Tools you long for but can't justify

[Forgottonia]

8 x 32 metal lathe. Oh sure, I don't really *need* one. But it'd sure be fun to play around with!

 

[brownbagg]

i got a metal lathe, had it about 26 years, just dont know what to use it for.
my two post is outside on a slab, I built a canopy for it last year, its been outside since 2005

 

[ChefRex]

Thanks for that! I checked it out and decided I had to have one, just ordered the Venom HP. We use Loctite 271 on some parts and on occasion need to take them apart...this will be the ticket.

You'll love it, mine doesn't get used all the time but when it does it makes me happy!

 

[2Busy]

A pro grade automotive diagnostic/scan tool, bi-directional and all. Would love to have one and then maybe I’d do more of my own work but maybe not. Anyway, can’t justify the $1,000+ and yearly updates. I have a Launch with a decent number of functions, will have to stick with that for now.

 

[M635_Guy]

A pro grade automotive diagnostic/scan tool, bi-directional and all. Would love to have one and then maybe I’d do more of my own work but maybe not. Anyway, can’t justify the $1,000+ and yearly updates. I have a Launch with a decent number of functions, will have to stick with that for now.

You don't have to spend that much. There are less-expensive ones that are slower and will only do 1-3 makes for manufacturer codes (there are the industry-standard codes, and then there are codes - sometimes more helpful - that are specific to the maker). I have a Schwaben reader that is a re-badged Foxwell (I think) that comes with BMW/Mini codes, which covers 2 out of the 4 cars in the family at the moment (a BMW's and a Mini). I got it for a couple hundred bucks, and it's been invaluable. Updates are included (though my cars are all old, so...)

 

[JradM]

i got a metal lathe, had it about 26 years, just dont know what to use it for.

You should watch some videos from "my mechanics" on YouTube. You'll think of something

 

[f121]

You don't have to spend that much. There are less-expensive ones that are slower and will only do 1-3 makes for manufacturer codes (there are the industry-standard codes, and then there are codes - sometimes more helpful - that are specific to the maker). I have a Schwaben reader that is a re-badged Foxwell (I think) that comes with BMW/Mini codes, which covers 2 out of the 4 cars in the family at the moment (a BMW's and a Mini). I got it for a couple hundred bucks, and it's been invaluable. Updates are included (though my cars are all old, so...)

I used to take this approach, but got sick of spending a few hundred everytime I bought a new brand of car, or spending ages messing around with knockoff ebay cables that never work reliably, so spent $1500 on a pre-owned snap on modis, that covers up to 2018. When I but something newer than 2018, I'll do the updates or px it for a newer model

 

[M635_Guy]

You should watch some videos from "my mechanics" on YouTube. You'll think of something

He'll make a new one.

 

[M635_Guy]

I used to take this approach, but got sick of spending a few hundred everytime I bought a new brand of car, or spending ages messing around with knockoff ebay cables that never work reliably, so spent $1500 on a pre-owned snap on modis, that covers up to 2018. When I but something newer than 2018, I'll do the updates or px it for a newer model

I dunno - I have a long list of priorities (some of them aren't even tools) that would line up way before that in terms of value-for-money. Heck, $1500 bought me the Schwaben reader and my QuickJack, which both add a ton of value. I'm not saying you did the wrong thing with your money, but I'm feeling pretty good with the reader I've got. I would feel VERY differently if I was earning money doing this stuff.

 

[Antoin]

Currently in the process of buying a mid rise scissor lift for my single home garage.
Its a lot of money for me and it is definitely a "want to have" rather than a "must have".

I don't spend much on clothes, dont drink or go out often, don't gamble, don't have fancy cars so this is my treat to myself. I saved and sold tools I didn't need or had multiples of to limit the hit on the wages coming in each month.

If I find it becomes an expensive ornament (unlikely ) it will hold its value and be moved on.

 

[matt_i]

On my list...Hyster/Cat 15.5k forklift and a propane forge. The 2nd one about 50x more realistic lol.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Computerized spin balancer. I could make the room, but can't justify the expense to balance my tires a few times a year. I do just fine with my bubble balancer.

I did, however invest in a manual euro tire machine (Redline TC-500M). It makes tire changing a joy. I figured flat tires can come up anytime, so I can bust out a flat repair in an hour on an evening when tire shops are closed and be back in business for the next day.

You stole my answer! I'd love a good balancer and tire putter-onner. I would also love to have an alignment machine. Though, I just found out yesterday that the indy shop down the road will balance wheels for $5 each when I drop them off. I brought them two, and picked tem up. Curious to see how they run.

-Ryan

 

[itsDROCK]

Bench top mill
Mini Lathe
8" bench vise
200+lb anvil
Milwaukee pro press

 

[brownbagg]

i always wanted a coats tire changer, ( it could be an old one) just because the local shop is an all day deal

 

[tarbellb]

If you build it, they will come....


shop bigger then my house, the rest is is organic

 

[bob from indiana]

A pro level scan tool and a floor lift

 

[ex-x-fire]

OTC strut tamer

Don't like using that one at all.