Welder/fabricator tool thread.
- Thread starter ive
- Start date
Alex in Canada
Well-known member
4 1/2" Bosch Angle Grinder. Does everything. And more.
Steevo
Well-known member
Horizontal band saw, vise, hammers, grinders, files, reamers, drill press and bits, pry bars.
And clamps. LOTS of clamps.
And clamps. LOTS of clamps.
My favorite angle grinder. Couldn't do without it.
ibedayank
Well-known member
Ozwelder
Well-known member
I own a Multitool Belt sander linisher/disc combo attaches to an 8" bench grinder.It the most used bit of kit in my workshop.The other end of the grinder is fitted with a wire wheel.
I use this tool daily and it does a wide range of things like grind chisels ,screw drivers.The main use is to dress and edges and face of steel components before they get welded.
Oz
I use this tool daily and it does a wide range of things like grind chisels ,screw drivers.The main use is to dress and edges and face of steel components before they get welded.
Oz
PCO6
Well-known member
Here are a few things I wouldn't want to be without ...
Horizontal band saw ...
View media item 38533
Metal circular saw ...
View media item 34368
Horizontal band saw ...
View media item 38533
Metal circular saw ...
View media item 34368
crewchief888
Well-known member
i wouldnt say they are my favorite,
but...
4 1/2" angle grinders get the most use/abuse
close behind is a mig welder
it's a toss up for my favorite AD welding hood..
but...
4 1/2" angle grinders get the most use/abuse
close behind is a mig welder
it's a toss up for my favorite AD welding hood..
astroracer
Well-known member
I can't play favorites... The tools get jealous if I do...
Jeremiah14
Active member
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2014
- Messages
- 41
A welder. Otherwise your just cutting up metal. 
ZRX61
Well-known member
The stuff between my ears
Tejaas
Well-known member
Haha, Atlas hickory-handled tomahawks.
And a pair of Moore Maker Fence pliers.
I can't draw a bead if I don't have both. Just doesn't feel right!
~Tejaas~
And a pair of Moore Maker Fence pliers.
I can't draw a bead if I don't have both. Just doesn't feel right!
~Tejaas~
Chuck122
Well-known member
I'd say along with the welder and grinder, a buttload of vise grips is pretty indispensable
Rhyno
Well-known member
The stuff between my ears
LOL! But I agree with ya both.
If you like the 4 1/2 wait until you get your hands on one of these.....4 1/2" angle grinders get the most use/abuse.....
Makita 5" Angle Grinder
Model: 9005B
http://www.makitatools.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?Name=9005B
They are more powerful and easier to hang on to, than the awkwardly performing "Paddle" switch 4 1/2".
And it isn't as big as the 7" or the 9"..... So you can lock the trigger on, and still use it one handed.
Unmarked Bill
Well-known member
Maybe this is regional, but the thing nobody seems to have enough of around here for welding is space. You can weld in a one car garage but it sure isn't the best way.
Oldbroncogarage
Active member
My "go to" tools:
a) 4 1/2" angle grinder - as has been said. I have two 'cause I'm lazy, one with a flap disc and the other with a cutoff wheel
b) Porta-band saw with a Swag porta-band saw base - love this little bandsaw, use it a ton more than my JET horizontal 4X6!
c) Vise grips of all types/sizes
d) BFH - Big F*cking Hammer, for all those finesse jobs
e) Miller 140 Mig, I have a 210 as well for the big stuff but use the smaller rig for more things - from sheet metal work to roll cages
a) 4 1/2" angle grinder - as has been said. I have two 'cause I'm lazy, one with a flap disc and the other with a cutoff wheel
b) Porta-band saw with a Swag porta-band saw base - love this little bandsaw, use it a ton more than my JET horizontal 4X6!
c) Vise grips of all types/sizes
d) BFH - Big F*cking Hammer, for all those finesse jobs
e) Miller 140 Mig, I have a 210 as well for the big stuff but use the smaller rig for more things - from sheet metal work to roll cages
RedneckWelder
Well-known member
My 2 1/2 lb cross pein Fine Adjustment Hammer, porta band, 4 1/2 and 9" grinders with good wheels (good abrasives make all the difference), oxy-acetylene torch, a bunch of vise grips, some clamps, and paint markers/soap stones. Speed square and framing square. Level. Chipping hammer, sparker, and tip cleaner.
.
.
My Lincoln Vantage and Miller Dynasty are both great machines.
But leather boot laces and secret recipe, cut and splice welding gloves are almost equally awesome.
A welding tool I miss horribly is my departed Koike "Handy Auto." That thing was great!
And I suppose the Millhogs save me tons of time, and frees the "helper" up to go do his own work.
But the one tool I love the most, is that little drill the eye doctor uses to remove impaled metal from my eyeballs.
But leather boot laces and secret recipe, cut and splice welding gloves are almost equally awesome.
A welding tool I miss horribly is my departed Koike "Handy Auto." That thing was great!
And I suppose the Millhogs save me tons of time, and frees the "helper" up to go do his own work.
But the one tool I love the most, is that little drill the eye doctor uses to remove impaled metal from my eyeballs.
minimowog
Well-known member
becker_atc
Well-known member
Gas sniffer
Sent via message in a bottle
Sent via message in a bottle
machine_punk
Well-known member
Get rid of your Vise Grips and buy CH Hanson's AUTOMATIC locking pliers instead. You will gain back years of your life in not adjusting the pliers every time you move to a different thickness of material. Set the pressure you want and squeeze them closed...they automatically adjust for the thickness of material.
Kev
Kev
How are they with closing a gap between surfaces and holding tension once clamped?
crewchief888
Well-known member
LOL! But I agree with ya both.
If you like the 4 1/2 wait until you get your hands on one of these
Makita 5" Angle Grinder
Model: 9005B
http://www.makitatools.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?Name=9005B
They are more powerful and easier to hang on to, than the awkwardly performing "Paddle" switch 4 1/2".
And it isn't as big as the 7" or the 9"..... So you can lock the trigger on, and still use it one handed.
too long for most of my limited access grinding.
and more consumables for me to buy/stock.
CH Hanson AUTOs....
TERRIBLE! I own the 3pc set and will say they ****. Yes good if you are clamping something like a bolt (solid), but as soon as anything has gaps/spring/etc... they fail miserably.
That and it takes two hands to use. Fail.
My favorite tools for the shop:
1) my 4 Fein grinders
2) Miller
3) Disc/belt combo sander
4) Bessy F-clamps and lesser Irwin Quick clamps
5) Step drill bits (so good!)
6) 14" Dry cut (also amazing)
7) 18v/12v impact and drill
8) carbide scribe
9) plastic and aluminum speed squares
10) Komelon mag tape measure
Things I could really use:
1) proper welding table
2) mini handheld belt sander
3) plasma
4) more angle plates
1) my 4 Fein grinders
2) Miller
3) Disc/belt combo sander
4) Bessy F-clamps and lesser Irwin Quick clamps
5) Step drill bits (so good!)
6) 14" Dry cut (also amazing)
7) 18v/12v impact and drill
8) carbide scribe
9) plastic and aluminum speed squares
10) Komelon mag tape measure
Things I could really use:
1) proper welding table
2) mini handheld belt sander
3) plasma
4) more angle plates
jeepinerdeep
Well-known member
Hands down my ESAB plasma is my favorite. Second would be Portaband and SWAG Table.
I am also immensely grateful to have a 250a mig, and am able to penetrate nicely. I realize a lot of guys don't have the electrical service or budget for one.
I am also immensely grateful to have a 250a mig, and am able to penetrate nicely. I realize a lot of guys don't have the electrical service or budget for one.
machine_punk
Well-known member
They seem to have the same range of pressure as standard Vise Grips...you just don't have to fiddle with them constantly with different thicknesses of material. I keep some set light (just clamping something to the table, so it will sit still) and I set the tension higher on others, for heavier clamping.
My only gripe with them is that the automatic mechanism is really good at grabbing your glove, when closing them.
I was on a hunt for NOS Vise Grips and have completely stopped looking for them, now that I have found the CH Hanson automatic locking pliers. They do everything the Vise Grips did, just easier.
Kev
trackwelder
Well-known member
My millermatic 200 mig machines.
afazz
Well-known member
I don't know how I got anything done before my Dynafile.
trackwelder
Well-known member
I don't know how I got anything done before my Dynafile.
Curious as to where you find the Dynafile better than say a grinder. Always see them in the catalogs but never used one.
Stooge
Well-known member
alot more crevices and obstructed spots can be touched with an air belt sander that a standard grinder just couldnt reach, that along with less material damage if your just going after surface paint, rust etc. i have a knock off version, (dynafile was a little too big for my budget) and its come in handy enough times that i would buy another if i didnt have this one all of the sudden.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
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.
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.
Garageguy54
Active member
Plasma cutter, bench grinders and vise grips