There’s more outlets there than an 
could use. Looks pretty though.
could use. Looks pretty though.
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What’s in your shop (tools)?
- Thread starter willis
- Start date
existentialmotorcycles
XS650 New Member
A small laptop - I use a Chromebook, cheap/rugged/fast enough - a digital camera - older models work just fine for shop record pix - I'm partial to the Sony DSC H1 and H2., which can be had for $20-30 in working order and they take standard AA batteries - I use rechargeables. I keep an extra on hand. They lead a hard life in the shop and a good one will last a year or so. On the back shelf of my shop is a dusty row of cameras that have died in the line of duty.
Every shop manual and tech bulletin has been digitized by now and can be viewed on the laptop screen or printed out. My Chromebook works fine for finding/buying parts/bikes worldwide.
Not so good for hi-def video - e,g. Joey Dunlap at the Isle of Mann - but you should be working, not watching moto-porn.
Chris Finlayson
Existential Motorcycles . . . a small joke that got out of hand.
Alexander NC
Hehe- field cameras, shop cameras, I come from the days of disposable film cameras, digital changed my life. Below is a somewhat long winded section from a stormwater/sediment control inspection manual I wrote for the state of MD just before I retired. Hopefully the shop isn't so cold ya gotta carry extra batteries against you skin to keep 'em working! The red Nikon CoolPix did fine by me for many years.
"Equipment- the range of digital imagery tools runs from $100 point and shoot cameras to high end digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras with changeable lens systems and dozens of programmable features and effects. For the inspector in the field, durability and ease of operation are key points to consider, as is size. A camera that fits into a pocket is much handier in the field than a bulky DSLR hanging from a neck strap. Water resistant/waterproof units will add a layer of durability to the field camera. Some point and shoot units use replaceable batteries, others use proprietary rechargeable battery packs. This author has found that replaceable single use batteries provide a level of flexibility and economy during field use that is desirable- spare batteries can easily be carried in a pocket, or acquired at most retailers. Also- cold weather has a degrading effect on battery efficiency, spares can be carried in a pocket and kept warm, swapping out cold soaked batteries that have lost power as needed. Ultimately, it is at the discretion of the inspector as to what works best for them and their mission. Certainly phones and tablets with camera tools are an option as well in a pinch- having a backup camera available is good policy. NOTE- the wrist strap on a point and shoot has saved many a camera (and recorded data) from a one way trip into the bottom of an inlet or underground facility, or even permanent entombment in freshly placed concrete. This author has not found that the added expense for a waterproof/water resistant camera is justified if reasonable care is taken, but that may be an option some inspectors prefer."
Anyone have experience with a pallet jack that will do this? Check last photo
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/745517591704626/?rdid=VDaYuijx8oScWnJc&share_url=https://www.facebook.com/share/1FaKRcxq78/#
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/745517591704626/?rdid=VDaYuijx8oScWnJc&share_url=https://www.facebook.com/share/1FaKRcxq78/#
Had a job once where all I did for 8 hrs a day was overhaul pallet jacks. Pressure wash, replace all bushings and bearings, wheels and a seal kit in the jack. Ranks up there with the most boring jobs I ever had.
Never seen a pallet jack do that. Too cool!!
Early Solstice gift from the FIL.
Saw it on television many years ago bought it at a car boot sale.
Can help someone.
Not used more than once and did not read the manual first
Got it wrong -- there is supposed to be 2 knifes inserted and then it worked better
It is an electric knife of household type for turkey and steak I suppose
But seen it used for saddle foam..appears to work well .. cant see it very clean cut ...
on the top of the foam in the picture
Can help someone.
Not used more than once and did not read the manual first
Got it wrong -- there is supposed to be 2 knifes inserted and then it worked better
It is an electric knife of household type for turkey and steak I suppose
But seen it used for saddle foam..appears to work well .. cant see it very clean cut ...
on the top of the foam in the picture
Decided - due to my arthritic hands, poor depth perception and life-long clutziness - that I needed a chisel handle or holder if you prefer.
Looked on line and I will NOT pay $25 to $50 for a $10 tool, so I made one. Cut a ring off a suitable piece of pipe, drilled and threaded a hole in it, tacked on a square nut for extra strength and ground down a 1/4-20 bolt head to an interference fit in an old 4-way screwdriver.
Uglier than a mud fence, but plenty good enough for my shop.
I'll add in an old motorcycle handgrip is a good fit on larger chisels. some duck tape wrap to tighten the fit if needed. the flange helps soften deflect any "oopsie" blows.
Last edited:
Mikey
got muscles in his head that ain't never been used
And wear gloves
Keeps the blood from spraying around after a missed hit
Keeps the blood from spraying around after a missed hit
So if you need a shock spring compressor I found this one to work quite well. It's from DRC, attaches at the shock mount, and easily pulls the spring down. I've never been a fan of the ones that both ends hook on the spring because they can slip. This felt pretty solid.
https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Dry-SPRIN...or+drc&qid=1764884953&sprefix=,aps,112&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Dry-SPRIN...or+drc&qid=1764884953&sprefix=,aps,112&sr=8-1
Yes, I have this one too, works well.
Same here.
I will do a review of my cordless tool range.
Always been a committed Makita tool guy, had a couple of other makes due to needing a tool quickly and Makita wasn't available.
Always found their grip, power, could handle a bump or 2, (dropped power saws and drills from some stupid heights), and ease of use suited me.
Always corded except for a 13mm 18v drill and a a pair of 10.5v drills and torch in a kit.
Batteries finally gave up, drill still works, shaft has some playing it. Aftermarket battery $120, drill is more likely to crap out, before a battery but It has payed for itself plenty.
What to buy, wast of money buying top of the range gear due to how much use it will get and financial practicality. I looked at the cheap, (and middle priced), brands and finally set on Ozzito. They have been around for a while, have a good range, and within that from cheap to their TOR gear. Thought as I need it is better to have one set of batteries to cover tools.
Grass trimmer, didn't look properly, has a plastic blade, ok on manicured lawns and soft grass. Still awkward grip for any length of time. I have used it in a pinch but definately not worth it.
Came with a battery, (good battery), and charger. Slow but can help if needed
Definately a no
13mm brushless drill driver.
Mid range, max tqe 50Nm. More than my Makita.
No complaints, doesn't have the low down torque if the Makita but for $200 less good value. Nice grip. Not bulky
Good buy. $90. V.F.M.
Finishing sander. Bought this when at my daughter's refurbishing some old folding chairs her hubby was going to toss.
Review shows it is shit. The only complaints are about availability of papers for them and other makes, the holes don't like up. No prob others work slightly larger ones are better.
I hammered it and used 2 4Ah batteries in a row, straight, several times. Grip is good
Definately V.F.M. $45
Small router.
Reviews were not flash, mainly the butterfly when tightening the depth. A guy said a washer solved the problem. I couldn't find one to suit when I bought it. Don't over tighten, no problem.
Arised some hardwood beams with a 12mm round no problem.
Good little tool. $119, V.F.M
Small bench blower. Had a Makita one, this is as good. Will blow leaves off a path
Happy with it. $45. V.F.M
Wanted a tyre inflator, not just the ute bit for small tyres like wheelbarrow, concrete mixer and such. Looked at the drill type but the cheaper of the 2 didn't seem like it would cut it and the desert one was getting a bit pricy. Had this one with reasonably good reviews.
With the ute loaded with raw you materials the tyres needed pumping up. Went from 32psi to 60psi no trouble. Bit noisy and a bit bulkier.
Good features, attachments for balls and an air mattress. Good for camping.
Recommended $80. V.F.M.
Do a bit of garden maintenance for a couple of people. Wanted a hedge trimmer.
Goes well compared to a Makita one I used side by side. Handle feels a bit more plastic'y, screw came loose. Not really a complaint.
Good buy, $89.
I bought a 4Ah battery when I bought the drill and grass trimmer, came with a fast charger.
$50.
They have a 3 pack 18v 4Ah batteries for $99.
About it. Am I happy with Ozzito gear. Yes. But like all manufactures they make budgit, budgit gear, (not that I think budget as in crap, just in power or what is needed), Just need to do some research and decide what fits your needs.
Always been a committed Makita tool guy, had a couple of other makes due to needing a tool quickly and Makita wasn't available.
Always found their grip, power, could handle a bump or 2, (dropped power saws and drills from some stupid heights), and ease of use suited me.
Always corded except for a 13mm 18v drill and a a pair of 10.5v drills and torch in a kit.
Batteries finally gave up, drill still works, shaft has some playing it. Aftermarket battery $120, drill is more likely to crap out, before a battery but It has payed for itself plenty.
What to buy, wast of money buying top of the range gear due to how much use it will get and financial practicality. I looked at the cheap, (and middle priced), brands and finally set on Ozzito. They have been around for a while, have a good range, and within that from cheap to their TOR gear. Thought as I need it is better to have one set of batteries to cover tools.
Grass trimmer, didn't look properly, has a plastic blade, ok on manicured lawns and soft grass. Still awkward grip for any length of time. I have used it in a pinch but definately not worth it.
Came with a battery, (good battery), and charger. Slow but can help if needed
Definately a no
13mm brushless drill driver.
Mid range, max tqe 50Nm. More than my Makita.
No complaints, doesn't have the low down torque if the Makita but for $200 less good value. Nice grip. Not bulky
Good buy. $90. V.F.M.
Finishing sander. Bought this when at my daughter's refurbishing some old folding chairs her hubby was going to toss.
Review shows it is shit. The only complaints are about availability of papers for them and other makes, the holes don't like up. No prob others work slightly larger ones are better.
I hammered it and used 2 4Ah batteries in a row, straight, several times. Grip is good
Definately V.F.M. $45
Small router.
Reviews were not flash, mainly the butterfly when tightening the depth. A guy said a washer solved the problem. I couldn't find one to suit when I bought it. Don't over tighten, no problem.
Arised some hardwood beams with a 12mm round no problem.
Good little tool. $119, V.F.M
Small bench blower. Had a Makita one, this is as good. Will blow leaves off a path
Happy with it. $45. V.F.M
Wanted a tyre inflator, not just the ute bit for small tyres like wheelbarrow, concrete mixer and such. Looked at the drill type but the cheaper of the 2 didn't seem like it would cut it and the desert one was getting a bit pricy. Had this one with reasonably good reviews.
With the ute loaded with raw you materials the tyres needed pumping up. Went from 32psi to 60psi no trouble. Bit noisy and a bit bulkier.
Good features, attachments for balls and an air mattress. Good for camping.
Recommended $80. V.F.M.
Do a bit of garden maintenance for a couple of people. Wanted a hedge trimmer.
Goes well compared to a Makita one I used side by side. Handle feels a bit more plastic'y, screw came loose. Not really a complaint.
Good buy, $89.
I bought a 4Ah battery when I bought the drill and grass trimmer, came with a fast charger.
$50.
They have a 3 pack 18v 4Ah batteries for $99.
About it. Am I happy with Ozzito gear. Yes. But like all manufactures they make budgit, budgit gear, (not that I think budget as in crap, just in power or what is needed), Just need to do some research and decide what fits your needs.
Attachments
I got this scruffy welding table off Craigslist several years ago. Stole it, including the nice 5" Craftsman vise for $100. Been VERY useful.
I've wanted a "set up" table for some time but a good one is hella expensive and I haven't got the room for it anyway. This morning I went down and took a close look to see if I could make my own. The answer is "sorta". I can't do a full grid like the Big Boys due to the way the table is supported. The base is a farmer-fix consisting of a huge aluminum casting from some sort of machine that is square but has a circular center web. Decided a row of holes along the edge would be better than nothing, with perhaps a smaller grid inside the aforementioned circle.
The actual steel top is 1/4" and getting a 1/2-13 tap started square - especially for me - was going to be something of an issue, so I made up a "tap guide". Drilled a piece of Schedule 80 pipe a shade undersized and then threaded the tap into it on the lathe so it was square with the pipe. Welded it to a base plate that clamps to the table. Run the tap in until the start bevel on the tap protrudes enough to locate it over the hole and clamp the base down with vise grips. Run the tap through the hole and voila! a (reasonably...) squarely threaded hole.
The 1/2-13 threaded holes fit my clamp kit.
https://www.harborfreight.com/10-mm-metric-essential-socket-set-10-piece-58957.html
Who woulda thought HF would have one of these!
Who woulda thought HF would have one of these!
You know... we can use our keys to chirp our cars in a parking lot, we can have chips in our dogs and cats for when we lose them. We can put a man on the moon, we can send a spacecraft beyond our solar system, we can split an atom.
Why can't we chip our 10mm sockets and use an app on our phone to find it? Why aren't our tax dollars going towards this?
With my luck some SOB would figure out how to hack the chips and all my 10mm sockets would be gone again!
"What's in your shop?"
Masking tape. And lots of it. I use it for everything. For instance...
When drilling into a vertical surface, use it to make a dam of sorts to catch all the swarf, then bunch it up and throw it away.
Your shop floor will thank you.
Masking tape. And lots of it. I use it for everything. For instance...
When drilling into a vertical surface, use it to make a dam of sorts to catch all the swarf, then bunch it up and throw it away.
Your shop floor will thank you.
