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Discussion Forum

How Long Can You Go….

MSA1 | Posted in Tools for Home Building on October 3, 2005 03:26am

without buying a tool. Just wondering. If you can really have all the tools you need, do you still look for somthing to buy?

Do you have withdrawls without new tools? 

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Replies

  1. User avater
    dieselpig | Oct 03, 2005 03:40am | #1

    Not very long at all.  I just went 4 weeks without buying a new tool as I've been framing our addition and writing some checks for materials that are a little bigger than I'm used to.  All that money going out and none coming in makes me nervous.

    But... we had a framing gun break a piston so I found myself in the tool store this weekend to pick up a replacement.  I couldn't help myself.  That Dewalt framing saw was on sale and I had just read an article about it in Tools of the Trade last week.  Despite some of the bad things I've heard about that saw, I had to buy one anyway because of something that was said in that review.

    I plugged it in today and it was dead as a door nail right out of the box.  Serves me right.  LOL.  Oh well... add that to the list of Monday morning phone calls I've got to make.

    That four weeks was the longest I think I've gone in a few years.  We also wear out and break a fair amount of tools, so buying replacements often serves as a 'fix' too.  I can remember when I first started making decent money running a crew for my old boss.  I'd buy a new tool every single Friday afternoon or evening.  If it was more than $150, I'd tell myself I wouldn't buy anything the following week.  Yeah, right.  I bet I broke that rule every time.

    LOL.  I've got issues, though.

    1. MSA1 | Oct 03, 2005 03:54am | #2

      You sound like me. I love buying tools and the excuse is that I make money with them.

      I know what you mean about writing all those checks. I'm in the middle of my investment property and just spent about 1400 on framing materials for the addition.

      The addition sure would go faster with a second framing gun........:)

      1. User avater
        dieselpig | Oct 03, 2005 04:03am | #3

        The addition sure would go faster with a second framing gun........:)

        Of course it would!  I mean, you've got two hands, right?  So you need two guns.  Makes all the sense in the world to me.  Here, put your wife on the phone and I'll explain it to her.   ;)

        Anytime you need help rationalizing a tool purchase, you just let me know.  I've justified some doozies.  You sound like you've got it under control though.

      2. User avater
        AaronRosenthal | Oct 03, 2005 04:07am | #4

        And I have an issue too - I want a new laser level even though I have to go out and find a job to justify getting it. But nailers and drills and ..... wait, I think I may just ned a new 23 gauge pinner for a hope-for upcoming job.
        But, that's it. Well, maybe a new .......Quality repairs for your home.

        AaronR ConstructionVancouver, Canada

         

        1. MSA1 | Oct 03, 2005 04:11am | #5

          I recently did a raised panel wainscoting job that required me to make my first set of cabinet doors. We used the european style hinges so of course I needed a drill press. I bought the 10" Delta. When it came time to do the job the homeowner told me I could use his press.

          Guess I better make some more cabinet doors soon so I can use my press.

          I never like using anything of the customers but this guy has almost become a friend of the family. I've done a ton of work for him and he has done trim work in the past so his garage is relatively loaded w/tools.

        2. Shep | Oct 03, 2005 04:49am | #6

          justify getting a tool???

          If I had to justify every tool I own, I'd have a lot less tools :)

          just bought the Douglas 15 oz. finish hammer. Do I need another hammer?  No.

          Did I want this hammer? well ,yeah

          1. User avater
            AaronRosenthal | Oct 03, 2005 04:54am | #7

            Budget.
            Got a daughter getting married overseas, taking 7 with us to the wedding.
            Getting to the point I need a new van.
            I still have a mortgage.
            I'd rather have a Harley than my Honda.
            I have a perfectly useless shaper sitting in the shed - at the moment, I don't have anything to shape.
            Justifying a hammer is different than a big ol' laser level.Quality repairs for your home.

            AaronR ConstructionVancouver, Canada

             

          2. Shep | Oct 03, 2005 05:31am | #8

            I was only using the hammer as an example- I've spent a lot more with less justification.

            Congrats on your daughter's wedding. Where is it going to be? I've got a good friend whose daughter is getting married next spring, and I can't believe how much it's going to cost him.

            But I would give just about anything to have the experience of walking a daughter down the aisle.

            (no kids)

          3. User avater
            AaronRosenthal | Oct 03, 2005 05:55am | #9

            This is going to hijsck the thread.
            She is getting married in Israel. We are Jewish, and we were there for various periods of time from when she was about 18 months old. When she finished High School, she went to a university in Israel for a first year program - gave up the university idea but not the love for the place.
            Her maternal grandmother was born there; my wife missed being born there by 34 days; as soon as she could get enough money and a way of earning a living, she was off!
            Cost: She is getting married in December, and that's high season in Israel. For 7 of us (Me, DW, 2 sons & foster son) about $10,000. US. Our daughters who are out earning a living are going on their dime.
            Accomodation for 2½ weeks, about $2000.00. Wedding costs? I don't know exactly, but usually, there, each set of parents pay for "their" guests. It'll be a few bucks.
            One good thing - the catering fees are much different than they are here. In Israel, the wine (local) is included as part of the meal cost, and the bar, for any and all of the local spirits, are included. If I decide to have a Single Malt, I'll pay through the nose, but if I drink locally produced Russian immigrant supervised Vodka, it's included!
            Quality repairs for your home.

            AaronR ConstructionVancouver, Canada

             

          4. Shep | Oct 03, 2005 03:39pm | #11

            continuing the hijack-

            I'm sure you'll have a great time, and 10 or 20 years, won't even remember the cost <G>

          5. Jer | Oct 04, 2005 01:59pm | #15

            Mozeltov!

    2. darcy | Oct 03, 2005 04:42pm | #12

      Hey Brian,Sometimes when I get guys in my store deliberating whether to buy a tool or not, and how their wife's gonna kill them, I offer to write them a note!Maybe you could help me put together a form letter, so all I would have to do is fill in the blanks (Wife's name, Toolbuyer's name, name of tool, etc...<g>Did you a copy of the 2006 Milwaukee catalog to add to the bunch I gave ya at RiverFest? Let me know..

      1. User avater
        dieselpig | Oct 04, 2005 04:11am | #13

        I did get one, but thank you.  It's nesting between the nicely bound ones you gave me, on my workbench.

        I'm sure I could assist you in penning such a form letter though Darcy.  I somehow got an $89,000 tool purchase past the board (my wife) last winter successfully.  I've got quite the resume.  ;)

        1. darcy | Oct 04, 2005 06:56am | #14

          $89,000$????Yikes, you must be doing very well, Brian!We are all very proud of you, BTW. I, personally, never tell you enough, but I am.It would be fun to start a thread of possible letters about tool-buying excuses. Permission slips, so to speak...fodder that contains the words THE words, is what I am looking for.The word, "Livelyhood", comes to mind......honey I promise to finish that project. <g>Help me out, are you going to start this thread? I can't...I sell tools for a living...I'm not allowed by the mods to do so.take care, and keep it goin',
          darcy

          1. User avater
            dieselpig | Oct 05, 2005 01:11am | #23

            Yikes!  I kinda misled you.  I didn't actually write a check for an 89K tool.... I was referring to the forklift I bought.  Financed..... I probably actually own the steering wheel and the seat by now.... not much else!

            You're really not allowed to start posts regarding tools because of your job?  I could see the point if you worked directly for a tool manufacturer, but you don't right?

          2. User avater
            JeffBuck | Oct 05, 2005 01:20am | #25

            I think Darcy should start a weekly thread ...

            what ever tool was most popular at the repair shop ... so we know what to avoid.

            something like that.

            real inside info would be very useful.

            Jeff    Buck Construction

             Artistry In Carpentry

                 Pittsburgh Pa

          3. User avater
            dieselpig | Oct 05, 2005 01:29am | #28

            That's a great idea dude.  The Darcy thread, I mean.  I always look around the repair shop when I'm in the tool store.  I see an awful lot of those Bosch tablesaws in there.  That's kinda scary because I really want one if and when the Rigid kicks it.  I also see newer Senco guns in there quite a bit.

          4. darcy | Oct 05, 2005 04:28pm | #39

            No, I work for a tool store and got in trouble for posting my company's website here, since it was advertising (another forum member asked me for the link).I still want to see your excuse list. <g>

  2. rcobb | Oct 03, 2005 01:33pm | #10

    I fool myself into believing I've got to have a tool for "research purposes"

  3. CAGIV | Oct 04, 2005 07:21pm | #16

    I can quit anytime I want too...

     

    Team Logo

  4. User avater
    JeffBuck | Oct 04, 2005 11:54pm | #17

    got home early ...

    my new 18g Bostitch nailer was sitting on the front porch.

    so ... I guess the "time test" starts tomorrow?

     

    Jeff

        Buck Construction

     Artistry In Carpentry

         Pittsburgh Pa

    1. User avater
      dieselpig | Oct 05, 2005 12:12am | #18

      I have that little gun and love it.  I'm sure I don't give it the work out that you will doing finish all the time, but I've been really really happy with it.  It's so light you feel like there's nothing on the end of your hose.  I've shot a bunch of different brands of 18 gauge nails with it and haven't had any problems with jamming.

      1. User avater
        JeffBuck | Oct 05, 2005 12:19am | #19

        I just picked up a flex eel hose a coupla weeks ago ...

        figured I'd try the 25ft to get a feel for it.

         

        I really like it so far ... if I need longer ... just run my 50ft boston blue hose off the compressor first ... thinking the new gun will feel great with it too while standing on the top's of just installed cab's hoping no one sees me ....

         

        Hey ... did I tell ya I met Diesel Jr?

         

        he goes by the name DanteO and posts here. 24 year old contractor ... great guy ... we've been helping each other out a bit on some jobs. He rolls up one day ...

        not in his big ole boxvan beast ... but in your truck!

        I'll have to snap a pic next time if he doesn't post one.

         

        kid shows up and works with me ... then actually comes back the next day ...

        that alone shows some character ... or lack of common sense ...

        then ... goes out and buys a Diesel Jr Rig!

         

        and parks it right behind my old rusty van .... that bastidge!

        Jeff

             Buck Construction

         Artistry In Carpentry

             Pittsburgh Pa

        1. Shep | Oct 05, 2005 12:40am | #20

          Now you've gotta upgrade trucks.

          can't have the help with a better ride than yer own!

          1. User avater
            JeffBuck | Oct 05, 2005 12:44am | #21

            figured it'd just be cheaper to start hiring myself to him!

            seems he's pricing things right ... maybe I'll finally learn how to make money at this game!

            plus ... maybe he'd give  me a ride every now and then?

            Jeff    Buck Construction

             Artistry In Carpentry

                 Pittsburgh Pa

        2. User avater
          dieselpig | Oct 05, 2005 01:08am | #22

          So you've met my evil twin, eh?  Or maybe I'm the evil one?   Snap a pic if you think of it. (Of the truck I mean).

          Those flexeels are costly but pretty sweet.  The sticky tackiness wears off fairly quickly, so don't get too frustrated when it gets tangled the first few days.  The 25'er should do you well.

          1. User avater
            JeffBuck | Oct 05, 2005 01:17am | #24

            do U know of the "boston blue" hose that I talked about?

             

            not sure the real name ... maybe that is it? But I pick them up at one lumberyard ... blue rubber type ... never noticed any real markings other than the hose marked as "Boston" .... they're real pricy ... even more than the flexeel ... but they last forever.

            I think last time I paid close to if not more than $50 for 50ft.

            the way it's loosly packaged ... not sure if it's a shipped in item of if they have them made up locally.

            but compared to other hoses ... worth every penny.

            fairly common on one side of town here ... but seems everyone I talk to all buys it at the same lumberyard.

             

            remind me at XMas ... maybe I'll feel like Santa!

            Jeff    Buck Construction

             Artistry In Carpentry

                 Pittsburgh Pa

          2. User avater
            dieselpig | Oct 05, 2005 01:26am | #26

            I don't know much about them Jeff, except that I like them too.  I just threw away 3 100'ers that were used daily for three years.  Only repairs I ever made in them were from the occasional saws cuts, spent fittings, or errant nail.  After three years they finally started bubbling and looking like they were going to blow out.  That's dang good service, if you ask me.

            I still have one big 1/2" 100' blue that's pretty new.  That gets used occasionally as a mega-lead hose if we really need the length.  All the guns are now attached to 100' flex eels.  Figured I'd give them a try when the BB's wore only because they're so much lighter.

          3. User avater
            JeffBuck | Oct 05, 2005 01:27am | #27

            just checked amazon.

            they have some pretty good prices on the flex eels.

             

            Jeff    Buck Construction

             Artistry In Carpentry

                 Pittsburgh Pa

          4. CAGIV | Oct 05, 2005 02:38am | #29

            what size flexeel hose are you using?

            I've found the 5/16" to be more supple (yeah thats right, I said supple) then the 1/4"

             

          5. User avater
            dieselpig | Oct 05, 2005 02:43am | #30

            Supple.  Teeheehee.

          6. User avater
            JeffBuck | Oct 05, 2005 05:51am | #36

            1/4, I think ...

             

             

            supple!       ... dude ...

            do U know yer thread count too!?!

             

             

            ahh ha ha ... (com'mon ... that was funny)

            Jeff    Buck Construction

             Artistry In Carpentry

                 Pittsburgh Pa

          7. CAGIV | Oct 05, 2005 06:55am | #37

            nope, but I could tell you the damn things cost 100 bucks for a set of sheets, and when I tried to bitch to the guys at work they all said it wasn't bad...

            up till now I've slept on 30 dollar jersey sheets

             

        3. TDRucker | Oct 05, 2005 01:32pm | #38

          Heres one for you all. After getting tired of trying to have my tool purchases vetted by "the boss" I took her into the garage to help me with some projects thinking that maybe she would come to understand my love of tools. Well, be careful for what you wish for! Now, I have to get her butt out of the tool corrals at all the local stores. We were in Lowes the other day and she was eyeing a brand new Unisaw. (not the cheap one either!) I recognized the look she was giving it and said "we don't need a new table saw honey." She said, "Yes we do to help me build the new shed." I said "what shed?" and she answered "The new shed to keep the table-saw in of course." Yikes, what have I done? (-:
          Terence

  5. maverick | Oct 05, 2005 03:10am | #31

    When I started out I used to love to buy a new tool. the more expensive the better. It was almost an obsession. Now that I have EVERYTHING and doubles of most things I go for some pretty long stretches before visiting tool outlets.

    Now its a nice feeling to know if I need something fast or I just plain forgot it at home I can just buy another one and I dont care what it costs.

    I tell my wife when I retire I'm gonna open a rental center

    1. MSA1 | Oct 05, 2005 05:11am | #33

      Are the doubles for employees, or are you just really obsessed?

      1. maverick | Oct 05, 2005 05:25am | #34

        If something breaks I replace it that day then send out the broken unit for repair.

        1. MSA1 | Oct 05, 2005 05:29am | #35

          Come to think of it, thats exactly why I have two table saws and two sawsalls.

          Gee, now that the new Dewalt chop saws are out, maybe my 708 will break. hehehe:)

  6. custombuilt | Oct 05, 2005 03:14am | #32

    I always tell myself that I need to go to the hardware store, so I can keep up with material pricing..........

    Somehow I always end up in at the cash register with my debit card---

     Oh well, they're investments, right?

     

     

     

    When in doubt, get a bigger hammer!

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