Miscellaneous Tools and Small Machines

Tool Boxes

You gotta be organized.  I find the middle-section of tool-chests are perfect for organizing the machine shop tooling.  Oh, I’ve got shelves for my inventory of materials and tools, but the sliding shelves of the tool-chest are great for the delicate, breakable, losable, expensive cutters, heads, and other small things.

I’ve mounted them to the lower shelf of my work bench, so they are always close at hand, and I am always into them, so I’m sure that was a good decision.

Peg Boards

Likewise, peg boards are a great way to keep the shop tidy, organized, and efficient.  Hanging hand tools and safety glasses nearby saves real estate and keeps things I’m continually grabbing for right at hand.

Grinders

I have two grinders, one for cleaning up and resurrecting damaged cutters, and one for everything else.  I keep the wheels on the good grinder nice and clean (and trued), and I don’t worry too much about the other one, because one is for fine work, and the other is for rough work.  I find I am using them both ALL the time.

Air Compressor

A decent air compressor is another one of those invaluable additions to a workshop.  I’m always blowing something off or something.  It’s also used to drive some of the tools, like the coolant strayer.  I gotta find another place to put it though, in the shop is just too noisy – I hate to have to work with ear-muffs on.

Press

You can get a small press for really cheap at places like Harbor Freight.  I’ve got a small A-frame hydraulic one, but I’m sure an arbor press would be just as suitable.  Given the right tool, I find that there are plenty of reasons to turn to that rather than to a hammer, which is usually my first tool of choice.

Hand Tools

A good selection of hand tools is essential, go ahead and get some good ones, not the cheapos.  Socket wrenches, combination wrenches, adjustable wrenches, screw drivers; you’ll use them all.

Power Tools

I’ve got a collection of small power tools that is very handy: like an angle grinder for cleaning up welds; a jig saw for cutting wood, plastic or metal; cordless and corded drills for all kinds of stuff; flashlights, and others I’m sure.

Safety Equipment

Very important.  I’ve got lots of safety glasses for myself and any visitors who come along, both goggles and face shields; and ear protection, both plugs & muffs.

And a good supply of gloves and leather aprons and shields for welding.  I’ve even got an extra welding helmet for when the grand kids come along and want me to teach them how to weld.

And pads to stand on while working – they make all the difference in the world for comfort.