Well, I am sure many of you have the same problem I have... The stuff I want is not affordable for most to give as gifts. And I am also the type of person that will go out and get what I want when I want it (for the most part - I still haven't bought myself that airplane or super car 
). So what does the guy (or gal) with everything have on a wish list? Here are some thoughts for items that you can ask for that will be of use in your hobby, and that won't cause someone to take out a loan or have to work a second job to pay for...
This is a list that I have come up with, and maybe this will give you some ideas on what to tell someone who asks you what you'd like for Christmas.
Tool bits - can't have enough of them!
Drill bits - always nice to have extras
End Mills - another item that's always usable
1-2-3 blocks - these can be very inexpensive for import stuff
Taps - in common sizes of course (unless you need that special odd ball)
Counter sinks - it's nice to have a sharp one available
Spot drill/counter sink - I use these all the time....
Machinist's flex rule - another item I use often
Mechanical fingers - for picking up those small unreachable items
Scribe - another frequently used tool
Magnets - for holding prints, etc.
Deburring tool - I use it a great deal and can always have another
Files - an easy item for many to find
Markers - always in use in my shop
Safety glasses - the best item I can think of
Shop towels - who doesn't need those
Shop apron - some like 'em, some don't I'd be lost without mine
Raw materials - I have jumped for joy when I opened up a 13" piece of 1.500" bronze! :big:
Plans - surely there's at least one set you'd like to have!
Books - have a title list handy as well as source information
Subscriptions - I always enjoy my metal working mags
My list also has resources for getting these items. I usually give brand info, part/model numbers and prices along with sources to buy the item(s) in my list so that those using it will have all the relevant info available for an easy purchase. Most don't know what an end mill is!!
This is by no means a comprehensive list! Hopefully it will get the ideas flowing and you can prepare a list for anyone who asks (or has asked). Many of my family members tell me that my wish list isn't exciting. My response to them is that these items help keep me going in my limited shop time, and that in itself is very exciting!
Happy Holidays to all!!
). So what does the guy (or gal) with everything have on a wish list? Here are some thoughts for items that you can ask for that will be of use in your hobby, and that won't cause someone to take out a loan or have to work a second job to pay for...This is a list that I have come up with, and maybe this will give you some ideas on what to tell someone who asks you what you'd like for Christmas.
Tool bits - can't have enough of them!
Drill bits - always nice to have extras
End Mills - another item that's always usable
1-2-3 blocks - these can be very inexpensive for import stuff
Taps - in common sizes of course (unless you need that special odd ball)
Counter sinks - it's nice to have a sharp one available
Spot drill/counter sink - I use these all the time....
Machinist's flex rule - another item I use often
Mechanical fingers - for picking up those small unreachable items
Scribe - another frequently used tool
Magnets - for holding prints, etc.
Deburring tool - I use it a great deal and can always have another
Files - an easy item for many to find
Markers - always in use in my shop
Safety glasses - the best item I can think of
Shop towels - who doesn't need those
Shop apron - some like 'em, some don't I'd be lost without mine
Raw materials - I have jumped for joy when I opened up a 13" piece of 1.500" bronze! :big:
Plans - surely there's at least one set you'd like to have!
Books - have a title list handy as well as source information
Subscriptions - I always enjoy my metal working mags
My list also has resources for getting these items. I usually give brand info, part/model numbers and prices along with sources to buy the item(s) in my list so that those using it will have all the relevant info available for an easy purchase. Most don't know what an end mill is!!
This is by no means a comprehensive list! Hopefully it will get the ideas flowing and you can prepare a list for anyone who asks (or has asked). Many of my family members tell me that my wish list isn't exciting. My response to them is that these items help keep me going in my limited shop time, and that in itself is very exciting!
Happy Holidays to all!!
