It's such a joy to have decent tools. These are some early birthday gifts from my mom. Not super expensive, but really excellent stuff.
iGaging IP54 digital caliper (http://www.amazon.com/iGaging-Electronic-Digital-Fractions-Stainless/dp/B001AQEZ2W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454647001&sr=8-2&keywords=igaging+caliper). The video shootout in the user reviews for this made me want one.
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx105/leevibe1/madbean%20pics/tools/caliper_zpshvnyyubs.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/leevibe1/media/madbean%20pics/tools/caliper_zpshvnyyubs.jpg.html)
Free Eagles screwdriver set (http://www.amazon.com/Quality-Precision-Screw-Drivers-Handcrafted/dp/B00T0ZVUV4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454647602&sr=8-1&keywords=free+eagles+screwdrivers). When I first found these, I wasn't sure about the old school wooden handles, but the quality looked good. These things are so nice! The grind on all of the tips is really precise. The philips heads lock in perfectly, and the flat heads are hollow ground, so they make really positive contact in screw slots. These are USA made by Grace. I highly recommend them.
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx105/leevibe1/madbean%20pics/tools/screwdrivers_zpsv3nyuhey.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/leevibe1/media/madbean%20pics/tools/screwdrivers_zpsv3nyuhey.jpg.html)
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx105/leevibe1/madbean%20pics/tools/tip_zpsrn4u3gy4.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/leevibe1/media/madbean%20pics/tools/tip_zpsrn4u3gy4.jpg.html)
Quote from: Leevibe on February 05, 2016, 05:02:02 AM
iGaging IP54 digital caliper (http://www.amazon.com/iGaging-Electronic-Digital-Fractions-Stainless/dp/B001AQEZ2W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454647001&sr=8-2&keywords=igaging+caliper). The video shootout in the user reviews for this made me want one.
These are super useful. I've got a plastic one (no digital readout), and I want to replace it with a metal one (with no digital readout.) Next time you need to do some drilling, you'll love this thing for sizing parts.
Quote from: alanp on February 05, 2016, 05:25:56 AM
Quote from: Leevibe on February 05, 2016, 05:02:02 AM
iGaging IP54 digital caliper (http://www.amazon.com/iGaging-Electronic-Digital-Fractions-Stainless/dp/B001AQEZ2W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454647001&sr=8-2&keywords=igaging+caliper). The video shootout in the user reviews for this made me want one.
These are super useful. I've got a plastic one (no digital readout), and I want to replace it with a metal one (with no digital readout.) Next time you need to do some drilling, you'll love this thing for sizing parts.
I have a plastic one that's only useful for gross measurements. Huge amount of slop and poor markings. I'll probably keep it around because it won't mar finishes. The new one has no slop that I can detect. I can zero it, fully extend it, and it closes right back at zero. And the jaws seem to measure consistently from the tips all the way up. I'm really impressed for a $30 tool.
Sweet! Having good tools is both a joy and a must.
A good set of calipers (digital or dial) is invaluable. Congrats.
....I came here expecting "New Tie Day"
;D
Thought it was New Tele Day, but Tools are awesome!
I have a decent (but not super-awesome) digital caliper. Love that thing. It's invaluable for doing 3D modeling for replacement parts and other "functional" 3D prints I've been doing the last 6 months or so.
What's so crazy Lee, I was just looking at Amazon this morning at THIS EXACT pair. I almost pulled the plug and think I will now.
I bought some calipers a while back from Harbor Freight for like $15 but they just really suck. They never return back to zero and the movement of the slide is also terrible.
So thanks for posting this!
Quote from: peAk on February 05, 2016, 10:31:49 PM
What's so crazy Lee, I was just looking at Amazon this morning at THIS EXACT pair. I almost pulled the plug and think I will now.
I bought some calipers a while back from Harbor Freight for like $15 but they just really suck. They never return back to zero and the movement of the slide is also terrible.
So thanks for posting this!
This non-zeroing issue is common for cheap calipers. I got a set of Neiko digital calipers from Amazon and they were basically useless. I replaced them with a set of Fowlers and those have been much better.
Hey Lee, before I order these, can you tell me how the return to zero is?
I don't want to grab another cheap pair if they are going to have a similar issue to the ones I already have
Thanks!!!
Nice, I've been saving up for a mitutoyo caliper but these look damn good from the reviews and are a quarter of the price.
Quote from: peAk on February 07, 2016, 11:26:30 PM
Hey Lee, before I order these, can you tell me how the return to zero is?
I don't want to grab another cheap pair if they are going to have a similar issue to the ones I already have
Thanks!!!
I'll snap some pics at half time
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx105/leevibe1/madbean%20pics/tools/469BFBB5-2994-4F24-9A88-4AF143C1DB37_zps642ddflx.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/leevibe1/media/madbean%20pics/tools/469BFBB5-2994-4F24-9A88-4AF143C1DB37_zps642ddflx.jpg.html)
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx105/leevibe1/madbean%20pics/tools/AB2A6ED3-79B2-4108-9568-B930A452C328_zpsjhieefyp.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/leevibe1/media/madbean%20pics/tools/AB2A6ED3-79B2-4108-9568-B930A452C328_zpsjhieefyp.jpg.html)
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx105/leevibe1/madbean%20pics/tools/A52B94F9-B656-425A-B9A9-D99A345AEC81_zpsm1a7xzhi.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/leevibe1/media/madbean%20pics/tools/A52B94F9-B656-425A-B9A9-D99A345AEC81_zpsm1a7xzhi.jpg.html)
These zero perfect every time. I will admit that I expected them to feel smoother, but maybe they need to break in? I'm happy with the apparent accuracy, and they aren't mitutoyus, so I'm fine with it.
sweet.
ordered.
thanks.
Moms are great! Christmas, birthdays i'd just pass along catalog part numbers and these amazing tools would appear just like the ones i was hoping for!
dave
Half time? But the All Blacks are not playing today... or any other famous rugby team I know of.
Admittedly I do not follow the sport page.
Perhaps there is some famous soccer team playing today? Madrid, or Arsenal?
Quote from: alanp on February 08, 2016, 03:36:09 AM
Half time? But the All Blacks are not playing today... or any other famous rugby team I know of.
Admittedly I do not follow the sport page.
Perhaps there is some famous soccer team playing today? Madrid, or Arsenal?
Just a friendly little game of gridiron
Another tool to add. This was a birthday present from my sis. I fell in love with the idea of using a scalpel after watching some of Ben Crowe's videos from Crimson guitars. I have no idea if there is any real advantage over an exacto knife. It's really too bad that I put the scalpel handle on my wish list but no blades!
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx105/leevibe1/madbean%20pics/tools/1138CB5B-26D0-43D2-AF66-C26E1BA89A2C_zpsaagihkkm.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/leevibe1/media/madbean%20pics/tools/1138CB5B-26D0-43D2-AF66-C26E1BA89A2C_zpsaagihkkm.jpg.html)
I've got one of those knife-things where you can swap out blades. I think they're called Exacto knives. (Mine says Excel. I'm cheap.)
I use it roughly once every two years to cut tracks on PCBs that I have been swearing at while debugging.
The Stanley knife is a much, much more useful investment.
Quote from: Leevibe on February 09, 2016, 02:31:03 AM
Another tool to add. This was a birthday present from my sis. I fell in love with the idea of using a scalpel after watching some of Ben Crowe's videos from Crimson guitars. I have no idea if there is any real advantage over an exacto knife. It's really too bad that I put the scalpel handle on my wish list but no blades!
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx105/leevibe1/madbean%20pics/tools/1138CB5B-26D0-43D2-AF66-C26E1BA89A2C_zpsaagihkkm.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/leevibe1/media/madbean%20pics/tools/1138CB5B-26D0-43D2-AF66-C26E1BA89A2C_zpsaagihkkm.jpg.html)
We have a couple of those at work; they are insanely sharp. Sharper than an exacto. I've never tried cutting PCB traces with them, however. I'll be curious to hear what you think of them in that application. If nothing else, they should be great for cutting stickers and things like that.
Quote from: pickdropper on February 09, 2016, 01:20:02 PM
We have a couple of those at work; they are insanely sharp. Sharper than an exacto. I've never tried cutting PCB traces with them, however. I'll be curious to hear what you think of them in that application. If nothing else, they should be great for cutting stickers and things like that.
Yeah, there are a few things of concern:
- how much will the blade flex under rougher work like cutting traces?
- will I be able to change blades using my small needle nose pliers or hemostat without lacerating myself?
- will the flat contour of the handle be easier or harder to use than the round profile of an exacto?
advantages I see:
- super sharp/precise blades
- super cheap blades! I bought a 100 pack of #11 (very narrow and pointy) for $5
- huge array of blade shapes
- possible toan inducing properties
I tend to ask too much of my exacto blades in terms of using them when I've dulled them. Cutting decals around drilled holes etc. dulls blades quick. I like the idea that I can use a $.05 blade once, then chuck it. I'm going to need a sharps container for all of these and my DE shaving blades. :) I'm also interested in trying some of the curved and hooked blades like the #10 and #12 for decal trimming.
Yeah, I totally agree on those points. I've been meaning to get one but just haven't gotten around to it.
As far as exacto blades, try some blades other than the one that comes stock. I constantly chip the tips on those when cutting traces. There are beefier tips out there
Dig the new tools. The screwdrivers look nice.
I've got some Mitutoyo's that have been great. The first was a dial caliper that a guy I worked with gave me when I first started in a machine shop. They were pretty well used when he gave them to me and they are still accurate today. I abused them working is the saw shop. Lots of dirt, oil, metal chips and general grit to get in the rack. The nice thing with decent dial calipers is if something gets in the rack and knocks the dial out of whack you can reset them.
When I stepped up to the CNC's I invested in a pair of Mitutoyo Absolute digitals. Again, still going strong, but almost never used.
(http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad124/v4hor/misc/20160209_084829_zpsvjzwsnmq.jpg)
At one point we had a customer that was keeping us busy with a lot of stuff that required more than 6" so I bought these 12" Mitutoyo's. Every now and then I forget I have them. Wish I had more legit reasons to use them.
(http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad124/v4hor/misc/20160209_084840_zpscmjztl77.jpg)
Hey Lee,
Calipers arrived today.
MUCH better than my cheap HF ones.
Thanks for the heads up!
Quote from: peAk on February 11, 2016, 02:01:39 AM
Hey Lee,
Calipers arrived today.
MUCH better than my cheap HF ones.
Thanks for the heads up!
Right on Justin! Let's go measure stuff.
Dang, three cheers for Mother Vibe!
My mom got me 2 sweaters that were too tight and I don't even wear sweaters. Or, I got too fat and they would have fit.
Expect your mom to get a call from my mom soon.
Quote from: chuckbuick on February 09, 2016, 11:59:35 PM
Dig the new tools. The screwdrivers look nice.
I've got some Mitutoyo's that have been great. The first was a dial caliper that a guy I worked with gave me when I first started in a machine shop. They were pretty well used when he gave them to me and they are still accurate today. I abused them working is the saw shop. Lots of dirt, oil, metal chips and general grit to get in the rack. The nice thing with decent dial calipers is if something gets in the rack and knocks the dial out of whack you can reset them.
When I stepped up to the CNC's I invested in a pair of Mitutoyo Absolute digitals. Again, still going strong, but almost never used.
(http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad124/v4hor/misc/20160209_084829_zpsvjzwsnmq.jpg)
At one point we had a customer that was keeping us busy with a lot of stuff that required more than 6" so I bought these 12" Mitutoyo's. Every now and then I forget I have them. Wish I had more legit reasons to use them.
(http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad124/v4hor/misc/20160209_084840_zpscmjztl77.jpg)
That is a hoss caliper!
Quote from: TNblueshawk on February 11, 2016, 08:21:31 PM
Dang, three cheers for Mother Vibe!
My mom got me 2 sweaters that were too tight and I don't even wear sweaters. Or, I got too fat and they would have fit.
Expect your mom to get a call from my mom soon.
Yeah, mom's pretty cool
Quote from: Leevibe on February 09, 2016, 04:25:14 PM
Quote from: pickdropper on February 09, 2016, 01:20:02 PM
We have a couple of those at work; they are insanely sharp. Sharper than an exacto. I've never tried cutting PCB traces with them, however. I'll be curious to hear what you think of them in that application. If nothing else, they should be great for cutting stickers and things like that.
I tend to ask too much of my exacto blades in terms of using them when I've dulled them. Cutting decals around drilled holes etc. dulls blades quick. I like the idea that I can use a $.05 blade once, then chuck it. I'm going to need a sharps container for all of these and my DE shaving blades. :) I'm also interested in trying some of the curved and hooked blades like the #10 and #12 for decal trimming.
I was using a #11 to cut down to a sliver in the palm of my hand but was deep enough, and still not to the timber, that i figured i was going to need stiches when finished so went to the emergency for a four hour wait. I swear the scalpel the doctor used to continue on with my excavation was way duller then the fresh #11 i'd been using. Wished i had brought my camera! They crazy glued the incision shut and gave me some giant bandages, all i was missing was the bandages...
Lee, Altoids tin as sharps box.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/davent/IMG_7735_zps0gc8lhup.jpg)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/davent/IMG_7739_zpsjd1gkisf.jpg)
dave
Quote from: davent on February 11, 2016, 11:51:39 PM
Lee, Altoids tin as sharps box.
Great idea, and I love that you made art out of it! I'm going to use this idea. I'm working through a 100 pack of Astra SP DE blades, and they are split into the little paper boxes of 5, not the cool plastic ones with the slot for spent blades.
I'm officially scared to use this. These blades make exacto blades look like butter knives. I'm impressed and terrified.
(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx105/leevibe1/madbean%20pics/tools/9C4475BE-7D70-4C96-8515-36741054BE1E_zpsnqggiusb.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/leevibe1/media/madbean%20pics/tools/9C4475BE-7D70-4C96-8515-36741054BE1E_zpsnqggiusb.jpg.html)
You're this far away from springing for a single edged razor!
How's it compare to a Feather?
dave
Quote from: davent on February 15, 2016, 12:47:47 AM
You're this far away from springing for a single edged razor!
How's it compare to a Feather?
dave
Haha! No single ended for me. That rabbit hole is way too deep. :) I do have a Dovo shavette, but I never use it anymore.
I don't know if the scalpel blade is sharper than a Feather, but it's WAAAYYY pointier. ;D And it's sterile! I think I need to keep a roll of gauze at the work bench just in case. Haha!
Quote from: pickdropper on February 09, 2016, 01:20:02 PM
We have a couple of those at work; they are insanely sharp. Sharper than an exacto. I've never tried cutting PCB traces with them, however. I'll be curious to hear what you think of them in that application. If nothing else, they should be great for cutting stickers and things like that.
As for cutting traces, I have every confidence that these #11's will do fine, although I don't think they're the best blade for the job because I think the tips would get hashed in short order. I think another profile would be better. But, like I said, they're a nickel apiece. Maybe I'll see if I have some old PCB scraps around that I can saw away on. If so, I'll report back.
The Olfa snap away blades are pretty beefy, as are the handles, work well on traces.
dave