Garage Shop: Tools

Tool holder done. Couple bolts and an old HFT magnetic strip I wasn't using. Easily removed should the need arise.

 

I know there's some good options for vfds these days. Just hoping to not have to deal with them if I can help it. Obviously with the larger equipment it's kind of needed. But a 10-12" grinder should be doable on just single phase 220.

My baldor is wired for 120 right now. But I'll probably swap it over to 220. I'll most likely add a bunch of 220v 20amp outlets in the new garage just for stuff like that

 

I just wired a 3phase mill to be single phase 220 with a vfd and now I want to make everything 3phase to use a vfd on. Being able to adjust speed with the dial is so nice. And I just used the cheapest one on Amazon and had no issues.

 

Hey fellas!

Hopefully dragging my car frame and accoutrements out of my garage in the next few weeks and am wanting some expanded storage out there. Primarily, a metal cabinet or two. In my memory, these weren’t crazy expensive. Browsing online though, looks like they’re $250-500 for a basic 36” metal cabinet.

Anybody have any opinion on what’s worth the price or more budget friendly options?

 

Does it have to be cabinets? I’m using these inexpensive modular and expandable shelving units.

https://www.menards.com/main/storag...ing-units/steel-component-shelving/c-9540.htm

You can connect cross beams to each side of an upright to make a longer run if necessary. Different upright widths and beam lengths allow for further customization. Only suggestion is to just get the wire shelving instead of the particle board.

 

Damn those prices!

Cabinets would be ideal, just for organization. Going to be hunting gear storage, pantry space, etc.

 

I used DeWalt tools at my work, they were there when I started so I stayed with the system. They held up well in an industrial environment. DeWalt also made adapters so you could use your old tools with new batteries so a point to them.

That said I respected the tools but didn't like them much. It seemed to me that they consistently fell down on the ergonomic side.

Examples:
The new tools come with a "fuel gauge", 3 or 4 small lights recessed in the battery that show the state of charge when you push the button, only when you push the button. The button is recessed right next to the lights -- try holding the tool, pushing the button and keeping your hand out of the way all at the same time. Sure you can do it and it works but why didn't they do it a bit better?
The DeWalt drills never came with a belt clip, don't know if it was an option.
Silly things like hard edges directly under your hand grip, and poor weight balance that just make the work day longer.
To round out my bashing of some very reliable tools, I never used any DeWalt cutting tool that didn't seem to be designed to blow sawdust in my face.

My personal tools are Makita with the same light/push button setup -- except the lights stay illuminated 4 or 5 seconds after you push the button. My almost 20 year old Makita drill came standard with a sturdy belt clip, so handy almost every time you use the tool, my 2 year old impact driver came with the same.
The Makita tools feel nice and balanced in the hand.

Not wanting to start a with tool fan boys, just stating my observations over the years.

 

I appreciate the input. I have a variety of the two brands already. Seems like Makita is the way to go on this one though.

 

As you have both brands batteries available already pick the one that feels best in your hand, I'm betting on the Makita.

That said I'm sure both brands would hold up well, I never had a complaint with the DeWalt reliability, just the ergonomic engineering.

 

unless you’re smitten with that new cabinet smell, check CL and FB Marketplace, I found these for $80 each, and the guy got them pretty regular, and sold them out regular (no haggle on price) I bought 2. They are wardrobe cabinets, but they work for what I want.

 

This is the type I’m used to and had in mind. Been checking Craigslist. Haven’t seen anything.

 

Yeah, I’m looking now in my area, it’s hit and miss, mid week is usually when the good stuff hits so the weekend warriors can crawl on Saturday and scavenge. It took me a couple weeks to find these.
Funny part was, the first guy I called was 40 miles away, I was headed out with the trailer and happened to check market place again, damn, 6 cabinets 6 miles from the house. Picked 2 of those up instead, turns out the guys knew each other and had been to the same sale.
Keep a look and be quick, you aren’t the only one looking.

 

I've been looking to get my hands on that style for a while now. Can hang my riding gear on one side and tool/gear storage on the other.

 

Yea these are super useful for the garage. I acquired one from work and is the perfect place for chemical storage for the most part

 

Another place to look for those steel cabinets are university and state surplus. Also Habitat or humanity Restores. That where all the ones that get replaced on our campus go.

 

DRMO

Defense Reutilization Marketing Organization

 

What yall do to manage tape? This shit is driving me crazy.

 

DRMO has some gems amongst piles of literal garbage

 

i leave them lying around the garage and lose them. Out of site, out of mind, and out of use

 

/\/\ this. I did a quick search on Clist and found one pretty cheap. They’re not always available and you have to be quick to respond they usually go fast if they’re in good condition and the price is fair. I got mine from a buddy that was moving and cleaning out his shop.

Metal storage cabinets with doors
https://delaware.craigslist.org/for/d/middletown-metal-storage-cabinets-with/7382904238.html