Where to find 'good' tools?

[Colin_McLeod]

You could keep your files in a filing cabinet.

 

Hat, coat, gone.

[Lacathedrale]

Thank you, looking now - I didn't really think that 'miniature engineering' as opposed to modelling would be so fruitful but with your help it's now obvious that's where the sweet spot is

 

One question that's related to this, is around drills - I see one of the cheaper sets available in those looks like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/US-PRO-20pc-HSS-Metal-Micro-Tiny-Mini-Small-Drill-Bit-Set-Metric-0-3mm-1-6mm/301382753809?epid=23011034778&hash=item462bcfde11:g:1RYAAOSwT-Bbv2jy:rk:3:pf:0 and I have one of these already, but I can't for the life of me work out how to properly open it? Sliding the plastic shell parallel to the length of the box catches on a nib, and only the slightest bump means all the bits jump around and get disordered.  I was thinking of getting this, just so I don't have to deal with it: https://www.rdgtools.co.uk/acatalog/101pc-Number-Drill-Set-with-Pin-Vice---Case-25535.html - is that a good bet?

[Fat Controller]

Thank you, looking now - I didn't really think that 'miniature engineering' as opposed to modelling would be so fruitful but with your help it's now obvious that's where the sweet spot is

 

One question that's related to this, is around drills - I see one of the cheaper sets available in those looks like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/US-PRO-20pc-HSS-Metal-Micro-Tiny-Mini-Small-Drill-Bit-Set-Metric-0-3mm-1-6mm/301382753809?epid=23011034778&hash=item462bcfde11:g:1RYAAOSwT-Bbv2jy:rk:3:pf:0 and I have one of these already, but I can't for the life of me work out how to properly open it? Sliding the plastic shell parallel to the length of the box catches on a nib, and only the slightest bump means all the bits jump around and get disordered.  I was thinking of getting this, just so I don't have to deal with it: https://www.rdgtools.co.uk/acatalog/101pc-Number-Drill-Set-with-Pin-Vice---Case-25535.html - is that a good bet?

Now you know why I built the thing with plastic tubes- I got fed up of having to get down on my knees to find a carpet-coloured drill...

[Guest]

Eileen's seem to have better quality stock than the various resellers of Expo tools, but I'd certainly suggest you want to go to jewellery suppliers for most 2mm-appropriate stuff.

 

2mm Association members get a small discount at Shesto who have a good range (look at the members page of the 2mm website).

 

But I recently discovered https://www.cooksongold.com/ after looking for the knock-off versions of the Bergeon Swiss precision vices that Tim Watson recommended. Looks like they currently have these at £49.99 +VAT, which is a real bargain.

 

The shanked Busch drills they sell are much better than the ones Eileens sell individually, but still pretty pricey. I seem to recall another discussion of good sources of small drills recently? Possibly a Polish supplier was mentioned?

 

J

Thanks for that. Been looking for a good vice at sensible money for quite a bit. Ordered one.

Edited November 24, 2018 by Guest

[JeremyC]

That page has an invalid SSL certificate, I would be very wary about sending any confidential details (i.e. logging in with a password, logging in to Paypal, etc.) through it, since any transaction will be fully visible by a man in the middle intercepting it.

Strange my phone is reporting the site as secure

[Dick Turpin]

Another very good model engineering supplier:

 

https://www.tracytools.com/

 

An amazing range and probably the cheapest out there. Note - though you can order from their website, they do prefer a phone call, an you'll find that they do a lot more than their site suggests, and their service is very good indeed. Make sure you say that you want quality, ie HSS or cobalt. If these guys can't get you what you want, no-one can.

 

And finally, for quick, easy, cheap and top quality (packs of 10 for less than most other people's 1 offs):

 

https://www.ukdrills.com/

 

The last time I got a pack of 0.5mm drills, they were Guhring brand, ie better than expected for just over a quid. The postage was more than that, so it's a good idea to get a few sizes when you order.

[Dick Turpin]

I will conclude by suggesting a visit to a model engineering show, where you can pick up all sorts of goodies as well as enjoy a day out with a difference. Somewhere like:

 

http://www.thedoncastershow.com/

 

Though there are plenty more depending where is local to you. Modelling is modelling to me, and I enjoy marveling at what some people manage to achieve. 

[Lacathedrale]

Confound it, I'm away on the London Model Engineering Exhibition in ally pally