What surprising tools don’t you own...

[Want2race]

I feel like there aren’t many tools I don’t have. Having mills and lathes makes me pretty confident in my collection.

Today I needed to hand cut a piece of wood and realized I don’t have a single handsaw besides a hacksaw. I guess in all my years (pre kids) I didn’t have to worry about noise.

What tools are you shocked/surprised you don’t have and why?

 

[ericlar80]

A mill and a lathe.

 

[jumbojak]

The big one right now is a table saw. I was looking at getting one, doing my research, and then The Plague hit, so any purchases like that are put off for the foreseeable future.

 

[ericlar80]

The big one right now is a table saw. I was looking at getting one, doing my research, and then The Plague hit, so any purchases like that are put off for the foreseeable future.

Unless you really need a table saw, I would get a track saw. Love mine and more versatile if you already have a sliding compound miter saw.

 

[James-W]

Unless you really need a table saw, I would get a track saw. Love mine and more versatile if you already have a sliding compound miter saw.

A track saw is wonderful for some things, and there are times when I wish I had one, but a table saw is handy for just about anything. For example, a couple days ago I ripped a 2X8 into strips an inch and a half wide and half an inch thick.

If you don't mind my asking, what model track saw do you have? I would really like to have one for cutting plywood. Is there one you would like to recommend more than others? I don't need one for everyday usage, just for when I need to cut a piece from a full sheet of plywood.

I currently cut plywood with my table saw. But a 4X8 sheet is a bit clumsy to cut on my table saw if I want to cut off a piece 10 inches wide and 4 feet long. Cutting off 10 inches wide by 8 feet long is fairly easy, or if I have a smaller piece of plywood I have no problem cutting it.

I would like to have one of these, but first of all I don't have room for it and secondly, I wouldn't use it anywhere near enough to justify the cost.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-15-Amp-8-1-4-in-Panel-Saw-6480-20/100077431

 

[ericlar80]

A track saw is wonderful for some things, and there are times when I wish I had one, but a table saw is handy for just about anything. For example, a couple days ago I ripped a 2X8 into strips an inch and a half wide and half an inch thick.

If you don't mind my asking, what model track saw do you have? I would really like to have one for cutting plywood. Is there one you would like to recommend more than others? I don't need one for everyday usage, just for when I need to cut a piece from a full sheet of plywood.

I currently cut plywood with my table saw. But a 4X8 sheet is a bit clumsy to cut on my table saw if I want to cut off a piece 10 inches wide and 4 feet long. Cutting off 10 inches wide by 8 feet long is fairly easy, or if I have a smaller piece of plywood I have no problem cutting it.

I have the Makita track saw with the 55" track. The only thing the track saw is not great at is cutting a narrow piece of wood even narrower. Pretty much everything else it can do, and it excels at cutting down plywood to any straight-sided shape. The table saw is going to be more repeatable on strip cuts, but the track saw is surprisingly accurate due to the rubber piece that helps you align the cut and prevent tear-out.

I built a nice cabinet box using my track saw that I never could have done with my medium-sized table saw.

 

[ericlar80]

Here is a part of the box I built, and the completed cabinet. (I bought the doors from Barker door.)

 

[jumbojak]

Unless you really need a table saw, I would get a track saw. Love mine and more versatile if you already have a sliding compound miter saw.

I've thought about a track saw in lieu of a table saw but one of my big uses would be cutting down narrow strips. For large sheets a regular circular saw and a straight edge can be made to work - I love my mag sidewinder - but squaring small stock is nearly impossible. I don't think that a track saw would do the job any better.

A miter saw would come after the table saw. Crosscuts on longer pieces aren't a common use-case for me and, with a sled, the smaller crosscuts can be done on the table saw. A zero clearance slider would be nice though. I figure I can make stands for both and save that money.

 

[Steve from Socal]

A claw hammer,

I have ball peins, dead blow, bronze, lead, sledge, hand drilling, body, plastic tipped, mallets but, no claw hammer.

Steve

 

[jumbojak]

A claw hammer,

I have ball peins, dead blow, bronze, lead, sledge, hand drilling, body, plastic tipped, mallets but, no claw hammer.

Steve

That's crazy. Not as crazy as Harry Homeowner buying a ball pein to drive nails but crazy.

 

[Steve from Socal]

I don't do nails very often, I should probably get one just to fix pallets if nothing else!!

Steve

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Tape measure, pencil and a 10mm socket

 

[vavet]

Grinder, welding equipment,

 

[mjchamp]

A plasma cutter

 

[matt_i]

A snow blower.

A shovel has gotten me thru for the last 10 years.

I realize I'm not getting any younger so a tractor-plow setup/adaptation is awaiting its turn on the center stage.

 

[57plymouth]

Duct tape. I do not own or use duct tape.

 

[Ron_J]

Nothing comes to mind, but once it does, I'll be sure to run out and buy one.

I would have an easier time naming the tools that I have and never use.

 

[Motorman55]

Tape measure, pencil and a 10mm socket

They're at my house...somewhere.

 

[Motorman55]

Don't get me started....but a few things that come to mind right away; Bandsaw, Battery powered yard tools...I'm still dragging around cords. Ride on lawn mower...and lots more.

 

[orangeblood]

palm router...recently upgraded my old usa 3/8 fixed cman to a new 1/2 makita w/ a separate plunge base. the versatility is a night and day difference and it causes one to think of all of the things they could / should have done better with a good router. the secondary effect is causing one want a small palm sized router for lighter work that doesnt get done because you dont want to handle the bigger unit and set up.

any recommendations from advanced router users?....makita?

 

[exranger06]

Cordless tools. I don't own a single cordless tool. All of my power tools are either 120V corded or pneumatic.

 

[DFB]

Nothing comes to mind, but once it does, I'll be sure to run out and buy one.

I would have an easier time naming the tools that I have and never use.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Portable air tank. With a shop that has capability to do almost anything, a simple air tank. I do have enough hose to reach around the house to the front yard, though.

 

[Bogie1632]

Air compressor. Like...a good, large one. I've got a 3 gallon CM that works well airing up tires or occasionally running a brand nailer. Impacts, grinders, air drills, etc... Not so much. Usually when I need a new tool I just go get it (or the set) when the need arises. Have yet to pull the trigger on a compressor so I just suffer along breaking lugnuts free by hand like I'm stuck on the side of the road...

V/R
Bogie

 

[tymbo]

VISE


I really like this one ($900):

 

[gnpenning]

I have the Makita track saw with the 55" track. The only thing the track saw is not great at is cutting a narrow piece of wood even narrower. Pretty much everything else it can do, and it excels at cutting down plywood to any straight-sided shape. The table saw is going to be more repeatable on strip cuts, but the track saw is surprisingly accurate due to the rubber piece that helps you align the cut and prevent tear-out.

I built a nice cabinet box using my track saw that I never could have done with my medium-sized table saw.

How does a stacked dado work in your track saw??

I don't have a track saw. While I think they would be better than the clamp down guides I use to cut down larger sheet goods, I haven't decided if it's worth it for me.

 

[James-W]

palm router...recently upgraded my old usa 3/8 fixed cman to a new 1/2 Makita w/ a separate plunge base. the versatility is a night and day difference and it causes one to think of all of the things they could / should have done better with a good router. the secondary effect is causing one want a small palm sized router for lighter work that doesn't get done because you dont want to handle the bigger unit and set up.

Any recommendations from advanced router users?....Makita?

I have this router and I use it a lot for rounding over edges on projects. It is small, it is easy to use, and it works great. I have several routers but this one gets the most use.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-...r-with-Plunge-Base-and-Bag-DWP611PK/203054747

 

[TractorJeff]

Is a person a Tool?
If so I need one to do all the remodeling **** in the house that my wife wants done!
Seriously I have most Tools and have gotten rid of quite a few extras.
Do need a modern Belt Sander. I have my Great Uncle's 1960's Craftsman which it is getting harder to find belts for!

 

[crewchief888]

no plasma, I sold the one I had 10 years ago.

no router, havnt NEEDED one yet

OBII scanner only needed one 2 or 3 times over the years, and I can borrow one if I need to

120V pad sander, mine crapped out last year, and havnt NEEDED one since.

new tool/equipment buying has been on the decline over the past 7 or 8 years. I don't buy anything unless I NEED it.

 

[555]

Anvil. I needed one last night but have not had one in over 20 years. It doesn't need to be anything more than a piece of railroad track or I beam. Just something to beat metal into submission. Ironically nearly all my grandfathers were blacksmiths.

 

[wondo]

palm router...recently upgraded my old usa 3/8 fixed cman to a new 1/2 makita w/ a separate plunge base. the versatility is a night and day difference and it causes one to think of all of the things they could / should have done better with a good router. the secondary effect is causing one want a small palm sized router for lighter work that doesnt get done because you dont want to handle the bigger unit and set up.

any recommendations from advanced router users?....makita?

I would say I use my palm router 4:1 vs my larger fixed base or plunge router. I think you need one!

 

[ZRX61]

Speculum

 

[Lassen Forge]

300+ lb anvil... yet. Same with a knee mill...

 

[niget2002]

Spindle sander. I have an attachment for my drill press, but I could really use a standalone one.

I'd like to get a mill and lathe, but I'm not there yet.

Sent from my LM-G820 using Tapatalk

 

[CJM8515]

Coulda used a tablesaw many times but always made due. Now I just borrow my buddies.

 

[creativecars]

A Dremel. They seem more of a toy than a real tool and I can do most everything with a die grinder that I need. Then I see people using them all the time and wonder if I need one??

 

[LS6 Tommy]

A Dremel. They seem more of a toy than a real tool and I can do most everything with a die grinder that I need. Then I see people using them all the time and wonder if I need one??

You'd be surprised. I have a pneumatic die grinder and a REALLY nice electric extended neck die grinder I used to use to do port work. Even with them available, I use my Dremel for most all of the more delicate work these days. It finally died last fall after 30+ years of service. Heck, it worked a lot of connecting rods, ported a bunch of heads and intakes. It owed me zilch. I think the kit was probably $30.00 new. The one I want to get now as a replacement is $200.00.

Tommy

 

[brownbagg]

mag drill, I want a mag drill for

 

[Firstram]

Speculum

What's your username on Pirate4x4?

 

[engineer2]

I don't own a long-handle sledge hammer.
Don't own an extension ladder.
I could use mill, lathe, or a welder a couple of times a year.
I also no longer own a handsaw. Rarely use my hacksaw, except for once in a while for EMT.