What is your favorite tool in the shop..?

rfrink

rfrink

Joined
Aug 1, 2000
Messages
863
I'm talking about the tool that you just LOVE to use. It might be a machine tool...or hand tool. It might be new...or perhaps a few hundred years old.

Whatever it is...it is a pleasure to use....it brings out the craftsman in you.

I'm a strong believer that these types of tools promote your best work.

I have several...but one that comes to mind is this Starrett Tap wrench ( No. 91B ). For years I've always used a cheap imported tap wrench and never considered paying the price that this little gem demands. But one day I did..I sprung for it out of desperation when my chinese wrench broke and felt so guilty about spending so much money. After I used it once..I've never again thought about the price.

taphandle.jpg


I just love this tool!! I love to use it! It is so solid and comfortable...there's something about the way it feels in my hands that seems to really promote craftsmanship in my work.

I'm not sure if I can really explain this ... perhaps you know what I mean. If so....let's hear your story.

Perhaps it's a Swiss made jewler's lathe
...or an old rusty anvil that may have been used for to pound out bayonettes during the Civil war.
..Maybe a Tom Clark Hammer,
...or Bridgeport Milling machine...or just a screw driver...

What's your favorite tool in the shop?
 
For me it's a little unknown tool named KMG if I remember right. ;)

Patrice

PS: I so hate my crappy Chinese tap holder. :(
 
I know what you mean, Rob :thumbup:

My favorite tool is a 1941 Little Giant 100 lb power hammer. Made in the USA :D

I do like my KMG alot but grinding is one of my least favorite chores!

P.S. I'm trying very hard not to buy anymore Chinese stuff!
 
I love my KMG for its pure usefulness, but my favorite tool has to be my HF 12-speed floor-standing drill press. Something about making an oily hole in a piece if steel makes me happy. Maybe it's the ugly utilitarian coloring of the machine, or maybe it's the feng shui of its location in the dark corner of my shop. Maybe it's because it's the first big tool I bought after buying my house. Not sure, but I like spending time with it.

Erin
 
My favorite tool in my shop is my mind! That's why I read and experiment all the time trying to improve it.
 
My files. When everything else craps out. I still have the files. Plus what other tool can you make knife out of.
 
The first shop tool I bought was my tablesaw. Its still my favorite machine. I love hearing it whoosh into action. Cuts like a dream too.

Ironically, its the only tool in the shop thats sent me to the hospital either.
 
BlackToe Knives said:
My files. When everything else craps out. I still have the files. Plus what other tool can you make knife out of.
Click to expand...

I'll second that. If you take away everything else but two good files, I can still make a knife. It won't be very well polished, but it will cut.
 
Nah. I'm not going to give you the satisfaction, Rob!!!:D My favorite tool is my press because it saved me from a life of tendonitis.;)
 
Right now it is my ryobi 10" drill press. It can just do so many things when it come to making knives.
 
Mine would have to be my 30 ton forging press, along with my gas forge, sorry but I have to have both. Everything else right now is secondary.
Del
 
My favourite is my 1947 VanNorman milling machine / surface grinder.

It is almost as old as me but good as new capable of anything that I want to do except put on my handles for me.

Best of all I traded a couple of hunting knives for it.

George
 
Mine would be whatever one that will enable me to do the job best, that I need done at that time. They are all of equal importance when you need them, and no other will do the job at hand as well. But that is a mute point when I cannot find the #*%&*^things.
 
4 pound straight pein antique hammer I got at an auction
5 HP leblond metal lathe
OxyAcetylene torch

-Page
 
1. Chuck Robinson Anvil.

2. 4# hammer with a really cool crooked handle that swings like a feather.

3. 12" Nicholson file I've used for years. It's my go to tool when things don't seem to go right on the grinder.
 
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