Best inexpensive investments?

[Don Nguyen]

I love cheap good things. What have you gotten that has been very helpful, but not too pricey?

I got one of these a while ago, and I use it for practically everything.

Pretty dang sturdy, despite its appearance.

Also, Rhynowet Redline is the best sandpaper purchase I've made.

 

[jawilder]

I wasn't sure how often I would use an arbor press but picked up one on sale at HF. I use it all the time! It helps with stubborn pins, flared tubes (with appropriate dies) and kydex eyelets (with appropriate dies).

 

[12345678910]

Unless you are in a real rush, no need to buy anything new.

(except maybe abrasives and cutting tools)

Auction, estate sales, industrial liquidation, whatever

Dead peoples used stuff is cheaper and if it's really old - often better than the new.

 

[12345678910]

6" dial caliper

 

[Willie71]

^^^^ this is the best investment.

 

[JMJones]

40 durometer rubber contact wheel, changes every thing. 40 bucks or so.

 

[Fred.Rowe]

 

[Grayzer86]

Sure Fred, now you start making them in different colors haha.

 

[Jason Fry]

Harbor freight spring clamps

 

[Don Nguyen]

I forgot about a caliper. Man it would be tough without one!

 

[Mudbug007]

I never knew how much I missed my cheap HF calipers until I dropped them on the floor and they messed up. It was like I was blind around the shop. Finally broke down and drove to Lowes and bought the cheapo 3" plastic digital calipers for $19. After using them a few times, I still want a pair of $15 HF stainless steel calipers!

 

[fast14riot]

My measurement tools! Also, a drop or cutoff of granite from a countertop shop is fantastic. I buy second hand mics and rebuild and calibrate them myself. Sharpies are another item I never have enough of, along with cheap spiral bound notebooks.


-Xander

 

[Hengelo_77]

I got one of these. Less then $20,- but whow it lets you see details and get in there!

(random internet pic)

 

[Mark Behnke]

Foam mats like these, get 'em at garage sales like the Count said, for next to nothing. The vice the OP posted is the best new inexpensive tool I've bought in years +++ I think it's a Stanley brand correct me if wrong.

Just thought of this one hand held tack:
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/hand-held-tachometer

Another is a battery operated hand held digital pyrometer for $5 bucks or so, couldn't find a link.


http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-anti-fatigue-foam-mat-set-94635.html

 

[Widerstand]

Foam standing mats in front of all the work bench’s.

 

[Varga Knives]

Okay, mats and that vise are on my short list. Today I had my first experience with a Scotchbrite belt and while not inexpensive compared to other belts it has enormous "bang for the buck" potential.

 

[mjderstine]

a nice file would suit me well!

 

[Leethal Cutlery]

Edm polishing stones! I get em in the lower grits and use em to get those pesky scratches out before moving to higher grits. Makes sanding a little quicker for me. Plus they are really cheap!!

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

Granite Surface Plate - helps determine flatness which is crucial... gets used a ton for all sorts of shop work

Ipod Nano/Headphones - makes hearing protection fun! Ear protection is often overlooked, if not for sound use something to keep dust out of your ears.

Cheap Drill Press - you can usually find one under $50, the more the better! Spend some time setting up properly and you can do a lot.

Clamp on Vise - great for everything sanding to holding materials to be sawed

New Belts - you only need one new one so that qualifies as inexpensive.

 

[Widerstand]

Four great and affordable items I have found would be a grit eraser for belts and sandpaper, my bug-a-salt for shooting bugs out of the air in my shop, my anglecube, and this hole guide thing for figuring out drill bit sizes...etc.