Tools that work & Etc.

[Mike Goodwin]

A disk might last 10 minutes before it is counter productive to keep using it .
They don't go bad and you will need them later or inside or topside etc.
You are looking to get an even surface , dull with no marks.
Keep the sander flat and don't push down on the sander , if you have to push against the hull and hear a major change in rpm's ,the paper is dull and needs changing .
Tipping the sander wears out the pad that holds the disk in place , been there done that .
I get 25 disks for $5 so don't be cheap , you are wasting time, not saving paper.

[mbd]

Thanks for the tips Mike!

[commanderpete]

You dont need many tools for boat work.

You want a drill and electric RO sander. Working inside its good to have a little ShopVac and a light.

Sometimes you have to do heavy stripping and grinding in preperation for new glasswork. A sander will do it, but it takes time. This is not a job you want to linger over. I prefer an angle grinder with sanding attachments. They have a rubber pad attachment that takes hook & loop pads. Even with higher grits its very ferocious and must be handled with care.

You cant reach tight spots like corners with a sander or grinder. I use attachments for a drill like wire brushes, grinding stones and the like.

Most projects can be accomplished with just these few tools.

Cutting tools are only needed if you're going to cut into the boat or work with wood. Other specialty jobs may require special tools.

But, for the most part, boat work is grunt work.

[Mike Goodwin]

With or without cheeze?

I agree Pete, I have 3 grinders and they must be used with extreme care and the lightest touch .You can do some serious damage with a 40 grit disk on a 5" grinder in seconds ! Lots of big swirlies !

[eric (deceased)]

these grinders turn around 10,000- rpm---I bet they can be used to power the boat in a pinch--jus' hook it up where the power head to a small outboard was--using a generator for power----I got this idea whilst driftin in nowheresville---I had a yamaha generator---a small electric drill---and the shaft from the sea generator----anything wooda' been bettern' nuttin.necessity is the "muther of all inventions"

[drm901]

I try to get the best quality at the cheapest prices, so when they go overboard I don't feel the urge to dive in after them! I've gotten some real good hand tools (wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers) at Big Lots. When I sail, I harbor hop in Lake Huron and most marinas do not have the services to repair anything. So I believe in the self-sufficiency. And since I have an inboard 2-cylinder diesel, I have a few more tools specific to keep it running well.

Keep everything in a plastic toolbox that is just wide enough to fit into the side laserette.

[eric (deceased)]

I have had to go up on deck at all hours of the day to effect repairs while still under way.it is a good idea when doing so to attatch a line of some sort from the tool to your------well in my case----safety harness.I distinctly remember fashioning that new bowlite from the "dime store lites"and the most versatile tool used under way for me is/was a large vise grips---and any other such tool ---that varies in size---- that can be used in a pinch.also be careful when using power tools around water---and volatile liquids----