What would you get?

[teebo]

Say you were just starting and wanted to upgrade your shop game. What would you get first? What has proved most useful?

I was thinking my air compressor really isn't up to much more than airing up tires. I also don't have a HVLP sprayer. I was thinking a 20 gallon with enough CFM.

I've thought about a small welder. But then, I'm not a welder and wouldn't weld anything of importance (like a frame). In the cases I wanted one, it was for a spot weld. So maybe not an overall useful thing.

What else?

[Juneaudave]

I think a really nice rolling tool chest would be my upgrade. I'm in the "I have more tools than I have good storage" group. I hate not having an organized place for the new JIS screwdrivers, 1/4 in torque wrench, impact driver, compression tester, ignition test light and such that I've acquired since picking up working on old bikes.

[teebo]

I think a really nice rolling tool chest would be my upgrade. I'm in the "I have more tools than I have good storage" group. I hate not having an organized place for the new JIS screwdrivers, 1/4 in torque wrench, impact driver, compression tester, ignition test light and such that I've acquired since picking up working on old bikes.

Solid idea. I have a small rolling vintage tool chest. But it's maxed out. Along with that... workbench space. I have one bench, and it gets maxed out pretty quick.

[ancientdad]

I have two benches on different walls, but one of them has my garage computer and sound system on it as well as the grinder I use for polishing at the other end, along with my small vise for light work. The benches were there when we bought the place so I can't complain, and there are storage drawers under the one and cabinets under the other (of course, full of lesser-used tools inherited from my father). I really don't have any room to add much, but if I were to splurge on something it would probably be one big toolbox to eliminate at least 2 of my existing boxes. I currently have 3 boxes total, 2 stacked sets left me by my father full of tools (a lot of them body tools) and my cheapie lower box I downgraded to after leaving the mechanical field. Replace that one and the lesser of the two of my Dad's old stuff and I could free up some room.

[2wheel]

I would add a motorcycle lift. I’m getting old enough that working on the floor is starting to suck.

[old timer]

I started working with tools in 1957 and still have all the tools I have bought since then. in 67 years thats a lot of tools. Wont bore you with a list. As far as my shop goes I use mostly hand tools or did dont do much any more. The one tool I couldnt do with out is my air compressor . I have three for different work. powder coating , light work and my sand blaster.
If I could only have one I would go with at least 150 PSI. I built an air handling system on the wall with a pressure reducer , air water separator and particle filter. I also put in a bypass and ran a line into the house for my wood shop.

Bill H

[ancientdad]

^^^Yep, gotta have a decent compressor, wish mine had more CFM but it's adequate for everything else I do.

2wheel, I bought a lift almost 6 years ago when I first got my 26x36 garage, best money I've ever spent. Working off the floor sucks bigtime.

[2wheel]

I was a mechanic the first 2 years out of high school then got offered a job as a cabinetmaker and have been at that for 34 years so I have a garage full of mechanics and woodworking tools. Storage is the most important thing in the garage. I figured I could put the lift in the center of a bay and just park over it with my truck.

[ancientdad]

You could, except for the height of the wheel clamp at the front of it. Unless you have a lifted 4x4.

[2wheel]

You could, except for the height of the wheel clamp at the front of it. Unless you have a lifted 4x4.

F350 super duty stock height.

[CatMan]

Good compressor (5cfm @ 90psi,or better), a good solid workbench, a vice, plenty of organized tool storage, a bike lift, and plenty of lighting. I also have a refrigerator in my shop for "beverages" and snacks ( helps with the creative part). If I could I would add a dishwasher and deep sink (to clean parts), and an oven to heat parts, cure paint

[ancientdad]

F350 super duty stock height.

Maybe, but this will help. Just went out to the garage and took this, never really thought about it until now. This is from the floor up. Of course, you could remove the wheel clamp and put it on when you use the lift, but that would be a PITA

[2wheel]

Maybe, but this will help. Just went out to the garage and took this, never really thought about it until now. This is from the floor up. Of course, you could remove the wheel clamp and put it on when you use the lift, but that would be a PITA

dang, much taller than I thought.

[Randall]

I have been thinking about a 10' x 12' shed for my lawn tools, generator, bicycle to get them out of my half garage, which was walled off to add a small room before I moved in. Then, I'd need a bigger tool box. I have a consumer level two tier rolling box I picked up for $40 used when I moved here 7 years ago, but it's full now, and I keep buying tools. I need a lift, too, my arthritis is so bad now.

A man can dream, can't he?

[teebo]

Good replies.

Lighting. I've thought that more than once. That should be an easy fix. I need a lot more. Especially discovered that while painting. Shadows are insidious.

My one bench can't be described as solid. It's OK to do table top work. I need something sturdy enough for a solid vice. And heavier work.

I do all my home repairs and some woodwork. Maybe some way to organize or split that up a bit. More shelves too.

[12ozPBR]

Getting a lift had the most impact to me. It was a complete game changer and makes working on a bike so much easier and enjoyable.

[Hondaholic]

I'm another to echo the value of a good motorcycle lift.

I regret taking the cheap way out and buying a simple 'roll on roll off' model. Makes loading heavier bikes so much more difficult, plus there is the added disadvantage of not being able to adjust working height. Therefore, a hydraulic or electric is preferred. Always a good investment too, because their resale value remains high!

[Yakeye]

Getting a lift had the most impact to me. It was a complete game changer and makes working on a bike so much easier and enjoyable.

DO you mind me asking what type or brand lift??? I have been thinking about a lift and watch Craigslist and Facebook in my area closely......nothing has popped up to date.

[ancientdad]

DO you mind me asking what type or brand lift??? I have been thinking about a lift and watch Craigslist and Facebook in my area closely......nothing has popped up to date.

Mine came from Derek Weaver, but sadly in the last 5+ years since I bought mine they've gone up about 40%. I paid mid-$800 shipped. It's an air cylinder (no hydraulics) and it has been totally reliable.

https://www.derekweaver.com/bikers-g...torcycle-lift/

[Alan F.]

At some undetermined point in the near future I'll find myself back in a shop space of my own. I've enjoyed my little harbor freight mill and lathe but I think it's time to upgrade to something a bit larger. Cost and availability will be key though. I'm thankful for the compressor specs that have been posted, but I'm not much for air tools or paint guns yet. I've got a small pancake compressor that's fine for inflation tasks but probably not much more. For a lift cost and availability will be key again. I've got my plywood build table for mockups and initial assembly, it was cheap and light, has casters and can stand in a corner when not needed. It's not much good for maintenance though. https://tinyurl.com/yw6secat
Good quality steel shelving is important to me, a chainfall or cherry picker might be useful too.

And a separate area to park cars and bikes is important to me.

[Chainman]

I'm fairly new at moto-arts; the parts washer was a game changer :)

[LongDistanceRider]

At some undetermined point in the near future I'll find myself back in a shop space of my own. I've enjoyed my little harbor freight mill and lathe but I think it's time to upgrade to something a bit larger. Cost and availability will be key though. I'm thankful for the compressor specs that have been posted, but I'm not much for air tools or paint guns yet. I've got a small pancake compressor that's fine for inflation tasks but probably not much more. For a lift cost and availability will be key again. I've got my plywood build table for mockups and initial assembly, it was cheap and light, has casters and can stand in a corner when not needed. It's not much good for maintenance though. https://tinyurl.com/yw6secat
Good quality steel shelving is important to me, a chainfall or cherry picker might be useful too.

And a separate area to park cars and bikes is important to me.

Check Grizzly for lathes and mills https://www.grizzly.com/metal-lathes
I spent the money to buy some commercial shelving rather than the big box offerings. Then set the bottom shelf high enough that when/if I don't need the HF bike lift I can remove the tire stop/clamp and roll it under out of the way
GEDC2462.jpg

[LongDistanceRider]

DO you mind me asking what type or brand lift??? I have been thinking about a lift and watch Craigslist and Facebook in my area closely......nothing has popped up to date.

I went with HF which is foot operated hydraulic. Key to keeping the hydraulic jack from leaking is always use one of the two bar lock positions so the jack isn't holding pressure. Might check the ads on a regular basis since it's gone up in price @$100 since last year https://www.harborfreight.com/1000-l...ift-68892.html

[LongDistanceRider]

I need more light, currently using four 4' fluorescents with LED tubes.

[teebo]

I'm fairly new at moto-arts; the parts washer was a game changer :)

Ultrasonic cleaner? I do need that.

[teebo]

I need more light, currently using four 4' fluorescents with LED tubes.

I'm about the same. Fluorescent though. When I painted, I setup several clip-on work lights to have adequate lighting.

I may solve that this weekend. Figure out a good arrangement and put 'em up. That's an afternoon at most.

[Alan F.]

I'd really like to build a hot-tank, maybe 2. One for degreasing and another for de-rusting. Big enough to submerge a whole frame would be perfect.
I'm sure I could cobble something together from old bed frames, galvanized ductwork and spent bbq grilles... An electric chain fall overhead would be really nice too.

[ancientdad]

Ultrasonic cleaner? I do need that.

He might have talking about a parts washing tank. I bought the HF washer and they told me at time of purchase that it couldn't be used with petroleum-based solvents, so I bought a couple containers of the water-based stuff... even at double strength it was useless, except for cleaning the driveway when I drained it all out. So I first bought a 5 gallon pail of solvent from Advance Auto, talked the guy into their wholesale price (about $75) and it worked well but as it slowly evaporated I wanted to add some and found that Tractor Supply sells something similar for around $45 for 5 gallons. I bought 2 more pails a few months back when my original mix got really dirty after the red 450 build and saved the initial pour-off to run through a filter and add back to it once my drag bike engine parts are all clean and ready for assembly, then I'll have a combined total of around 12 gallons or so. HF says the washer tank would hold 20 gallons and it's easier with a higher level than 5 gallons gives, in fact I had to block up one end of it for the 5 gallons to reach the pump pickup. And BTW, the petroleum-based solvent has been in it for nearly 5 years and the pump still works just fine.

[Chainman]

Ultrasonic cleaner? I do need that.

I bought the HF Parts washer and the solvent from Tractor Supply.

[ballbearian]

I'm about the same. Fluorescent though. When I painted, I setup several clip-on work lights to have adequate lighting.

I may solve that this weekend. Figure out a good arrangement and put 'em up. That's an afternoon at most.

I'm on my 3rd pack of 6 now, replacing all fluorescents. Twice the light and half the draw. Cheap too. I didn't realize how much more I need light as I age.

hykolity 6 Pack LED Shop Light 4FT, T5 Integrated Single Fixture, 22W, 2200lm, 6500K Super Bright White, Linkable Shop Light, Utility Shop Lights, Corded Electric W/ Built-in ON/Off Switc - - Amazon.com

[teebo]

I'm on my 3rd pack of 6 now, replacing all fluorescents. Twice the light and half the draw. Cheap too. I didn't realize how much more I need light as I age.

hykolity 6 Pack LED Shop Light 4FT, T5 Integrated Single Fixture, 22W, 2200lm, 6500K Super Bright White, Linkable Shop Light, Utility Shop Lights, Corded Electric W/ Built-in ON/Off Switc - - Amazon.com

Yup. Contrast discrimination fades with everything else...

Those are super cheap. Thanks!

[Richard Pitman]

The things one learns on this forum !

I had no idea that LED replacements for fluorescent tubes existed. I have two old ones in the kitchen, I now know what I'll be replacing them with. Already replaced most of our old 'energy saving' fluorescent light bulbs with LED equivalents.

[ancientdad]

The things one learns on this forum !

And isn't it interesting to think about the complete lack of this kind of informational exchange on THE HondaTwins forum...

[CB2NR]

Couple of things to keep in mind.
- think about the future. Example, get an air compressor big enough to handle future purchases.
- can guarantee that once friends & family see your shop/garage; you’ll be asked to do some work.

Shop needs vary on your focus & passion. Motorcycles and cars are mine.
Heres a list of shop equipment. Listed in priority (for me)
- lighting, LED throughout the shop. The older I get, better lighting is huge.
- air compressor, 7.5hp, two stage, 13.5scfm
- hand tools to include “special tools” specific for certain vehicles and repairs.
- lifts, automotive primary, motorcycle secondary
- drill press, floor model
- belt sander(s)
- MiG welder, 255amp to cover the big jobs
- solvent tank
- ultrasonic cleaner

Good luck with your shop, exciting times!

[teebo]

The things one learns on this forum !

I had no idea that LED replacements for fluorescent tubes existed. I have two old ones in the kitchen, I now know what I'll be replacing them with. Already replaced most of our old 'energy saving' fluorescent light bulbs with LED equivalents.

I refused to jump on the fluorescent bandwagon when incandescent became a "bad thing". Terrible color rendition. Nothing looks right under most fluorescents. You can find high CRI fluorescents if you look hard enough though.

I just waited for LED to get cheaper.

I even found LED replacements for my Halogen under-cabinet lighting. And my landscape lighting.

[bilbikek411]

I would add a motorcycle lift. I’m getting old enough that working on the floor is starting to suck.

I Fully agree.
I live in an upstairs apt. and I'm working out in the parking lot,again.. I need a shop with a lift,bench,sufficient size CFM air compressor,a couple tool chests And a glass bead cabinet,etc. Oh and Plenty of bench and shelf space

[bilbikek411]

I refused to jump on the fluorescent bandwagon when incandescent became a "bad thing". Terrible color rendition. Nothing looks right under most fluorescents. You can find high CRI fluorescents if you look hard enough though.

I just waited for LED to get cheaper.

I even found LED replacements for my Halogen under-cabinet lighting. And my landscape lighting.

I had a small shop in the 90's and installed an 8' flourescent over my lift using 'Day lighter' GE bulbs:they weren't bad;they certainly weren't and match for today's LED's though

[Twin Town]

If you are just planning to do motorcycle work, you really don't need a lot of air compressor capacity, invest in good cordless tools instead. Even an air powered lift table does not require a lot of air, a 3 horse 20 gal would be sufficient. Same thing with welder capacity. Nothing on a bike requires more than 150 amps. Extra capability is nice, but if you don't need/won't use it there is no sense in paying for it. You may have difficulty rationalizing a $2000 welder, but $600 is easier to spend. If you plan on doing metal fab besides bike work, then the bigger stuff is necessary (and worth the price).

I refit my shop with at least 20 led fixtures in a 26x32 space. When I read on the package how much money I would save annually by converting to led, I figured I would just keep adding fixtures and saving money until the electric company would start paying me to turn on the lights.

[Twin Town]

My tool priority list:

1. JIS screwdrivers/bits
2. Impact driver
3. 3/8 cordless ratchet (Dewalt or better)
4. QUALITY sockets and combination wrenches. Maybe this should be number 3.
5. Good lift table, or a low table and a ramp if a lift is not in your budget.
6. Quality multimeter. Learn how to use it.
7. 4 or 5 inch angle grinder (handy when you absolutely must "de-tab" your frame for that custom bobber you will build). Also, cutting discs are super handy.
8. Ultrasonic cleaner.
9. Scissor jack that fits under your bike, even if you have a center stand on your bike.
9. Mig welder, (or Tig if you must....
Now you can go fill your toolbox with all the goodies like precision measuring devices (rulers, calipers, feeler gauges, angle finder, protractor), good chain breaker/riveter, gear pullers, pneumatic pop rivet gun, quality set of twist drills.

The best part of any hobby is collecting all the goodies you need

[12ozPBR]

DO you mind me asking what type or brand lift??? I have been thinking about a lift and watch Craigslist and Facebook in my area closely......nothing has popped up to date.

I went with the Harbor Freight hydraulic lift table. It has worked well and is plenty sturdy for a Honda twin. Definitely worth the money when I bought it several years ago. As Jim mentioned the price has gone up but it still is the most affordable one to buy new.