Must Have Workshop Tools

Vacuum

For picking up dirt, sawdust, metal shavings and other materials an ordinary vacuum cannot.

Wet/dry vacuums are designed for use anywhere and can suck up water as well as dirt.

Sizes range from 1 gal. to 50 gal., and motors can be 1 hp to 5 hp.

Many models incorporate a blower feature by attaching the hose to a separate blower port on the motor.

Newer designs include a backpack vacuum that is battery operated.

Generator

A portable source for electricity that runs on gasoline, diesel fuel, LP gas or natural gas.

Wattage outputs range from 1,850 to 8,000 watts.

To select the right generator for your customer, total the wattage of the items they need to run at the same time. This will be the minimum wattage needed in a generator.

Welder

Most models usually include two or three different outlets or receptacles to operate 12V DC and 115V AC current as well as 240V AC current For the d-i-yer who wants to experiment with welding, there are several consumer-level welding setups available.

Arc welders are for welding iron to thin metals up to 1/4”. Wire feed welders, also known as Mig welders, are used for hobby, workshop, home and farm repairs.

Air Compressor

Used to power pneumatic tools such as nailers, sprayers and pressure washers.

Rated on cubic feet per minute of air volume output (cfm), pounds per square inch of air pressure input (psi) and horsepower (hp). The higher the ratings on any of these, the more versatile the compressor.

The most important rating is the cfm, because it indicates the amount of air volume needed to operate various tools. Match the cfm rating on the compressor to the cfm rating on the tool when buying a compressor.

Compact or portable compressors use a diaphragm-type compression pump powered by an electric motor. They are best used for light applications such as inflation or light spray painting.

Piston-type compressors use an electric or gasoline motor to drive the pump unit. They offer durability and high work capacity.

Nailer

Available in different types according to the type of application, such as roofing, drywall, concrete, finish and framing.

Framing nailers can use stick nails or coil nails. Nail sizes range from 1-1/2” to 3-1/2”.

Roofing nailers can be used to fasten asphalt and fiberglass shingles, siding or insulation board.

Finish nailers can be used to install molding, trim, paneling, door and window casings and cabinets.

Brad nailers are for firing brads, which is a tapered nail with a small head or a slight side projection instead of a head. They range in size from 5/8” to 2”.

Palm nailers are for work in tight spaces. Instead of firing nails, it operates like a pneumatic hammer to drive conventional nails with a repetitive series of blows.