Lowlevel2021
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- Joined
- Dec 14, 2021
- Messages
- 185
Yes this was a big plus as it makes cleaning gravel easier.
Show your new tool arrivals
- Thread starter sarel.wagner
- Start date
NFT5
Well-known member
Completely OT, but the city was named after Lord Sydney who was Thomas Townshend, the British Home Secretary at the time. There's a Sydney in Canada also named after him. Sidchrome tools were made by Siddons who were a forging company in Melbourne.
I measured it with a torque gauge. These gauges are mostly used in precision manufacturing and calibration I think. Backdrag seems to be the trendy way to justify breaking out the credit card for a $200 ratchet, although those ratchets aren’t the lowest backdrag usually. Generally, backdrag seems to be measured in subjective units of smoothest in the world to junk, or unusable. Higher backdrag means you might need to put your finger on the socket to get a bolt out once it’s loose to get the ratchet to work. For me, 10 ounce-inches is fine on a 3/8 drive tool. I had these gauges out, so it gave me an excuse to use them.
Extendable ratchets are pretty gimmicky. If you had some obstruction 17 inches away, and only had 15 and 20 inch ratchets, you could slide the extendable out to 17 and get a little more leverage to avoid some grunting. This happened to me…once.
I seem to have a need to pick up a new ratchet every month, for no justifiable reason, and the posted ratchet was the latest example. I like it though.
Prospecter
Well-known member
My dual anvil extendable Pittsburgh is nice for oil changes. Extended for leverage with my arthritic shoulder and short for lower torque reinstallation.
I like mine for junkyard trips. If you're only working out of a roller cab, which is me most of the time, sure. But tool bag/mobile users, it's like two ratchets in one.
And sometimes that *****! You can be in some cramped quarters and not feel like using a second hand or rearranging the first hand to do this. I've got a FACOM ratchet which is impressive in some ways but having to almost always help it this way makes me not reach for it very often.
SC Fly Guy
Well-known member
I usually don’t venture out into the madness at this time of year, but our local blood bank was in desperate need and I just became eligible again. Lo and behold, the SO truck was nearby …
I posted on the Milwaukee addiction thread how disappointed I was with the M18 snow blower, shout out to HD for taking it back since I had paid with their store card. Decided to just get what I planned from the beginning. A Honda snowblower.
I have a HS1332TAS (tracked, with electric starter) that I bought in February 2013, as the flakes were flying in the opening hours of a blizzard.
Cost more than my first tractor, but has been incredibly reliable. I remember telling my dad what it cost, and he said "That better last!" I said, "Even if I only get 10 years out of it, that's around $350 a year, and I'd be happy with that!"
I've only used the electric starter twice: Once to test it when new, and once when I screwed up the choke / starting process and flooded it.
I REALLY want to upgrade it for the newer units with the other features, such as turn-able tracks, joystick / powered auger, and built-in battery (no need for an extension cord to start it).
But, it simply keeps purring...
(Pics from 2022, one of the last decent storms we're had here. 8-12 inches like this aren't uncommon here, and 18-30+ have happened several times over the 20 years I've lived here; although, the last 2-3 winters have been pretty dry for snowfall. BTW, I used to get stuck on my hilly driveway with the tractor / blower setup. The tank tracks make the Honda unstoppable.)
Mike
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I measured it with a torque gauge. These gauges are mostly used in precision manufacturing and calibration I think. Backdrag seems to be the trendy way to justify breaking out the credit card for a $200 ratchet, although those ratchets aren’t the lowest backdrag usually. Generally, backdrag seems to be measured in subjective units of smoothest in the world to junk, or unusable. Higher backdrag means you might need to put your finger on the socket to get a bolt out once it’s loose to get the ratchet to work. For me, 10 ounce-inches is fine on a 3/8 drive tool. I had these gauges out, so it gave me an excuse to use them.
Extendable ratchets are pretty gimmicky. If you had some obstruction 17 inches away, and only had 15 and 20 inch ratchets, you could slide the extendable out to 17 and get a little more leverage to avoid some grunting. This happened to me…once.
I seem to have a need to pick up a new ratchet every month, for no justifiable reason, and the posted ratchet was the latest example. I like it though.
I don't know that I really have a use for one of those, but I never knew there was a tool manufacturer in Seekonk! And, I have an uncle who used to work on a pit crew for a car that raced at Seekonk Speedway in the late 70s / early 80s!
So of course, now I want one, LOL...
Mike
Lowlevel2021
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2021
- Messages
- 185
How long have you had the cab and is it worth it?I have a HS1332TAS (tracked, with electric starter) that I bought in February 2013, as the flakes were flying in the opening hours of a blizzard.
Cost more than my first tractor, but has been incredibly reliable. I remember telling my dad what it cost, and he said "That better last!" I said, "Even if I only get 10 years out of it, that's around $350 a year, and I'd be happy with that!"
I've only used the electric starter twice: Once to test it when new, and once when I screwed up the choke / starting process and flooded it.
I REALLY want to upgrade it for the newer units with the other features, such as turn-able tracks, joystick / powered auger, and built-in battery (no need for an extension cord to start it).
But, it simply keeps purring...
(Pics from 2022, one of the last decent storms we're had here. 8-12 inches like this aren't uncommon here, and 18-30+ have happened several times over the 20 years I've lived here; although, the last 2-3 winters have been pretty dry for snowfall. BTW, I used to get stuck on my hilly driveway with the tractor / blower setup. The tank tracks make the Honda unstoppable.)
Mike
I "bought" the cab with the snowblower, but they didn't have one in stock, and had to order it. Came in pretty quickly, but I didn't get around to installing it right away, so I definitely have experience with this blower, and without the cab. (I also have decades of experience with tractor-mounted snowblowers, and other walk-behinds, with and without cabs.)
So, I always say that ANY cab is better than no cab. However, this (manufactured by Original Tractor Cab / OTC) is more of a glorified shield. My main complaint is that the sides are too short front-to-back (barely extends beyond the handles), so in the right conditions, wind can whip the snow around the sides and into my face, unless I lean forward and get my head into the cab.
I also would have happily paid the shop to assemble it. I'm usually very cheap about that sort of thing, but the frame of this thing was ZERO fun to put together.
The OCD side of me also wishes there was a Honda logo, and the red color actually matched the Honda paint, LOL.
Having said all of that, I wouldn't want to use the machine without the cab.
Mike
Motorman55
Well-known member
Some more MILESCRAFT woodworking tools came in today. These are part of their Grabber line of safety tools. This delivery completes the last order from HD.
I have to say every MILESCRAFT tool I've purchased so far looks and feel well made. My 2026 house projects are expanding and every one of them will get their fair share of use.
I have to say every MILESCRAFT tool I've purchased so far looks and feel well made. My 2026 house projects are expanding and every one of them will get their fair share of use.
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Today was the first time I've ever been on a Snap-On (or any other) tool truck. The owner of our small town's gun shop also does Cerakoting and has an Epic Utility Vehicle box in his shop. Awhile back I asked him who the local Snap-On dealer was. He gave me the dealers number and I texted him asking if he deals with DIYers. He responds that he does and I told him I got his number from the local gun shop. He said that's one of his regular stops and said to drop by anytime. He said his usual time was 12:30. I live just a few miles away and he was kind enough to text me to say he's running about 10 minutes late. Now granted, this guy has never met me before and we've only texted once and for him to take the time to let me know he's running a few minutes behind told me he's very professional and is the kind of person I want to do business with. I arrive at the gun shop just before he pulls in and he invites me onboard. I introduce myself and ask if he has a few minutes and I'd like to purchase some tools. The dealer looks in his mid-30, clean cut and well spoken. I tell him that I'm not a professional tech, just a hobbyist DIYer who likes nice tools. I tell him that I'd like to build a relationship with a Snap-On dealer as I want to steadily replace lesser tools with quality stuff and I'm a cash buyer.
I've read numerous stories about how Snap-On dealers don't like DIYers, but he was extremely polite. It was a very pleasant experience quite unlike some of the stories I've read about dealers being rude to non-professional techs or not even wanting to deal with them at all. I complimented him on this nice truck (class 7 Kenworth) and how I'm used to seeing the typical box van. His truck was packed with inventory. He had everything I was wanting in stock.
My toolbox is yellow and the two ratchets I purchased are not offered in Hi-Viz. I asked him if I could purchase separate Hi-Viz handles and swap them out. He said no need to buy as he would order Hi-Viz handles and swap them out for free and warranty my orange handles.
He said he makes this stop the same time each week and I told him I will be regular buyer. It was a great experience overall and we chatted about tools for about an hour. To top it off, he offered, without me asking, a generous discount on the tools since I was a cash buyer and threw in a pair of socks and a #2 Phillips bit.
Here is today's haul...
I've read numerous stories about how Snap-On dealers don't like DIYers, but he was extremely polite. It was a very pleasant experience quite unlike some of the stories I've read about dealers being rude to non-professional techs or not even wanting to deal with them at all. I complimented him on this nice truck (class 7 Kenworth) and how I'm used to seeing the typical box van. His truck was packed with inventory. He had everything I was wanting in stock.
My toolbox is yellow and the two ratchets I purchased are not offered in Hi-Viz. I asked him if I could purchase separate Hi-Viz handles and swap them out. He said no need to buy as he would order Hi-Viz handles and swap them out for free and warranty my orange handles.
He said he makes this stop the same time each week and I told him I will be regular buyer. It was a great experience overall and we chatted about tools for about an hour. To top it off, he offered, without me asking, a generous discount on the tools since I was a cash buyer and threw in a pair of socks and a #2 Phillips bit.
Here is today's haul...
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Nice ! $500 there ?Today was the first time I've ever been on a Snap-On (or any other) tool truck. The owner of our small town's gun shop also does Cerakoting and has an Epic Utility Vehicle box in his shop. Awhile back I asked him who the local Snap-On dealer was. He gave me the dealers number and I texted him asking if he deals with DIYers. He responds that he does and I told him I got his number from the local gun shop. He said that's one of his regular stops and said to drop by anytime. He said his usual time was 12:30. I live just a few miles away and he was kind enough to text me to say he's running about 10 minutes late. Now granted, this guy has never met me before and we've only texted once and for him to take the time to let me know he's running a few minutes behind told me he's very professional and is the kind of person I want to do business with. I arrive at the gun shop just before he pulls in and he invites me onboard. I introduce myself and ask if he has a few minutes and I'd like to purchase some tools. The dealer looks in his mid-30, clean cut and well spoken. I tell him that I'm not a professional tech, just a hobbyist DIYer who likes nice tools. I tell him that I'd like to build a relationship with a Snap-On dealer as I want to steadily replace lesser tools with quality stuff and I'm a cash buyer.
I've read numerous stories about how Snap-On dealers don't like DIYers, but he was extremely polite. It was a very pleasant experience quite unlike some of the stories I've read about dealers being rude to non-professional techs or not even wanting to deal with them at all. I complimented him on this nice truck (class 7 Kenworth) and how I'm used to seeing the typical box van. His truck was packed with inventory. He had everything I was wanting in stock.
My toolbox is yellow and the two ratchets I purchased are not offered in Hi-Viz. I asked him if I could purchase separate Hi-Viz handles and swap them out. He said no need to buy as he would order Hi-Viz handles and swap them out for free and warranty my orange handles.
He said he makes this stop the same time each week and I told him I will be regular buyer. It was a great experience overall and we chatted about tools for about an hour. To top it off, he offered, without me asking, a generous 15-25% discount on the tools since I was a cash buyer and threw in a pair of socks and a #2 Phillips bit.
Here is today's haul...
decableguy2000
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2012
- Messages
- 652
What's the part # of the plier set. I've had a had time finding them as a set on the web site.Today was the first time I've ever been on a Snap-On (or any other) tool truck. The owner of our small town's gun shop also does Cerakoting and has an Epic Utility Vehicle box in his shop. Awhile back I asked him who the local Snap-On dealer was. He gave me the dealers number and I texted him asking if he deals with DIYers. He responds that he does and I told him I got his number from the local gun shop. He said that's one of his regular stops and said to drop by anytime. He said his usual time was 12:30. I live just a few miles away and he was kind enough to text me to say he's running about 10 minutes late. Now granted, this guy has never met me before and we've only texted once and for him to take the time to let me know he's running a few minutes behind told me he's very professional and is the kind of person I want to do business with. I arrive at the gun shop just before he pulls in and he invites me onboard. I introduce myself and ask if he has a few minutes and I'd like to purchase some tools. The dealer looks in his mid-30, clean cut and well spoken. I tell him that I'm not a professional tech, just a hobbyist DIYer who likes nice tools. I tell him that I'd like to build a relationship with a Snap-On dealer as I want to steadily replace lesser tools with quality stuff and I'm a cash buyer.
I've read numerous stories about how Snap-On dealers don't like DIYers, but he was extremely polite. It was a very pleasant experience quite unlike some of the stories I've read about dealers being rude to non-professional techs or not even wanting to deal with them at all. I complimented him on this nice truck (class 7 Kenworth) and how I'm used to seeing the typical box van. His truck was packed with inventory. He had everything I was wanting in stock.
My toolbox is yellow and the two ratchets I purchased are not offered in Hi-Viz. I asked him if I could purchase separate Hi-Viz handles and swap them out. He said no need to buy as he would order Hi-Viz handles and swap them out for free and warranty my orange handles.
He said he makes this stop the same time each week and I told him I will be regular buyer. It was a great experience overall and we chatted about tools for about an hour. To top it off, he offered, without me asking, a generous 15-25% discount on the tools since I was a cash buyer and threw in a pair of socks and a #2 Phillips bit.
Here is today's haul...
Lorydr
Well-known member
I got a nice deal yesterday from HF. My insurance actually sent a $100 gift card, HF had a coupon for $50 off. So it was destiny to replace my old craftsman AC. Outta my pocket was $113. Plus a free bucket. Life is sweet.
I can see that the build has a good quality so far. I did the break in 30 minute period, then under load. It is working fine. Easy to drain & roll around.
PL3LNSJCFHV
decableguy2000
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2012
- Messages
- 652
Thankyou
This is GJ! Why not make a helmet out of a 5g bucket, line it with wool, some ventilation ports up high, plexiglass window? Like Sir Bedevere's helmet but with a window. And a cape for your shoulders attached to the bottom perimeter of the helmet, so no snow gets down your collar.
Oh, and probably not something seen in junkyards in your neck of the woods, but maybe add a wiper arm from an 80's Mercedes headlight.
P.S. On second thought, I probably got this idea from Ginger Billy.
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I’m on the Craftsman V20 platform and have the same impact. It’s seriously awesome! I really like the Craftsman V20 tools I have and they take a lot of abuse. That’s an incredibly nice gift! He will enjoy it!I got this for my son in law as a Christmas gift for $79. Hopefully it every bit as good as the Dewalt
A lot of hate on the current craftsman stuff. The few things I got, I like too
The rest of my son in law's stuff it Porter-Cable so hopefully I can get him on Craftsman. It's probably nearly identical stuff though
This is GJ! Why not make a helmet out of a 5g bucket, line it with wool, some ventilation ports up high, plexiglass window? Like Sir Bedevere's helmet but with a window. And a cape for your shoulders attached to the bottom perimeter of the helmet, so no snow gets down your collar.
Oh, and probably not something seen in junkyards in your neck of the woods, but maybe add a wiper arm from an 80's Mercedes headlight.
P.S. On second thought, I probably got this idea from Ginger Billy.
What was I thinking? LOL...
I originally wanted to keep it fully stock, but now that the warranty period is (LONG) since expired, I really should upgrade a few things...
...or trade it in for a new model!
Mike
I know this will make @Steel_Rain sad, but I returned the FLEX impact I purchased and bought the Craftsman for my son in law. I figured if Lowe's was going to axe FLEX he'd be better off with something that was on the shelf near him.
I got this for my son in law as a Christmas gift for $79. Hopefully it every bit as good as the Dewalt
I was looking for a starter punch. My first thought was Mayhew, but they make it difficult to buy the punches with parabolic ends. Proto makes it much easier. Strange part numbers, though.
They also make a massive punch -- 10" long, 3/4" stock, 3/8" tip, which I did not buy.
They also make a massive punch -- 10" long, 3/4" stock, 3/8" tip, which I did not buy.
Attachments
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Steel_Rain
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- Apr 23, 2024
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- 1,369
Lance, you son of a *****!
Well, it’s probably for the best damnit. Flex makes a good product but I can’t really say what’s going to happen with them in the next few months, so good call Lance.
Steel_Rain
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2024
- Messages
- 1,369
Steel_Rain
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2024
- Messages
- 1,369
Beautiful machine! Congrats!I posted on the Milwaukee addiction thread how disappointed I was with the M18 snow blower, shout out to HD for taking it back since I had paid with their store card. Decided to just get what I planned from the beginning. A Honda snowblower.
david3921
Well-known member
I'm confused by the 40 degrees on the smaller block.VEVOR 14pc Router/Table Saw Gauge Block Set.
These aluminum measuring blocks are used to set height/angle/depth/thickness on various tool like routers, tablesaws etc. They're sold under different brand names on every tool site from HD to Amazon.
This set was actually ordered from HD under the name SKYSHALO, but came in as a VEVOR Set. Same color and no differance in quality, which is very nice. (The overhead lighting makes them look off color, but they're not.)
david3921
Well-known member
Just curious, what's the purpose of the black bar across the front? I noticed the empty holes on Lowlevel's machine and wondered what went there.
jar944
Well-known member
The new sliding table saw has arrived and been assembled. It took a little bit of creative rigging, but I got it done by myself. Son and SIL are supper busy, so I wanted to avoid asking them for help.
I took a bit of a leap of faith on this purchase. Maksiwa is a Brazilian company with pretty good reviews and this was available on short notice. So far I'm impressed with the quality, particularly the machining.
First the final package:
Some shots of the assembly process using the winch on the trailer. Wireless remote control makes working by yourself effortless. That sliding table weighs over 250 lbs, and the rip saw guide rail is solid 50mm shaft material. I for sure needed help with that. This saw has 120" of travel, allowing 10' long rips without getting your fingers near the blade. Total weight near 1500 lbs.
Tractor and pallet jack unloading it:
I love this hydraulic tilting bed trailer!
Trailer and winch:
The widely reinforced truss I used to support the ****** block. Lifted 1200lbs off the crate and sat it on the floor. This was an engineered change from an attic truss to a scissor truss, the result was so overdone, I decided I could lift this saw easily from that truss.
Lifting and installing the sliding table, this thing is the size of an aircraft carrier
Rip saw guide rail is solid 50mm shaft material, "oh ****" heavy! Winch to the rescue again
It was quite the endeavor to get this all together by myself. I can't wait to build some cabinets and furniture with this beast. A couple of videos to show more detail..
Walk around
Sliding Table Motion
I've wanted one of these for over 40 years. Now to let the work begin!
I really wanted the inside of the shop to be covered in metal before this project started, but the daughter thought otherwise
She needs her cabinets "Now" !
I seriously should have built a bigger shop!
Nice. What's the actual travel on that slider?
My 2700mm table has 3000mm of travel. Which is nice but a pain to use all of it. It's one of the reasons I'd like a 10' slider.
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Travel is 120", it's nice but takes up a lot of room. It's really nice to straight line rip raw lumber, clamp it to the sliding table and it comes off with a perfect edge.
jar944
Well-known member
I'm surprised it's only 120" is the table 120" as well?
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Duh, I'm sorry. Table is 126", travel is about 136".
slodat
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Couple of recent additions to the shop. Kaeser air tower.
Stierli horizontal press brake with angle correction.
Stierli horizontal press brake with angle correction.
Motorman55
Well-known member
Yeah, its a little wonkie....The 'Angle degree' has nothing to do with the thickness or size of the blocks. The size of each block is stamped on its TOP and all sides for all its measurements... Example; The 1/2" block measures Height, Width, Length and Depth in 1/2". They are placed in the box in decending order left to right from 3/4" to 1/16". You can easily see the marked size of the block thru the clear lid. HOWEVER, the Angle end of each block is only stamped on the blocks' sides in a random order regardless of their thickness. EXAMPLE; The thickest 1/2" block on the left has a 45o Angle, the 7/16" block (5th block from the left) has a 65o Angle and the 1/16" block (last one on the right) has a 25o Angle. Since the angle degree is only stamped on the side of each block you can't tell what it is until you pull it from the foam so I'm going to have to mark the corresponding angle degree over each block on the clear lid.
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I posted on the Milwaukee addiction thread how disappointed I was with the M18 snow blower, shout out to HD for taking it back since I had paid with their store card. Decided to just get what I planned from the beginning. A Honda snowblower.
I'm so embarrassed...
In my diatribe above (about my own Honda snowblower), I left out the most important point:
GREAT PURCHASE, @Lowlevel2021! If I ever do upgrade mine, it'll be for the model you just bought!
Please let us know how you like it once you start moving snow with it!
One tip from my dealer that has worked flawlessly for me: Use Startron Enzyme gas treatment. I use 93 octane gas and the Startron, have never once had any problems getting it to start on the first (or second, if really cold) pull.
Mike
That's a drift cutter. Helps knock down taller piles of snow, and the idea is to knock them down in front of the augers. I think that was optional.
That works better than no drift cutter, but if the snow pile is dense, it tends to break off in chunks, which often make their way behind the auger housing (and you end up backing up to blow them).
My only real complaint about this snowblower is how short the auger housing is. As shown in my earlier pic, we can get some pretty deep snow (and even deeper piles at the end of the driveway from the road plows) here, and that auger housing is only about a foot tall. LOTS of going back and forth to dig through that stuff.
There is (was?) a guy who sold a bucket extender for these machines, I haven't gotten around to buy one (yet). Makes the intake taller.
Mike
