We've had a few different topics on tools over the years. While cutting my way through a clump of standing dead trees yesterday I realized we've never had a "Most Fun to Use" tool topic.
My favorite hand held tool is one of my chainsaws*. :) Even when the fun is interrupted by a tree getting hung up in the branches of another (because there are too darn many trees!) it's fun resolving the problem.
My most fun to use stationary machine tool would be my wood turning lathe.
What's yours?
* Husqvarna 440 and 445, 16" bars. Don't need anything bigger (and heavier); this weekend I cut the largest diameter tree in five years, an 18 inch pine. It was dead otherwise I'd of had no reason to cut it.
My favorite is the Kreg Jig. I have used it for the frame on my screen house and now am using it to build the face frames for my cabinets. Many uses for a good tool!
Mine is my drawknife. I can create round tenons for my Adirondack furniture, de-bark logs and sticks and complete many other general woodworking tasks. Gotta keep it razor sharp though; a dull drawknife is dangerous!
My .357 is my favorite hand tool!
Referring to actual tools, I guess it would be my Gransfors-Bruks Small Forest axe. It is so well-made and effective.
For power tools, it would have to be a lathe, metal or wood. I'm still fascinated running one, after 35 years in the business!
My jigsaw.
It seems like 90% of the time when I'm using a jigsaw its for the creation of something fun and enjoyable rather than utilitarian.
In that same vein, my band saw is my favorite stationary tool.
The little 3' tape measure I keep in my pocket...
I was talking to a log builder the other day, his favorites are his axes, mine would probably be the sawmill. Both turn a tree into a useable timber. There's something primal in primary processing, lots of potential is unfolding. My wife claims I brought up a board every day for the first few weeks after setting up the mill, would point to it and say "was once round" ;D.
Paslode framing nailer.
I operated one of these excavator/trackhos almost every day back when I was in my late teens and early 20s.
That was the most fun tool I ever used.
(http://i00.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/113015928/Crawler_Excavator_Komatsu_PC308USLC_3_.jpg)
A 12" radial arm saw. I built my own log home and used the saw extensively. I cut half logs, 4x6 window trim, round tendons on railings. I look at some of the complex cuts I did and have to think back as to how in the world did I set that saw to do that. :o
My 18V impact driver sure makes short work of driving screws.
Palm Nailer! No more mashed thumbs from swinging a hammer at an awkward angle or excessive hits on overhead nails. c* (Earplugs assumed)
Stanley #80 scraper plane. It feels, sounds, and smells nice. :D
I still love my framing nailer / compressor combo!
New guy here and first (maybe only) post. ::)
My favorite tool would be my tractor with the root grapple on the front-end loader. I can rake up roots, brush, rocks and other smaller items with it then I can pick up and carry large items like logs and beams and set them up to about 8-9 ft high. And have a ball doing it!
Well, darn near every tool I have (or don't have) is my favorite, but my screw gun is the one most used, even though my framing nailer is a close 2nd.
However, the one that has kept me from boogering up finish work has been my brad nailer. It gets in those cramped, tight places and greatly compliments my lack of patience with tiny hammers, needle nose pliers, and thumbs (all ten), while back spasms taunt.
(https://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/Garyo424/bradnailer.jpg)
But, I could still survive with assorted hammers. However, my 12" sliding compound miter saw and stand has made my life most pleasant, most pleasant in deed.
(https://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/Garyo424/miter-saw-stand-utility-vehicles.jpg)
After gluing and nailing all these....
(https://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt15/rick91351/house/DSCN0626_zpsf16e36c1.jpg)
My new favorite tool click on image to veiw..................
(https://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt15/rick91351/house/th_DSCN0618_zps51e4fd6d.jpg) (https://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt15/rick91351/house/DSCN0618_zps51e4fd6d.mp4)
(https://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt15/rick91351/house/DSCN0617_zpsf754032b.jpg)
I love my snow shovel :)
(https://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii482/cdubbin0427/_DSC1672.jpg) (https://s1256.photobucket.com/user/cdubbin0427/media/_DSC1672.jpg.html)
my set of brand new jet sweats the old 1's started to leak by . wish i knew how to work this devil box i'd post photo . :-[
Quote from: akwoodchuck on September 15, 2013, 10:02:16 PM
I love my snow shovel :)
(https://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii482/cdubbin0427/_DSC1672.jpg) (https://s1256.photobucket.com/user/cdubbin0427/media/_DSC1672.jpg.html)
w* Welcome from Rick and Ellen up in Idaho. Your snow shovel looks a lot like an old grain scoop shovel. I myself have used one as a snow shovel myself. Nice snow by the way. Where at? How about the house / cabin? c*
Quote from: Jimbo Ricketts on September 16, 2013, 02:54:25 AM
wish i knew how to work this devil box i'd post photo . :-[
http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=11663.0
Quote from: rick91351 on September 16, 2013, 05:12:36 AM
w* Welcome from Rick and Ellen up in Idaho. Your snow shovel looks a lot like an old grain scoop shovel. I myself have used one as a snow shovel myself. Nice snow by the way. Where at? How about the house / cabin? c*
Hi guys, I used to live in Idaho myself....been awhile, but I sure love that place. Pic is of a cabin I built on 3 acres in a semi-remote part of coastal Alaska...started out 16'x16' then added 10' more....13' balloon-sidewalls, rough-cut spruce framing, treated post foundation, CDX siding with battens (painted later), salvaged doors, windows, roofing, tub, woodstove, etc....
Love the upstairs winter access door !
Before I opened this thread, my first thought was that my favorite tool has to be one of my chainsaws. They can be extremely brutal and destructive, and two seconds later, intricate and subtle. Always been a Stihl fan myself. As far as a more construction oriented tool, that would have to be the framing square. After actually learning all the different functions I realized what an amazing tool it is.
My splitting maul has got to be my favorite. I love everything about splitting wood.
Most useful would be my 32hp Kubota 4x4 with front end loader. We have bigger tractors on the ranch, but I use that tractor for something everyday.
Quote from: knightbuild on September 19, 2013, 11:15:58 PM
Before I opened this thread, my first thought was that my favorite tool has to be one of my chainsaws. They can be extremely brutal and destructive, and two seconds later, intricate and subtle. Always been a Stihl fan myself. As far as a more construction oriented tool, that would have to be the framing square. After actually learning all the different functions I realized what an amazing tool it is.
I always preferred Husqvarna saws. They make way better pro/power user saws than Stihl.
http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/chainsaws/ (http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/chainsaws/)
Inside, my very old Craftsman table saw. Outside, my very old Kubota 4-wheel drive tractor with front end loader.
Gary
Quote from: Herb Maniac on April 06, 2016, 12:35:50 PM
I always preferred Husqvarna saws. They make way better pro/power user saws than Stihl.
http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/chainsaws/ (http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/chainsaws/)
Round here in these parts sorry Stihl still rules
I am planning to rent a small excavator soon... I have a sneaking feeling that will become my favorite tool... but I'll report back when I actually get some seat time.
Outside: Skid Steer
Inside: Router
/.
Quote from: Adam Roby on April 06, 2016, 07:12:17 PM
I am planning to rent a small excavator soon... I have a sneaking feeling that will become my favorite tool... but I'll report back when I actually get some seat time.
They are nice but I still like my "red Devil" flame thrower for killing weeds when I don't want to use an herbicide. Propane at $1.29 yippee!
I have a lot of favorite tools. ;D
My chop saw.
My Yamaha generator that runs it at the cabin.
My mig welder.
But my favorite stationary tool is this guy.
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/DRIFTER_016/Rod%20Builds/NewToy.jpg) (https://smg.photobucket.com/user/DRIFTER_016/media/Rod%20Builds/NewToy.jpg.html)
My favorite portable tools are my laser level and 20V impact driver. :)
Inside tool is my drawknife - it can be used in many different ways and the smell of fresh shavings can't be beat.
Outside tool is my Echo chainsaw- leading to more stock for my inside tool!
Quote from: rick91351 on April 06, 2016, 06:26:54 PM
Round here in these parts sorry Stihl still rules
Oh no, not this fight again. >:( d*
Thanks for the reminder, just made a note to self ;D. My favorite tool at the moment, a running chainsaw. Need to stop tomorrow and get a new fuel line and filter... ethanol :P
Quote from: Herb Maniac on April 11, 2016, 01:59:42 PM
Oh no, not this fight again. >:( d*
Oh no no fight from me - I am running an Echo with a little 24 inch bar. I am getting to where I like the saw. Ran a Homelite before that. Wore it out after about fifteen - twenty years. My saw guy he put it on the back-shelf and found the parts and put it back together. I still run it from time to time. Best saw I ever ran. Its my old faller friends that have that fight..... they have so much disrespect for my Echo they quit fighting about Stihl and Husky and give it the evil eye...... ;)
I use a 24" Echo too. It's a great saw! I like it much better than the equivalent Stihl which I was able to try out before purchase - it seems to be built better and does not have that strange choke/ throttle system that Stihl has gone to which I found really annoying in use. The Echo is super easy to maintain too - oil holes are very well placed and the air filter is very easy to change. Chain removal is a breeze. It was a good purchase and has seen lots of use in two years now. Not a single problem.
I have an old Homelite as well, and it just keeps running.
I think my favorite tool is the little Honda eu2000 generator. That thing is amazing and makes so much possible. Love how it always starts and justs hums along quietly, while allowing use of chop saws and such.
The Prazi lathe above is sweet!
With me my favorite tool is dictated by the season:
I never fell a tree I remember of with one of those old misery whips my dad and his brother fell with. I have several of those old saw that are still in very good shape. So chain saws are nice. I have split a small mountain of wood with a couple wedges and a 'double jack'. But then last year we bought a splitter. So that was pretty nice. When the force of a real winter hit last year all the wood was split and under cover so my favorite turned to biggest snow blower Ariens made last year. And my old fourwheeler with the six foot snow plow. Sometimes when it gets crazy my big HP old International tractor chained up with the pusher wedge snowplow on it. (Home made over at the neighbors shop). I kept the road open to the neighbors last year with that. But those favorite tools give way in the spring time to two different size Troy Built Tillers and not so much shovels and spading forks to get the garden in shape. ??? So I guess just pray a prayer of thanks and count my many blessings.... pumping water under pressure is nice - no carrying it to the garden. Running stock water in to tanks......WOW Toilet flushes..... knew a lot of old folk when I was young that never had that..... Sawmills readily available, plug in a worm drive saw or a sidewinder pull the trigger..... blade spins..... now that is nice. Don't over look your blessings my friends!
You're right!
We do have a tendency to overlook modern conveniences.
My parents grew up without indoor plumbing, pressure water, electric . . .
Somethings I have just taken for granted . . .
/.
I like them all. ;D There are still a couple that i don't have yet. Some day maybe. Seems like over the years I have accumulated a variety of tools that makes everything so much easier to build, repair or fabricate. But Motorized take presidence. ;)
I bought a brush cutter off of Craigslist recently... it is the favorite tool of both me and my wife. It'll cut through blackberry bushes, small wannabee trees (4-6" in diameter), tall grass... super helpful towards maintaining our lot.
http://maruyama-us.com/landscape-equipment/ (http://maruyama-us.com/landscape-equipment/)
I just got a new box to put my tools in. :)
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13096338_1414329628593372_5849172777465416464_n.jpg?oh=977c176a653f82c1921d7a844953b9d6&oe=57E344B9)
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13151897_1416756745017327_363869190204193449_n.jpg?oh=6a40d0d115925a5593cf5257307f912d&oe=57A867E3)
My old box will find a new home out @ the cabin.
Cause you need tools there too!!!!! ;)
This would be my favorite tool box. But I guess I would probably think of it as a piece of art and hang it in my living room. Watch the video ( listed below the photograph). A lot of thought went into this.
(https://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/redoverfarm/scenes/country%20plans/Studley%20Tool%20Box_zpsujuste0l.png) (https://s220.photobucket.com/user/redoverfarm/media/scenes/country%20plans/Studley%20Tool%20Box_zpsujuste0l.png.html)
http://twistedsifter.com/2013/07/ho-studley-tool-chest/
The magazine issue when that pic was on the back stayed around for a long time. Notice his masons shrine and the one for his block plane. Amazing workmanship.
I was ripping a bunch of plump 8/4 red and white oak this week on the tablesaw and it just wasn't up to it. I bought the saw when I was 15 and I have remotored it several times, the beauty of a belt drive saw. The compressor had a reversible 5 horse motor and I really don't need its output anymore, there's a 2 horse and with a smaller drive pulley I think it can turn the compressor, simply slower. So the tablesaw got a 240 volt 5 horse capacitor start/run big honkin oak eating bored and blueprinted big block. It ripped through so much wood I think the sawdust is packed on the backside of my eyeballs. The only downside I see is hopefully the trunnions and undercarriage of the saw can handle the weight.
What a beauty! A lot of love and time went into that toolbox.
Yes that is a beauty !
How about the category Favorite, least fun to use Tool! Easy to wind Echo line trimmer!
http://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-2-Cycle-21-2cc-Straight-Shaft-Gas-Trimmer-SRM-225/100675439?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cTHD%7cG%7c0%7cG-BASE-PLA-D28I-PortableOutdoorPower%7c&gclid=CjwKEAjw1Iq6BRDY_tK-9OjdmBESJABlzoY7MNUI1xxflxscr8bUUNlhLPHgXpDm8uW9OkGv8AMLrhoCqxvw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
I just got an older one of these for $140.... I like it...... self propelled makes all the difference. I mowed enough in one day to at least slow the fire police down from giving me a ticket I think.... and be a bit safer too... [ouch]
(http://www.drpower.com/productimages/image.axd/i.trm875sn/w.280/h.280/tr4+8.75+fpt+b+s+es+new+pro-xl+sp+-+50st_r.jpg)
I think mine is less fun to use than your Glen.... What make is that? Echo??