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 ??

 

[daniscool]

Whats a stock knife ??

It is a long blade on an even longer handle. At the blade end we have a hook. This hook is used to fix the blade to the bench. Then when we use the handle on the end to push down we would get an extremely powerful cut due to leverage. It is much more controlled than an axe and can deal with more concave areas. It does this without sacrificing power like some other “axe replacements” it is also nicer to use if you have wrist or arm problems from too much axing. (I don’t because I don’t really carve enough)

 

[Nature Man]

It is a long blade on an even longer handle. At the blade end we have a hook. This hook is used to fix the blade to the bench. Then when we use the handle on the end to push down we would get an extremely powerful cut due to leverage. It is much more controlled than an axe and can deal with more concave areas. It does this without sacrificing power like some other “axe replacements” it is also nicer to use if you have wrist or arm problems from too much axing. (I don’t because I don’t really carve enough)

View attachment 288681

A tool I’d not heard of. I had to find a video on how to use. Chuck

 

[Mr. Peet]

A tool I’d not heard of. I had to find a video on how to use. Chuck

Looks like it would work great for making potato chips....

 

[Spinartist]

Wow, never seen or heard of one

 

[Nubsnstubs]

It is a long blade on an even longer handle. At the blade end we have a hook. This hook is used to fix the blade to the bench. Then when we use the handle on the end to push down we would get an extremely powerful cut due to leverage. It is much more controlled than an axe and can deal with more concave areas. It does this without sacrificing power like some other “axe replacements” it is also nicer to use if you have wrist or arm problems from too much axing. (I don’t because I don’t really carve enough)

View attachment 288681

Looks like it could be used for slicing cheese. ........... Nubs

 

[Tom Smart]

Update on the replacement of my sander for lathe work. As I was going through a stack of things to toss I found the instructions for my 12+ year old Harbor Freight angle drill and along with them was a set of brushes that came with it. Popped them into the sander and I’m back in business!

The debate with myself over the possibility of an air tool is indefinitely postponed.

 

[DLJeffs]

Update on the replacement of my sander for lathe work. As I was going through a stack of things to toss I found the instructions for my 12+ year old Harbor Freight angle drill and along with them was a set of brushes that came with it. Popped them into the sander and I’m back in business!

The debate with myself over the possibility of an air tool is indefinitely postponed.

I'm so sorry for you - now you have no reason to get a new one.

 

[Tom Smart]

I'm so sorry for you - now you have no reason to get a new one.

I can always come up with a reason for a new tool, but this pushes decision making way out.

 

[SENC]

I can always come up with a reason for a new tool, but this pushes decision making way out.

It's from Harbor Freight, I wouldn't count on way out.

 

[Tom Smart]

It's from Harbor Freight, I wouldn't count on way out.

I guess way out is relative, Henry. If it lasts another 12 years I’ll be pushing the high side of my 80’s. Heck, it may outlast me.

It doesn’t owe me anything. Think I paid maybe $20 for it.