Quote:
Originally Posted by WinterPoet
[snip]
Alternatively, once you got into a dedicated workshop, how did you decide what needed to be there? What tools/machinery were absolutely necessary and what just took space? Again, how did you organize and prioritize?
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Assuming you already have the basics(hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.), this is what I'd say is necessary...
Hand Tools
Hacksaw(s)
Vise Grips
If you use rivets, you probably already have a rivet gun
Metal files and deburring tools
Quick clamps
Push broom
Punches
Calipers
Handheld Power Tools
Cordless Drills - Easily one of the most used tools in FRC, if not
the most used.
Rotary Tool(Dremel) - Can do a lot. Can save space by reducing number of separate tools you need, and great if you have to work in tight spaces. If you use rivets, they're good for cutting off the mandrels that don't break free.
Reciprocating Saw(Sawzall) - With the right blade, will slice through anything, and I mean
anything, from PVC pipe to thick reinforced steel. Vibrations can make them a bit inaccurate though. Also be sure whatever you're cutting is clamped securely.
Handheld/Portable Bandsaw - Surprisingly useful, especially for small metal parts. There are even table attachments for them.
Circular Saw - Especially if you don't have the space for a table saw or miter/chop saw. More accurate for cutting wood than a recip saw, and there are metal cutting circular saws.
Jigsaw - If you do a lot of intricate patterns on wood and/or metal, a jigsaw is probably beneficial.
Angle Grinder - If you use a lot of steel or wood screws, an angle grinder is a must. Also one of the most satisfying tools I've used.
Stationary/Benchtop Power Tools
Drill Press - Use this if you need to drill something long, very accurate, and/or through thick material. IMO, it's one of those things that seems like a pointless waste of space until you use it, then you wonder how you went without it.
Belt Sander - Good for heavy deburring of smaller parts where a file would take too long and/or aluminum.
(Horizontal) Bandsaw - Depends on what materials you use, but horizontal bandsaws are great for long pieces of metal. Verticals are good for smaller parts, but that could be accomplished with a portable.
Miter/Chop Saw - If you use a lot of wood or don't have space for a table saw, this will work. I think they also give cleaner cuts than table saws, and can cut at an angle. Has no problem cutting PVC, HDPE, and aluminum with the right blade.
Table Saw - Only if you use a lot of wood or sheet metal and have space for it. The angles on the bumper backing boards can probably be achieved with a chop saw. There are bench top versions that would help with space.
Bench Grinder - Good for making punches and grinding down smaller stuff. You can get by without one.
Vises are essential, and make sure they're securely bolted down.
As for deciding what to keep, I would follow the rule of if you haven't used it in two or more years, you probably don't need it, so it can go. If something is broken, or no longer serves a useful purpose, there's probably not much point in keeping it around.