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Tools and workshop
notes |
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| Quality
tools are difficult to obtain as the mass market favors low cost and
marketability. Search for good tools and in the long run you will find
your effort and money where well spent. Avoid Chinese tools as best as
you can. Be aware that Craftsman power tools and some hand tools are
not U.S. made. Your local pawn store and eBay are the first place to
look for almost any tool. Avoid the temptation for
pneumatic tools, you will find they use so much air that your
compressor is constantly running. The only pneumatic tool you need is
the pop rivet puller which will work fine with a small compressor.
Pneumatic tools are used in industry for safety
around flammable materials and to prevent electric shock. |
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Welding- I selected a Smith brand torch made in Minnesota. I've never seen
better. I purchased mine on eBay for a very reasonable price
from this retailer. |
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» Files- Spend the money and get a new Vixen
file and mill file. Spray frequently with WD-40 and use a wire brush
to clear the chips. |
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» Sanding- Get a mini belt sander and many
spare belts (80-220 grit) don't go stingy on abrasives, get more than
you think you'll need. Purchase a couple abrasive impregnated nylon
bristle wheels (120-180 grit) for use in your drill. Sheets of silicon-carbide sandpaper are also a must
(120-320 grit). Purchase medium grit "3-M RoLok" pads from Granger or
Fastenal. Locally obtain 3-M Scotchbrite pads (the same ones you use
to wash the dishes) |
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» Cutting- Use aviation snips for the thin stuff. For all else
I use a Bosch reciprocating saw (jigsaw) and Milwaukee portable
bandsaw. These saws cut much much better with frequent application of
wax, WD-40 or "Boelube". I selected a Milwaukee portable bandsaw
over a table bandsaw because 1) Its built rigid to cut metal (even
steel) while the table bandsaw is built to cut wood and is
therefore fairly flimsy 2) Table models run very fast and have poor
blade quality 3) Circular saws and wood band saws easily remove
fingers due to the high blade speed. You can use the portable
Milwaukee model as a table top saw by propping it up with an
improvised stand. I've completed the aluminum angle with mine and
experienced no difficulty. |
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» Drilling- Get a Makita, DeWalt, or Milwaukee cordless. Refer
to the Sonex tool list for drill bits. Drills cut much much better
with frequent application of wax, WD-40 or "Boelube". I also recommend
a Milwaukee close quarters drill (cat. no. 0375) as this is a very
ergonomic tool for 10,000 rivet holes and will save you from buying a
bunch of rechargeable battery packs. It also serves as a right angle
drill.
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» Drilling- Get a Makita, DeWalt, or Milwaukee cordless. Refer
to the Sonex tool list for drill bits. Drills cut much much better
with frequent application of wax, WD-40 or "Boelube". I also recommend
a Milwaukee close quarters drill (cat. no. 0375) as this is a very
ergonomic tool for 10,000 rivet holes and will save you from buying a
bunch of rechargeable battery packs. It also serves as a right angle
drill.
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Slotted foam makes a toolset
easier to use. The foam I use is a workout pad from Lowes hardware.
Also available on e-bay. Much cheaper than the craftsman toolbox foam.
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