Core77

[AFonder]

Hey all,

Quick question: if you had to choose your 5 most essential shop tools when it comes to making & designing on an everyday basis, which ones would you choose? I'm just looking for general answers (like a table saw, drill, etc.) but if you want to suggest a specific brand or model you're more than welcome to share that too!

[iab]

Pencil
Straight edge
Caliper/ruler
Clamp
Sandpaper

Never did a project without all 5.

[yo]

exacto knife
foam core
pink foam
spray glue



but if you are thinking of big floor standing power tools:

Bandsaw
Drillpress
Belt/disc sander combo
Spraybooth

[AndyMc]

For initial design and quick protos:

1. Pen/Pencil
2. Verniers
3. Knife
4. Masking tape
5. Hot glue gun

If we are testing developed prototypes, not that I normally make these myself, then I'd include mig/tig and grinder in there too.

[KenoLeon]

I donated /got rid of all my stuff in order to move countries, so this question is making me think what I would buy for the next shop...

1. Cutting mat, probably a big one.
2. An exacto that won't leave me in pain.
3. Helping hands, the big articulated ones
4. A vacuum cleaner.
5. Marking/Measuring tools.

As for power tools, I can get by with a dremel and a power drill, but yo's list is pretty good.

I would also add that the first thing I need is a table,good light and ventilation.

[iab]

exacto knife

omg.

How did I forget this? I have one at my work and home computer. I have 2 each in my garage and basement toolboxes and at least 6 each in both of toolboxes in our lab.

I'm an idiot. (Not to be confused with our friend @IDiot )

[iab]

With power.

What yo said but with a dremel for #5.

[cwatkinson]

1. bandages
2. antiseptic
3. turnikit
4. peroxide
5. phone for 911.


Yes, I am that guy

[moczys]

A lot can be accomplished with hand tools. As a student, or amateur on a budget, buying a Ryobi multi-tool kit with a Drill, Circular Saw, and Jig Saw will allow you to make just about anything with some clever jigs for cutting things accurately. That's all I've got for now at home, and I get by. But, my future plans are to buy the following shop tools (more tailored for wood working):

1. Bandsaw
2. Drill Press
3. Table Saw
4. Belt/Circular Sanding station
5. Planer

[yo]

With power.

What yo said but with a dremel for #5.

duh, yes, a dremel! I love my dremel. I use it for everything from sculpting foam to cutting an extruded metal rain gutter to length

[William009]

Caliper / ruler
Clamp
Sandpaper
Table
welder

[ralphzoontjens]

- Spray paint, the graffiti brands get you a long way
- X-acto knife. I also have a complete kit with interchangeable blades, never use it, just stick with the classic
- Tweezers (Sparkfun has the best one)
- Rotary tool (some German brands like Parkside are almost as good as Dremel)
- Foam core board