Tools

Here is the ever growing list of tools in my garage. I'll continue to update this with tools I owned before this build as well as any more that are added to the collection.

Angle Grinder
Cut-Off Saw
Drill Press
7deg Tapered Reamer
Welder
Welding Helmet

Hobart Handler 140 115V Flux Cored/MIG Welder

Pros: Options for Flux Cored or MIG, Comes with all necessary accessories for MIG setup, Haven't had it overheat once, Welds up to 1/4" with multiple passes, 115V (no 220V needed) Cons: Included MIG regulator could be better. I have to set the CFH every time I use the welder.

Other comments: I have an 80 CF Argon/CO2 tank that I use for MIG. I've also used fluxed core. The MIG produces much less spatter (almost none) and doesn't burn through nearly as easily as the flux core.

Chicago Electric 14" Cut-Off Saw

Pros: Small, Fast, Cheap (compared to a band saw), Cheap replacement wheels Cons: Loud, Dirty, Struggles with anything thicker than 1/8"

Other comments: Since I don't plan on using this much past this frame build, I didn't think it was worth getting a name brand. It's also why I couldn't justify the price of a band saw.

Central Machinery 16 Speed Bench Drill Press

Pros: Height, Number of speed settings for price, Build quality for price (so far) Cons: Height (for a bench top, I need a step stool to change the speed), Bit Wobble (Only an issue with a reamer or end mill for precision work. Not really the right tool for those jobs anyways.)

Other comments: I wanted something with some decent power for thicker steel. I've drilled 1/2" holes through 3/4" steel plate without any issues.

2 Angle Grinders (1 with a grinding wheel, 1 with a cut-off wheel)
Milwaukee 4 1/2" 7amp Angle Grinder

Pros: TBD Cons: TBD

Other comments: I bought this to replace the $12 one that burned out on me. I had a Home Depot gift card, so I decided to get something a little nicer as a replacement.

Craftsman Industrial 4-1/2" 6amp Angle Grinder

Pros: Plenty of power, never bogs down. Solid build quality. Cons: Does not come with an adapter to mount a cut-off wheel.

Other comments: The link above is the closest thing to what I have as mine is about 5 years old.

Drill Master 4-1/2" Angle Grinder
(RIP: 01-14-2012)

Pros: Price Cons: Build quality (see pros), A little under powered

Other comments: For a $12 tool that sees LOTS of use, it's held up pretty well. Bogs down when cutting anything over 1/8". This angle died after about a year of pretty continuous use. For the price I still can't complain with what I've gotten out of it.

2 Welding Helmets (One for me, one for an assistant)
Chicago Electric Adjustable Shade Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

Pros: Price Cons: Build quality

Other comments: I dropped this one once and now it's missing the adjustment knob and the plastic screen shield keeps moving around on me.

Northern Industrial Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet
Pros: Price
Cons: Build quality (This is almost identical to the Chicago Electric one, except a few bucks more. Probably for the flames.)
Other comments: Having the battery charged by solar is great... except when your helmet sits unused in a garage for year. Nasty surprise when your helmet doesn't darken quite fast enough and then flickers between dark and light. I guess this ones on me for letting it sit around unused for so long.

7deg Tapered Ball Joint Reamer

Pros: Price, Quality Cons:

Other comments: Enlarged a 1/2" hole to accept a ball joint without issues. Very pleased with the quality.