Question Of The Week.... ( 2026 Week 20 )

[trc65]

I bought a Grex last August at SWAT from one of the vendors. Cost was $129. It works great!

My air compressor has a 60-gallon tank but a small air pump, so slow replenishment rate.

I have found that you need a good supply of air to keep up with air tools. Air tools are air hogs.

The mandrel on this one screws in. I've only used the one that came with it so far but have had no issue with it.

@Tom Smart
@trc65

Thanks Jonathan.

I think the PROS comes with an adapter screw that lets you attach the pads with a ROLOC. If I recall correctly, WoodTurners Wonders has (or used to have) a screw adapter that could be used on other brands (with same threads).

One nice thing about the GREX was the kit I saw for sale had some extension rods which would let you sand inside narrow turnings without getting the whole handle inside.

I've got a large enough compressor with 5 cfm @90 psi, but the noise of it running is over the top.

Not going to get one now, but maybe it'll be a Christmas present.....

 

[Nature Man]

Headspace is the limiting factor here as well. You really need 13 feet above the floor in the bay with the lift to walk under.

We own but it is a townhouse with a small garage, not large enough for even a small lift.

As we near the end of our careers, we intend to move outside the city and find a place with an appropriate shop, or room to build one.

What is your estimate for retirement date-wise?

 

[ripjack13]

I like the idea of TIG, but the 2 problems I might have with it are positioning, the things I think I want to do, would likely incorporate odd positioning. Also, will likely use recycled materials and I've heard your materials better be clean. Some things I might do would likely incorporate thin stuff. Also, it seems gentler and probably will be fastening and attaching a number of small parts together - TIG seems like less disturbance. MIG, I think can do aluminum also, but is more complicated to change back and forth.

mig doesn't do alumuminum. thats what the spoolgun is for.
With a tig, yes your materials need to be clean or you'll get porosity in your welds. thats bad.

 

[JonathanH]

What is your estimate for retirement date-wise?

Mrs. JH recently retired & I am 5-7 years out. We aren't quite there yet but it is time to make plans for the near future.

 

[Nature Man]

Mrs. JH recently retired & I am 5-7 years out. We aren't quite there yet but it is time to make plans for the near future.

Never too early to begin planning!

 

[Spinartist]

Those are gonna look great on you, Lee!

Nah, not my size..

 

[sprucegum]

Probably a palm router, the old one is on life support and the new ones are much nicer.

 

[garyswf]

Maybe down the road a small drum sander would be nice. After messing around with a few of my latest projects. I could definitely justify purchasing a small one.

 

[Nature Man]

Maybe down the road a small drum sander would be nice. After messing around with a few of my latest projects. I could definitely justify purchasing a small one.

I finally bought one, and I totally realized that I should have picked up one sooner! Most useful for flat work! Chuck

 

[Spinartist]

I really want a stock knife. I just haven't found an old one and new ones start at 150 plus shipping. For a carving tool that is a lot.

Whats a stock knife ??