Finally bought the one tool I've always wanted to own...

Topic: Finally bought the one tool I've always wanted to own... (Read 1644 times) previous topic - next topic

Finally bought the one tool I've always wanted to own...

June 27, 2006, 11:15:26 PM

Yessir, now that I've got a garage I've been outfitting it with many, many tools. I brought my big professional-style double-decker tool box home from work because I don't use most of 'em there (since I only install equipment in cop cars I can get by there with a basic socket set, some screwdrivers and some electrical tools). I bought an air compressor. A drill press. I brought my small MIG welder over from the shed at my father's cottage (was keeping it there for lack of anywhere else to keep it). I bought a 3.5-ton floor jack and jack stands. Bench grinder, bench vice, countless hand tools. I already had all the air tools from my mechanic career.

All of the stuff I bought I got on sale - each week Canadian Tire usually has some very nice tools on sale for more than 50% off, and I've been taking full advantage. But after waiting for months for one to come on sale and after really, REALLY wanting one for years, I finally bought the one tool dearest to my heart:

An oxy/acetylene welding/cutting kit. At $150 from Princess Auto for the regulators, torch, hose, lighter and goggles I got a screaming deal, although it's probably not the highest quality. Don't care, since I'm only using them for personal use.

Now I only need some bottles and gasses, and I'm good to go. Let the big hot wrench party begin :D

Finally bought the one tool I've always wanted to own...

Reply #1 – June 27, 2006, 11:21:10 PM

Quote from: Thunder Chicken

Let the big hot wrench party begin :D

:D As yes, the hot wrench... the best kind :flame: :)

Congrats on the purchase.. I need a garage myself before I start buying that sort of tool set.

Finally bought the one tool I've always wanted to own...

Reply #2 – June 28, 2006, 12:10:29 AM

I need to take a course about torching/welding. The last time me and my friend got together and decided to use a torch we burnt my '84 Cougar to a crisp. The only part unaffected was the very center of the front bumper.

Finally bought the one tool I've always wanted to own...

Reply #3 – June 28, 2006, 12:48:16 AM

I love hot wenches:ies: :tetas:

Finally bought the one tool I've always wanted to own...

Reply #4 – June 28, 2006, 07:51:47 AM

might want to pick up a shop lift if you got room for it, some of em are as low as 2k, im only 22 and dont have a house yet, but as soon as i get one, im getting a lift, regardless if i have to cut the celing out or go without furnature for a year. after so many years of laying on sharp gravel or mud and trying to work on my car, id give almost anything to get one... working at the dealership realy spoiled me.

Finally bought the one tool I've always wanted to own...

Reply #5 – June 28, 2006, 09:45:34 AM

-nuthin' like a redneck bolt breaker:flame: ......

Finally bought the one tool I've always wanted to own...

Reply #6 – June 28, 2006, 10:56:37 AM

Quote from: shorangerbird

-nuthin' like a redneck bolt breaker:flame: ......

Mind you, torching a bolt out is a sophisticated practice!

Finally bought the one tool I've always wanted to own...

Reply #7 – June 28, 2006, 12:13:18 PM

Yeah about as sophisticated as giggin frogs lol. Thats not a bad deal at all dude i can weld and torch, worked in maintainance of the state fairgrounds for 3 years, but i dont have the tools, the money to buy the tools, or a place to put them yet nice grab guy. Oh and btw if it didnt come with a cart get one you will regret it if you dont.

Finally bought the one tool I've always wanted to own...

Reply #8 – June 28, 2006, 03:02:09 PM

Quote from: capitlj

Yeah about as sophisticated as giggin frogs lol. Thats not a bad deal at all dude i can weld and torch, worked in maintainance of the state fairgrounds for 3 years, but i dont have the tools, the money to buy the tools, or a place to put them yet nice grab guy. Oh and btw if it didnt come with a cart get one you will regret it if you dont.

Actually, cutting with a torch can be quite sophisticated, and without sounding like I'm blowing my own horn (can't bend that way anyway) I used to be very, very good at it. I could cut a nut off a bolt and not damage the threads, something that used to come in very handy when doing Isuzu truck frame recalls. A torch is an absolute necessity in these parts, where even mid 90's vehicles are now rusted apart. For example, it would be almost unthinkable to even attempt removing an exhaust manifold from my car without a torch handy, and this is a car with no rust.

Having aged a dozen years since I used to use torches regularly, I doubt my hand is quite that steady anymore, though...

I will most certainly be building a cart. I've already commandeered my niece's old bicycle for the wheels :D I'm also gonna be replacing the hose - the kit only came with a 15-footer!

Finally bought the one tool I've always wanted to own...

Reply #9 – July 03, 2006, 12:54:17 PM

If you have ever oxy welded you learn how to use the torch very accuratly i'm pretty good with a torch both cutting and welding, but its not that complicated

Finally bought the one tool I've always wanted to own...

Reply #10 – July 03, 2006, 01:38:23 PM

Quote from: capitlj

If you have ever oxy welded you learn how to use the torch very accuratly i'm pretty good with a torch both cutting and welding, but its not that complicated

I actually started with welding with a torch.... the whole pushing the puddel thing. I'm good at it either way.. I too can blow the nut off a bolt with out cutting it.

Complicated its not... but it can be an art.

Finally bought the one tool I've always wanted to own...

Reply #11 – July 03, 2006, 06:57:51 PM

Quote from: CougarSE

I actually started with welding with a torch.... the whole pushing the puddel thing. I'm good at it either way.. I too can blow the nut off a bolt with out cutting it.

Complicated its not... but it can be an art.

So did I, in fact I was outright afraid of electric welding until trade school. I had visons of blowing holes through the work, electric shock, blinding myself, etc. Now Iv'e done a lot of it it's my preferred method. I did used to like gas welding, but at the cost of oxygen and acetylene these days it's not a very economical way to do it (still haven't bought my bottles, but I've been told to prepare to get reamed). I think my first torch project will be to bronze the cracked exhaust manifold on the Dakota, unless it sells first.

A bit of an update, too: The 25' hoses are on sale at Princess Auto for $15. I wonder if it's a coincidence (Princess is the place that I bought the kit from, with 15' hoses)

Finally bought the one tool I've always wanted to own...

Reply #12 – July 04, 2006, 03:26:43 AM

i got spoiled in iraq. The torch setup got used less and less as time went on and i got use to the plazma cutter. I ended up using the torch for pneumatic line brazing or misc brass welds. I hated that powder flux we had to use, it was hard to control and a constant wire brush job. I do have to say that i really enjoy brass welding though,,, nothing like seeing brass floating along in liquid form.

im going to pick up a torch set lowes has ,, change out my tips/regulator and use propane. Mapp gas is whats available to the public here in west virginia but nothing like using propane and its available and already in a tank. It burns hot enough for the little jobs i have, its not like im cutting Armox anymore.

Finally bought the one tool I've always wanted to own...

Reply #13 – July 04, 2006, 10:34:46 AM

We use propane too. I've never had a job it couldn't cut perfect.