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Cool tools

calrugerfancalrugerfan Member Posts: 18,209
edited April 2013 in General Discussion
I know we have a variety of skills and talents on this forum. I'm sure that there are some pretty cool tools that some people here use. I know we've got a blacksmith so he probably has some cool antique tools. We've got some metal workers that probably have state of the art machines. Heck, we've got one person here that has a milling machine AND a laser engraver!

As for my tools, they are pretty much all basic mechanic hand tools with a few air tools mixed in. Nothing spectacular.

So lets see those cool tools. Post some pics. Impress us. Feel free to post pics of things you've done with those tools too.
«1

Comments

  • Big Sky RedneckBig Sky Redneck Member Posts: 19,752 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I don't have pics but myself and a couple co-workers have designed tools to be used in MRAP repairs and assembly. Snap-On just don't make everything you need so we would go to the weld shop with ideas and have custom made tools.

    Example, Belly Armor wrench for MaxxPro trucks. Offset socket to remove/install lower starter bolt on the Cougar. Fender Wrench for Cougar. Custom made Seal Installer that could not be bought in Kuwait. Custom made injector puller for CAT engine. Custom made Transmission flush hoses. There are several other tools that was made such as sockets for hard to reach suspension bolts and other MRAP specialty tools.

    On a funny note, we destroyed all of our custom made tools when ManTech took over and cut the wages by near 50%. No use in helping that bunch contract destroying goons.
  • calrugerfancalrugerfan Member Posts: 18,209
    edited November -1
    There are a lot times when I have an idea for a tool in my head but no way to create it. That's cool that you could.
  • torosapotorosapo Member Posts: 4,946
    edited November -1
    I've had co-workers joke about my special tool drawer, till they needed something I've modified to fit special uses. Usually wrenches that have been bent or cut and welded back together to fit plces that are hard to get at.
  • rossowmnrossowmn Member Posts: 1,959 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It sounds goofy, I know, but some of the most useful tools I have are made from a bunch of broken bicycle spokes I found in a parking lot. By filing the ends to different points, I can use them as scratch awls, drift punches, bolt-hole liner-uppers, thingies to hang small parts on for painting, stain stirrers, etc. All free!
  • calrugerfancalrugerfan Member Posts: 18,209
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by rossowmn
    It sounds goofy, I know, but some of the most useful tools I have are made from a bunch of broken bicycle spokes I found in a parking lot. By filing the ends to different points, I can use them as scratch awls, drift punches, bolt-hole liner-uppers, thingies to hang small parts on for painting, stain stirrers, etc. All free!


    I love those real TECHNICAL tool names. [:D]
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,404 ******
    edited November -1
    One of my favorite tools is solidworks.[:I]
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • calrugerfancalrugerfan Member Posts: 18,209
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    One of my favorite tools is solidworks.[:I]


    I had to google that. Pretty cool.
  • AlpineAlpine Member Posts: 15,092 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I don't have a laser engraver but 2 vertical Mills and one horizontal mill, lathe, bandsaw, 50 ton press, TIG and MIG welders.

    Lathe.jpg
    ?The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.?
    Margaret Thatcher

    "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics."
    Mark Twain
  • calrugerfancalrugerfan Member Posts: 18,209
    edited November -1
    Alpine, what do you do with all that stuff? Build per customers specs? Or design your own stuff?
  • gesshotsgesshots Member Posts: 15,678 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Vulcan No. 1 Pipe Vice..... 110+ years old. Great Grand Dad's. Still work as well as the day it left Brooklynn, NY.

    [img][/img]vise2001.jpg

    [^]
    It's being willing. I found out early that most men, regardless of cause or need, aren't willing. They blink an eye or draw a breath before they pull the trigger. I won't. ~ J.B. Books
  • gesshotsgesshots Member Posts: 15,678 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Tire bead breaker. Age unknown, but I would guess 50+ years old.

    BeadBreaker001.jpg

    Yes, it works, but I did use a "cheater" pipe on the handle.

    [^]
    It's being willing. I found out early that most men, regardless of cause or need, aren't willing. They blink an eye or draw a breath before they pull the trigger. I won't. ~ J.B. Books
  • AlpineAlpine Member Posts: 15,092 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by calrugerfan
    Alpine, what do you do with all that stuff? Build per customers specs? Or design your own stuff?


    I take pieces of metal, and make tiny chips.

    I do it for fun. Like the saying goes: We are a non profit outfit. It didn't start out that way, it just ended that way.

    I'll look for some pics of some of the stuff I have made, and post them later.
    ?The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.?
    Margaret Thatcher

    "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics."
    Mark Twain
  • discusdaddiscusdad Member Posts: 11,427 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    36 inch CRESCENT wrench yes actually a CRESCENT brand made in 1948 it was my dad's for use in the oil fields. I call it a mother wrench. handle that thing all day u don't mess with mother at night
  • dcon12dcon12 Member Posts: 32,026 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I got a rock. Don
  • retroxler58retroxler58 Member Posts: 32,693 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Alpine
    I don't have a laser engraver but 2 vertical Mills and one horizontal mill, lathe, bandsaw, 50 ton press, TIG and MIG welders.

    Lathe.jpg
    Nice shop... [;)]
  • retroxler58retroxler58 Member Posts: 32,693 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've made tools occasionally that I thought were unique...
    Only to find out that my idea had been done LONG BEFORE I had it.

    One such instance was a little spring remove / install tool I made for a S&W...
    Posted it on the ATE forum a while back...
    http://forums.GunBroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=494812

    2mzvzgn.jpg

    30c3hwo.jpg

    zt85mx.jpg

    2vt4pbs.jpg

    At least I made it... After I had the idea and it worked like a worls class store bought one. [^]
  • gesshotsgesshots Member Posts: 15,678 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by retroxler58
    I've made tools occasionally that I thought were unique...
    Only to find out that my idea had been done LONG BEFORE I had it.

    One such instance was a little spring remove / install tool I made for a S&W...
    Posted it on the ATE forum a while back...
    http://forums.GunBroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=494812

    2mzvzgn.jpg

    30c3hwo.jpg

    zt85mx.jpg

    2vt4pbs.jpg

    At least I made it... After I had the idea and it worked like a worls class store bought one. [^]



    Robert,
    Great idea to turn and blunt a Torx bit!!

    I'm going to make one for myself!

    Though I may miss having the rebound spring shoot across the room..... into thr 4th demension.
    [;)][:D]
    It's being willing. I found out early that most men, regardless of cause or need, aren't willing. They blink an eye or draw a breath before they pull the trigger. I won't. ~ J.B. Books
  • pietro75pietro75 Member Posts: 7,048
    edited November -1
    100" diamond blade. Can cut up to 42" deep. Complete with a rolling table that will run up to 24' long and then clamp, flip and return cut back the 24'. That means you can cut a stone up to 84" thick. You set the perimeters in the computer and let it do it's thing.

    168020_1625285150961_1643169_n.jpg
  • llamallama Member Posts: 2,637 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by pietro75
    100" diamond blade. Can cut up to 42" deep. Complete with a rolling table that will run up to 24' long and then clamp, flip and return cut back the 24'. That means you can cut a stone up to 84" thick. You set the perimeters in the computer and let it do it's thing.

    168020_1625285150961_1643169_n.jpg




    And when the blade is scrap you can hang it at 1000 yards and plink wiht your 45-70, 25 acp, and 50bmg
  • pietro75pietro75 Member Posts: 7,048
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by llama
    quote:Originally posted by pietro75
    100" diamond blade. Can cut up to 42" deep. Complete with a rolling table that will run up to 24' long and then clamp, flip and return cut back the 24'. That means you can cut a stone up to 84" thick. You set the perimeters in the computer and let it do it's thing.

    168020_1625285150961_1643169_n.jpg




    And when the blade is scrap you can hang it at 1000 yards and plink wiht your 45-70, 25 acp, and 50bmg



    @ Dennis- The feather wedges are definitely a thing of the past. Guys back east still use them to create split field stone. faster than cutting with a saw and ready to face.

    The teeth on this saw are what is replaced. Each tooth is a 2"x3" diamond/steel tooth. If one breaks or pops off, replace. They cost about as much as a 14" diamond blade.
  • calrugerfancalrugerfan Member Posts: 18,209
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by pietro75
    100" diamond blade. Can cut up to 42" deep. Complete with a rolling table that will run up to 24' long and then clamp, flip and return cut back the 24'. That means you can cut a stone up to 84" thick. You set the perimeters in the computer and let it do it's thing.

    168020_1625285150961_1643169_n.jpg




    For some reason, I picture "Tim the Tool Man Taylor" using that for cutting a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

    That thing is awesome!
  • pietro75pietro75 Member Posts: 7,048
    edited November -1
    We sawed through this big stone to bring it down to an 8" depth.


    168020_1625285190962_4177346_n.jpg
  • grumpygygrumpygy Member Posts: 48,464 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    One of my favorite tools is solidworks.[:I]


    Start classes Monday.
  • Joes Custom GunsJoes Custom Guns Member Posts: 1,671 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I wish that I knew how to post pictures on the forums.
    I knowe that there are two threads on it already posted, but they are above My PC skills.





    quote:Originally posted by calrugerfan
    I know we have a variety of skills and talents on this forum. I'm sure that there are some pretty cool tools that some people here use. I know we've got a blacksmith so he probably has some cool antique tools. We've got some metal workers that probably have state of the art machines. Heck, we've got one person here that has a milling machine AND a laser engraver!

    As for my tools, they are pretty much all basic mechanic hand tools with a few air tools mixed in. Nothing spectacular.

    So lets see those cool tools. Post some pics. Impress us. Feel free to post pics of things you've done with those tools too.
  • pietro75pietro75 Member Posts: 7,048
    edited November -1
    Three of my most favorite "tools". It never ceases to amaze me what these guys can move in a day when they stick together. These are the best days of my life. Soon they will be grown and we will only have memories!

    315358_3840964181552_1439530530_n.jpg

    My first born favorite "tool", this guy is big and strong, able to accomplish whatever he puts his mind to.

    484124_3805989587209_1225212776_n.jpg

    I know my boys aren't just "tools", but they sure can get the labor done!
  • HappyNanoqHappyNanoq Member Posts: 12,023
    edited November -1
  • bambambambambambam Member Posts: 4,818 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    One of my favorite tools is solidworks.[:I]


    I LOVE Solidworks for 3-D. MUCH better than AutoCad!

    If you make a mistake, you just go back and change the dimensions.[^]


    Pictures with my phone that I WAS NOT supposed to be taking at work.

    Mazak U-8800 5 axis horizontal mill. 2 micron guarenteed repeatability. 330 tool hive w/ ATC. 6mm probe for automatic depth/diameter offsets between rough & finish passes. Six pallet pool w/ 2 fixtures per pallet(2 pallets not used). It has about every cutting tool made in the hive, & I had to learn how to change &/or rebuild them.

    055.jpg
    056.jpg
    058.jpg
    059.jpg

    Brother 5100
    Ran this one in the job shop. I made extruder dies for KalKan dog food. It cut little dog bone shapes in the plate. I also made cutter blades out of hardened A2,D2 & carbide for metal handle punch machines. I made some SS robot arm parts on it when I first started.

    It has a .010 brass wire that "cuts" metal. My boss told me it would cut all metal except brass so I made a brass powder measure one night for BP & cut the swivel cap connector on the EDM just to see if it would work. It did.
    brother5100.jpg
  • retroxler58retroxler58 Member Posts: 32,693 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    One of my favorite tools is solidworks.[:I]
    I like both Solid Works AND Inventor... [:D]
    I've got Solid Works 2013 and fixing to upgrade Inventor to 2013.

    Nothing like having 3D modeling at your fingertips. [^]
  • 320090T320090T Member Posts: 2,715 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have one of these and they are much older than 50

    quote:Originally posted by gesshots
    Tire bead breaker. Age unknown, but I would guess 50+ years old.

    BeadBreaker001.jpg

    Yes, it works, but I did use a "cheater" pipe on the handle.

    [^]
  • allen griggsallen griggs Member Posts: 35,666 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    slick002.jpg

    This is not a giant chisel, this is a "slick." It is used like a hand plane. The blade is 14 inches long and 2 1/2 inches wide.
    Log builders use these to "slick down" notches and other areas on the log that need smoothing.
    This is a beautiful tool. I keep it razor sharp.

    You can't go into Lowes and buy a slick, I had a blacksmith make this one from the driveshaft of a '53 Plymouth. He told me that the pre 1965 American cars had some great steel in them.
    I made the handle from a dogwood branch.

    I have used this slick to build 7 log cabins. In a year or two I will build another log cabin and I will show y'all some pics of a slick in action.

    slick001.jpg




    doglogtongssnow005.jpg

    These are log hooks, or log tongs. Two stout lads use one log tong to pick up the end of a 18 foot log. With two log tongs and 4 men you can really move some logs around.

    I made the top handle from a dogwood tree. Dogwood is very good for tool handles.
  • pietro75pietro75 Member Posts: 7,048
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by allen griggs
    slick002.jpg

    This is not a giant chisel, this is a "slick." It is used like a hand plane. The blade is 14 inches long and 2 1/2 inches wide.
    Log builders use these to "slick down" notches and other areas on the log that need smoothing.
    This is a beautiful tool. I keep it razor sharp.

    You can't go into Lowes and buy a slick, I had a blacksmith make this one from the driveshaft of a '53 Plymouth. He told me that the pre 1965 American cars had some great steel in them.
    I made the handle from a dogwood branch.

    I have used this slick to build 7 log cabins. In a year or two I will build another log cabin and I will show y'all some pics of a slick in action.


    That is a neat backstory and a cool tool. I have watched quite a few log homes go up and the boys that constructed them were pretty "automated". I didn't see any "slicks" floating around.
  • Old-ColtsOld-Colts Member Posts: 22,697 ✭✭✭
    edited June 2020
    Well, there are members here that I consider "Tools"; does that count [?] [}:)][;)][:D]

    If I can't tackle it with my Winchester Hatchet and wrench or my Case XX Machete; then it can't be dealt with! [8D]

    PB Picture removed.

    PB Picture removed.

    If you can't feel the music; it's only pink noise!

  • fideaufideau Member Posts: 11,895 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by retroxler58
    quote:Originally posted by Alpine
    I don't have a laser engraver but 2 vertical Mills and one horizontal mill, lathe, bandsaw, 50 ton press, TIG and MIG welders.

    Lathe.jpg
    Nice shop... [;)]

    It's like Joe's.
  • shoff14shoff14 Member Posts: 11,994 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by bambambam
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    One of my favorite tools is solidworks.[:I]


    I LOVE Solidworks for 3-D. MUCH better than AutoCad!

    If you make a mistake, you just go back and change the dimensions.[^]


    Pictures with my phone that I WAS NOT supposed to be taking at work.

    Mazak U-8800 5 axis horizontal mill. 2 micron guarenteed repeatability. 330 tool hive w/ ATC. 6mm probe for automatic depth/diameter offsets between rough & finish passes. Six pallet pool w/ 2 fixtures per pallet(2 pallets not used). It has about every cutting tool made in the hive, & I had to learn how to change &/or rebuild them.

    055.jpg
    056.jpg
    058.jpg
    059.jpg

    Brother 5100
    Ran this one in the job shop. I made extruder dies for KalKan dog food. It cut little dog bone shapes in the plate. I also made cutter blades out of hardened A2,D2 & carbide for metal handle punch machines. I made some SS robot arm parts on it when I first started.

    It has a .010 brass wire that "cuts" metal. My boss told me it would cut all metal except brass so I made a brass powder measure one night for BP & cut the swivel cap connector on the EDM just to see if it would work. It did.
    brother5100.jpg



    That U8800 will fit inside a E1550, and no I don't take pictures. [;)] Needless to say, the E1550 will fit inside a 2.5m shaper. [}:)]
  • fishkiller41fishkiller41 Member Posts: 50,608
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by HappyNanoq
    Like these ??

    reloadingtools.jpg

    Hmmmm I likey... Could you maybe caption this photo Happ??[:D][8D]
  • HappyNanoqHappyNanoq Member Posts: 12,023
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by fishkiller41
    quote:Originally posted by HappyNanoq
    Like these ??

    reloadingtools.jpg

    Hmmmm I likey... Could you maybe caption this photo Happ??[:D][8D]

    The three gadgets on the far left, are for crimping shotshells. I have one 12 gauge, and two 16 gauge.
    The shiny brass one in the middle on the bottom of the pic, is for 12 gauge shotshells also - for crimping the shels shut.

    The three-leged ones on the far right, are for removing the spent primer and inserting a new one.

    Between the three crimping-tools on the left, there's a small grease-container that fit in a 12 gauge cartridge-carrier/belt.
    It has the same dimensions as a 12 gauge shell, and also has the rim that a 12 gauge shell has. I take it it's because it can sit in the shotshell-carrier/belt.


    Then there's the measuring-cup-thing, and to the right of that one - three tools to expand shells with, so it's easy to insert the fibre/felt-wad.

    There's a powder-horn, and to the left of that, there's a tin of powder - from a danish factory that also delivered gunpowder for the danish army.

    The .30-06 is a little out of place, as the primer-hole have been threaded - and a pipe-cleaning tool now takes the place, and that tool can also open a beer. (non twist-cap bottles of beer)


    Not entirely sure what the rest are.
  • CaptFunCaptFun Member Posts: 16,678 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by bambambam
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    One of my favorite tools is solidworks.[:I]


    I LOVE Solidworks for 3-D. MUCH better than AutoCad!

    If you make a mistake, you just go back and change the dimensions.[^]


    Pictures with my phone that I WAS NOT supposed to be taking at work.

    Mazak U-8800 5 axis horizontal mill. 2 micron guarenteed repeatability. 330 tool hive w/ ATC. 6mm probe for automatic depth/diameter offsets between rough & finish passes. Six pallet pool w/ 2 fixtures per pallet(2 pallets not used). It has about every cutting tool made in the hive, & I had to learn how to change &/or rebuild them.

    055.jpg
    056.jpg
    058.jpg
    059.jpg

    Brother 5100
    Ran this one in the job shop. I made extruder dies for KalKan dog food. It cut little dog bone shapes in the plate. I also made cutter blades out of hardened A2,D2 & carbide for metal handle punch machines. I made some SS robot arm parts on it when I first started.

    It has a .010 brass wire that "cuts" metal. My boss told me it would cut all metal except brass so I made a brass powder measure one night for BP & cut the swivel cap connector on the EDM just to see if it would work. It did.
    brother5100.jpg


    My Daughter just got a copy of solidworks (student version) as a prize in an architectural drafting contest she was in. Got second place in Regionals, but did not place at the state level. She stlil has next year to try again! She uses AutoCAD and RevIT mostly. It's funny, I was in the last class at GaTech that did all old school pen and pencil drafting. They made some folks after us do both for a while, but now it is all CAD. I learned on CATIA and AutoCAD 2, my first job I had an E size digitizer tablet that we mounted on an old school drafting table and my job was to digitize a lot of the old campus utility drawings....
  • oldemagicsoldemagics Member Posts: 5,846 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    really wish i had a camera for when i get the tools un-packed to show some of the ones i use passed from my g-dad

    just looked up one of my levels, a stanley from around 1900-1920 that i found listed for sale between $100-120 for the standard 12 and 16 inch models, mine is an odd 15" ?

    then there are the seat and spoke shaves, standard planes (if you call a 22" long wood block plane standard)

    i could cry when i think of how many other tools went to some idiot N.Y. buyer who sucked my g-ma into a set price to empty the shop... [:(]
  • cbxjeffcbxjeff Member Posts: 17,624 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    That's my main tool Randy. I retired 12-31-12 so I had to buy SolidWorks 2013 on my own. I'm no expert but it wasn't my primary job. My real job was creating devices. Now I'm working at my own business.
    It's too late for me, save yourself.
  • bambambambambambam Member Posts: 4,818 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by CaptFun
    quote:Originally posted by bambambam
    Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    One of my favorite tools is solidworks.[:I]


    I LOVE Solidworks for 3-D. MUCH better than AutoCad!

    If you make a mistake, you just go back and change the dimensions.[^]


    My Daughter just got a copy of solidworks (student version) as a prize in an architectural drafting contest she was in. Got second place in Regionals, but did not place at the state level. She stlil has next year to try again! She uses AutoCAD and RevIT mostly. It's funny, I was in the last class at GaTech that did all old school pen and pencil drafting. They made some folks after us do both for a while, but now it is all CAD. I learned on CATIA and AutoCAD 2, my first job I had an E size digitizer tablet that we mounted on an old school drafting table and my job was to digitize a lot of the old campus utility drawings....


    I had Drafting my first semester at school. We had to use the pencils & straight edges & triangles. We did use the mechanical pencils(5mm,7mm,9mm) that are much easier than the old way. You had to turn the pencil as you wrote to keep it sharp & the line weight even.

    I have SolidWorks 2011, AutoCad 2013, and Master Cam 6, all student versions, on my laptop. They come in handy when you don't have time to complete your work, you can do it at home.
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