Need A Bench Bench Grinder On Steroids?

Delta 1/2 horsepower bench grinder secured from craigslist for $40

Having just the right tool for the job is a common issue when creating just about anything. One can never have enough tools. Yes, dear friends this is a personal dilemma and one of the reasons that I pinch pennies and created my personal "tool of the month" incentive plan. 

My general plan is that if I can pinch a few pennies here, save a few bucks there, then I allow myself a new tool per month, that is saved up for, with that "profit" created in the margins.. It doesn't have to be anything overly expensive, but just a fun way to plot out something cool to add to the shop and to stay within a working budget.

One tool that I have been eyeing up for well over a year now is a grinder attachment I found over on Trick Tools. Your basic bench grinder is a catch all type of item, but generally lacks in the versatility department. Sure you can add on a wire wheel, buffer wheel and then you basically run out of options. With a bit of research though, I found a way to create a multi purpose tool that has plenty of muscle and can now function in a brand new way. 

Finally, I now have a bench grinder that doubles as a belt sander and uses a multitude of belts to achieve any finish I am after. There are scotch brite belts, polishing belts and coarse sanding belts going up from the 40 grit to the 1200 grit range. Variety is the spice of life and this is why the Multitool attachment is the shit! 

The attachment is not cheap, but then again, Harbor Freight crap isn't meant to last. While assembling the new attachment last night, its clear to see that the Aussies who manufacture this item wanted to create a high quality tool and one that will be around for a long time to come. Once again, we have learned that Australia is truly an amazing place!

1/2 horsepower bench grinder, now featuring the Multitool belt sander, works like a charm

Liberty Tool Company - Providing Sustainable Tools

Are you just a wee bit nuts for tools? Yep, we thought so. Hell, you might not be reading this or even perusing such a site as ours, for that matter, without enjoying a finely tuned instrument. Old tools or ones that have been used and lasted for many years have tales to tell and are generally a good indication, that their purpose is still being served. 

It is easy to go into a place such as Harbor Freight and pick up cheap tools and for many of us that might be our only option, which is totally fine. If we had the extra coin, that beautiful Mac Tool Truck would be pulling up to our shop weekly, but it has yet to come to fruition. We ask this though, why not seek out other places to find decent tools and reuse what is already in existence. Nothing against the major tool manufacturers and we value their presence. Used bins, flea markets and more importantly businesses such as Liberty Tool Company want to help the artisans and craftsmen in all of us with their continual rotating supply stash. There are a plethora of places to find used tools and if you are a bit handy, why not fix them up and keep them in good working order. Peep the video about Liberty Tool and help to keep small businesses viable. America and every country in the world has small independent businesses along with large corporations, but who can you actually call when you need help or advice on how to fix something? We are betting the small independent shops so help to support them and make friends. Never know who might just have the info you need to fix that random item.

So santa, we are happily waiting on a few items to arrive anytime you please. Doesn't have to be at the end of December, we are fine with all the other eleven months. Here is our short list in no certain order as we could use them for the Buell and Chevy 3600 builds:

• Bridgeport Milling Machine

• TIG welder

• Spot welder

• Deep well impact sockets, metric and standard

• sheet metal cutting shear

• Klein Phillips head screw driver with wire nut tool top (we didn't lose it chief, but we will make amends to keep the family squabble from getting out of hand!)

All images courtesy of the Liberty Tool Company

Set of 4 Antique Pliers: Kraeuter, Red Devil, OTC

Antique Tomahawk / Francisca Style Throwing Hatchet 13" Made In Italy

Vintage box wrenches

Vintage B.C. Ames Co. 1/1000" Dial Indicator

1876 Woodman's Patent Ornate Dial Indicator

L.S. Starrett No. 279 Machinist's Radius Gauge

Antique Goodell Pratt RPM Speed Indicator