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Re: Tools you can't live without
Milling machine, lathe, fixturing/tooling for these machines. Also, good calipers (I prefer non-digital dial ones), Dykem, and Dykem remover.
After these, an arbor press (at least 3 ton if you want to do hex broaching), broaches (2mm, 3/32", 1/8", 3/8" hex and 1/2" hex), and a TIG welder.
The horizontal band saw in our shop gets gets significantly more usage than our miter and radial arm saws.
High-torque allen keys (search for them on McMaster). Buy these, and never worry about stripped allen keys again.
Don't buy CAD software for a FRC team. You can get student versions of Inventor, SolidWorks, and/or Pro|E for free.
Also, be frugal and search far and wide for auctions, tag sales, industrial surplus stores, eBay or Craigslist, or other various sources of second-hand machinery. Through venues like this, we've been able to pick up tools and machines for literally pennies on the dollar.
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