TOOL Sugestions

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SFROMAN

SFROMAN

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I have decided that by the time I get done with all the metal projects that I want for both the land cruiser and my f250 that I will probably have to end up paying someone a few thousand dollars.
My solution is to just buy the tools I need to build my projects myself.
So for those of you who fabricate things in their garage, here is my questions.

What tools do you reccomend I buy to be able to fabricate things like.
rock sliders
rear bumper with tire swing out
roof rack
fj40 roll cage
maybe try my hand at an offroad trailer

I figure I want to spend about 2 thousand on fabricating tools. so what does a rookie need to get started.

thanks
DEL
 
talk to jerry about his pipe bender
fire extinguisher
get a good mig welder (220v would be better) and a good helmet
chop saw
drill press
some corner clamps/magnets
plasma cutter would be worth it's weight.
 
I agree with Eric's list. Mine went like this:

- Miller 180 w/auto set, 220v unit
- Miller auto dimming helmet
- tank, welding gloves, spool of welding wire, spare tips
~ $1600

- JD Squared Model 32 tubing bender
- stand, die (1.75" =$300)
- Copperhead Fabrication bracket to mount air over hydraulic 10 ton ram from Harbor Freight to convert from manual-hydraulic
~ $1000

If I can help bend things up, that can save you that $1k part of the investment.

A bit over your budget without all the small tools. If I can help with some other details, let me know...
 
You are going to have to up your budget a bit to really get what you need. Jerry's list is a good start.

You'll need

A good 4 or 4.5" grinder, flap discs, cut off wheels
Sawzall and a grinder with cut off will do till you get a plazma or gas torch
Clamps-you can never have enough
Welding magnets are handy
Squares and levels
Face shield, glasses are not enough
Hearing protection


Once you get going:
Band saw is very handy but not required
Chop saw
If you plan to use tube-bender dies are where the real cost is

There are a ton of other tools as well, but these will get you capable of building the projects you mentioned.

Stan
 
You can probably save a good bit by finding a used welder. Just keep searching CL and Flea Bay. I got my Lincoln 175T brand new for under $500 - it's 220V and I've been pleased with it. You have to add a gas bottle and regulator for about another $150 or so. Grinders from HF are fine, usually on sale for $15 or so. Then a tubing notcher for around $40. I got away with 90% of my fab work w/ a grinder and cutoff wheel, so the plasma and/or torch can be added later, but they sure are nice to have.

Decent deal that includes the cart (which none of us mentioned and is about $75 IIRC)
K2788-2 - New, $443.4, Free Shipping, WeldingSupplyUSA - Century/Lincoln K2788-2 180 Amp 220 Volt MIG Welder

:beer: R
 
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Thanks for all the replies fellas.

Jason- not down range, had to come back early, got shot so im going to be healing for a while. I have to much time on my hands so it leads me to post up stupid questions.

Jerry thanks for the offer. Is there any manual tube benders that are cheaper?

Ramon- Thanks for the link. I dont have 220v in the garage though.

I find metal fabrication extremely fascinating and want to be able to create some ideas that I have in my head. I am not necessarily bound by a budget but at the same time dont have unlimited funds.
I honestly think that by the time I finished with all the ideas that I have for my FJ40 and F250, that I will spend less money buying the tools and material to do it myself than if I paid someone to do it.

I guess I will continue to do some research on the internet as well.
 
google helped me wire my 220 breaker into the box and I use a super size 220 dedicated ext cord with appropriate ends. NO fires yet. Just saying you can get 220 in the garage fairly easy I'd think, or operate outta the dryer outlet if its closer.

I like you list and the idea to have a similar investment with more options/capabilities to come.
 
SFROMAN said:
Jerry thanks for the offer. Is there any manual tube benders that are cheaper?
Click to expand...

Sorry I wasn't more clear. The model 32 is $400, 1.75" die $300, manual. I used this to bend all the tubing for my trailer.

For ~$160, I converted to hydraulic with the bracket from Copperhead and the ram from Harbor Freight...
 
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Tube benders themselves are relatively cheap, it's the mutiple dies that run up the cost.
 
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