Tools Forum?


I like the idea of a tool forum. But, make it a tool and modeling bench so we can also see the areas the guys work in. My work bench is 24” deep and 72” long and as you can see is under a section of the layout. I have no specialist tools but I’d be happy to show what tools I use. TomO
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No. We obtain them by default, by need, as we go along; from largest to smallest, powered/hand driven, drills, screw drivers, pliers/tweezers, irons/guns, saws/scissors/clippers/blades, clamps/vises, files/abrasives, adhesives, brushes, meters/testers.
That's it, other than actual brand names and claims of each's qualities...In fact the only tool I think needing mention by name, only because it's the only one of its kind is: Xuron Rail Nippers...M

(I'll add that when you do use Xuron Rail Nippers the flat side of the jaws goes against the good rail you're keeping..Rail on concave side is bad.
And you cut top of rail to bottom, not side to side )...M
 
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I would like to see some sort of tool box library , Maybe an MOW car to go with RPO , just putting stuff in threads the tools will tend to get lost or forgotten. Same with How to s and tool tips , Searching Google is like shooting dice at a Reno crap table , you don't know what your going to get and when you come back from the can you get something different . A search engine is pretty useless when you don't know what your looking for or what its called you just know what it needs to do . Yes I have spent hours on Google searching for a thingamy to make rivets with. Searching for a "spiked wheel" is more likely to get you something pornographic than something to do with HO trains.

You can't see my tool bench ...between the locomotives, cars , and pop bottles it completely covered.

Either way I have a half dozen tool suggestions , most off the shelf , some home made.
 
Some of us were self taught in this hobby at a young age, never had a mentor or a club around to join. I think it would be helpful for an exchange of ideas and what works for different people. Who knows, I could be doing something wrong that I didn't know there was an easier way to do it. Some of the tools I use come from the automotive, wood working, crafts and other hobbies. Some I made out of something else completely.

Now we just have to ask Bob if it is at all possible to add a separate area for it.
 
I have the Xuron track cutting tool, as It was recommended to by by the model train store we used to have in Wichita. It is the 2175B for cutting the rail top to bottom, but they also have a vertical cutter 2175M for when you need to cut already laid down rail. I have both, but have yet to use the 2175M.

I also finally picked up the NMRA gauge, and have had a chance to work through my track. So far the rails are fine, I just need time to check the points on my turnouts.
 
I've got tools that fix tools! (Tim Allen quote) you pick them up as you go, and they tend to reflect what your particular sub specialty is. since mine is locomotive work, which includes re-powering and painting, as well as brass painting in general I've picked up lots of specialty items. My workbench is generally a disaster though! 3-5 projects going on at a time, stuff scattered everywhere. Not pretty! Lots of goodies though!
 
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I've got tools that fix tools! (Tim Allen quote) you pick them up as you go, and they tend to reflect what your particular sub specialty is. since mine is locomotive work, which includes re-powering and painting, as well as brass painting in general I've picked up lots of specialty items. My workbench is generally a disaster though! 3-5 projects going non at a time, stuff scattered everywhere. Not pretty! Lots of goodies though!
Sounds like me and my workbench...
 



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