Shopsmith Forums

I thought it might be fun to post some small tools that I really like in my shop. You can add what you have that you like as well.

Be they cheap or top end that isn't the point, what is, is the fact that they are used often and you like them. If you happen to know where or if you can still buy them that would be an added benefit.

A few pictures and some details on how it is used would also make this worth while.

I'd like to stay with smaller hand size tools for now, and perhaps hand tools rather then power tools.

So if you like this idea post comments, post your favorite smaller tools and enjoy.

I'll add a new post a bit later with one of my favorites.

Ed

I have 2 Stanley pocket planes I picked up for about $10 each, 40s vintage, one with a mouth adjustment, handy when you need one, after my nephew sharpened them and could shave with them. I would love a good Shoulder Plane for Tenon clean up, but for around $100 a good sharp chisel handles that. Just cant justify it, I can afford it but why?

My 12 volt Porter Cable cordless drill. Light weight, enough power for using step/counter sink bits, adjustable Clutch, I dont turn anything by hand any more unless fanes is needed.

Back some year I had seen this little gem and wanted one but it was a while before it came up on my purchase list and I got one. Once I did I was sorry I had waited. Yes it is one of "those" tools.

What is it? Glad you ask. It is called a Czeck Edge Ruler Stop. As the name implies it functions as a ruler stop. The body is 1/2" thick, it is 1" wide and length is about 3-3/4". The 1" and 1/2" numbers are with in a thousandth, well on mine anyway. It is made of aircraft grade aluminum and red in color.
The whole thing can fit in a pocket unless of course you have a rule attached. One of the nice parts is that it fits a LOT of ruler. Imperial, metric, thinner, thicker, metal, plastic, short and long. OK there are limits but most of what I have seems to fit. OH yes did I mention it is made in the USA?
From what I have seen the angle created is very accurate, granted the small base but it can be used as a square keeping note of that short base. In some cases the small base is a real plus.

When doing set ups the width being 1" is really nice for us imperial users. Adding or subtracting the inch is easy as which side you want to use. Keep in mind that while measuring from the end you simply lock on the dimension you want by tightening the nut. The design gives good visibility to the rule so it is as accurate as you are.
You can also stick say a drill bit(shank end) in and use it to get the depth of a small hole, especially ones smaller then say the leg on your caliper or in places the caliper might not fit.

They sell these at Lee Valley and Highland and perhaps some other places as well. I think they are still less then $35 so not cheap but very very useful in my shop.

Woodpecker also has a version. I don't know much about theirs but I'm sure it is also high quality. Who ever you get one from they are really useful, at least I've found them to be. I've even added a second one to my wish list......

Ed

note: Added a couple of links to sources.

http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.a ... at=1,43513

http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/czec ... rstop.aspx

I also see highland has a video link, haven't watch it yet but I will.

Wow I forgot the other major cool part of this......... it works as part of a story stick. I can't believe I forgot to to add that to the post.... sorry.

As soon as I started watching the video I thought did I fire 5 shots or 6... no that wasn't it... did I really forget to mention using this for a story stick and well I did. For those that love to live without the actually measurements you are going to love this.

Ed

Of course measuring stuff, I love my 2 Pec things!

ERLover wrote:Of course measuring stuff, I love my 2 Pec things!

Really? You gots two of 'them'?

JPG wrote:

ERLover wrote:Of course measuring stuff, I love my 2 Pec things!

Really? You gots two of 'them'?

Where have you been

Just came across this tool site for precision tools, they are pricey, but not here!! Should be here Saturday.
http://www.pectools.com/squares/index.html
Bought them from here
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format ... ay%20store

That was a piece of work to get the second link to post right.

ERLover wrote:

JPG wrote:

ERLover wrote:Of course measuring stuff, I love my 2 Pec things!

Really? You gots two of 'them'?

Where have you been

Just came across this tool site for precision tools, they are pricey, but not here!! Should be here Saturday.
http://www.pectools.com/squares/index.html
Bought them from here
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format ... ay%20store

That was a piece of work to get the second link to post right.

Think back a week or so WBB! Do not look, they are no longer there!

Am I going to regret starting this thread?

Ed