Time Saving Tools (and jigs)

[drumpriest]

To go along with the "how fast do you work" thread, I thought we could throw up some tools and jigs that have improved our efficiency. This is specifically about time saving elements. Obviously most of our tools fall into that category, but they are also about being able to do things we could not otherwise.

For me, the biggest time saver thus far has to be the domino, a lot of money, but wow does it allow fast strong joinery.

[eddy merckx]

HPLV sprayer. I just finished 60 panels for a bunch of cabinets. Can't imagine how long that would take with a brush--and still not be as nice.

Eddy

[drumpriest]

Here here, I just started to use mine. I'm spraying USL from it, SUPER time saver. Nice finish and with burn in, no sanding between coats!

[dkerfoot]

This may seem really obvious, but my best time saver is my tablesaw. I was just remembering an outdoor swing I did 2 years ago, using just a CS. I know for certain it would now take me less than 1/2 the time.

It is always a good idea to stop and appreciate what we already have!

A big time waster for me is this forum - but I just don't care.

[jhart]

Every tool I buy is a time saver....... At least that's what I tell LOML. Now, if I could just find the time to learn how to use all of these timesavers.

Actually I think the biggest time savers I use are:
Cordless drills
Miter saw
Compressor and various nail guns
Snowblower
Paint sprayers (various types)

[ChrisD]

Good thread, Keith.

After drilling and chiseling 40+ mortises in one project, getting a dedicated mortiser was a huge deal.

A sawboard/bench that I made last summer has helped a lot cutting sheet goods down to manageable pieces.

Lately, it has been an offset router base, which I made from scrap MDF, for trimming protruding dovetail pins and tails on 7 drawers.

[Tom Slick]

My miter saw has to be the biggest time saver for me. I've been doing a fair amount of trim/finish work over the last year and that saw makes it go really quickly. part of the speed is how portable and quick to set up it is.

Using a router table instead of free hand is much quicker and easier.

I also have a 6" RO sander that makes sanding go really fast, in fact you have to watch out because it will remove too much material in a hurry.

[pelligrini]

I think the biggest timesaver for me would be my Jessm Router Lift. I makes adjusting bit heights so much quicker, and much more accurate and repeatable.

The second two would be a good cordless drill/driver and impact driver. I used to think my old B&D 9.5 volt cordless was nice. I picked up a 18v Dewalt set and it made a world of difference. A project this weekend called for a bunch of 4" lag bolts. After sinking the first, ever so slowly, with a box wrench; I finally remembered that impact driver. Big timesaver.

[scmhogg]

My Baby Drum Sander from Grizzly. I like to work with highly figured wood that was always a risk with my planer. Now, everything goes through the sander before I make my first cut.

A recent purchase has also had an impact on how I work. The Palmgren portable, rechargable compressor has allowed me to use my brad and pin nailer much more often. If I am going to drill several holes in several pieces, I make a frame of scrap to hold the piece and insure repeatability.

I do the same on a bench hook for sanding or planing small items.

Steve

[Ed62]

Without a doubt, the biggest time saving things I have (other than power tools) are stop blocks.

Ed

[Bruce Cohen]

Clamps.

I used to spend hours holding boards together until the glue dried, it wwas especially difficult in colder weather or whne gluing multiple joints at the same time, not only hard on the hands, but the feet too.





























Sorry, I just couldn't resist

Bruce