What are the major Must have Tool or Tools in YOUR Sign Shop? What Item would you like to get in the Future?
I know I have got to have my: 1. Circular Saw 2. Cordless Drill 3. My 4'x10' weeding table
When I grow up, I would like to have Air Conditioning in my shop.
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
Cash Register Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Baseball bat, attack dog and a ceiling mounted punching bag.
1. Xacto knife 2. Computer(s) 3. Plotter 4. Wide format printer - vinyl and desktop 5. Digital camera (for reference shots and portfolio shots) 6. Scanner 7. Nice long aluminum straight edge
8. Blowgun, poison secreting frogs and ninja darts.
Posted by Bill Lynch (Member # 3815) on :
amoung others Panel Saw
Posted by David Wright (Member # 111) on :
Hey Todd, the business before me in this building was a karate studio. I still got the ceiling hooks for the bags.
I pretty much have all the must tools, just bought a new Bosch cordless hammerdrill. May build some new shop tables or redo the front office.
Posted by E. Balch (Member # 3545) on :
I just love the Festool circular saw with guide rails. Cheaper than a panel saw but easy to use and it cuts perfect edges. The vacuum picks up all the dust as you cut.
ernie
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
Todd.... you ain't right.... Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
Electro Pounce Panel saw End Nips (one of my fav and most versatile tools) Digital Camera ...just kidding about the Electro Pounce
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
hey I'd love to have an electro pounce!
Posted by W. R. Pickett (Member # 3842) on :
...Handgun.
Posted by William DeBekker (Member # 3848) on :
My Favorite Tool is My Trusty 3 in 1 Multipurpose SHOPBOT CnC Router.(just a little Dan type Plug) So you ask Whats 3in1 About it.. Well Its a Router, Panel Saw and Lathe. Paint Booth Spindle Sander.
New toy will be a Real Panel Saw, Plasma and a Tig.
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
A good radio/CD Player
Bunn coffee pot
Fridge fulla Diet Coke
Big windows that open
Large production table
Caller ID
That about covers it.
edited to add: Oh yea, my cordless drills, my skill saw, and my 4x8 table saw
[ June 23, 2006, 02:44 PM: Message edited by: Rick Beisiegel ]
Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
Right now my table saw is in the timeout corner thinking about what it did, so it won't be included in this list today, but that could change tomorrow.
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
The most important tool in my shop is my Edge. I don't have any other tool that make more money for me than that (computers, software, electricity, a roof, air conditioning, et al not withstanding).
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Wayne...I fell down a lot when I was a kid... Posted by Kelsey Dum (Member # 6101) on :
I think my most important TOOL is ME!!! LOL...I guess since I don't work with any vinyl I would have to say my brushes/airbrush/compressor/jigsaw/Dremel rotary tool kit.
Posted by Patrick Whatley (Member # 2008) on :
A clock to let me know when 4:30 gets here and a key to lock the door behind me no later than 4:31.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
I have almost as many tools as the law allows. I especially enjoy my MultiCam Router, plasma cutter and welders.
On my wish list would be a panel saw and eventually some shiney new tool chests as the old ones are very well used.
-grampa dan
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
I enjoy, in addition to most of the above, a selection of good solid ladders that aren't too high, a portable band saw, a portable generator, and several lloooonnnnggg extension cords.
Posted by Dusty Campbell (Member # 4601) on :
I made my own panel saw the other day Dan. It's AMAZING! I've wanted to do it for so long, and last weekend finally got to it. I can't beleive it works and it cuts true. I've got some refinements to make, but I think it'll be about my favorite thing. I only spent $20 for the stuff for it.
Most useful all around multi-purpose would be the Rotozip. Before I had it, it was the Dremel.
I couldn't do without a compressor and spray guns either.
[ June 23, 2006, 08:39 PM: Message edited by: Dusty Campbell ]
Posted by James Donahue (Member # 3624) on :
OK, that does it, demo-how to time, by none other than: Dusty! You got to show us how you did it man I just saw an article in a magazine about the same thing. In order to do the long cuts, the saw turns sideways.
As far as my most important tools? Have to think about it. I really like the 'computer stuff', but since I've only been at it 2-3 years, it seems as though the hand rendered work subsidizes the computer stuff.
Shop truck Big C clamps, such a versatile tool. A tape measure in every room, and the truck.
Posted by Harris Kohen (Member # 2139) on :
a smile
and anything that makes me smile
[ June 23, 2006, 07:48 PM: Message edited by: Harris Kohen ]
Posted by Mark M. Kottwitz (Member # 1764) on :
quote:Originally posted by Dusty Campbell: I made my own panel saw the other day Dan. It's AMAZING! I've wanted to do it for so long, and last weekend finally got to it. I can't beleive it works and it cuts true. I've got some refinements to make, but I think it'll be about my favorite thing. I only spent $20 for the stuff for it.
You have got to do a how to on that. I consider myself a hands on kind of guy, so building things suits me.
And you know what they say... "If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." (Red Green)
I would have to say the most important tool in a sign shop is creativity. If you don't have that, you are always going to struggle.
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
A first aid kit with Band-Aids, a bottle of New Skin liquid bandage, and super glue depending how severe the cut/scrape is.
What I'd really like to have...
A CNC Wire EDM A 5 axis CNC system that is mobile, floats on a cushion of air from its own base so you can relocate it, then it lowers itself to the floor and levels itself automatically. It also has a working area of 30feetx20ft with a 10ft Z axis. I just wish I could remember who made it.
A Stereolithographic rapid prototyping system
[ June 23, 2006, 08:07 PM: Message edited by: Mike Pipes ]
Posted by goddinfla (Member # 1502) on :
My fave is my band saw with a 5 and a half foot throat.
Skilsaw
belt sander
random orbit sander
x-acto
Posted by Rob Klyver (Member # 6626) on :
Quickbooks Pro Wireless DSL this website Bookmarked
Posted by Dusty Campbell (Member # 4601) on :
I'll do one definitely. I'll have to get it together.
They thought I was crazy at the hardware dragging gas pipe and fence posts over to the u-bolts, getting out nylon, brass and aluminum sleeves, putting them all back and getting out different stuff multiple times and measuring the plumbing pieces with a ruler I brought.
The computer is a great tool, being able to lay things out in scale is the coolest.
[ June 23, 2006, 08:56 PM: Message edited by: Dusty Campbell ]
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
Sign shops become more specialized, so it would really depend on the market you wish to pursue and whatis in your area. Aside from the simple hand tools, the only must have tools I have are a computer, plotter and a workbench. I don't need a panel saw or a router because I can get my suppliers to take care of the cutting and routing for me. I just send them a file or tell them the sizes to cut. The same goes for digital printing. No need to invest $30,000 into a printer and laminator, I can email or FTP a file and get most graphics delivered in as little as one day. As my business grows, I may entertain doing more in house, but until then, I'll rely on my suppliers to take care of me and I'll focus on what I do best.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
Posted by Mark M. Kottwitz (Member # 1764) on :
quote:Originally posted by Checkers: I don't need a panel saw or a router because I can get my suppliers to take care of the cutting and routing for me. I just send them a file or tell them the sizes to cut. The same goes for digital printing. No need to invest $30,000 into a printer and laminator, I can email or FTP a file and get most graphics delivered in as little as one day.
I have said it time and again, there are too many people that are doing digital printing at such a low cost now a days, its not worth the headache of meeting the lease note, having the right material on hand at all times, storage, color matching...etc.
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
Now my most valuable tool is a Colortones paint mixing chart.
I guess that will be in a museum along with that electro pounce but hey I use the heck out of mine.
Posted by Jon Butterworth (Member # 227) on :
I'll third Checkers remarks
Within a 1 mile radius of my place I have two wide format digital printers, a cnc router, a screen printer, a sheet metal supplier that cuts and folds for a buck a time, a hardware that supplies mdf and weathertex cut to order and a retired engineer that welds frames for a case of beer!
Posted by Jonathan Androsky (Member # 2806) on :
The most useful tools I own are my Summa and 4' T_Square \ rule.
The tool I need most is ... a SHOP! Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
I think if I learn to use what I already have, I'll be doing quite well! Cat
Posted by KARYN BUSH (Member # 1948) on :
i guess alot of us do different things...checkers sounds like more of a sign broker...which sounds like a great way to go if you don't want all the headaches of fabricating. i just have control issues so farming stuff out doesn't work so hot for me.
but for the shops that do fabricate:
panel saw, table saw, cnc router, versacamm, laminator, racks, computers, nice tables to work on, dewalt kit(jig,skill,drill,zip,lite), mini generator, bosche hammer drill for concrete and granite(like i want to do anymore of those kind of installs..not alone at least), tons of exactos, grommet machine, and plenty of room(which you can never have enough of)etc etc.
Posted by captain ken (Member # 742) on :
xcalibur 00, one shot, paint thinner
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
My 3 best tools: 1. My Delta 220 V. Unisaw 1A. My Panel Saw 2. My Dell with Omega and Corel 3. My Gerber Sabre 3A. My Bucket Truck
My most wanted: 1. Metal Lathe 2. Photoshop 3. All of the Letterheadfonts
My most wanted (theoretical): 1. Human cloning machine so I can be in more place than one. 2. An extra set of hands. 3. An Exacto and Tape measure that never gets lost.
Posted by Dan Marquis (Member # 87) on :
When it comes to installations (or take-downs)a reciprocating saw can be a life saver. You may not need it all that often, but when you do, it's worth its weight in gold. And to go along with it, a portable power supply.
Dan
Posted by Jon Butterworth (Member # 227) on :
I didn't add "My most wanted" Item to my post.
A super silent lightweight Honda Generator!
It's a PITA running electric leads to some of our outdoor jobs ... Hoardings, walls, murals etc. Sometimes that isn't possible because of distance.
Murphy's Law states that battery tools always die before the job is finished! And the spare battery is flat! Besides I haven't found a battery driven HVLP Spray unit yet!
Posted by David Wright (Member # 111) on :
Only one question, why is this topic marked "OT"? We're talking sign business here.
Posted by Louie Pascuzzi (Member # 1373) on :
* In this weather, my air conditioner * Is a 14' high x 14' wide garage door a tool? * Delta Unisaw w/ extended table * CutAwl * Electropounce * Ceiling mounted chainfall * 8' Shear * 8' Brake * 4' Finger Brake * Adjustable 4'x8' drawing board * Bridgeport Milling Machine
Of course the plotters,the Edge and my brushes and One shot.
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
2-Metal Halides CO2 package Charcoal filtration Reppertron 99 Clones
Posted by Wayne Osborne (Member # 4569) on :
Most valuable:
All my sign kit Cordless hammer drill, Brushmate box (vapour ,wet brush storage system) battery operated pencil sharpener.
Most wanted:
wall panel saw..and a bigger shop to acommodate one
..but at the same rent!
Posted by KARYN BUSH (Member # 1948) on :
what joe? no HPS's???? i wanna be joeys neighbor!
Posted by Jill Marie Welsh (Member # 1912) on :
I like my ratchet screw driver with the changeable tips in the top compartment. You can even open paint cans with it and sometimes use it as a stir stick if you wipe it off real good afterwards. You could probably even weed vynull with it if you had to. love....jill
Posted by Jason Davie (Member # 2172) on :
Coffee Pot
Posted by Steve Purcell (Member # 1140) on :
Swiss Made #13 10mm parting tool.
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
wayne..dont believe toddie....he didnt fall down a lot....his parents kept throwin him away, and he landed on his head(not a vital organ)most of the time...BUT THE DAMN DOG(lab)KEPT RETRIEVING HIM!!!!!!!!!!!! all my schit!!! in my new shop!!! i want my 12x24 office addition....then maybe a big printer....
[ June 26, 2006, 03:52 PM: Message edited by: old paint ]
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