Here's what we genrally do for power tools:

public:
-we do not really allow use of power tools;
-instead, we have lots of files, punches, hand
saws, hand drills, vices, a hand cranked grinder,
pickle forks, leverage bars, pipe wrenches, etc.

staff:
-we do have a grinder, drills, sawzall, circular
saw, jigsaw, chop saw
-we are sometimes repairing our big wood building,
so the power tools are handy
-more and more though, we try to do it all with
hand tools, as it's generally safe, fun and
effective

and:

-pickle fork and a hammer is great for removing
a crank arm that has stripped threads at the binder
bolt, or knocking out a stuck quill stem,

-a suspended vise with pipe jaws works for most stuck
seat posts

-we do not have a welder on site, by choice;
too much fire danger, fumes and dust (and an insurance
headache); we try to use nuts and bolts and other
simple fasteners (u-bolts, hose clamps, inner tubes)
instead,

thanks!

Bob, Free Cycles Missoula



-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [TheThinkTank] Re: power tools at the Co-op
Date: 2025-03-19 8:42 pm
 From: cyclista--- via TheThinkTank
<thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org>
To: <thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org>

> Hi Folks,
>
> We currently have a 5" side grinder, 6" wheel grinder and corded and
> cordless drills at the Co-op.
> When we get back in to a larger space, we'll get the drill press out of
> storage.
> We have access to lots of construction tools when we need to build
> something.
>
> What power tools do you use at your Co-op?
>
> Anybody using other big tools, like a bearing press, or arbor press?
>
> Thanks and good health, Weogo [...]

A bench grinder with one side a grinding wheel and the other a wire
wheel is invaluable.

We had a cheap, low-power one with 6" wheels that I used to feel bad
about it being so underpowered, until I realized that made it safer
since anything getting caught in the wheels, even fairly fragile
objects, would simply stop the motor.

So my suggestion is a low-power bench grinder with one grinding and one
wire wheel.
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