If you could have just one "tool"....

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I used to sit around and talk about tools with my Dad, God rest his soul, and he always said the only tool he would not be without, or the most practical tool, is a lathe.  From what I remember he said it's the only tool that could replicate itself.I'd come back and argue that the only tool one NEEDS to have is an O/A set.  for practicality and versatility, you can't beat O/A.Of course he was more of a machinist and I'm more of a fabricator, but now the balls in your court, what's it gonna be.....Hell, he'd cringe at the fact that I've got dambed near as many grinders as I do drill bitsLincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:I've never seen a tool I don't need The only tool I'd never be without is a well stocked shop Dave J.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:I'll let the rest of you hash it out as to material "tools".In my opinion, the best tool you can have is some smarts.I have work with and around some folks who had an over abundance of tools for their abilities, and the smart guy with fewer tools and a good mind always seemed to run circles around them.Now, there ain't nothing wrong with owning lots of tools, but I'm sure most of you have seen some examples of the folks of which I speak.
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerweldI'll let the rest of you hash it out as to material "tools".In my opinion, the best tool you can have is some smarts.I have work with and around some folks who had an over abundance of tools for their abilities, and the smart guy with fewer tools and a good mind always seemed to run circles around them.Now, there ain't nothing wrong with owning lots of tools, but I'm sure most of you have seen some examples of the folks of which I speak.
Reply:Retain my Common Sense.Last edited by ManoKai; 06-05-2013 at 02:34 PM."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerweldI'll let the rest of you hash it out as to material "tools".In my opinion, the best tool you can have is some smarts.I have work with and around some folks who had an over abundance of tools for their abilities, and the smart guy with fewer tools and a good mind always seemed to run circles around them.Now, there ain't nothing wrong with owning lots of tools, but I'm sure most of you have seen some examples of the folks of which I speak.
Reply:Originally Posted by Rog02You guys have obviously met my brothers!  One has more money than sense and the other could tear up a ball bearing in a bowl of jello!
Reply:BFHFixes dam near anything.And what it don't fix ... it defeats!
Reply:My hands.
Reply:I'm with your Dad, it would have to be a lathe for me also.
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_t...a lathe... it's the only tool that could replicate itself...
Reply:Is a body part considered a ''tool '' ?   Tools are only as smart as the user. This can be really scary !
Reply:I would have to go with an o/a set.
Reply:Common senseMiller Syncrowave 180Miller 211 w/ spool-gunLincoln Ac/Dc buzzboxCutmaster 38 plasmaVictor,Smith's,and Craftsman (Harris) O/A torches.DeWalt Multi cutterFiber Metal helmets(old school)Enough Snap-On to be a dealer
Reply:And a good pair of safety glasses  Miller Syncrowave 180Miller 211 w/ spool-gunLincoln Ac/Dc buzzboxCutmaster 38 plasmaVictor,Smith's,and Craftsman (Harris) O/A torches.DeWalt Multi cutterFiber Metal helmets(old school)Enough Snap-On to be a dealer
Reply:Maybe i am stupid or maybe i havent been in the biz long enough, but what is an o/a set?
Reply:Oxy/acetylene.
Reply:Originally Posted by rexcormackMy hands.
Reply:Originally Posted by ezduzitI've heard that decades ago but you'd have a tough time creating the ways. Slotted holes are also difficult on a lathe. Also heard that, if it can't be fixed with a big hammer, it's an electrical problem.What I've always wanted to have in my shop is a vertical mill.
Reply:In welding, I could not choose one tool. I'd have to switch careers if allowed only one. I'd select Ron Jeremy's style weapon and go to work.Last edited by Jimmy_pop; 06-05-2013 at 09:57 PM.
Reply:when I was a kid riding my bike I would answer that one single do it all tool was a vice grip, kept one clamped to the seat post and there was nothing on the bike I couldn't "fix", but today, I'd have to agree brains and eyesight are the only possible choices for just one, cause past that many many tools are necessary miller 330a bp TIGmiller dynasty 200DX TIGmillermatic 185 MIGthermal dynamics cutmaster 101 plasma cuttersnap-on YA5550 plasma cutterhypertherm powermax 30 plasma cutterbaileigh CS225 cold sawetc....
Reply:If we are sticking with manmade tools then it is the hammer since that is one of the very first tools man made.  Other than that my mind, you cannot do anything without it.
Reply:When I think about it the only man-made tool I need is a credit card!  - MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mick120There isn't just one.If there was, jobs would take an eternity....
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermike...That's why I never responded! Silly question!Well I've been called a tool before and since I can't be without myself I guess I'm going to have to be stuck with just myself.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:Originally Posted by ThorsHammerWell I've been called a tool before and since I can't be without myself I guess I'm going to have to be stuck with just myself.
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_tLol, damb Mike, I thought the reason you never responded is you were busy yelling at someone in a different threadYea, the title's a little off, but if you read the text, "one tool you would not be without, or the most practical tool".I know it's silly, I was just reminiscing about my Dad.And yea, damb skippy this was meant for you