought my Young Lady an axe for Christmas. A pizza axe from Raven Forge.

Like this.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ABLVV84tKeW_aDGYSIrzazd24Gmmqv8x3cSHm0D0bTPG2z7-cnH8zsnGafttUj80U00h9-QPl3g9OFDQyRxBac4FVbZL9mvCdduC4FkQOXvqe8skbqzMmRlk=w600)

It's a proper bit of kit. 440 stainless steel on an ash handle. There are skanky knock offs on the bay of thieves. Don't give them house room

Nice!
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 01 January, 2024, 11:02:12 pm
I'm definitely not buying barakta one of those.  Our plates wouldn't survive.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: drossall on 01 January, 2024, 11:05:54 pm
I'm not buying one either. My wife spent the holiday reading, "How to kill your family (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kill-Your-Family-Bella-Mackie/dp/0008365911)" :hand:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 02 January, 2024, 02:50:30 am


Amazon require all the brands for stuff sold in their market place to be trademarked. This the random brand names. Which also resulted in breaking the US trademark office.

In other news. They do occasionally randomly select interesting names...

https://www.amazon.com/SATANTECH-Pocket-Hole-Screws-Assortment/dp/B0C94V7Q89

Or maybe it's a judgement on square drive screws...

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 January, 2024, 09:28:16 am
I'm definitely not buying barakta one of those.  Our plates wouldn't survive.
And if she takes it in to work...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 January, 2024, 09:29:28 am


From voiding warranties, to bike multi tools, to cutting pizza with axes in just over a dozen posts.

Yep. That's yacf...

J
YACF is and always has been a forum of cyclists rather than a cycling forum. And, let's face up to it, also a forum of former cyclists and would-be cyclists.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 02 January, 2024, 11:03:50 am
I'm definitely not buying barakta one of those.  Our plates wouldn't survive.
And if she takes it in to work...

...and gets stopped by the gentlemen in blue...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 18 January, 2024, 08:41:48 am
Delivered by Royal Mail in the past few minutes, a very cold Santoku made by Blenheim Forge in Peckham (I attended a knife sharpening class there just before the start of the pandemic).
Feels lovely in the hand.
And is ver' sharp.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53471638160_44ec0c572e_4k.jpg) (http://[url=https://flic.kr/p/2pt786S) (https://flic.kr/p/2pt786S)  (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jurekb/)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: grams on 18 January, 2024, 09:12:20 am
I normally find cycle multi tools very expensive or crap . But have been very impressed with the slim 11 tool from Spa cycle . Even the chain breaker works on eleven speed  . Very canny for 12.50  .  I obviously get no reward for this recommendation , I am open to offers thou .  ;D

Oooh. I got this exact thing from Decathlon years ago (not Decathlon branded) and have been scared of losing it because I've never seen an exact replacement. It's been extremely good for its tiny size.

(there are similar-ish ones on Ali Express of very Ali Express quality)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Tim Hall on 18 January, 2024, 09:15:23 am
Delivered by Royal Mail in the past few minutes, a very cold Santoku made by Blenheim Forge in Peckham (I attended a knife sharpening class there just before the start of the pandemic).
Feels lovely in the hand.
And is ver' sharp.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53471638160_44ec0c572e_4k.jpg) (http://[url=https://flic.kr/p/2pt786S) (https://flic.kr/p/2pt786S)  (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jurekb/)
That is rather gorgeous.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 22 January, 2024, 05:36:17 pm
As an item in a job-lot of stuff I bought at an auction I found this . . . a bit of research suggests that it was made by AMES in about 1850, and rare having the inlaid side guage measurements.

(https://i.ibb.co/MZ4QbKv/ames-plane-1.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/848R2mL/ames-plane-2.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/TrGMwnB/ames-plane-3.jpg)

. . . it's a "plough plane" for woodwork - nowadays you'd use a router to do the same job.

The lot that I bought was for something else - this was a bonus, and is for sale . . . .
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: quixoticgeek on 22 January, 2024, 05:40:03 pm

. . . it's a "plough plane" for woodwork - nowadays you'd use a router to do the same job.

The lot that I bought was for something else - this was a bonus, and is for sale . . . .

Do you have an indication of how much you'd be looking for?

J
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: JefO on 06 February, 2024, 10:04:32 pm
Park Tool (wheel dishing gauge) WAG-5

Nice. Means I don't need to have the wheel in the bike, or put a centre mark on the hub, to get the dishing right.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: redshift on 13 February, 2024, 10:21:06 am

. . . it's a "plough plane" for woodwork - nowadays you'd use a router to do the same job.


Whilst I possess and make use of an Elu MOF96E, which has served faithfully since forever, I also have a Stanley No.50 with a complete set of blades, courtesy of my late father.  The Stanley is much better for doing things like tongue-and-groove edges.  The router comes out for things like guitar neck pockets and pickup / control cavities.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 18 March, 2024, 01:00:25 pm
Inspired by a discussion elseweb, and the fact that my current solder sucker has a gnarly tip, I've just taken delivery of one of these: https://www.engineertools-jp.com/ss02

It oozes quality, is actually hand-sized, and in a brief test on a scrap of veroboard (which is admittedly optimal conditions) seems to suck at least as well as my existing one did when new.  Very much not barakta-friendly in terms of thumb-strength required, thobut.

In the words of the now legendary Marty McFly, all the best stuff comes from Japan...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 18 March, 2024, 01:44:13 pm
Delivered by Royal Mail in the past few minutes, a very cold Santoku made by Blenheim Forge in Peckham (I attended a knife sharpening class there just before the start of the pandemic).
Knife sharpening class? Tell me more...
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 18 March, 2024, 01:54:31 pm
Delivered by Royal Mail in the past few minutes, a very cold Santoku made by Blenheim Forge in Peckham (I attended a knife sharpening class there just before the start of the pandemic).
Knife sharpening class? Tell me more...
A couple of hours on a Saturday morning. Six in the class.
My grandfather taught me how to sharpen blades when I was a sprog.
I always considered myself to be adept at sharpening knives.
These lessons took the edges of my knives to another level.
Recommended.
The only disappointment was that given that it's a forge, I was anticipating fire, sparks and general industrial clamour.
Alas, the day I was there none of the above were available.

ETA - Top Tip - If you want sharp knives, steer clear of stainless steel blades.
Carbon Steel FTW.

ETFA - I've just tried their website to see if they're still doing the classes/cost/etc, but I'm at work and not allowed to look at knives/weapons whilst at work  ::-).
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: drossall on 18 March, 2024, 03:32:36 pm
I came across locking adjustable wrenches (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazon-Basics-10-Inch-Locking-Adjustable/dp/B08L6V5WV8/) recently, and was tempted. Maybe a better one than that, but anyone got any experience?

(https://assets.testequity.com/te1/product-images/medium/865-610.01.jpg)
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: T42 on 18 March, 2024, 04:04:06 pm
ETA - Top Tip - If you want sharp knives, steer clear of stainless steel blades.
Carbon Steel FTW.


Heh. A chum once tested one of my Opinels on his thumb and needed instant First Aid.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 18 March, 2024, 05:44:44 pm
I came across locking adjustable wrenches (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazon-Basics-10-Inch-Locking-Adjustable/dp/B08L6V5WV8/) recently, and was tempted. Maybe a better one than that, but anyone got any experience?

(https://assets.testequity.com/te1/product-images/medium/865-610.01.jpg)
If you can find one of these:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48036243031_c4afbaf9ce.jpg) (http://[url=https://flic.kr/p/2gbNiuK) (https://flic.kr/p/2gbNiuK)  (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jurekb/)
then sell a kidney to get it.
I bought mine from Tourette's Tools in Fulham about 25 years ago.
It was spendy - Around £45.00 as I recall, but it has smooth jaws - so it won't mark your work, and works beautifully.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: drossall on 18 March, 2024, 06:02:54 pm
I can't quite read the name on that. How would I come across one? :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: jsabine on 18 March, 2024, 06:12:57 pm
Looks like Facom to me, though a little fuzzy
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Jurek on 18 March, 2024, 06:42:00 pm
I can't quite read the name on that. How would I come across one? :thumbsup:
It is Facom.
I think you'll struggle to find an unused one.
Tourette's Tools used to ship them into the UK  - but they've been closed for a good few years now.
It identifies as a 114.8
Good luck with finding one.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: pcolbeck on 20 March, 2024, 01:07:09 pm
Inspired by a discussion elseweb, and the fact that my current solder sucker has a gnarly tip, I've just taken delivery of one of these: https://www.engineertools-jp.com/ss02

It oozes quality, is actually hand-sized, and in a brief test on a scrap of veroboard (which is admittedly optimal conditions) seems to suck at least as well as my existing one did when new.  Very much not barakta-friendly in terms of thumb-strength required, thobut.

In the words of the now legendary Marty McFly, all the best stuff comes from Japan...

Everything I have from Engineer is lovely. Their screw removal pliers are awesome.

https://youtu.be/R7eDNkFFAII?si=iPR0c4Hqgbvr9S9M
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 20 March, 2024, 05:45:11 pm
Everything I have from Engineer is lovely. Their screw removal pliers are awesome.

https://youtu.be/R7eDNkFFAII?si=iPR0c4Hqgbvr9S9M

I have a set of those, after someone (possibly you) mentioned them on here.  They're basically magic.

Can also recommend their PA-09/PA-12 crimp tools.  Not because they're the best at crimping, but they're a sensible price for light use and when used with care can achieve a acceptable result on a wide range of small crimp connectors (JST, Dupont, Molex, small spade connectors, etc).
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: JefO on 24 March, 2024, 08:39:46 pm
My friends astounded me at lunch today. They bought me a lovely bicycle bearing press kit. 'Tis a thing of beauty. Gobsmacked
Looks very similar to this -
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/314238035925
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 24 March, 2024, 09:40:55 pm
My friends astounded me at lunch today. They bought me a lovely bicycle bearing press kit. 'Tis a thing of beauty. Gobsmacked
Looks very similar to this -
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/314238035925

Pretty cool, but I wonder how many of the collars you would actually use?
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: JefO on 24 March, 2024, 09:53:32 pm

Pretty cool, but I wonder how many of the collars you would actually use?

...Or my son when I depart this mortal coil
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Kim on 24 March, 2024, 10:02:16 pm

Pretty cool, but I wonder how many of the collars you would actually use?

...Or my son when I depart this mortal coil

Don't be silly.  The bike manufacturers will have come up with incompatible bearing sizes by then.
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: JefO on 24 March, 2024, 10:11:22 pm

Pretty cool, but I wonder how many of the collars you would actually use?

...Or my son when I depart this mortal coil

Don't be silly.  The bike manufacturers will have come up with incompatible bearing sizes by then.


But my family will continue to maintain obsolete technology way into the future!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: robgul on 25 March, 2024, 07:08:00 am

Pretty cool, but I wonder how many of the collars you would actually use?

...Or my son when I depart this mortal coil

Don't be silly.  The bike manufacturers will have come up with incompatible bearing sizes by then.


But my family will continue to maintain obsolete technology way into the future!  :thumbsup:

Wheels Manufacturing has a useful "multi-stepped" collar that fits every BB bearing I've come across (altough a pair costs as much as the blue mega-set) . . .  and it's a really nice RED colour
Title: Re: Confessions of a tool junkie
Post by: Hot Flatus on 25 March, 2024, 07:24:40 am
Bang for buck, this is my favorite tool.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285340357873?chn=ps&_ul=GB&var=587219577903&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1ySOyDBGoSnqXfX1EiHVXaQ16&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=587219577903_285340357873&targetid=1647205088800&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=9045629&poi=&campaignid=19926849521&mkgroupid=147378848803&rlsatarget=pla-1647205088800&abcId=9311021&merchantid=527412213&gad_source=1

Yes, doesn't get used that often, but when it does it saves muching around with a vice and those silly little yellow plastic blocks