Welder/fabricator tool thread.

[03protege]

I probably have about 4-4.5" grinders. 1 $100 dewalt and several $15 harbor freight ones. I keep a different consumable in each one and it is awesome not having to switch discs constantly.

I also have several 9" grinders but only use one of them (bought them cheap.)

 

[PCO6]

Fein grinder
Horizantal Bandsaw
BFH
Portaban
Metal Cutting Circular Saw (Should probably top the list)
So many clamps

I agree. I've used mine since the early '80s and wouldn't be without one. I bought a second one but this time got one with a swivel head.

I figured I'd be lucky to get $50 for my 30+ year old original one so I turned it into a permanent "vertical" band saw. It works great and is plenty for my needs.

View media item 35108

 

[PCO6]

I don't necessarily have a "favorite" but I have some that get used more than others for sure. My MM251 Miller MIG welder and Dynasty DX300 TIG are my two welders, my 14" vertical bandsaw gets used a lot as well as my Jet 7x12 horizontal bandsaw.

The one piece of equipment that gets used probably the most is my Wilton 6x48 belt/12" disc combination sander. It seems as though there is always a burr that needs to be removed or a corner that needs rounding. That disc sander/belt sander gets used a lot.

I don't know what I am doing wrong as many people said their 4 1/2" angle grinders are used so much and I hardly ever use mine.

Most of what is seen in these two pics are my "go to" fabrication tools.

And here are the other two pieces of equipment that seem to get used the most next to my welders and disc/belt sander. Lathe and mill.

All in all a pretty loaded question as all my tools and equipment serve a purpose and really no one is more valuable than another. The one I am using for the intended job is the most valuable one at the time.

Mike.

Mike - with a shop like yours I'd have a hard time picking a favourite too. VERY nice.

Stew

 

[afazz]

Curious as to where you find the Dynafile better than say a grinder. Always see them in the catalogs but never used one.

If I had to choose only one, I would pick the 4-1/2" grinder over the Dynafile. But this thing is more useful than I ever imagined. Being able to feather the trigger to control the speed of the belt is useful, access can be better than grinding depending on the area, it's lighter, the belts cut well and last a long time. I use it to grind welds, trim sheet metal, deburr, de-scale HR plate before welding, sharpen my tungsten...all sorts of things. It was expensive, but worth every penny in my opinion.

 

[ckpitt55]

Hey Fazz

I'm working on a set of headers for a project and picked up this guy from Trick Tools. Makes getting nice tight joints incredibly easy, dare I say enjoyable. I'd also mention that this doubles as an excellent tungsten grinder with the appropriate belt. Since this pic was taken I stuck on an 80 grit 7" disc on the side there and it works awesome for getting a nice square face after cutting the tubing with the bandsaw.

The scotchbrite pads makes for a decent brushed finish, too.

 

[56rpm]

These and there easy to make too

Merb

I give, what it be?

 

[PCO6]

I give, what it be?

They're used for welding sheet metal ...

 

[zmotorsports]

Mike - with a shop like yours I'd have a hard time picking a favourite too. VERY nice.

Stew

Thanks Stew, I appreciate that.

Mike.

 

[zmotorsports]

Hey Fazz

I'm working on a set of headers for a project and picked up this guy from Trick Tools. Makes getting nice tight joints incredibly easy, dare I say enjoyable. I'd also mention that this doubles as an excellent tungsten grinder with the appropriate belt. Since this pic was taken I stuck on an 80 grit 7" disc on the side there and it works awesome for getting a nice square face after cutting the tubing with the bandsaw.

The scotchbrite pads makes for a decent brushed finish, too.

Nice. I saw that a few weeks back on their website and thought it was a nice, compact little unit.

Mike.

 

[Mitchw123456]

Nice. I saw that a few weeks back on their website and thought it was a nice, compact little unit.

Mike.

I'm intrigued but only finding them from trick tools? Is that the site were you talking about?

 

[56rpm]

They're used for welding sheet metal ...

Thank yoouuu!

 

[zmotorsports]

I'm intrigued but only finding them from trick tools? Is that the site were you talking about?

Yes, it was on trick tools website where I saw it. I haven't seen them anywhere else either, I actually wasn't specifically looking for one, I was just browsing around the website and stumbled across it. Then recognized it when ckpitt55 posted a picture of his.

Mike.

 

[CwazyWabbit]

I think Trick Tools may be putting the bundle together as you can get the belt part as a separate attachment which might explain why you don't see it elsewhere
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/cs/sandingproducts_vansant/multitoolGrinder1.php

They also have a few variations of the attachment here http://www.aircraftspruce.com/categories/building_materials/bm/menus/to/sanding_vansant.html

 

[merbie]

Made one today

Merb

 

[zmotorsports]

Made one today

Merb

Looks great. You will really like those for thin sheet metal **** joints.

Mike.

 

[merbie]

Still need to sandblast it, but literally this costs like 50cent to make


Merb