Quote:
Originally Posted by EricH
At this point, I would rate your tool needs as:
1) Chop saw--could use a horizontal bandsaw instead, but a chop saw is easier to use/maintain.
2) Hand drills (emphasis on plural)
3) Plenty of drill bits
4) Other hand tools (hex keys, screwdrivers, files, stuff like that).
Unless, of course, you already have those.
Future: Everything else. Right now, you do NOT have the time to learn the more complicated items. Call that "after build season", unless you absolutely have to spend the money right now right now. If you do, you should stow the items safely until they're needed (read: after build season).
And when you do expand, I would put the order as:
1) Drill press
2) Bandsaw
3) Welder
4a) Lathe
4b) Mill
There's some debate as to whether a mill or lathe is better; I lean towards lathe. Drill press and bandsaw are easier to learn, though, and faster to set up; they come first. The welder has more utility as far as fabricating frames and supports.
I have no experience with Grizzly tools myself that I'm aware of, so I can't comment on that brand. For a mill, though, if you can get a Bridgeport, do it.
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Now that EricH did it, I will expand further:
1. Chop-Saw - I would get an
Evolution Rage2 Cold Saw (with a replacement blade). A horse of a machine and it cuts everything. At least everything that we have thrown at it.
2. Drills -
Milwaukee M18 Drill and Driver Combo. We now have a few of these sets and they are incredible. I have never had problems with Milwaukee - and their customer service reviews are impeccable.
3. Drill Bits. Get a lot and buy in bulk from a local welding supplier. 1/8", 3/16" 1/4", 3/8" in bulk (6-12 each). You will also want to purchase a few 1/2". Also purchase 3/4", 1", and 1.25" if the budget allows.
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Get a 1.125" stepper bit from Automation Direct for free - see your FRC TIMS account for info (pay $6 for shipping) - this is a life saver if you have a great vice and drill press - or a mill. And then a #7 jobber bit for tapping 1/4-20.
4. Hand tools - Get a full set of ratchets.
For box wrenches, Gearwrench is suffice. Get a full set of SAE and Metric. And then purchase a few more 11mm and 7/16" wrenches.
Get a grip of Allen/Hex tools.
And couple sets of screwdrivers.
Files. Get a good set from Nicholson. Not kidding.
Once your team is settled -
-Drill Press (we have 2 JETs, 2 Deltas, and 1 Toolshop)
-Bandsaw (We have a Rockport)
-Lathe (so many to choose from)
-Mill (Bridgeport if you can)
That is all for now...