Incredibly useful tools

[Craic]

I found the following tools to be most useful:

1. (Red arrow) Miniature hand-held drill and router with routing bit.
For many years I had thought this small powertool would be useless for serious work, I was very wrong. With that small router bit inserted, it is perfect for widening and smoothening openings drilled or jigsawed holes into the fibreglass, for instance for fitting additional selfbailers and drain bungs.

2. (Green arrows) 90 degree angle gear for powerdrill. Enables to drill holes and cut out big through holes in confined spaces like the BR sump or stowage compartments.

[Julian Swindell]

My favourite tool of the moment is a Japanese pull saw, which cuts on the pull stroke rather than the push. I got one a few weeks ago to see what it was like and thought it was quite good. It was only when I went back to using a conventional push saw last week that I realised just how brilliant the pull saw is. Much easier to use, a much cleaner cut, and it doesn't jump around and cut in the wrong place (I am a lousy carpenter). You can get them in most tool stores. I got mine from Rutlands in the UK
http://www.rutlands.co.uk/hand-tools/hand-saws/handsaws---japanese

[Craic]

A wood lathe. (Plus a grinding machine for re-sharpening the turning tools.)

Essential for making proper plugs when converting and customizing windsurfer masts and hollow profiles in general into gaff yards, booms and masts.

[Julian Swindell]

An old thread to add to. I have found the two most valuable tools (for domestic harmony) are:
-A set of overalls to go over my clothes so that I don't get paint and glue on them when I just nip out to do a quick job before I  go to work
-A big box of disposable latex gloves. I wear them for just about everything. I even wear them just to wash down the boat for painting as they keep my hands dry. But mainly for keeping glue and paint both off me and off boat parts that don't want glue dabs on them. Glue something up, then just throw away that pair and put a clean pair on. They pay for themselves quickly in clean work.

[Anthony Huggett]

iPod Speakers. To give you something to listen to during the hours of sanding!

[Craic]

Well, no tools as such today. :Trousers.

When working around and under the boat, and in the cockpit, one works on the knees a great deal. I used to use Rollerblade knee protectors over my jeans for that, but now found something far better: Worktrousers which have knee pockets for inserting a cushion there. Loads of pockets, hardwearing fabric, and not looking too much like Joe Plumber on a mission.
http://www.blaklader.com/gb/products/craftsman/trousers/15301860-trousers/khaki-2400/

[Guy Rossey]

The dark blue hull of my BR showed scratches which gradually formed with time, inevitably. These could now easily be removed by a devise bought (9,- €, from the supermarket), which is the SmartPen (sold for car repair ), suitable for any colour.  It may work through the refrigency properties of the 'paint', total reflection of the surrounding colour (?). Quite efficient, even if it is only cosmetics.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Smart-Pen-Ultimate-Scratch-Remover/dp/B003U8WW4Q

Guy
Catchando Bay , BR # 48

[Gareth Curtis]

When I last visited Matt, there was a swallow boats employee building a storm 15 (can't remember his name I'm afraid) he recomended a few tools  -

Random orbital sander - I got a Bosch one at the start and it's been fab, the best and most used tool I have. I prefer to use hand tools in every case but this.

Fein Multi master - I actually bought the bosch version and wish I'd bought the fein - http://www.axminster.co.uk/fein-fein-fmm-250q-multimaster-top-plus-prod828050/

Japanese rasp - I have found this quite useful http://www.axminster.co.uk/ice-bear-japanese-two-handed-saw-rasp-prod364250/

Aminster tools was also recommended and I agree, I buy everything from there now.

There is one thing that I would love to find though and that is something that can sort out the mess I make when filleting epoxy, especially in the corners.

Gareth

[Craic]

Again 'no tool as such' but very useful: A new 'Esbit' stainless steel barbecue which is well suited for small boats. 
Taking along and using a charcoal barbecue on the boat or on the beach is old and common practice. But there were problems: The barbecues were chunky and fouled the stowage. How to keep the charcoal dry, and from spreading black dust all over? And after use, how to protect boat from the greasy grill and the adherent ashes? It was always messy.
This new barbecue is different: It folds down really small, and inside the folded thing is another waterproof roll-in pouch for the charcoal, keeps that dry and from spreading. And there is a little polythene folder which takes the greasy grill after use. All parts in another waterproof overall carrybag with velcro lid. Neat.

Semaine organisers just wote they'll have 800 portions of Paella for theoretically 4,827 participants at the big opening party on Ile d'Arz. So bringing some own food and barbecue may be a good strategy there.

[Craic]

And here is one alternative product to the charcoal BBQ above, a 'Barbegrill'.
A butane gas grill. Works very well. The grill area is big enough for 4 large burgers / two steaks / three mackrel. Fairly easy to clean as the greasy bits are stainless steel and come off for cleaning. Not expensive. What is missing is a waterproof holdall bag to take all parts plus the required standard butane cylinder.

[Julian Swindell]

An old thread but worth adding to. I have just invested in a Bosch cordless multi tool, with various blades and sander attachments. I am completed converted. Perfect for cutting doweling plugs flush and I can sand into corners I coulddl never get into before. I've already cleared up all the paint marks on my grabrails, which I have failed to do over the last three years. The batteries don't last long, but they recharge in 20 minutes, I got two with the kit and I have two more with my drill and screwdriver. I bought it from Axminster, who delivered in about 18 hours, standard delivery. One of those "How did I ever manage without" tools
http://www.axminster.co.uk/bosch-bosch-gop108v-all-rounder-kit-with-36-accessories-in-systainer-kit-prod797263/