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  #1  
Old 05-11-2012, 02:39 PM
Daniel S. Daniel S. is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Lawrenceville, Georgia
Posts: 315
Default $$$ Tools Investment Estimate

This is a very light hearted post... So don't get on my case ... Can some one please tell the folks over at Van's to change their cost estimator thiny at least for the tools section? I just tool a glance at my costs log (bad idea) I have a little over $4300.00 in aircraft tools already and i'm only 2/3rds of the way through the emp. This doesn't include shop tools like compressor, band saw, drill press bench grinder etc... It definately dosen't take into account remodeling my shop and the flat screen / internet tv etc. You never stop buying tools throughout the build so I think the should raise it from 2k to about $5,500.00. I might be an exception to the rule because I like having convenience tools and the "what if" tools. There is no way 2k is realistic for most builders... I'm just saying...
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  #2  
Old 05-11-2012, 02:57 PM
E. D. Eliot E. D. Eliot is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: San Pedro
Posts: 1,013
Default So admit it!!!

You , like me, are a 'tool guy". I really think that he or she who dies with the most useful tools wins! So buy on and enjoy having the right tools for the project.

You will be told here that Van's features the 'lightest, simplest, fastest, etc., --- that is their philosophy and that works very well. You will also be told that some people can build an RV with clecos, pliers, and a hammer but you don't have to believe that. I don't buy the 'best tools' but mine will last the rest of my life and maybe the lives of any children who choose to build an airplane. So build on and enjoy.
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  #3  
Old 05-11-2012, 03:11 PM
xavierm xavierm is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 464
Default I don't want to know

I stopped counting at $6K. There is always that "one more tool" that "needs" to be bought. Of course, I can justify each and every one. I really needed three drills, really I did.
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  #4  
Old 05-11-2012, 03:16 PM
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Mike S Mike S is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Dayton Airpark, NV A34
Posts: 15,420
Default

And dont forget, when you build the second plane, the tool cost is FREE
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  #5  
Old 05-11-2012, 03:21 PM
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ppilotmike ppilotmike is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 1,967
Default hahaha

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike S View Post
And dont forget, when you build the second plane, the tool cost is FREE
Nice one Mike! If you amortize the tool costs across a fleet of homebuilt planes, and include regular maintenance savings (over renting tools), you come out ahead! pennies on the dollar! funny..
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  #6  
Old 05-11-2012, 08:47 PM
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DCat22 DCat22 is offline
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 531
Default

And....I could never imagine selling any of my aircraft tools, even if I'm not building later. The idea of parting with tools just activates this immediate twitch in my brain.
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  #7  
Old 05-11-2012, 08:48 PM
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hydroguy2 hydroguy2 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Townsend, Montana
Posts: 3,179
Default

I have <$1000 in aviation specific tools. But I borrowed a lot of them.
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  #8  
Old 05-11-2012, 09:12 PM
Sully Sully is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Euless, TX
Posts: 64
Talking

It's obviously a serious addiction and there is no 12 step program. Maybe some government agency will provide us a regular payment so that we can wean ourselves over the next few years
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  #9  
Old 05-11-2012, 11:23 PM
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bruceh bruceh is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Ramona, CA
Posts: 2,370
Default

Tools are an investment! When I bought my first house with a garage I also got a basic set of tools along with a rolling tool chest. Probably spent less than $1000 at the time. That set of tools has done countless repairs on houses, cars and now an airplane. A couple of simple brake jobs and I'm in the black on that initial investment. Every home improvement job that requires a new or specialized tool is cheaper when you can do it yourself. When I started the RV project, the specialized tools I bought for metal working and riveting have already saved me some money in recent repairs of our washer and dryer.
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  #10  
Old 05-12-2012, 07:39 AM
WilburD2 WilburD2 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Houston, Tx
Posts: 163
Thumbs up Mechanics Truth in Life..

There is no such thing as too many tools!
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