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What's the Coolest Tool in Your Garage?

46 messages,  Last post on Nov 17, 2008 at 5:15 PM

You are in the Speed Shop Tuning and Modification Forum.

What is this discussion about? Performance Mods, Engine

Messages Page 2 of 5

#7 of 46 Re: Tanya [fredmcmurray] by tanya2

Apr 11, 2005 (4:53 pm)

Replying to: fredmcmurray (Apr 11, 2005 9:50 am)
Single, and planning to stay that way. I am in love with; cars, engines, boats and dogs. There is no reason to complicate my life. My life style allows me to make decisions on a moment's notice. I value my freedom! Tanya

#8 of 46 My compressor - by driftracer

Apr 11, 2005 (5:19 pm)

all these years of wrenching on my own stuff, and I just got my first compressor for Christmas this past year - awesome....a little loud, but I don't use it late at night or early Sunday mornings.
 
I could put in a drive-on pad-type lift, but there's no room on either side of even our smaller vehicles to work on them.
 
Thank the Good Lord for my new (second) job, perks include full run of a UTI shop...I could align all four vehicles at the same time! Whoda thunkit?

#9 of 46 Air Compressor Suggestions by lilengineerboy

Dec 06, 2005 (7:17 pm)

This thread might be too old , but I wanted to get suggestions. I have previously had access to a magnificent garage full of very industrial, if old, equipment. No longer having that, I am working on setting up a home shop. I need an air compressor. Not a 12v tire inflator, but a real, power a DA sander or HVLP spray gun compressor. I'm not a pro and I don't mind waiting for the compressor to catch up with the sander, but I want it to be able to support spraying paint and an impact wrench (who puts those flywheel/crank pulley bolts on there?).
I have been told the oil type are quieter, and the belt drive is quieter, and a 30 gallon tank vs a 60 gallon tank separates the men from the boys (or women from girls). It all seams to play out in the CFM at 40 and 90 psi. How much do I need? How many trade offs do I need to make for a $400 price point?

#10 of 46 More advice wanted by steve_ HOST

Dec 13, 2005 (12:15 pm)

Anyone here using a rolling tool cart? I don't have a big collection of hand tools but my bench isn't big enough to keep my two smallish tool chests on it and get any work done. So I've been pricing the cheaper carts at the auto stores and big box hardware stores.
 
The ball bearing drawers seem sturdier, and drawers seem more useful than cabinet space. I'm thinking if I just get a lower unit I'll gain some more bench type space too.
 
Any recommendations for a light duty one?
 
Steve, Host

#11 of 46 Re: Air Compressor Suggestions [lilengineerboy] by fljoslin

Dec 13, 2005 (3:29 pm)

Replying to: lilengineerboy (Dec 06, 2005 7:17 pm)
To figure out the cfm at pressure that you need, look on the tools that you intend to buy. They all have different ratings even for similar tools. The tank is simply a reservoir but usually larger tanks go with larger compressors. I had a 17 gallon Campbell Hausfeld compressor which lasted about two years of very light duty before it died. Replaced it with a 30 gallon Craftsman last spring ($250 floor model). One problem is that you should drain the tank after each use to reduce rust. The 30 gallon tank seems to take a very long time to reach pressure and a long time to discharge. Both of these were oil-less (no added oil) belt drive and the 30 gallon one is not what I would call quiet. Also, look at the amperage. I think that my 30 gallon is at 15 amp/120v. Any bigger and you need 220v.

#12 of 46 How about a tire inflating compressor? by sthacker

Dec 14, 2005 (8:03 am)

While we're on the topic of air compressors, I'm looking for one to inflate car tires. Here's a post I recently put up on the tire thread:
 
I'm lookin for an inexpensive, well functioning air compressor. Any good recommendations out there? Does the type that plugs into the lighter outlet in the car work well?
  
Would a cheapo like this do the trick?
  
http://cgi.ebay.ca/New-250-PSI-Mini-Air-Compressor-30-Perssure_W0QQitemZ75604957- 61QQcategoryZ22662QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
  
If it matters, we have a Honda Odyssey and a VW Passat sedan.
 
Any feedback or input would be most welcome!

#13 of 46 Re: Air Compressor Suggestions [fljoslin] by lilengineerboy

Dec 17, 2005 (8:34 pm)

Replying to: fljoslin (Dec 13, 2005 3:29 pm)
Thanks for the advice, I found the 2hp/33gal on sale last week for $265 so I grabbed it. It came with a small impact wrench, air-ratchet, and a sander. Here is to hoping my garage actually has a 20 amp circuit
Now the next time I have to do CV boots or front suspension, I'm all set, and I will probably pick up a HVLP sprayer to take care of some paint chips on the daily driver.

#14 of 46 Titanium Chisel by mako1a

Jan 19, 2006 (6:34 am)

My friend works at a steel mill and gave me a piece of titanium that had been shaped and sharpened to chisel shape. It is 10 inches long by 1/4 in by 1/2 in. I use it more than any hand tool I have. Great emergency tool as it will cut almost anything except hardened steel and is unbendable. I loaned it to my neighbor who was removing a stubborn muffler. He said thanks, but I don't want to bend your little chisel. I said don't worry, just use it and bring it back. He came back and asked "what is that made of? It didn't bend or even scratch and I put some torque on it." Light as aluminum and strong as...well titanium. Dave

#15 of 46 Re: What's the Coolest Tool in Your Garage? [Mr_Shiftright] by rabidporcupine

Mar 04, 2006 (12:31 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Mar 23, 2005 1:03 pm)
a mill-lathe used for fabrication. This one's a Grizzly.
 
No, you don't need one unless you want to make your own custom parts.

#16 of 46 Best tool in my garage!! by 944boy

May 12, 2006 (10:18 am)

My brain? Structures in the brain's left hemisphere coordinate the ability to use familiar tools such as hammers and sockets.
And the right side is for reasoning and HOCKEY....but hey a good lift a few well stocked roll aways ,a large collection of repair manuals, and the old computer helps too

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