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09-18-2007 09:08 AM #3
I won't call myself an expert, but will go off of what I have used and have in the shop now.
chopsaws, I think mine is a dewalt, older saw (10" discs?) I think it is fantastic, cuts slick as greased owl poo. Accuracy? I don't think they are made for pinpoint accuracy, but I have a belt grinder for cleaning up edges and what not if I need to. Not that this doesn't cut a nice straight line, but it does leave an edge. I don't think they are expensive, so wouldn't be a bad addition to your shop. Like Don said, get a good brand. I like the chopsaw because it is a fast setup, just set it on the bench/cart and plug it in. takes up very little room.
The bandsaw is better, we have one that runs wet or dry (wet sure makes it nice though, don't know why I'd ever run it with the pump off) that is horizontal. I'd really like to have a vertical too. Between the two though the horizontal would be my first choice, for making cuts through big stuff (for instance pieces of your frame you might be putting together) you can't beat it. Set the angle of the cut, lock it in and let it go.
I haven't played with a lot of vises, most of mine are from companies that aren't around now probably. The one thing you can take to the bank is Wilton. We have one on the welding bench that is 30+ years old and has never given any trouble to my uncle or to me. I have a Wilton work positioner that is also bulletproof. they are pricey, but you don't want to mess around with micky mouse bs when you are trying to get something done, and you know you'd be peeved if you had something important in there and the jaws slipped and it wound up on the shop floor.
Drill Press, GET A STANDING FLOOR PRESS, don't get a bench top model. get one with a good table that you can adjust not just for height but rotate and tilt as well. Get a good vise for this table too, you want repeatability and accuracy in the drilling. Get yourself a drill doctor while you're at all this to keep your bits sharp. again, mine is probably 50 years old and I can't remember the brand, it's 5/8" with no. 2 morris taper. Jet makes good stuff and seems to be affordable, but watched the used market! Mine was sitting outside at some old guys house that my uncle knows, he got it for 150 bucks. I took a scotch brite pad to the chromed pieces and an orbital sander to the rest, looks good as new and with new belts runs great too.
The compressor, BUY BIGGER THAN YOU NEED, Don again is right, 110 limits you a lot. If you have somewhere remote from your shed that you can get 220 then install a bigger compressor there and run a hard line for it. You will be happier in the long run. Look at the motors when you choose your compressor, you want a good motor like a Baldor. Some of those Chinese motors are not really as powerful as the HP listed on them.
Red
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