Our native mobile app has a new name: Fora Communities. Learn more.

The Tools We Use

4859 Views 72 Replies 29 Participants Last post by dc_pilgrim, Jun 22, 2007

tachyon

Discussion Starter · May 10, 2007

Good evening all,

This winter, I will be starting the humble beginnings of my very own theatre. I have learned much from reading all of the construction threads here for the past year or so, but something important is missing.

The tools! I see alot out here in use, table saws, miter saws, drills, etc...

I basically have a 'set' of tools that the wife bought me a few fathers days ago. Your typical cordless drill, circular saw, brad nailer, flashlight. But I am looking to make a good investment in a quality new (or used) tool that will aid me in construction.

So what would you all recommend? If I make one tool purchase this winter what should it be? Miter, table, whatever? Please post your experiences!

Appreciate your assistance!

1 - 20 of 73 Posts

sk8conz

· #2 · May 10, 2007

My list of most useful tools would be :-

Cordless Drill with two batteries - always good to go. I have a heavy duty contractor grade one that does all the grunt work. I also have a smaller DIY type drill. I use both on most jobs. One for drilling, one for driving screws. Saves changing bits.

Air stapler. I just love it

Framing Nailer (paslode). Cause I can't swing a hammer too well !!!

Various assorted clamps. Can never have too much clampage.

See less See more

advertguy2

· #3 · May 10, 2007

Get an impact driver for the screwing. So much better than a regular drill. I have the 18V Ridgid and it's great.

mbgonzomd

· #4 · May 10, 2007

A table saw is very nice. It offers more accurate cuts and the capacity to rip boards to the size you need.

Compound miter saw is a must.

Shop Vac.

A good Ladder.

Stud finder

Voltage tester

See less See more

jikkjack

· #5 · May 10, 2007

Most important tool of all - a good tape measure. Don't buy a cheap one or it will fall apart on you.

also consider -

- 4 foot level

- torpedo level

- table saw

- jig saw

- air guns (all sizes) and stapler

- miter Saw

- chalk Line

- drywall lift

- drywall screw bit (properly sinks your drywall screws to the correct depth)

- good razor blade knife

- roto-zip tool for cutting out electrical outlets and can lights

- router (maybe)

- caulk gun

- carpenters square

- drywall square

- carpenters pencils

- saw horses

- shop lights

- power cords - in various lengths

- radio

- shop vaccume

- mudding knifes - in various widths

- circular saw

- electrical volt tester

- various drill bits and paddle bits

That is all I can think of for now...

have fun.

See less See more

BIGmouthinDC

· #6 · May 10, 2007

Something I got for my basement project which really worked out well for me is a 6 wire shelf unit on casters. Put all your tools, and misc supplies and it keeps you organized but mobile. Rolls over extension cords.

Also a self leveling laser level.

The latest tool I got this week is a 23 gauge pneumatic pinner. Great for small trim work or for holding pieces together while the glue dries. Leaves a very small hole in the surface.

See less See more

dc_pilgrim

· #7 · May 10, 2007

I have the miter saw and compressor/2 nailers combo (both are great). I also have a drill, some ladders, and got a sawzall for christmas last year which has come in handy.

On my shopping list as the contractors leave and I move into DIY (I will be making fabric frames):

- pnuematic staple gun for fabric work

- shopvac

- router

I'd like to get a table saw, but I am not sure I have the room. My garage is getting very packed. I need to rip a ton of boards though, so I may have to rent one for a few days and just crank, or find a lumber yard that will cut things down (not likely since it will be a ton of work).

See less See more

strange_brew

· #8 · May 10, 2007

You use different tools at different stages, but the 3 most important tools for me in the order of importance would be:

1. Heavy duty (18V) cordless drill with 2 batteries as Sk8conz said (I used screws for everything)

2. Good compound miter saw with laser guide and a GOOD BLADE

3. Air compressor with brad nailer and air stapler

After that, in no particular order:

Good razor knife and LOTS of blades - I used that thing constantly.

High quality levels of different lengths. At a minimum you should have a 6' and 3'

I also used my circular saw (plus straight edge), router and jigsaw on and off quite a bit.

The ShopVac is a must as suggested earlier. I had mine hooked up to my miter saw all the time and it really kept the dust down. One item I bought that I loved is a switch that you plug both the saw and vacuum into. When you start your saw the vac starts automatically - beautiful little gadget.

The other thing I would suggest is to have a large working surface. I built a temporary workbench in my HT (3'x5'). Not only did I have a great area to work on, but I could also stick all the stuff I wasn't using under it to keep it out of my way.

Things I wished I had bought (and still may

):

High quality table saw - I have a piece of crap

Router table

Craig

See less See more

strange_brew

· #9 · May 10, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by dc_pilgrim /forum/post/0

I'd like to get a table saw, but I am not sure I have the room. My garage is getting very packed. I need to rip a ton of boards though, so I may have to rent one for a few days and just crank, or find a lumber yard that will cut things down (not likely since it will be a ton of work).

DC, have you seen the new portable ones? I'm in the same boat as you, but there are a couple of them out now (the Ridgid comes to mind) that fold up pretty compact but still have a decent working surface and high quality fence (the key to a good saw imo). This one goes for CAD$499 up here at big orange. Has a lifetime warranty too.

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/TS2400LS...-Saw/index.htm

Craig.

mbgonzomd

· #10 · May 10, 2007

Oh, I almost forgot. Saw horses. I just bought some late into my project. I am kicking myself for not doing so sooner.

dc_pilgrim

· #11 · May 10, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by strange_brew /forum/post/0

DC, have you seen the new portable ones? I'm in the same boat as you, but there are a couple of them out now (the Ridgid comes to mind) that fold up pretty compact but still have a decent working surface and high quality fence (the key to a good saw imo). This one goes for CAD$499 up here at big orange. Has a lifetime warranty too.

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/TS2400LS...-Saw/index.htm

Craig.

Craig - looks pretty similar in layout and space taken to this Bosch that I have had my eye on for over a year:

I was looking at the way my carpenters handle it. They have a Dewalt. Its reasonably compact, they were throwing it on their folding sawhorses (also on my list) with some boards or scrap underneath. I was begining to think I could store it underneath my miter saw stand if I didn't have the cart, and use the horses like they did. The cart is nice though. . . I hate to spend a bunch of cash to rent a tool as versital as a table saw though. . . We'll see what I can get away with.

EDIT - Hmm $561 shipped on amazon, w/a $50 gift card back and free freud blade that they sell for $60. I do have a lot of lumber to rip . . .

See less See more

tachyon

Discussion Starter · #12 · May 10, 2007

Thanks for the assistance all!

I was looking at a couple of the Hitachi miters that were on sale a few weeks back. How important/worth it is to have the 'sliding' compound as opposed to the fixed?

Also, I am finding out that cheap measuring tapes are a PITA! I've been doing landscaping projects outside and they just don't hold up.

Has anyone had any good/bad experiences with the Hitachi's? They seem to be solid built, and about 100-200 less then the Dewalts.

Neuner

· #13 · May 10, 2007

Wow, quite a response.

The tools I used the absolute most:

- Tin Snips, not only did I use this on the HVAC Relocation and the Metal Studs, but for cutting wire, Conc Mesh, Tips off Caulk Tubes, some tough Carpet Tile pieces, tough to open packaging, removing nails & staples, etc.

- Mitre & Table Saw

- Cordless Drill with Phillips attachment and the dullest set of drill bits known (or was the drill set in reverse?)

- Drywall T-Square

Take a bunch of sharpened pencils and throw them around the room. Whenever you need one you can never find it.

See less See more

tachyon

Discussion Starter · #14 · May 11, 2007

Alot of folks have listed both table and miter saws as must haves. So hears a newbie question, what is the benefit of having both?

As far as I can tell, the only thing that a miter can't do is rip. The rigid that craig posted does angled cuts, so what would be the benefits of having a miter over just a table? The only thing I could see is ease/quickness of use, plus laser sites for the cutting.

Please let me know! As you can tell I've never owned either.

nuczn

· #15 · May 11, 2007

i miter saw is fast easy to adjust to precision angles. You will use the miter saw ALOT its a definite must have. A miter saw has a flat table and a solid rear edge to place your board against and lower the blade down on your mark.

For the question on sliding chop saws. I my self am upgrading to one because it allows for a much wider board to be cut. for example your standard 10 inch chop saw is going to give you the ability to cut about a 6in board in one cut

a 12 in chop about 8 inches(correct me if im wrong since i only own a 10 inch dewalt

again here im not exactly sure of width but the sliding one has a very large range of cut.

I am of the mind that im going to have and use these tools for a long time why not get ones your not going to out grow because this stuff is alot of fun and your always learning more.

The table saw is designed to push lumber through its a much different application and for me was indispensable, just for speed of set up and ease of use. This is really used for ripping you lumber or cutting plywood. You can certainly get away with a good circular saw to do the same thing free hand or set up a guide with a straight edge and clamps. Just about all table saws do angles but this is not the same functionality as a chop saw and far more dangerous to use regularly to make your cuts.

See less See more

Neuner

· #16 · May 11, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by tachyon /forum/post/0

As far as I can tell, the only thing that a miter can't do is rip. The rigid that craig posted does angled cuts, so what would be the benefits of having a miter over just a table? The only thing I could see is ease/quickness of use, plus laser sites for the cutting.

I used a mitre the most. I used it for all of my trim work and plumbing cuts.

The table saw was a must have for me. I just have a generic. As an example, I have long angled cuts for trim work that must match up perfectly on my bar. There is no way this could have been done with a hand circular saw. There were fine cuts I needed for the length of my millwork on the bar that I also used it for. If it wasn't for my bar construction I *think* I could have done without it.

jikkjack

· #17 · May 11, 2007

BigDC - where did you get the roller shelf? That is awesome.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BIGmouthinDC /forum/post/0

Something I got for my basement project which really worked out well for me is a 6 wire shelf unit on casters. Put all your tools, and misc supplies and it keeps you organized but mobile. Rolls over extension cords.

Also a self leveling laser level.

The latest tool I got this week is a 23 gauge pneumatic pinner. Great for small trim work or for holding pieces together while the glue dries. Leaves a very small hole in the surface.

Kevin_Wadsworth

· #18 · May 11, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by jikkjack /forum/post/0

Most important tool of all - a good tape measure. Don't buy a cheap one or it will fall apart on you.

If you're anything like me, instead of buying one good tape measure, buy 2 (or even 3). That way, when you sit one down somewhere in the basement and can't find it, you have a spare. Or, you can keep one over where you are measuring and keep the other by the saw.

As for the saw discussion, I'd actually recommend a radial arm saw over a miter saw. It can do all the cuts of a miter saw, is easier for trimming 2x4's to length (IMO), and can also rip. A table saw rips better, but in a pinch the radial arm saw will do.

Another thing I'd add to you list is a good blade for your saw. About anything will do for crosscutting 2x4's, but for ripping lumber or cutting faced plywood, a good blade is essential.

JoshMKiV

· #19 · May 11, 2007

I "borrowed" that Bosch from my dad and boy do I love it. I have saved at least 24 man hours by having a table saw around.

Another option is to buy some of the larger items with your friends... Can be a PITA to share, but many people don't really need their own $500 table saw. If you do get one, get one with a fence that goes out to 24" IMO.

If you don't already have a miter saw, consider one that will cut 12" or greater at 90 deg - that really comes in handy. I bought the big Ridgid and am very happy with it. Lifetime warranty, or so they say.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dc_pilgrim /forum/post/0

Craig - looks pretty similar in layout and space taken to this Bosch that I have had my eye on for over a year:

I was looking at the way my carpenters handle it. They have a Dewalt. Its reasonably compact, they were throwing it on their folding sawhorses (also on my list) with some boards or scrap underneath. I was begining to think I could store it underneath my miter saw stand if I didn't have the cart, and use the horses like they did. The cart is nice though. . . I hate to spend a bunch of cash to rent a tool as versital as a table saw though. . . We'll see what I can get away with.

EDIT - Hmm $561 shipped on amazon, w/a $50 gift card back and free freud blade that they sell for $60. I do have a lot of lumber to rip . . .

wayhigh

· #20 · May 11, 2007

I've been finding that my 10" mitre saw and my corded hammer drill have by far been the most useful tools so far. I don't know what I would have done with my hardened concrete floor if it weren't for a decent hammer drill and a couple of carbide tipped masonry bits.

One thing that I keep finding more and more uses for is my air compressor. I added an air regulator/filter/oiler to it to ensure there's no way I'm going to damage my air tools by forgetting something (WAF doesn't include costs of tools broken for improper maintenance). So far so good!

I should mention that I do tend to buy cheaper tools when I think I can get away with it. My hammer drill was from Harbor Freight and although it was cheap, it has plenty of power, comes with an extra set of brushes for the motor (haven't needed to use them), and can switch between regular and hammer drill modes.

My 28 degree framing nailer is a Harbor Freight item also.. I'll let ya know how it works out as I start using it a lot.

See less See more

1 - 20 of 73 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.