Your dream tool

[roweenie]

What tool don't you have, but would really want to own?

After cutting several tubes today (and breaking several jeweler's saw blades and much filing ) for me, I'd have to say it would be a lathe - nothing big, or requiring a 220 volt service, but something smaller like a Craftsman or South Bend. However, it would need to be large enough to cut tubing diameters up to around .850, and turn the occasional ferrule, etc.

Unfortunately, I don't know enough about them to know what exactly to look for....

(I've always been a tool-head, btw...)

[Rick F]

Drill press.

[roweenie]

real dent balls

Me too

And a Z60 to go with it....

[DCottrell]

You may want to pass on the mini cutoff saws. I have one and there is not enough room to cut a 3/4" tube. The blade does not truly have 1/2 of its diameter available for cutting as the motor housing hits the top of the piece before the blade bottoms out. For smaller pieces, it is fine.

For brass tubing, a small (read mini) bandsaw with a metal cutting blade or even a wood cutting blade with a high tooth count may be better (it's my next idea). Steel blades should not have a huge problem cutting through brass, heck some wood species are harder.

[DCottrell]

I see now that the Proxxon has a 3 1/8 blade, and the el cheapo is only 2"

[Heliconer]

I bought my dream tool a year ago, and just got it running yesterday. A mid 40's South Bend lathe (found it at a flea market for $500!). Now I realize that I would like to supplement it with a nice milling machine, or at least a drill press.

[roweenie]

I bought my dream tool a year ago, and just got it running yesterday. A mid 40's South Bend lathe (found it at a flea market for $500!). Now I realize that I would like to supplement it with a nice milling machine, or at least a drill press.

Lucky you - I've been looking for one for quite some time now.....

[MaryAnn]

I want a husband who can do all that stuff. Best tool available!