Given your current setup, what are the 4 tools (excluding stuff like wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.) that you find yourself using the most when DIYing homebrew stuff? Here's mine:
Horizontal/vertical bandsaw - I bought a JET 5x6 bandsaw on a whim during PFD season (Google Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend if you're not familiar) and it's turned out to be one of the best investments I've made yet. Before I bought it I was making most of my cuts with an abrasive chopsaw that was loud, threw sparks everywhere, and had to be used exclusively outside. In addition to pissing off the neighbors all summer, it was a real hassle to have to bundle up and drag it outside when the temps started dropping. The bandsaw is quiet, accurate, and doesn't throw sparks.
Drill press - There are a lot of things that drill presses can be used for in addition to drilling, but 99 times out of 100, I'm using my drill press to make holes.
Dremel rotary tool - there are a million things that this can be used for. Everything from cutting to cleaning and polishing. I use my Dremel more than any other tool in my shop.
Oxy-Acetylene torch - I mostly use it for brazing stainless, but when I need to cut mounting plates from 1/4 inch steel plate, it's irreplaceable.
Horizontal/vertical bandsaw - I bought a JET 5x6 bandsaw on a whim during PFD season (Google Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend if you're not familiar) and it's turned out to be one of the best investments I've made yet. Before I bought it I was making most of my cuts with an abrasive chopsaw that was loud, threw sparks everywhere, and had to be used exclusively outside. In addition to pissing off the neighbors all summer, it was a real hassle to have to bundle up and drag it outside when the temps started dropping. The bandsaw is quiet, accurate, and doesn't throw sparks.
Drill press - There are a lot of things that drill presses can be used for in addition to drilling, but 99 times out of 100, I'm using my drill press to make holes.
Dremel rotary tool - there are a million things that this can be used for. Everything from cutting to cleaning and polishing. I use my Dremel more than any other tool in my shop.
Oxy-Acetylene torch - I mostly use it for brazing stainless, but when I need to cut mounting plates from 1/4 inch steel plate, it's irreplaceable.