Which Additional Tools Would You Recommend?

[Mat1asBEV&ICE]

Hi, now that I have placed my order I received the PDF manual with the list of tools I'll need.

From your experience, what additional tools should I consider to make the build easier? I am already considering a drill press, belt grinder, rivnut tool, and Milwaukee cordless riveter.

Thank you for your recommendations!

[Ted G]

You'll want clecos for sure; probably about 50 1/8" and 10 3/16". The two tools I used most was my 3" bench sander, my hand riveter. The cordless ones are great, but you will likely need a hand one too; there are a lot of tight spaces. Drill press is a must for some customizations. Not sure if a cordless grinder is on that list, but it is a must for cutting, grinding, etc.

[scrubs]

I didn't have a drill press. Ended up with ammeter/voltmeter, brake line bending/flaring tools, weatherpack kit/soldering, AN wrenches. I have the cordless riveter which is Def a time saver. I think I wound up opting for different/upgraded/replacement parts more than specialty tools...

So many little things to get done that you can almost always do something else while waiting for Amazon prime/mcmaster/summit/breeze/Everson/etc to deliver you something.

[scrubs]

You'll want clecos for sure; probably about 50 1/8" and 10 3/16". .


Like he said

[MB750]

I've used my shop press quite a bit, but I'm taking the DIY aspect of this kit to unique locations.

[CaptB]

Milwaukee cordless rivet gun

[Mat1asBEV&ICE]

Ah, yes. Bench sander. That's what I meant. :) I have a cordless grinder.

Definitely clecos.

Agreed on breakline bending and flaring tools. So an AN wrench set should be a good one. Weatherpack kit, good point and so is the voltmeter (have one).

[RJD]

If you plan to do any fabricating, these:
187828
187829
187830

For wire heat shrink tubing and ABS plastic bending:
187831

[David Williamson]

A tap & die set is really handy and I used a Dremel with a cut off disc often.
David W

[Ted G]

I also made an AC to DC adapter so that I could check all of my wiring circuits without a battery. I surely didn't want to fry the battery with bad wiring. I thought it helped out a lot. I got the idea from Toadster (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/member.php?3774-toadster)

[42Bfast]

I’ll admit it can be a bit of a splurge, (mine was a loaner from a friend), a right angle drill has helped me tremendously in some of the tighter spaces. I find myself reaching for it often.
A quick search did produce this, so not terribly prohibitive.

187836

[Mat1asBEV&ICE]

Thank you. My dad and father-in-law are EE, so I'll have them help me with that. :)

[skidd]

Everybody always says Clecoes.
I'm just here to say, I had zero trouble without them . Just reused some of the self taping screws where needed.

A few of Extra tools I did use though.
- Die Grinder.
- flappy sanding disks for the angle grinder.
- Angle Grinder.
- Blow Gun for compressor.
- 1/8" jobber drill bits. Lots of them.
- hole de burring tool.
- step-bit drill bits
- various c and wood clamps.

[Mastertech5]

I got a rivnut tool with my kit. I got a 12" and a 6" #30 and #10 plus the standard length drill bits. Much easier rivet insertion instead of trying to force them into 1/8" and 3/16" holes. Hole saws. All available on Amazon.

[Rdone585]

A can opener and recycle bin, along with a few good friends. Lots of various size zip ties.

[Mat1asBEV&ICE]

All excellent tools to consider. Thank you!

[GoDadGo]

You will need at least one long reach low profile floor jack.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-long-reach-low-profile-professional-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-blue-56641.html

I have two and could not live with out them since I don't have a proper lift.

[Mat1asBEV&ICE]

Thank you. I do have a similar jack and a lift is coming. :cool:

[mgk172]

Low profile jack
Right angle drill
Tap and die set
Heat gun
Good set of crimpers

[DanQ]

Clecos, around 50 of the 1/8" and 3/16" size, a few spring jaw clamps, good shop lighting, 4.5" angle grinder with flap disc sander, good measuring devices, and basic tools. I really don't see much use with a drill press, in fact, I sold mine as it took up too much space for the few times you use it. Also, a refrigerator and stereo in the garage is nice. The rivnut tool came in my kit from F5. Also, you will need a lot of space to store the boxes after the kit arrives. My triple garage got quite cramped for a week after mine was delivered, before I had everything organized and stored. Luckily in addition to a good size garage, it has an upper level for storage.

187846187847

[Al_C]

A friend put an old refrigerator in his shop/garage, cut a hole in the side of it and installed a tap. He always had a quarter keg nice and cold in it. He always had plenty of people offering to help. Might be a stretch to call it a "tool", but it's still a good idea!

[nucjd19]

Second the clecos, drill press, 90 drill ( however you can get a 90 degree adaptor for your drill off amazon), taps rivnut tool, heat gun, all air tools with an air compressor weather pack electrical connections and the tool to to install, hydraulic electrical crimper. You will find that your tool box will expand quite a bit through the process. That being said I bought an air compressed rivet gun and did not use it at all. Pulled the rivets old school style LOL!

[rthomas98]

Below are the ones that I needed in addition. Not nessary but they stopped a lot pain though:

Power Brake Bleeder
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002KM5L0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
A set screw set
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CKFJ8GY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00ie=UTF8&th=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CKFJ8GY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1)
Paint pen when you final torque on critical bolts. A lot easier to see if the mark moves when you check it then having to retorque
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WL2RR92/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
A hammer lug crimper. This is especially needed if you go with a breeze battery tray
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X2WS3L4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
A test lead set
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XX25HFX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

The final tool based on the above make sure your prime membership is up to date. I felt like I was spending more with Amazon then anywhere else.

[danmas]

Movable four post lift (https://www.wildfirelifts.com/wildfire-exotic). My one post lift was great but didn't fit under the body so I ordered this thing and it should arrive sometime in the next 10 days or so.

[Sarcasticshrub]

What extra tools you may need will depend on your build plan. Lots of fabrications in store or sticking with the build manual and not going too far from it?

Lots of supercool goodies are suggested here. Clecos? Sure thing. Drill press? Maybe, or maybe not. Sure would be nice to have it on a few projects but may not be necessary for the occasional extra hole here and there.

You may find that you don't need too much more than the basics unless there is something you run across that would benefit from having the go-go gadget tool of choice. In any case, enjoy!

[Barwickad]

Of all the new tools I purchased during my build (and I purchased quite a few). These four stand out and we’re used countless times throughout the build.

In order of need vs want.

Compact 90 degree drill
Rivnut tool
Cordless rivet puller
Cordless shop vacuum

[Nigel Allen]

Good measurement and marking out tools.
- Budget set of digital vernier calipers.
- scriber
- centre punch
- steel rule
- engineers combination square.
- fine point sharpies
- calculator
- metric conversion chart.

If I was doing it again, I reckon a computer in the workshop with internet would of been handy.

Not tool related, but it's also worthwhile getting some aluminium angle, flat bar etc. for making brackets and custom pieces. I went to my local steel wholesaler and went through their off cut bins. Got a tonne of great stuff that I will also use for other projects.

My most used tool was my Makita cordless drill. Along with a good selection of drill bits, step drills and the odd holesaw, there was barely a garage session where it didn't see use.

Cheers, Nige

[Mat1asBEV&ICE]

A hammer lug crimper. This is especially needed if you go with a breeze battery tray
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X2WS3L4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Excellent, I am planning on getting the Breeze battery mount.

[Mat1asBEV&ICE]

Compact 90 degree drill
Rivnut tool
Cordless rivet puller
Cordless shop vacuum

These keep coming up a lot, along with a tap and die set. Thank you.

[Mat1asBEV&ICE]

Good measurement and marking out tools.
- Budget set of digital vernier calipers.
- scriber
- centre punch
- steel rule
- engineers combination square.
- fine point sharpies
- calculator
- metric conversion chart.

If I was doing it again, I reckon a computer in the workshop with internet would of been handy.

Not tool related, but it's also worthwhile getting some aluminium angle, flat bar etc. for making brackets and custom pieces. I went to my local steel wholesaler and went through their off cut bins. Got a tonne of great stuff that I will also use for other projects.

My most used tool was my Makita cordless drill. Along with a good selection of drill bits, step drills and the odd holesaw, there was barely a garage session where it didn't see use.

Cheers, Nige

Thank you. I do have WiFi and and a computer for the garage, as well as a couple of WiFi speakers. I really like. your idea of getting some left over steel pieces/cut offs from a local steel wholesaler.

[Namrups]

One tool I found very helpful was thread gauge in both SAE and Metric. This will help you to not be the guy that tried to screw a SAE bolt into a metric hole. It is also helpful in knowing what thread your going to the local hardware store to buy.

[Mat1asBEV&ICE]

One tool I found very helpful was thread gauge in both SAE and Metric. This will help you to not be the guy that tried to screw a SAE bolt into a metric hole. It is also helpful in knowing what thread your going to the local hardware store to buy.

Thank you, Namrups. Something like this (https://www.amazon.com/ChgImposs-Imperial-Whitworth-Industrial-Measurement/dp/B07J9V9JTK/ref=asc_df_B07J9V9JTK?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80539344142746&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584138871841241&psc=1)?

[danmas]

Thank you, Namrups. Something like this (https://www.amazon.com/ChgImposs-Imperial-Whitworth-Industrial-Measurement/dp/B07J9V9JTK/ref=asc_df_B07J9V9JTK?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80539344142746&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584138871841241&psc=1)?

I found this (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08J45V47X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)to be a lot easier for me.

[cob427sc]

I purchased years ago a right angle pneumatic 1/4" drill at Harbor Freight. relatively cheap and I've used it on numerous car builds.

[phileas_fogg]

For your battery cable terminations, I prefer the fusion solder lugs that come preloaded with flux and solder in the barrel of the connectors (https://www.electricalhub.com/battery-terminals-and-lugs/fusion-solder-battery-terminals). Just heat with a propane torch and then slowly push the wire into the molten solder. The slow push prevents any air bubbles in the solder connection, and prevents an uncontrolled "splash" of solder.

I'll add a good set of electrical crimps to your tool set. I like https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002STTTI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for weather pack connectors, and https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TYO762/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for regular tube crimps up to 8 gauge.

Other comments: x2 on the thread checker. I use https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003FJW0GK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 for projects around the house all the time.

If you're going to customize your dash, a drill press is almost essential. You'll also want a circle cutter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004T7P2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1.


John

[Mike.Bray]

I'll jump in here. I had a full car building shop complete with welders, lathes, CNC mill, contouring band saw, English wheel, frame jig, and on and on. Got burned out, sold most of it off, and kept what I felt was essential for survival. When I decided to build my FFR I ended up not having to buy very many more tools so I think I've got a good perspective having come from pretty much everything to what fits in a garage. Here's my list.

Hand tools. Wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, sockets and ratchets, hammers & mallets, Allen wrenches, pry bars, hacksaw, etc.

Combination square, levels, plumb bob, measuring tools. I have a 12" machinist scale (https://www.mcmaster.com/products/machinists'-rulers/starrett-high-accuracy-rulers-9/length~12/)and use it all the time.

Calipers.

Good quality torque wrench. Your life depends on this one, see my post here (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?42292-Why-the-Torque-Wrench-is-Your-Best-Friend).

Bench vise, I couldn't function without it. Get a good one like a Wilton and grind the jaw faces smooth.

Good workbench to support your vice.

Cordless drill w/spare battery.

Angle drill. I have one like this (https://stockroomsupply.com/products/angle-drill) and just love it.

Drill press. One of the tools I kept and I've used it quite a bit on this build.

Sander like this (https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/sanders/1-in-x-30-in-belt-and-5-in-disc-sander-69033.html) or this (https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/sanders/4-inch-x-36-inch-belt-6-inch-disc-sander-97181.html).

Angle grinder.

Cutting tools. Quality split point drills in an index. 1/8" & 3/16" drills for rivets. I use these (https://www.mcmaster.com/products/drills/decimal-size-equivalent~0-125/short-length-cobalt-steel-drill-bits/decimal-size-equivalent~0-1875/). Taps. I prefer gun taps (https://www.mcmaster.com/products/taps/chip-clearing-taps-for-through-holes-8/). Thread dies, I've never used on my build. I have a thread file. (https://www.mcmaster.com/products/thread-files/) Step drills. Hole saws. Center drills (https://www.mcmaster.com/products/center-drills/high-speed-steel-drill-point-countersinks-for-lathe-centers/). Cutoff wheels. I have an electric die grinder (https://www.mcmaster.com/products/die-grinders/power-source~electric/)that works great and saves having to fire up my compressor. Countersinks.

Dremel tool.

Air compressor although I've used mine once in this build. I have one of these (https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-18V-Cordless-Dual-Function-Portable-Inflator-Deflator-Tool-Only-P747/308746324). Also works great for our pool floats lol

Misc. Ryobi cordless tools like this (https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-18V-Cordless-10-oz-Caulk-Adhesive-Gun-Tool-Only-PCL901B/318870486) and this (https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-18V-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-EVERCHARGE-Hand-Vacuum-Kit-with-1-3-Ah-Compact-Battery-and-Wall-Adaptor-Charger-P714K/206594038).

Hand rivet tool. I bought a pneumatic one and used it once for three rivets. Unless you're planning on pulling all of the rivets at one time I don't see any reason for a power tool for aluminum rivets, just be a man. My wife pulled a lot of ours and never even flinched.

1/8" & 3/16" clecos.

Sheet metal snips or a nibbler.

Wire strippers and crimpers, good ones like these (https://www.mcmaster.com/products/crimpers/terminal-and-splice-crimpers-6/) or these (https://www.mcmaster.com/products/crimpers/terminal-and-splice-ratchet-crimpers-7/). I have both.

Voltmeter.

Small 12V battery for testing.

Weatherpack kit. And crimpers.

Tubing tools. Cutter, bending, and flaring tools. See my post on tubing here (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?45694-Stainless-Steel-AN-Brake-Lines).

Jack stands, you don't want to try bench pressing your car.

Low profile jack. I have this one (https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/jacks-jack-stands/floor-jacks/2-ton-professional-racing-series-aluminum-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-58393.html) and it works great.

Rivnut kit.

2T engine hoist (https://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-capacity-foldable-shop-crane-58755.html).

Good leveler like this one (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/WMR-W41036).

Power bleeder (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/MVP-0107) kit for brakes.

Front end alignment tools like this (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0157QU9IO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and this (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PB7V3SU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and this (https://www.eastwood.com/quicktrick-ball-bearing-turn-plates-60004.html?destination=31842&display_order=0&ibx_source=cbs33ch9d5nghaqg09ig&id=31842&item_type=interaction&recommendation_source=platform2&sc_eh=686f468b02eb11321&sc_lid=7244910&sc_llid=43518&sc_src=email_40325&sc_uid=rNwpYrtA3j&ueh=c7dc0cbab87c6b832b793f487645ea88ac131d9914325d d99741c27dcb453682&utm_campaign=email_lowstock_cust_1_of_2&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=wunderkind&utm_term=triggered).

C-clamps.

Of course there's more but that's what I can think of for now.

Edit. Make a spreadsheet listing everything you've bought for your project. List manufacturer, P/N, qty, description, supplier, and cost. You will be surprised at how often you refer back to it. I have two, one with costs that I show my wife and the other with the actual costs:)

[Mat1asBEV&ICE]

For your battery cable terminations, I prefer the fusion solder lugs that come preloaded with flux and solder in the barrel of the connectors (https://www.electricalhub.com/battery-terminals-and-lugs/fusion-solder-battery-terminals). Just heat with a propane torch and then slowly push the wire into the molten solder. The slow push prevents any air bubbles in the solder connection, and prevents an uncontrolled "splash" of solder.

I'll add a good set of electrical crimps to your tool set. I like https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002STTTI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for weather pack connectors, and https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TYO762/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for regular tube crimps up to 8 gauge.

Other comments: x2 on the thread checker. I use https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003FJW0GK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 for projects around the house all the time.

If you're going to customize your dash, a drill press is almost essential. You'll also want a circle cutter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004T7P2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1.


John

P.S.

Excellent thread checker and I am going to customize my dash, so that circle cutter is perfect. I like your lug recommendation too.

[Mat1asBEV&ICE]

Excellent, thank you for all of your recommendations, Mike.Bray. This thread will be very handy once I get into my build.

[Gizmosrcool]

Bench sander, drill press, anything to measure anything (++ digital calipers), small compact drill, press is nice, crimping tools, dremel, torque wrench(s), center punch, die grinder with sanding pads and cut off disc, paint pens, square, levels, plus hand tools.

The good thing is a lot of this is handy post build.

[Scott L]

I had a good (3 generation) set of hand tools. My additions were a drill press and a bench grinder. Both are really essential - especially if you want to do some mods.

[NiceGuyEddie]

A set of proper jackstand pads. Rags do not work.

A bag of #30 drill bits from Mike Everson.

Cutting oil.

[Namrups]

I found this (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08J45V47X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)to be a lot easier for me.

This is the type I purchased. It has helped me on more than one occasion.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Drill Doctor

https://www.amazon.com/Drill-Doctor-Sharpener-Engineered-Versatility/dp/B000BKX9CU/ref=asc_df_B000BKX9CU/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242037806074&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5922136953483643624&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1017047&hvtargid=pla-434757429559&psc=1

You'll extend the life of your bits by an order of magnitude. I've used mine for 12-15 years and it's paid for itself many times over.

Jeff

[MB750]

Drill Doctor

https://www.amazon.com/Drill-Doctor-Sharpener-Engineered-Versatility/dp/B000BKX9CU/ref=asc_df_B000BKX9CU/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242037806074&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5922136953483643624&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1017047&hvtargid=pla-434757429559&psc=1

You'll extend the life of your bits by an order of magnitude. I've used mine for 12-15 years and it's paid for itself many times over.

Jeff

I've been drilling holes in stuff for 3 decades by now and I just finally bought one of these. Shoulda got one years ago.

[Mat1asBEV&ICE]

Drill Doctor

https://www.amazon.com/Drill-Doctor-Sharpener-Engineered-Versatility/dp/B000BKX9CU/ref=asc_df_B000BKX9CU/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242037806074&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5922136953483643624&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1017047&hvtargid=pla-434757429559&psc=1

You'll extend the life of your bits by an order of magnitude. I've used mine for 12-15 years and it's paid for itself many times over.

Jeff

Will definitely get one of those, thank you. It's useful even if not building a car. :)

[OB6]

Not a tool recommendation (well covered in this thread already), but I highly recommend having a small work table or utility cart right next to where you're working. I'm not talking about your workbench, but rather something easily moveable to hold tools and other supplies as you work. I stole my wife's folding table and now she doesn't want it back :)

Oh, and in case it hasn't been mentioned yet... a mechanic's roller seat. It's a must IMO.

[Mike.Bray]

Drill Doctor

https://www.amazon.com/Drill-Doctor-Sharpener-Engineered-Versatility/dp/B000BKX9CU/ref=asc_df_B000BKX9CU/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242037806074&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5922136953483643624&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1017047&hvtargid=pla-434757429559&psc=1

You'll extend the life of your bits by an order of magnitude. I've used mine for 12-15 years and it's paid for itself many times over.

Jeff

When I was in high school, back when the Dead Sea was only sick, they had a large vocational department and I was fortunate enough to take machine shop with an excellent teacher. Three hours a day for two years. It was one of those things that I took to like a duck to water. The teacher got me a part time job at a small local machine shop making a whopping $2.25/hr! But this little shop had a tool & cutter grinding division and my teacher told me the best thing I could do would be to work in it and learn about cutting tools. Boy was he right!

We sharpened twist drills on this elaborate automated machine that I'm sure was extremely expensive. When I told my teacher he called me a wuss and told me there was no need for a fancy machine. I didn't believe him so he showed me. Since then I've never used a machine as it's so easy. You need a bench grinder with a fine grit wheel and one of these (https://www.amazon.com/Angle-Gauge-Sharpening-Grinding-Inspection/dp/B07549PY2R).

If you look at the cutting end of a drill and this picture closely you'll see the geometry is not that complicated. A cutting edge and then a relief like any other cutting tool.
https://www.imagecoast.com/images/MichaelBray1/drillbit.jpg

You hold the drill at an angle with the cutting edge level and parallel to the grinding wheel. Ease into the wheel while at the same time twisting and continuing to feed into the wheel to follow the relief of the drill. It actually doesn't take very much practice to get the feel for it. Do one side and then the other, using the drill gauge to ensure the two sides are even.

Give it a go, you'll find it surprisingly quick and easy.

[Mat1asBEV&ICE]

Not a tool recommendation (well covered in this thread already), but I highly recommend having a small work table or utility cart right next to where you're working. I'm not talking about your workbench, but rather something easily moveable to hold tools and other supplies as you work. I stole my wife's folding table and now she doesn't want it back :)

Oh, and in case it hasn't been mentioned yet... a mechanic's roller seat. It's a must IMO.

Thank you, great ideas. Convenience is key. :)

[Jeff Kleiner]

When I was in high school, back when the Dead Sea was only sick, they had a large vocational department and I was fortunate enough to take machine shop with an excellent teacher. Three hours a day for two years. It was one of those things that I took to like a duck to water. The teacher got me a part time job at a small local machine shop making a whopping $2.25/hr! But this little shop had a tool & cutter grinding division and my teacher told me the best thing I could do would be to work in it and learn about cutting tools. Boy was he right!

We sharpened twist drills on this elaborate automated machine that I'm sure was extremely expensive. When I told my teacher he called me a wuss and told me there was no need for a fancy machine. I didn't believe him so he showed me. Since then I've never used a machine as it's so easy. You need a bench grinder with a fine grit wheel and one of these (https://www.amazon.com/Angle-Gauge-Sharpening-Grinding-Inspection/dp/B07549PY2R).

If you look at the cutting end of a drill and this picture closely you'll see the geometry is not that complicated. A cutting edge and then a relief like any other cutting tool.
https://www.imagecoast.com/images/MichaelBray1/drillbit.jpg

You hold the drill at an angle with the cutting edge level and parallel to the grinding wheel. Ease into the wheel while at the same time twisting and continuing to feed into the wheel to follow the relief of the drill. It actually doesn't take very much practice to get the feel for it. Do one side and then the other, using the drill gauge to ensure the two sides are even.

Give it a go, you'll find it surprisingly quick and easy.

I date back to the dead sea days also Mike and did bits on a bench grinder for over 3 decades before getting the Doctor. I too was taught by one of those old school guys at my first "real" shop job. Honestly, the deciding factor in purchasing the Drill Doctor was that 1/8" bits and my failing eyesight weren't playing well any more!

Jeff

[Mike.Bray]

I date back to the dead sea days also Mike and did bits on a bench grinder for over 3 decades before getting the Doctor. I too was taught by one of those old school guys at my first "real" shop job. Honestly, the deciding factor in purchasing the Drill Doctor was that 1/8" bits and my failing eyesight weren't playing well any more!

Jeff

Anything 1/8" or smaller I just consider disposable these days! Maybe 3/16" lol