Power Tools & General Tools Recommendations & Advice

BigBoy · 8 May 2016 at 22:16

Snaggle said:
Although moving is appealing its unlikely Was thinking more of a tenon saw to make the v shape ... Could also cut the corners off and round it off with 60 grit sandpaper (the main shape)

This would be the way I would do it. I love working with oak, I've got a massive 5ft long beam sat in my shed drying at the moment. It's been there two years but will need a little longer yet as it was very green when I got hold of it.

Mark A · 9 May 2016 at 00:05

Benihana said:
You mean something more like a tenon saw or would a regular dremel be able to do it? I have a junior hacksaw which is obviously not suitable!

Use the hacksaw to make the straight cut, then buy a cheap 1" chisel and use that to make the angled cut. You can buy a single chisel pretty cheap, it doesn't have to be anything special. You can buy a tenon saw if you like, but a hacksaw should do the job fine with a sharp blade.

The dremel with a drum sanding tool would be ideal for some basic shaping. I use one for shaping walnut pistol grips.

Sandycheeks · 9 May 2016 at 00:13

Benihana said:
I'm looking to make some of the following, I have already some 'blanks' of English oak but no real woodworking tools bar sandpaper.

I've got the coins, bolts and threaded insert but i'm not sure how to cut and sand the rectangular blanks into something more like this.

I'm thinking a Dremel would be a good start? I need to make 4 of them!

I live in a flat with no access to workspace bar a small garden, so while I'd like a vice, chisels, belt sander, drill press etc. I need to keep it simple!

Please excuse my ignorance but what is it?
edit...Is it a bottle opener?
I noticed the bottle cap and thought it was there for size comparison then my amazing powers of deduction kicked in.

Benihana · 9 May 2016 at 06:33

Sandycheeks said:
Please excuse my ignorance but what is it?
edit...Is it a bottle opener?
I noticed the bottle cap and thought it was there for size comparison then my amazing powers of deduction kicked in.

Correct

It's a bottle opener, I'm planning to make some personalised versions for my groomsmen as a 'thank you' gift.

My issue with the sawing and chisel idea is that I would need some sort of vice and something to clamp it to, as well as a decent saw (its proper hardwood!). As I mentioned, there is no workspace in the tiny garden that is suitable, it would likely make a huge mess inside.

Sandycheeks · 9 May 2016 at 10:02

Benihana said:
Correct It's a bottle opener, I'm planning to make some personalised versions for my groomsmen as a 'thank you' gift.

My issue with the sawing and chisel idea is that I would need some sort of vice and something to clamp it to, as well as a decent saw (its proper hardwood!). As I mentioned, there is no workspace in the tiny garden that is suitable, it would likely make a huge mess inside.

You can make a vice (of sorts) with a couple of bits of wood and a couple of wedges.
Wouldn't worry about making mess, just put the hoover next to it.

Gaijin · 9 May 2016 at 10:05

Is it worth spending a lot of money on an angle grinder?

Or is a 35 quid Black and Decker job from Argos ok?

Main use for it is using it for rust treatment, metalwork prep, perhaps cutting sheet metal.

I'm struggling to see where the value comes in for more expensive models.

Thanks

Sandycheeks · 9 May 2016 at 10:15

Gayjin said:
Is it worth spending a lot of money on an angle grinder?

Or is a 35 quid Black and Decker job from Argos ok?

Main use for it is using it for rust treatment, metalwork prep, perhaps cutting sheet metal.

I'm struggling to see where the value comes in for more expensive models.

Thanks

Get a Makita 115mm angle grinder.
They can be had for around £45 and they last well.
(I run a welding/fabrication shop)

Sandycheeks · 9 May 2016 at 10:46

Just got some Screwfix coupons through the post so going to buy a Erbauer ER1603COM cordless drill.
Will cost ~£68 after using the 15% off.

Makhaira · 9 May 2016 at 12:39

@Benihana - buy yourself a spokeshave. You'll only need the one tool, and providing you can grip the workpiece somehow/shape one at a time from a larger piece and then saw it off, you'll be able to do that relatively easily.

If you're making a few of these out of something relatively hard though, you're going to need a few blades/get a grinder.

ash_91 · 9 May 2016 at 22:16

Benihana said:
I'm looking to make some of the following, I have already some 'blanks' of English oak but no real woodworking tools bar sandpaper.

I've got the coins, bolts and threaded insert but i'm not sure how to cut and sand the rectangular blanks into something more like this.

I'm thinking a Dremel would be a good start? I need to make 4 of them!

I live in a flat with no access to workspace bar a small garden, so while I'd like a vice, chisels, belt sander, drill press etc. I need to keep it simple!

A block plane, hand saw and some sandpaper should do you nicely

NickK · 10 May 2016 at 07:58

ash_91 said:
A block plane, hand saw and some sandpaper should do you nicely

Block plane - you'd need a wood vice to be safe unless you can secure the piece to something it's going cause frustration and problems.

Dremel would also be an option - the fact that you can hold like a pen means it's easier to use. It was my first tool and still gets used on a regular basis.

Benihana · 10 May 2016 at 22:15

Makhaira said:
@Benihana - buy yourself a spokeshave. You'll only need the one tool, and providing you can grip the workpiece somehow/shape one at a time from a larger piece and then saw it off, you'll be able to do that relatively easily.

If you're making a few of these out of something relatively hard though, you're going to need a few blades/get a grinder.

Sadly the pieces I have are only 6-8 inches long already, doubt I can hold it between my legs without shaving my kneecaps off!

Benihana · 10 May 2016 at 22:18

NickK said:
Block plane - you'd need a wood vice to be safe unless you can secure the piece to something it's going cause frustration and problems.

Dremel would also be an option - the fact that you can hold like a pen means it's easier to use. It was my first tool and still gets used on a regular basis.

I'd love to have a workshop with a proper bench vice and all the other tools, but I think I'll have to go with the hand saw and Dremel for now. Both tools should see plenty of use at least.

Any opinions on the corded vs cordless Dremel models? I like the idea of the cordless for easier manoeuvring but are there any downsides/differences to worry about?

Werewolf · 10 May 2016 at 22:21

My corded drill gave up the ghost earlier whilst using a holesaw in ply, the magic smoke escaped

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good DIY level corded drill for under £100?

We've got a pair of reasonable cordless drills (albeit older Makita Nicad models), and an SDS+ drill, but need something that is inbetween in terms of power/use.

Phil2008 · 10 May 2016 at 23:28

Werewolf said:
My corded drill gave up the ghost earlier whilst using a holesaw in ply, the magic smoke escaped

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good DIY level corded drill for under £100?

We've got a pair of reasonable cordless drills (albeit older Makita Nicad models), and an SDS+ drill, but need something that is inbetween in terms of power/use.

I have the 10.8v version of this drill and it brilliant and just upgraded the battery to a 4ah. The 10.8v version might be suitable for your needs if you have a SDS drill for hard work, as the 10.8v version can drill through wood and brick with ease. But if your drilling large holes with holesaws, the 18v will be more suited.

The thing I like about the 10.8v version its nice and small so you can drill in tight spaces, also its very light so you can swing it around all day without your arm dropping off.

Anyway heres the link for the 18v version.......
http://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-gsb18-2-li-plus-18v-1-5ah-li-ion-cordless-combi-drill/9647j

Edit: ah you want corded,, I mis read that sorry. I love cordless stuff with Lithium Ion batteries as their so much quicker to set up, by the time you have set up a corded drill up with extension leads and whatever else, you could have finished the job 10x over with a cordless drill. but I do have a SDS corded drill for tough work.

But maybe other ppl can advise you with a corded impact drill as there much powerful then cordless anyday.

Gaygle · 11 May 2016 at 10:28

Gayjin said:
Is it worth spending a lot of money on an angle grinder?

Or is a 35 quid Black and Decker job from Argos ok?

Main use for it is using it for rust treatment, metalwork prep, perhaps cutting sheet metal.

I'm struggling to see where the value comes in for more expensive models.

Thanks

I bought this one the other day on special offer from B&Q for £25. I haven't used it yet, but feels sturdy.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7114425.htm

Good reviews on Amazon too: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Diy-Bosch-PWS-700-115-Angle-Grinder/dp/B00BZ8SFQ2

Gaygle · 11 May 2016 at 10:34

Need to give a shout out to this circular saw too - great piece of kit. Really light, agile and very well made.

http://www.wickes.co.uk/WORXSAW-WX4...qzgV30MD71ERXRPMtiE9_4ZLJYd3fN6JmFRoCNUvw_wcB

panthro · 11 May 2016 at 10:43

I need an electric Mitre saw to cut skirting board with a 190mm height. Any recommendations? Looking to spend around £100.

NickK · 11 May 2016 at 11:24

Gaygle said:
I bought this one the other day on special offer from B&Q for £25. I haven't used it yet, but feels sturdy.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7114425.htm

Good reviews on Amazon too: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Diy-Bosch-PWS-700-115-Angle-Grinder/dp/B00BZ8SFQ2

I have the blue version of that. Went through paving slab, steel metal with corresponding cutting disks and with a flap disk removes paint/rust/metal like a demon possessed.

Only issue I have is that the gearbox looks like it has a small leak on the seal. Might have to tighten the bolts and see if that makes a difference.

It's light and easy to control (especially with it being slim) which is good but don't think it's going to cut slabs of concrete all day - get a big petrol with water spray if you want that.

You will want a full respirator that seals well against the face, hearing protectors and goggles. Having a henry hoover attached with duck/masking tape on the rotation exit helps no end with dust/sparks..

NickK · 11 May 2016 at 11:31

Benihana said:
I'd love to have a workshop with a proper bench vice and all the other tools, but I think I'll have to go with the hand saw and Dremel for now. Both tools should see plenty of use at least.

Any opinions on the corded vs cordless Dremel models? I like the idea of the cordless for easier manoeuvring but are there any downsides/differences to worry about?

I have a corded dremel - no real choice at the time! It came with two chucks for small and slightly larger bits. I also have the router attachment which if fun.

I use it a lot with the little cutting disks.

It does sound like a dentist drill at 20,000 rpm.

You will need a hearing protection, goggles and a mask (it will create dust if it's used to cut/grind.

If you have a hoover setup near by the piece that will help.

I'd still get some varying grades of paper - say 80, 120 for shaping 240 for smoothing and 320+ for the final surface.

A small rotating sanding disk will be harder to the a smooth finish without over grinding in localised areas.