Must-have Shop Tools, Supplies and Resources

[Eau Rouge]

I've been playing with these things for a really long time, and as the son of a machinist, I learned early on that there is a right tool for every job. Using the wrong tool to do something usually results in a frustrating mess. Hoopty's "Scotch-Brite meets Lexan" experiment reminded me that my workshop has collected a lot of tools and utilities that I really take for granted, and many are things I use every day.

I'm going to try to list off some of the things that I think are really essential for a fully-stocked race-ready workshop. Hopefully, you guys can add to the list of things you think are absolutely necessary in the shop or toolbox. I'm also going to include some of my resources for parts andtools, as well.

Hand Tools
miniature hand files (MicroMark)
multiple grit sanding pads and sticks (beauty supply stores)
straight-fluted reamers:
.119" (metric 3mm hinge pins)
.126" (imperial 1/8th" hinge pins)
tapered hand reamer (Radio Shack)
various countersink bits
solder braid (Radio Shack)
X-acto/OLFA cutting mat
OLFA circle cutter/compass
curved tip Lexan scissors
pin vice and micro drill bits (MicroMark)
flush-cut dykes cutters (McMaster-Carr)
digital 6" calipers (eBay)
Q-tips
pipe cleaners
paper Dixie cups
6" x 9" disposable aluminum casserole trays (for parts)
Glad ZipLoc food containers (doubles as a car stand or a parts container)
small automotive detail brushes/various paint brushes
brass wire/stainless wire/plastic wire small brushes (auto parts store)
various grit 3M wet/dry automotive finishing papers (1000, 1500, 2000 grit)


Shop Tools
bench vice
small drill press
dual wheel bench grinder with buffing wheel in one axle
Dremel tool with various bits, stones, grinding wheels and cut-off wheels
heat gun
3 gal. air compressor (Home Depot)
Magnifying glass lamp
OTT light
artist's utensil carousel (for hand tools)
.25" Lexan sheet for a work area (Home Depot)


Fluids
Marvel's Mystery Oil (a little will last forever)
Simple Green/Super Clean
denatured alcohol (Home Depot)
methyl ethyl ketone (Home Depot)
lacquer thinner (Home Depot)
spray silicone lube
Liquid Wrench
Novus plastic polish
Blue Magic metal polish (auto parts store)


Miscellaneous
Box o' Rags (Sam's Club)


Resources:
McMaster-Carr: http://www.mcmaster.com
Tools, screws, nuts, bolts and general supplies

Fastener Express: http://www.fastener-express.com
R/C-sized screws and fasteners. Also does anodized aluminum bits, too

Northern Tools: http://www.northerntool.com
If McMaster doesn't have it, they will.

MicroMark: http://www.micromark.com
Hobbiest and modeler tools

DA Graphite: http://www.dagraphite.com
Yeah, the expensive stuff.

Tony's Screws: http://www.tonysscrews.com
Screw kits for just about every car

Graphite Chassis Prep

R/C World Champions at a glance

The Robot Marketplace: http://www.robotmarketplace.com
Graphite sheets, metals, electronics, tools and really cool shiz.

Servo City: http://www.servocity.com
Every servo imaginable, and cheap, too.




I'm sure I have more, but this is a good start.

[SkidRowe]

Wow! - All I have is a pliers, a screwdriver, and a roll of duct tape.

[badhoopty]

i dont have a bench. my shop consists of a rotted out wood bench seat that i took from the neighbors trash and a 5 gallon bucket that i sit on. i also have a wooden chair i use for a workbench as well. its got quite a few holes drilled in it.

but when the day comes that i man up and get my own place, my garage is gonna be stylin'. bundy bathroom and everything.

[justinspeed79]

What do you use methyl ethyl ketone for? That's some nasty stuff.

[DV8ion]

What do you use methyl ethyl ketone for? That's some nasty stuff.

I was thinking the same thing MEK is not a nice chem to have laying around.

[Eau Rouge]

What do you use methyl ethyl ketone for? That's some nasty stuff.

I was thinking the same thing MEK is not a nice chem to have laying around.

MEK is essentially nail polish remover with a different evap rate. It also thins ShoeGoo and other glues. I've used it to remove CA spills and smears on chassis, and old glue residue. It will also soften rubber tires.

[DV8ion]

What do you use methyl ethyl ketone for? That's some nasty stuff.

I was thinking the same thing MEK is not a nice chem to have laying around.

MEK is essentially nail polish remover with a different evap rate. It also thins ShoeGoo and other glues. I've used it to remove CA spills and smears on chassis, and old glue residue. It will also soften rubber tires.

I was doing some work for a friends company (in the painting industry) and dropped my screwdriver into a small tank of MEK, well after about 10 mins of trying to fish it out I find it but the handle has melted off...pretty nasty stuff if you ask me.

[Eau Rouge]

I was doing some work for a friends company (in the painting industry) and dropped my screwdriver into a small tank of MEK, well after about 10 mins of trying to fish it out I find it but the handle has melted off...pretty nasty stuff if you ask me.

I've done the same with lacquer thinner, too (with scissors). All of that stuff is nasty, but it all has uses.

[superfly]

better be careful with MEK i hear it absorbs through the skin and like weakens bones and stuff!!!! Gloves for sure!!! But it will remove just about any glue or residue thats for sure...i'm actually surprised you can buy that at home depot

[Eau Rouge]

Ok, so aside from the hazards of methyl ethyl ketone, do you guys work on your kitchen tables with Swiss Army knives and duct tape?






I figured there'd be some contributions to this thread...