Need some starter metal fab tools.

[2000 "X"]

I have been fabing metal for about 2 years with friends and welding on peoples rigs but now's time to get my own set up. I have $1000 bucks to get started help me out guys.

[69CJ]

OK - I'm a little confused: If you've been fabbing for two years, wouldn't you know what you use/need the most?:shaking:

[TheBandit]

This is the order I would go in, starting with the very most basic tools
-Drill
-Angle grinder
-welder
-chop saw
-drill press
-bench grinder
-flame cutter
-tube bender
-plasma
-notcher

Modify as necessary for your specific needs and don't forget associated protective equipment.

[2000 "X"]

Thanks for the list, I really need to know the best bang for the buck tools, brands that work for you guys and you know will hold up, I don't want to buy something for it's name that I thought work good once but if you used it 50 times and turned to shit. I've been useing other peoples tools and learning. I have a nak for metal and want to do more. Thanks for the info guys still need more info. Thanks.

[Aces'n'8s]

.... I really need to know the best bang for the buck tools, brands that work for you guys and you know will hold up, I don't want to buy something for it's name that I thought work good once but if you used it 50 times and turned to shit.


The best bang for your buck tool in everyone's fab shop is.....

SEARCH:flipoff2:

I've only been a member for a while, but I've seen this very question appear with uncanny frequency.



.... I've been useing other peoples tools and learning. I have a nak for metal and want to do more.

If you do indeed have such a nak [sic] for metal working, then why haven't you been paying attention to all the shop talk, brand name on tools you've been using, or general reading/discussion on the subject matter?



.... Thanks for the info guys still need more info. Thanks.

What more do you need to know?

The list above is a great one that provides specific tools to accomplish a vast amount of fab work and general shop repair.

I would only add a 6" bench vise and a portable band saw.

[TNToy]

And also, plan to ultimately spend at least 3 times the $1k you've got budgeted. That'll get you a welder, 4.5" angle grinder, bench vise, and a good 1/2" drill, maybe. But you'll be wanting more tools very, very soon. ;)

[DRM]

This is the order I would go in, starting with the very most basic tools
-Drill
-Angle grinder
-welder
-chop saw
-drill press
-bench grinder
-flame cutter
-tube bender
-plasma
-notcher

Modify as necessary for your specific needs and don't forget associated protective equipment.

Bravo - that is a sweet little list, and I agree with the order :bigthumbsup:

[TLCObsession]

I agree - But add someof the cheap stuff: Hammers, clamps, angle finders and super important (yeah its a consumable) Sharpies!

[2000 "X"]

The list is right on, your right. But I'm looking for " get a lincoln welder model such and such they hold up the best Chicogo Electric from Harbor frieght suck" That is what I'm after. I can look all over and find webpages saying there welder does this and that but how do I know it's not a peace shit. What are some of you useing at home and what to avoid not to waste my money? If someone can give me a list of what model and brand they think are best for the list above my search will be over. Thanks for your time if your helping.

[redrangie]

The list is right on, your right. But I'm looking for " get a lincoln welder model such and such they hold up the best Chicogo Electric from Harbor frieght suck" That is what I'm after. I can look all over and find webpages saying there welder does this and that but how do I know it's not a peace shit. What are some of you useing at home and what to avoid not to waste my money? If someone can give me a list of what model and brand they think are best for the list above my search will be over. Thanks for your time if your helping.

dude,
opinions are like vaginas, theres a lot of them out there, and some stink more than others.

Just search. you can't buy stuff that won't break with 1k. Hell, full price, my oxy setup was 780.00. I would buy an oxy set up, as one of my major first purchases. There is nothing more versatile, as you can weld, cut, gouge, shape, bend, and solder with one unit. Also, if you learn how to weld on gas, you will be way ahead of most people in technique.


I have around 5k into my shop/studio, and most of it is bottom end as far as some people are concerned. That being said, I can turn out some cool shiat (imho) with that bottem end stuff.

[desertoy]

Look into an HTP welder. Got a good deal on one for our fab shop this year. I was a little skepticle at first, but it has turned out to be a very reliable welder. Cheap too.

[DRM]

I agree - But add someof the cheap stuff: Hammers, clamps, angle finders and super important (yeah its a consumable) Sharpies!

I consider those smaller items that just get picked up gradually along the way.

[TheBandit]

Here are some suggestions. There is always opinion to which brands and models are better and I'm bound to leave something out, but I feel these will at least be adequate.

-Drill
Half inch capacity is nice, but I would get a 3/8 drill first and worry about a larger drill when it is needed. Buy name brand with a keyed chuck if possible, and get a full set of quality drill bits (up to at least 1/2"). Do not buy cheap. I have burned up several cheap drills. My current is a Hitachi that I purchased from Lowes. I am very happy with it so far.
-Angle grinder
Makita, Dewalt, Millwaki, or other name brand. I like 4-1/2 inch, some people prefer smaller 4" because it fits more places. Purchase a stack of cutoff wheels because they go quickly. Grinding wheels don't go so quickly, so I woudn't purchase more than one extra until you need it
-welder
Get a 220volt MIG welder if your budget allows. Consider making an extension to your dryer outlet if you don't have 220 in your garage. Hobart 180, MM175, and Lincoln 175 are all good and you can get replacement parts for them easily. Going with what your local shop carries is not a bad idea since you can easily get replacement parts. Purchase a welder that comes with a regulator and buy gas from the getgo. If you don't know how to weld, get lessons or learn from a friend and practice a bunch.
-chop saw
I haven't heard of any problems with knockoff chopsaws, including those from Harbor Freight and the likes. But my personal opinion is you should purchase a quality name brand chop saw with a thick/sturdy base and clamp mechanism. A 14" will do a lot.
-drill press
Floor standing is best, but if tabletop is all you can afford, you can still do a lot. The lower the speed, the better in my opinion.
-bench grinder
I bought a Ryobi and a Crafstman at the same time. I like the Ryobi better. It is balanced better and has plenty of power. However either works well. On the otherhand, I also have owned a Harbor Freight bench grinder and it was incredibly weak. The wheels would stop if you put much pressure on it. Purchase a quality bench grinder and add a wire wheel to one side.
-flame cutter
I have no experience with these
-tube bender
I would purchase a mechanical bender such as the Pro 105 or JD2 Model 3. Both are excellent benders and can be converted to hydraulic later if you desire. If you are between the two, select the one your frends have so you can share dies. Most people use 1.75" tubing for offroad fabrication. Purchase dies of the smallest CLR available unless you plan to bend thin wall tubing. Unless you are certain you will never want a bend over 90 degrees, purchase 240 degree wrap dies.
-plasma
I have no experience with these
-notcher
I have no experience with these

As a rule of thumb, always purchase quality tools. More expensive does not always mean better, but remember to consider future demands. After a few years of use you will forget about the extra money you spent on quality equipment, but you wll always appreciate better features, higher capacities, good warranties, availability of replacement parts and consumables, and technical support.

On the otherhand, don't cut yourself short by purchasing the most expensive equipment there is. I would rather have an adequate chop saw and an adequate drill press than only one really nice version of etiher. Put your money where it will do the most work for you.

Also, purchase tools that are versatile. For example, an angle grinder can be used for many jobs and can substitute for a chop saw or bench grinder. Similar things can be said for a flame cutter or plasma. Keep in mind what kind of work you are doing and select the tools that make the most sense.

Bravo - that is a sweet little list, and I agree with the order :bigthumbsup:

Big thanks! :D I put some measureable thought into that list.

I agree - But add someof the cheap stuff: Hammers, clamps, angle finders and super important (yeah its a consumable) Sharpies!

There is definitely a huge subset of tools that go in between the ones I listed. My attitude has always been to purchase these tools as the need/desire comes up... as a result, I visit the hardware store frequently. ;)

[DRM]

Bandit, you are knocking them out of the park on this thread !!!

One addition - throw a flap disc for the 4.5" angle grinder into the mix. It'll add the finished smooth tough to your items and really show when it comes time to add paint.

[JeeponRock]

Good advice from Bandit, but I would offer a couple of other points.

I have several cheap angle grinders. The Northern Tools special was $30, and has variable speed. Works great. The 2 HF super cheapies were $10/ea (on sale) and are just on off. I use them more... but they are REALLY loud. So, with the extra cash I bought ear protection. The consumables are what are going to eat you alive on grinders. I use flap wheels like they're cheap... but they aren't.

Picked up a barely used Hobart Ironman with a full spool and a full 80cf bottle for $800. Killer deal. Find people upgrading and buy their junk.

I have a Miller Spectrum 125 plasma... barely adequate for 3/16", but oddly rated for sever on 1/2". Overbuy.

No abrasive cut-off wheel here, but instead I picked up a HF 4x6 bandsaw. It is quiet, less mess, and can be left to cut on it's own ($150 on sale).

Watch sales, look for GOOD used stuff, and improvise. Occassionally, make do with what you can afford, and build junk for other peole to get cash to buy more junk to play with.

[Gravel Maker]

Buy a good used Gas setup, don't worry about it not being Victor, they all will last if you don't drop them changing tanks. Everyone neglects the brazing skill and need to bend items, I agree with the previous post.($200-300)

A drill press is very valuable when you think of wandering bits and how many things you make needing holes. You can get a cheap one new for under $100, I know, it will be from HF. Used for $30 anywhere.

While you are at HF buy 3 of the disposable grinders, throw out the wheels that come with them and get a few packs of flapper disc's, medium and heavy grit (they are twice as fast as the wheels and not near as dangerous). Put a medium and a heavy on 2 of the grinders and the third is a spare for the first time one of the others quits. Buy them on sale (every month) for $30 ($10 each).

Sawzall, I like Porter cable and have used mine for 10 years without problem, Tiger Cub model ~$150, HF sells these too but I have no faith in thier electric tools that have moving parts (see grinders).

I have heard of poeple having luck with cheap welders but I haven't tried one. However, I use a 110v Lincoln 135+ and love it (I don't have 220v, apartment garage) $550 new with hood and 10lb spool, ~400 used. You won't find a nice 220v in that kind of price range.

Don't buy anything cordless, steel feeds on them powerwise. And cords, buy a good 10 gauge, 100' cord with at least 3 plug in slots ($50-100)

Don't waste your money on some fancy tool box to impress your friends, buy something old and used that works for $50.

Something I haven't seen mentioned, but a chunk of 1/2" plate and make a nice workbench, ~$150.

There, we have spent your $1000, now go borrow some more and spend $2000 on some cheap hand tools (files, drill bits, cold chisels, wrenches, sockets sets, blah, blah, blah).

Good luck

[TheBandit]

Don't waste your money on some fancy tool box to impress your friends

I consider my toolbox (http://www.calpoly.edu/~cjudd/IM001837T.jpg) one of my best investments and I love impressing my friends with it :grinpimp:. But it's absolutely not necessary. Even a pegboard with some hooks will do a great job of organizing hand tools and making them accessable.

On the MIG 110v vs 220v, this is an area of debate: readers should listen to both sides and decide for themselves what they need. I have seen great success with 110 welders and used one for a while myself, but I feel the extra couple hundred dollars are worth saving for a bigger machine. In either variety (110 or 220) I would stick to one of the big three (Hobart, Miller, Lincoln) and never buy one that doesn't come with a regulator for MIG (ie, the less expensive Lincoln sold at Home Depot).

If you do decide to go with a 110v welder, look for a used one. People often upgrade to a 220v and sell off their 110v.

[2000 "X"]

I think that will about do it, thank's guys for working with me on this. I'm Just like everyone else, the money I have wasted haveing other people fab stuff up for me I could have bought the top of the line welder and done mine owen, so F the middle man I need to make a exocage anyways. I will have a shop of my own some day and people will pay me to weld there shit. :flipoff2:

[broncofreak2000]

I will give my .02 cents on this, buy good quality when you can. Tools are an investment, they will last a long time if taken care of and the cost will soon be forgotten. Here is what I think:

Drill= Milwaukee 1/2 drive, Mil. 18 volt cordless

Angle Grinder= Mil. 4 1/2 for the heavy stuff, 13 year old Makita 4" for the flap wheel

Welder= Miller 175amp mig 220 volt

Chop saw= Milwaukee. 14" cast iron base

Drill Press= Craftsman 15" laser trac 1hp, 5/8 chuck, 12 speed

Bench grinder= Grizzly 6" (hardly ever use)

Flame Cutter= Older Victor set

Bender= JD2 model 3

Plasma= probably Hypertherm when I buy one

Notcher= TN100 from Trick Tools

You will need good hand tools, clamps, bench, ext. cords, welding hood, jacks, stands. The $1000.00 that you have to start with will get you started, but plan on spending alot more.

[cebby]

My .02 -> Using Bandit's list and keeping in mind the $1000 budget:

-Drill
-Angle grinder
-welder
-chop saw <-here's where you run out of money if you go Lincoln/Miller 110v MIG (can sell and upgrade later) with tank/reg and getting decent name brand stuff.
-drill press
-bench grinder <-here's where you run out of money if you have some HF stuff sprinkled into the mix
-flame cutter
-tube bender
Changed the order on the last two and added one. Many plasmas don't have an air source, so you need a compressor also. With a flame cutter on the list, a plasma could be last.

-notcher
-compressor
-plasma

[cruiserbrett]

I have used and abused the 4.5" dewalt grinder I have. Its the one with the metal gearbox, and its noiser than the plastic housed one but seems more durable. couldnt ask for anything more. Got it on sale, at Home Depot.

I would go right to a 1/2" capacity drill, be carefull, their generally ALOT stronger than you think and I have pinned my hand a few times. I have had VERY good luck with the Milwakee brand ones.

Welder: Get a 220V mig. I think if you are fabbing seriously, regularly, you need the capacity for thicker stuff and the longer use time before you should let it cool on thinner stuff will keep the wear and tear down.

Plasma: My hypertherm 600 rocks. I think its the best bang for the buck out there, consumables are cheaper than other brands, and it easily and cleanly cuts 3/8" plate, with minimal kerf. Plan on a 50A 220V circuit though.

Chop saw: look for replaceable brushes(sealed too or the grinder dust kills them and the power the unit will offer) I have a ryobi 14" and its OK at best. Runs out of horsepower on longer thicker cuts and the pivot deisgh for the arm allows for just enough play if you press too hard to require grinding clean up on bigger cuts. Kind of annoying, but still it works. DO not use the home depot blades for the saw. Get some real ones, look at a welding supply place for brands like Pferd or Metabo? Had good luck with both of those, but they are hard to find.

Gotta get a compressor for a plasma, so look at an oil type not oilless. Read the CFM requirements of the plasma to determine, and include in the price of the compressor the purchase of a motorguard m-30 airfilter. It works well enough for me to spray my truck with paint, and in a pinch you can either dry out the Toilet paper like element in the oven or use a roll of TP(dont let it get too wet or youre going to be pushing the pulp up the lines.)

[Gravel Maker]

About Lincoln 110v welders, I use one because I live in an apartment and haven't 220v in my tiny single car garage. However, a 135t and a 135+(plus) are different animals. The plus model has the gas hook up and the t model dosen't, you want a gas model and you can get a bottle anywhere used for under $125, not the biggest one but at least the medium sized bottle.

And in careful hands with practice on the temp and speed settings 1/4" is not out of the question.

[Todd W]

You can do a lot more than you think with a 4.5" Angle grinder w/cut-off wheels, flapper discs and some imagination. Add a drill to this and you can start making parts. You could skip the chop-saw (I hate them) and use a sawazall, and a vice instead. You can also use the angle grinder w/cut-off wheels as a notcher too. And a lot more stuff.

When I started out the first tool I got was an angle grinder that's only because I had a 14v cordless dewault that sucked but I still use it :flipoff2:

The 135+ is a good choice but don't forget hobart, you can get a new/use dhobart for under 800. (A lot of budget but nice!)

[TheBandit]

You could skip the chop-saw (I hate them) and use a sawazall, and a vice instead.

If you had said to use an angle grinder instead, okay. But a sawzall? Not for cutting tube. I would rather weld by rubbing sticks together near two pieces of metal.

But everyone has their preference. There are a lot of different ways to make something.

[frankenfab]

My thoughts...

I'd rather cut my materials with a hand powered hacksaw than an abrasive chopsaw. Get a bandsaw. A portable bandsaw is good too.

Get a brand name 4.5" grinder. They have less vibration, more power, and last longer.

A disk sander is better than a bench grinder. A combo disk and belt sander is even better.

An oxy-acetylene can cut as well as a plasma (except on the thin stuff). It's a whole lot more affordable.

[Todd W]

If you had said to use an angle grinder instead, okay. But a sawzall? Not for cutting tube. I would rather weld by rubbing sticks together near two pieces of metal.

But everyone has their preference. There are a lot of different ways to make something.

Cutting tube is 1 exception for the chop-saw but in a vice w/sawz-all it cuts nicely too.

frankenfab"A disk sander is better than a bench grinder. A combo disk and belt sander is even better."

Angle grinder with sanding disc (not flapper) works for sanding too.

I`m just posting up some ideas to stay well udner budget to allow for NICER bigger items likea welder ;)

[2000 "X"]

The welder will come first then use what's left for the other tools. Anyone have some good sites to get used welders or know someone that is up gradeing there's, have money in hand? Addmin I know this is not the classifieds but trying to stay on topic.

[Todd W]

The welder will come first then use what's left for the other tools. Anyone have some good sites to get used welders or know someone that is up gradeing there's, have money in hand? Addmin I know this is not the classifieds but trying to stay on topic.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hobart-175-MIG-Flux-Cored-175-Amp-Welder-500416-REC_W0QQitemZ4422491195QQcategoryZ46413QQssPageNam eZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/HOBART-HANDLER-140-MIG-WELDER-new-500500_W0QQitemZ7566595919QQcategoryZ113743QQrdZ1Q QcmdZViewItem

Should last fine until you want to step up to a 220 unit.

Check local papers.

[Jeffh555]

i've had good luck with cyberweld.com

i love my millermatic 175 I think its a great comprimise for the hobbyist between portability (eg mm135) and power (eg mm 210). i like miller and wont change untill they give me a good reason to.

i couldnt do without my hornell speedglass utillity welding hood, not early on my list of things to buy, but well worth the $100

craftsman angle grinder, probably use it more than anything.

definately get a 1/2" drill, you will need it sooner than you think

my drill press was $15 at the flea market, actualy $10 for the drill press, paid a my buddy $5 to carry it to the truck. one of these days i'll clean it up and paint it, everyone's always surprised that it works.

i dont really use my bench grinder much.

dewalt chop saw, gift from someone who i helped alot with his runner build, i use it alot.

my roomate's dad gave us his old vice, i never new i needed a vice so much until now.

to me those are the important ones.

[Dynamicfigure]

Good advice throughout this thread.

I find my harbor freight 4X6 metal band saw to be a lot better than any chop saw. The cuts are cleaner, more acurate and with a bi metal blade it will cut through about anything in short order. Also a good vise bolted on your welding table (assuming a welder is in your future a welding table should be to) gets used a bunch.

Spend money on your welder, go cheep on angle grinders. Keep an eye on local classifieds. I bought a 3/4 inch thick top, 3X4 welding table for a grand total of $50.00, all I had to do was bust my hump loading it up from some guys pissed off ex as she was selling it and a bunch of his other stuff off cheep.

[DusterRT]

I needed an angle grinder for a project once, cutting off the end of a hardened steel shaft. I am a cheap bastard (well not so much cheap as friggin' broke), but I dropped the $100 on a Milwaukee 4.5" and another $30 on flapper discs and cutoff wheels..and positively cannot believe how I got by without it before. I use it for all kinds of stuff.

A small variety of hand files is also EXTREMELY handy and pretty cheap.

"When you buy good tools, you only cry once."

Travis

[2000 "X"]

This is what I have bought now, and spent.

Welder- lincoln 175 mig weldpak- $440
Chop saw- black and decker 14" - $100
Angle grinder- craftsman 4.5" - $32


I need a cutting torch. What do I need, the bear min? I was thinking some guages line and torch with extra tips. What tips are good?

[TEEJ]

bump for ya.........