Garage Tools

A list of important tools to include in any well equipped home garage.

Vehicle Lifts… The “L” Shaped Garage includes a both a four post lift and a portable Scissors lift. Both were purchased from Greg Smith Equipment.

Crane… The “L” Shaped Garage has a Jib Crane installed on a steel post separating the 3rd and 4th stalls of the garage. We designed this feature into the space from the beginning. A special footing was poured in the garage floor to support it and the steel post includes custom plates for mounting not only the Jib Crane but also other accessories.

Chain Hoist… The Jib crane is equipped with a 1000 lb Ingersoll chain hoist and I have recently started using a Warn Pullzall portable winch as well. The Pullzall is a really nice tool for lifting from the crane. It has a variable speed “trigger” that works perfectly for this purpose.

Drill Press… I have a bench top drill press purchased from Harbor Freight many years ago in the garage. Despite the fact that it is poorly built and too small it is actually fairly adequate. look for an improved version here soon!

Magnetic Drill… The Bora Magnetic Drilling System from Evolution Power Tools makes drilling holes up to 1 1/8” diameter a breeze.

Metal Saws… I have four metal saws in the “L” Shaped Garage. First is a 14” Delta band saw. Unfortunately it looks like Delta has quit making this tool but there are other manufactures build comparable versions. I also have a Porter Cable Portable band saw that is a very useful tool (it is also no longer built).

Next… I (somewhat reluctantly) purchased a Rockwell Blade Runner. Rockwell describes this as “The Ultimate Cutting machine”. While I might pull back from that description a bit this is an extremely capable and useful tool that I highly recommend.

Finally… A Rage 2 Cut Off saw from Evolution Power Tools. The saw uses a carbide tipped blade that cuts everything from wood to steel.

 

Air Compressor… I installed an Ingersoll rand Garage Mate air compressor under the stairs and plumbed a set of simple permanent air lines to the wall behind the workbench. I also ran compressed air lines to two cord reels; one on the ceiling and one on the back wall of the garage.

Welding and Cutting… We have a small Hobart wire feed welder (Handler140) and a Colossal Cut 50D Plasma Cutter. Both are 120 volt systems and work well for steel under 1/4” thick.

In addition we have a Strong Hand Nomad welding table and assorted clamps, magnetic squares, and tools.

Arbor Press… A Torin 20 ton Shop Press

Sanding, Sharpening, and Deburring… The Ridgid Oscillating Belt Sander is a fabulous tool for a garage shop. It can take the place of a regular belt /disk sander and give you the added advantage of radius sanding with the drums. It works well for any materials.

The Work Sharp 2000 Metal Workers Tool Sharpener is another tool you should seriously consider for any garage shop. Stick on abrasive pads are available for almost any material and you can achieve remarkable finishes with the smooth running system. Finally no shop is complete without one of the easy to use drill sharpeners from Drill Doctor. I chose to get the model 750 because I want the 3/4” capacity.