Thread: What's your favourite tool?

I've said it before but happy to say it again.
This one I really like using.

Why
- I designed and made most of it
- If everything is working right I can sit back and let it work away in auto mode.
- It is one of a few tools I have made that works well above expectation
- I can tackle a large intractable log with it and release lots of useful timber
- it fits in my van
- It's use in the bush involves experiencing very distinct contrasts; from the piece and quiet of setting up and sharpening - to the noise and dust while cutting.

Veritas Low Angle Jack Plane

Originally Posted by BobL

I've said it before but happy to say it again.
This one I really like using.

I'm surprised you haven't got a dust extractor hooked up to it Bob!

Originally Posted by Astrodog

I'm surprised you haven't got a dust extractor hooked up to it Bob!

I must put a particle counter near it one day. With green wood there appears to be very little dust - it's very chip like and the standard booger in the shower test reveals little or nothing. With dry logs it depends on the hardness. With hard stuff like spotty or ironbark there are some "interesting" boogers produced.

The aspect of chainsaw milling that concerns me more than dust are the combustion products from the chainsaw. Some of the additives used in two stroke lube are designed to suppress smoke and there's no question that these particles form an invisible fog around the operator. The reason that it concerns me is because I have tried using various lube/petrol ratios and anything below about 30:1 gives me a headache. I use 40:1 and it seems OK. The main thing with milling is to set up with the wind at your back. I have an extra trick on my saw which has a muffler modification whereby the sawdust falls onto the exhaust gasses and the orientation is such that it blows the sawdust away from the operator. Fire safety wise this is not exactly considered PC but it's not that different from some other saws.

Digital vernier callipers. I'm amazed how often I use it. Extreme accuracy without having to give myself eyestrain.

My bandsaw; for its versatility and usefulness to cut almost anything easily and accurately (or just cut it in the rought) without any great setup being needed.

Tough call, but it has to be the Domino. Such ease to get such accurate, reproducible results.

The Fein Multimaster is so much fun to use... Is there anything it can't do?
The 18v Makita impact driver gets used for anything and everything.

but the trusty Stanley folding ruler is always in the side pocket of the Yakka's

My favourite tool would have to be the one I'm using at that time. You can't do everything with just one tool! I do like lots though (you should get my wife to comment on my collection. "What do you need that one for?" is a common call around here. She just doesn't understand!)

There are many, but for a powered add on tool for me it has to be the power feeder on the planer, especially great for long boards


Pete

At the moment, I'd say it's my Bobcat

Hand-made whittling knife. Just a pleasure to hold and work with: peeling bark, shaving joints, sharpening pencils, cutting leather or marking lines

Cheers

I love my Great, Great Grandfathers 2ft Rosewood square, around 170 years old but its still dead square and I just get such a kick out of using it.

Would have to be my Mini Max 410 five in one combo.
Everything on it is a compromise but works well.