[Homestead] Tools for homesteading

Don Bowen KI6DIU don.bowen at earthlink.net
Sat Mar 1 02:18:18 EST 2008


Tools are a favorite subject of mine.  I recently moved my storage and 
managed to get back in touch with many of my tools if only for a moment.

Let me add to the list.

Vise, metal bench vise.  Get a good sturdy one, not a cheap piece of 
Chinese junk that will ding with every hit.  I have an old Prentiss that I 
bought from a guy in a parking lot.  The forward haw had been welded but is 
has survived many years of abuse from me.  I gave it to my son because I 
have another older American vise.

Woodworking front vise mounted on the front of a good sturdy workbench.  I 
have two Columbia vises that I need to restore and mount on a bench.
http://www.braingarage.com/Dons/Travels/journal/January%2008/images/vise.jpg

Working end vise mounted on the end of the above sturdy workbench.  I would 
like one of the double screw vises with the chain drive.

I also have a Columbia post or leg vise.  This is the blacksmith vise that 
has the long leg that mounts in a short post in the ground.  They can be 
hammered on.

Workmates are a good lightweight substitute.  Look for the older ones with 
the cast aluminum frame.  I carry a newer one with the stamped steel frame 
with me in the pickup.

I plan to build a shave horse whenever I get settled.


Don Bowen              Awl Knotted Up                       KI6DIU
http://www.braingarage.com


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