Calling all rebuild/restore-ers...Tools of preference?!

[saltymike]

I'm going to be restoring my trailer this winter and was wondering what tools you guys that have done this prefer to make the job simplier on yourselves. Christmas is a good time to stock up on some new power tools. I will be sanding down the entire trailer, axle, springs, fenders, etc. and repainting. Also replacing all the U-bolts and what not, some are rusted so may need a recipricating saw or angle grinder. Replacing all of the wood and carpet on the bunks and side steps. So my question is what are the tools you guys prefer to use when doing these tasks. Dremel tool? Prefer angle grinder over a recipricating saw? What type of sander and paint sprayer are best? And any other tools you can think of that I would need. Any pictures or links of the tools you've used in the past to get the job done would help too. Thanks in advance!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Calling all rebuild/restore-ers...Tools of preference?!

An angle grinder with a twisted wire wheel makes short work of paint removal and rust clean up. A regular wire wheel for less aggressive removal. Same grinder with a cut off wheel makes quick work of any cut-off tasks. I got a cheap grinder from Harbor Freight (a blue one, not an orange one) and it seems very powerful and has held up to an entire trailer worth of stripping and grinding.

WEAR GOOD EYE PROTECTION WITH THIS THING!!! I was finding little pieces of wire stuck in my jeans and what not. Would NOT want any of this in my eye! A can of PB Blaster and some good sturdy 1/2" drive sockets sure are nice as well.

 

[The_Kid]

Re: Calling all rebuild/restore-ers...Tools of preference?!

Like ezmobee said a HF angle grinder is a must. I got tried of switching from wire brush to grinder wheel to a cut off wheel so I bought 2 of blue ones to add to the orange one I had. At $9.99 each with a coupon it was worth it. You can also get a flap disk for sanding that fits the 4 1/2 grinders.

Something else I use when working with rusty metals is a 50/50 mix of shellac and denatured alcohol. In wood working it's referred to as a spit coat. There are always those places that you can't reach with sandpaper to get rid of all the rust. The mixture is thin enough to get into the nooks and crannies, and will soak into the rust and seal it. It's also great for sealing wood because it soaks into the grain.

 

[likalar]

Re: Calling all rebuild/restore-ers...Tools of preference?!

Earplugs and a good respirator (in addition to paper nuisance mask) are useful. A battery powered shop vac by Dewalt is handy (if you already have the batteries. It is sold without batteries, but also can be plugged in). A 5" orbital disc sander is hard to beat. This is the one I have; it has a soft start, long cord, low noise; the discs last a long time, and are reusable, held on "velcro" style. Great tool!
http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R2600/EN/index.htm
Bags of rags will be handy too, tho not very glamorous. Red ones will fit the Xmas theme. ;-)
Larry