89 phonos and radio Tools
Description
This article is from the Antique Radios And Phonographs FAQ, by Hank van Cleef vancleef@netcom with numerous contributions by others.
89 phonos and radio Tools
If you are going to work on anything yourself, you will need some hand
tools. Keep in mind that "tools" and "trades" go hand-in-hand. Most
tradespeople are expected to own their own hand tools, and the best
sources of good tools are those that sell to crafts trade users. Anyone
whose livelihood depends on use of hand tools will tell you that there
are two kinds of tools: good tools and no tools. A cheap tool is worse
than no tool. It will cost you some money to buy a suitable assortment
of proper hand tools for various jobs. Good tools properly used will
last a lifetime, and you'll get a good return on the investment. I have
tools that I bought over forty years ago that still work "like new."
Craftsmen (and women) who use tools professionally will tell you that
cheap tools are "knucklebusters" (and worse). There is no substitute
for having the right tool for a job. Trying to get by without proper
tools for jobs, or with cheap tools, you'll damage the work and hurt
yourself.
Take the time to learn how to use your tools properly. A quick trip to
the library will produce books on various crafts trades that include
selection of tools, use of tools, and maintenance of tools (such as
cutting tools) that require maintenance. Talk to crafts people in
various trades. The automobile mechanic may tell you that Snap-On tools
are overpriced and frosting on the cake, but that same mechanic buys
every week from the Snap-On truck. And the welder will question whether
Linde double-diaphragm gas regulators are really needed, but that's
probably what he is using for gas welding. There is an old adage that
"the poor workman blames his tools." Develop your skills in using good
tools, and you'll get good results.
One point of etiquette: If you are talking to a crafts person, don't
charge over to his/her toolbox and start looking around. Ask permission
before handling someone's tools. Most crafts people will gladly show
you what they use, and tell you why they value particular tools.
Continue to:
My Books
