Shop tools, any suggestions?

[jpyro]

Don't invest money in a metal band saw if you can get a wood band saw. From there go to a hardware store and buy a metal blade. Much cheaper

Originally Posted by NoodleKnight

Hi,

I know it's already build season, but now we have the ability to possibly get a grant for some machine tools.

So far, I read some old threads and decided to try and get a Rong-Fu desktop mill/drill machine. For those who have one, how is it? Would you recommend buying it?

Also, we're looking for a metal band saw, preferably vertical. I found a few but I have no idea how good it is. For year's we've been using a wood bandsaw with a metal cutting blade... it isn't pretty.

We have a drill press, it's old but it still works well. Hand tools are not an issue.

Are there any other tools which would be useful for a robotics team? Note, we do have a price limit, not sure what it is, but we can't ask for radical things like a bridgeport CNC.

Thanks in advance,
Jonathan

[NoodleKnight]

Originally Posted by jpyro

Don't invest money in a metal band saw if you can get a wood band saw. From there go to a hardware store and buy a metal blade. Much cheaper

That's what we have, it takes plenty of skill to cut straight lines.

[UlTiMaTeP]

check out harbor freight www.harborfreight.com its basicly chinese copys of all the american tool companys for a 1/3 of the price. (note- do not buy hand tools from HF, but machine tools and air tools work great) They do have a horizontal/verticle metal bandsaw for i think 160 dollars which sounds like you could use it, as well as mill lathe combos for people with small budgets