What tools do you use?

[cdowns]

Don't try using beachsand to blast !!!!! besides the fact that it's very rude to be stealing the natural resourses of the beach,it doesn't work well most beach sand tends to hold moisture and clogs the blaster and if it's saltwater beach sand that's a whole other problem . it's best to get bagged sand that is uniformely graded for blasting available thru auto body supply shops and other types of suppliers
also don't use cheapo playground sand from lowes or homedepot

[bobs409]

Originally Posted by dallas71

bob...how did you make your sandblast cabinet???

I built it from 3/4" plywood and it stands on 2X4 legs. I bought a pair of gloves from Eastwood and put in a glass window and hook a shop vac up for ventilation.

Mine is about 2' X 2' X 4' but I'm planning on building a larger one this winter with an improved air flow system and the ability to fit at least a cowl panel in.

[bobs409]

I've been toying with the idea of putting a "pit" in my garage. I know that I'll never have the money for a lift and there isn't enough ceiling height anyway so I thought of putting in a pit about 4' deep. That way, I can use a rollable stool under it and work with ease.

Should be cheap enough as I'd do all the work myself. Cinderblocks, concrete and maybe some angle iron to go around the opening.

Anybody else considering doing one? I'm open for suggestions on the how to.

[68C30Flatbed]

That's a good idea. I don't see why it would have to be inside the garage either. If I put one outside, I could put it anywhere. Heck, I could occasionally roast a pig in it.

[Dick Dale]

The only thing I don't have is room. My wife wants to put her car in the garage. What is that all about? Next house will have a pole barn.

[shortymac83]

My dad owns a small auto parts store where he runs a job-shop out of the back, so I've got a bit more in teh way of large tools at my disposal. A few tools that I couldn't live without though are:

1)big hydraulic press (for U joints, suspension parts, etc)
2)parts washing tub (we fill ours with paint thinner - gets rid of everything)
3)a BIG air compressor. ours is plumbed all around the shop, to 2 of the 3 lathes, the mill, drill press, workbench, and grinder. Also, to go along with that, an air nozzle, sandblaster (siphon type is good for most stuff) and impact wrench.
4) It's not a tool, but those particle board wall sections with the holes in them are irreplaceable when you are doing a complete resto or have lots of tools
5) a small (6inch) metal lathe
6) 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2" socket sets
7) a full set of combo wrenches (1/4"-1")
8) a nice set of ramps
9) 2-1/2 ton hydraulic jack
10) carbide drill bits
11) drill press
12) 2-1/2 ton jack stands
13) spotlights
14) lots of good flourescent ceiling lights (can get the hanging ones cheap at Lowes or Home Depot)
15) a big radio
16) a fridge
17) an endless supply of beer
18) lots of screwdrivers, both phillips and flathead

These are just a few things that I've found most useful when working on/restoring cars.

[68w/sbc406]

Originally Posted by bobs409

I built it from 3/4" plywood and it stands on 2X4 legs. I bought a pair of gloves from Eastwood and put in a glass window and hook a shop vac up for ventilation.

Mine is about 2' X 2' X 4' but I'm planning on building a larger one this winter with an improved air flow system....

Two shop vacs???

[1971 Cheyenne]

I built a sandblasting cabinet this winter, a MUST for the restorer (tons of little parts that would keep you running back and forth to the sandblasting shop all day). I will never sit there with a wire wheel and sandpaper again... If anyone wants pics or info, just send me a PM. I will be happy to help.

[1972C10]

Chain Hoist, Cherry Picker , Engine Leveler < Air Tools Of every Kind ... Parts Washer "Homemade" Homemade sandblaster Mines not a cabinet thou Never built that part.

big battery charger with engine start. battery load tester. A Tire Machine & Tire Balancer Beer Fridge Shop Radio 60 gallon Air compressor Arc Welder Mig Welder Torch. PB Blaster Thats how you wrench on 35 year old bolts

[1972C10]

AND Good lighting like already said.. I have just redid my lighting sectors With 8 Foot Flourecent units with 75 watt bulbs and two 110 watt fixtures where i need the extra light.

[bobs409]

Originally Posted by 68w/sbc406

Two shop vacs???

Good idea! LOL

Actually, I will be building mine right into a wall in my workshop that has a window. I am hoping to design some type of a push fan to blow the dust outside rather than have a noisy shop vac running. (and blowing dust out anyway!) Possibly use a furnace filter over the window??? The dust is incredible with these and is the biggest problem to overcome. I'm still in the planning stages but did aquire 2 large oven racks for the bottom of the work area which will be nice.

A tight seal is a must. My old one is lacking in that department and I wear a respirator while using it. (not a bad idea anyway)

[JoetheMobster]

Well, as you can see in the included picture, my garage is only good if I'm working from back, or front!

It's only good enough to get the truck, and my head out of the rain. All of my tools are stuck in behind the truck, and all along the walls to the front of the garage door. I have a nice set of standard and metric wrenches. Couple of decent ratchet sets, jack stands and jack, ah, all sorts of crap really. Nothing too exciting really, no welders, air compressors, lifts or that sort of thing.

In my mind, if you don't have the money, get yourself some decent hand tools, and work on the ground with your back in a creeper, one hand on a beer, and the other hand on a wrench!

[Erl]

My favorite tool is my roll-around work seat. It has pneumatic height adjustment and a place to put the tools you are using underneath. This will really save your knees (more important with age).