Tools of Japan

[PrecisionTools]

Been after one of these for a while...Xmas came a bit early.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

Been after one of these for a while...Xmas came a bit early.

Can't go wrong there, mine spends 8 hours a day on me. Once I start doing CNC work, I'll order the coolant proof version.

 

[Frankstools]

Nice!!

 

[superautobacs]

I thought a video like this is appropriate here. It's a short little documentary-like video on one of the last remaining Japanese swords maker / craftsman living today. I think the Japanese sword embodies the essence of what Japanese craftsmanship is.

http://vimeo.com/32113233

 

[PrecisionTools]

Nice vid...thank you.

 

[lgrlife]

That's why I love Japanese tools...great video superautobacs!!

 

[Monte]

There was once a documentary in german/french TV about the Katana, where they showed how such a sword is made, from making the steel out of "iron sand" like they make it since 1000 years, to forging, to finishing:

edit: found a english version: here part 1:

 

[american lockpicker]

I wish I could afford a handmade in Japan sword.

 

[Sick Puppy]

I remember many years ago watching a TV clip about a Kitana that had been made by a machine... it was mounted blade up in a robotics expo, and a robot claw placed a spinning top on the blade, whereupon it moved down the blade... utterly irrelevant to this thread, but it was an awesome clip!

 

[PrecisionTools]

edit: found a english version: here part 1:

Nice work Mont...

Just out of interest, does anyone know if Mitutoyo stuff is all made in Japan? Seems to be some cheaper stuff getting on Ebay lately that makes me wonder?

 

[american lockpicker]

Nice work Mont...

Just out of interest, does anyone know if Mitutoyo stuff is all made in Japan? Seems to be some cheaper stuff getting on Ebay lately that makes me wonder?

Some is made in USA.

 

[superautobacs]

Monte, thanks for posting that link. Simply, awesome !

 

[Monte]

 

[Frankstools]

If you all are interested, I now have the KTC Mini Top Chest with tools. Its on my home page at www.frankstools.com

 

[Frankstools]

Tool of the day, Kuken 1600Spro. Best on the market. Kuken line now available at Frankstools

 

[PrecisionTools]

Tool of the day, Kuken 1600Spro. Best on the market. Kuken line now available at Frankstools

Better than I.R. ?

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

<table class="p_detaile_table" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><th>Socket Insert Sq.</th> <td class="unit">mm(inch)</td> <td>12.7(1/2)</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Capacity Bolt Diameter</th> <td class="unit">mm(inch)</td> <td>16(5/8)</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Recommended Torque Range</th> <td class="unit">Nm</td> <td>100-330</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Length w/o Socket</th> <td class="unit">mm(inch)</td> <td>165(6-1/2)</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Weight w/o Socket</th> <td class="unit">kg</td> <td>1.46(3.2)</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Free Rotation Speed</th> <td class="unit">r.p.m.</td> <td>8,000</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Air Consumption</th> <td class="unit">m³(Normal)/min. (c.f.m.)</td> <td>0.3(10.7)</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Noise Level</th> <td class="unit">dB(A)</td> <td>78</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Hose Inlet Bushing</th> <td class="unit">-</td> <td>Rc1/4</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Applicable Compressor</th> <td class="unit">kW</td> <td>2.2</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Hose Inside Diameter</th> <td class="unit">mm(inch)</td> <td>6.3(1/4)</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

330 N·m; 250 lb·ft is that right? If so, I don't think it's a great gun?

 

[Monte]

Tool of the day, Kuken 1600Spro. Best on the market. Kuken line now available at Frankstools

How do you rate Kuken compared to other japanese makers like Yokota, Toku, Fuji, Shinano, Uryu, Kawasaki, SP Air etc.... ?

 

[Frankstools]

Kuken makes the highest quality air tools I have ever seen/used. They have 80% of the market here in Japan. Widely used at automotive production factorys..I personally rate them the top of the market. The model I posted is just a "Compact" very quiet, smooth tool. The 1600Spro is not a wrist breaker, but they do make much more powerful tools.. I will add them shortly

 

[Frankstools]

330 N·m; 250 lb·ft is that right? If so, I don't think it's a great gun?

SKang, check out my other comment, Its a Compact Air Tool, they make many others...More to follow.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

I must have missed that, I didn't know it was compact style. It looked like normal full size on the picture.

 

[Frankstools]

How do you rate Kuken compared to other japanese makers like Yokota, Toku, Fuji, Shinano, Uryu, Kawasaki, SP Air etc.... ?

Monte, they have 80% of the market ( mostly production and factory auto shops). I compare them to German maker called Demag..First class

 

[Frankstools]

I must have missed that, I didn't know it was compact style. It looked like normal full size on the picture.

Its about 6.5 inches long, and super quiet..

 

[Frankstools]

Better than I.R. ?

Nothing against IR, but its in a different class.

 

[805gregg]

They need to take those tools to the failed neclear reactor and fix it.

 

[Frankstools]

No need for poor comment like that..

 

[ricleh]

Frank, how does K&E compare to Kuken? I have some K&E tools that are very good.

 

[Frankstools]

Ricleh, very good question, much of K&E is actually Kuken..

 

[PrecisionTools]

No need for poor comment like that..

Poor comment or poor spelling? Or both?

 

[bts]

Tool of the day, Kuken 1600Spro. Best on the market. Kuken line now available at Frankstools

Nothing against IR, but its in a different class.

I suppose it all comes down to how you look at.
I do Like Kuken impacts. Strange sounding, but a very good gun.

To put them in with IR, Yes I`ll go along with that except that Kukens can play with your head a bit when it comes to repairs.

Of the Japanese tools Fuji Is my pick. Though I have not worked on any Yokota products.

Here`s a nice Kukan, compact and lightweight.

1 1/2" drive, 2400ftlb torque.

 

[Frankstools]

Tool of the Day. KTC Ceramic Scraper, Made in Japan. Available at Frankstools

www.frankstools.com

 

[superautobacs]

I've had the opportunity to use mine on some aluminum heads as well on some steel and aluminum pans. In order to get the best performance from these ceramic scrapers you have a steady hand with smooth and light pressured strokes. It's more of a precision scraper than an ordinary utility scraper. It may take some getting use to in the beginning, but once you get the hang of it, it works very well.

I should also note that if there's a big amount left behind on the work peice I'd suggest removing the material with a standard scraper first. Once that's done use the ceramic scraper to finish the job. There's still a place for the standard scraper.

From what I can recall you can scrape sideways too, using either the left or right edges.

Appparently, the ceramic blade is not replaceable, despite the hex screw you see on the back face. I haven't attempted to remove the screw yet (don't intend to).

With proper use, a ceramic blade is supposed to have a long life.

 

[american lockpicker]

 

[typeshige]

Just went with the 3285Z Z-EAL full set from Ko-ken.

That said, I grew up in California with mostly Craftsman tools.

How does Ko-ken generally compare with run-of-the-mill American Craftsman?

I don't have any experience with Snap-On or other American brands either. How does it compare?

Thanks,
Shige

 

[Monte]

Ko-Ken is much better than Craftsman from what i have seen on pics here

 

[moop187]

I'm a mercedes tech and i never back particular brands of tools. However Ko-ken is by far my favorite for sockets, torx, hex and universal bits. In my opinion nothing even comes close. They are super durable, and of very high quality. I just wish more distributors stocked them in Australia.

 

[Frankstools]

Tool of the Day, Vessel #265 Neon . Glow in the dark handle. Available at Frankstools

 

[FancyLearnin]

This one came as a surprise to me - Estwing nail puller...

 

[RRmech]

I've picked up a few MIJ tools over the years..................................

A complete, NOS Fuller-branded 3/8" drive SAE socket set, made by KTC (Kyoto Tool Company).
The ratchet is fine tooth and the sets entire fit-n'-finish is absolutely first rate.
The mint-condition plastic holding case still had a $14 price sticker on it.

A complete, NOS KAL/Japan Metric wrench set.
This set is raised panel, unlike the matte-finish KAL/USA Metric wrench set that I have.
Pretty good quality, but I'd rate the KAL/USA set as a little nicer.

A complete, NOS KAL/Japan screw driver set.
Eh, nothing special, IMO.

Steve