The tool you just had to have

[shoottx]

I have been reorganizing my shop and cleaning out some of the old boxes and drawers. In the process I have found a couple of interesting items like a shop vacuum powered sander. I remember spending $9.00 to purchase it at a WW show. It didn’t work but I just had to have it.

Are there any tools in your shop that you just had to have and now ask yourself “What Was I thinking?”

[cabinetman]

Woodworking shows...gotta love 'em. I was at one in the 70's and saw a demo of a Zyliss Vise and imagined all the uses I could have for it and bought it on the spot with all the attachments. I still have it and use it quite often. One of the better impulse purchases I made.
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[RodKirby]

Mine was a Radial arm Drill press Great idea - useless in practice

My objective was to get a longer throw - from the column to the chuck. That was fine but - the slightest downward pressure on the chuck would simply make the arm flex - at least 1/4" before any cutting. You can imagine what that does to the idea of a vertical hole.

Anyway - convinced a friend to buy it - even after explaining the problem.

[Pappy]

On the plus side, the Zyliss vice. Flip side, Porter Cable Profile Sander.

[leehljp]

On the plus side, the Zyliss vice. Flip side, Porter Cable Profile Sander.

Ditto on the PC Profile Sander. I even bought it for a specific job on a dresser with lots of mouldings. I ended up doing 99% by hand much more effectively and faster.

[MikeMcCoy]

Now I feel better knowing I'm not the only profile sander sucker.

[crokett]

Another vote for a profile sander. Mine is a Dremel. Every time I use it I wonder why I bought it. So I put it back in the drawer until the next time I forget about how useless it is.

[jhart]

A Roto Zip. LOML got me the whole package as a gift one year. Probably only used it 5-6 times. Just never think of it when doing something.

[docrowan]

Plus one on the Roto Zip. Mine is actually the Dremel version. I can't remember if my wife or I bought it, but it is worse than useless. I tried using it again last week and almost threw it out in the garbage.
. . .
. . .
By the way, apropos of nothing, I have a fine Dremel Roto Zip style cutter for sale. Complete with carry case, depth gauge, two extra bits, and instruction manual. This cutter would make a valuable addition to any handyman's shop and all for the low, low price of $79.99. Shipping is free!
. . .
Sorry guys, I was channelling a craigs list ad for a minute there.

[dkerfoot]

I'll have to agree on the Roto-Zip - sort of - now that I have better tools for the job.

The Roto-Zip is in my opinion a great single purpose tool (drywall hole saw) that got made into a mediocre multi-purpose tool.

I did use it a bunch when I first got it. I installed a marble-look laminate floor in my kitchen. My kitchen has an odd layout - it actually has five door ways. So, there was a ton of detailed edge cutting that had to be done. It did a reasonably good job, but the laminate ate up the bits in a hurry.

I got the kit with the plunge router and grinder attachments. The grinder is not as good as a purpose built tool, but I have used it a few times and gotten the job done. I've never used it as a trim router, but owning it helps prevent me from feeling like I need to go out and buy one.

[pelligrini]

I picked up a set of the Turnlock router accessories; base, guide bushings, offset base & circle guide arm at Lowes a while back. Still haven't used them yet. I will blow the dust off the original boxes on occaision though.

[os1kne]

I saw a PC profile sander on craigslist recently. I haven't had much use for one, but I thought that it may be useful for some future projects...now I'm glad that I decided to pass on that purchase.

[shoottx]

Well

I have a PC profile sander, tried to use it to refininsh the front doors this spring. It was a waste of time and energy. My Roto Zip is sitting under the end of my bench just waiting for the right opportunity.

I may have to make a visit to Craig's List for a garage sale!

[jonmulzer]

Sell those and pick up a radial arm drill press, lol.

I really don't believe I have ever bought a tool I did not really use. I have always been a pretty practical person, and never had tons of shop space to spare so I have always just bought what I needed and made due with what I have.

[Popeye]

Craftsman Mini plate jointer, I think it was made by Ryobi and I think they sold it themselves at one time. Got it to make faceframes and picture frames. Not sure I've ever used it. Pat