You might look through some of the past discussions for ideas.

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11997&highlight=DIY+tools

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6843&highlight=install+tools

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7355&highlight=DIY+tools

 

Thanks for the links. I did search but they didn't come up .

In any case, it looks like a router is the most popular tool. I'm surprised not many people are mentioning Dremels and Sawzalls, considering how popular I thought they were.

 

No problem!

I use a Dremel quite often, but not so much a Sawzall (for car audio, at least).

A router is very useful, and a decent cordless drill is probably the first thing you should buy.

 

I mentioned a Sawzall because in theory, with a steady hand, couldn't it perform the same function as a router?

I'm a college student, and as such am not made of money...

As for a cordless drill, I was under the impression that a Dremel would perform that function.

 

You would have to be a robot to get any precision out of a Sawzall. Are you sure you don't mean a jigsaw (sabre saw)? Like this...

You could use a Dremel to drill smaller holes, but if you need to drill something bigger than 1/8" or be able to drive screws you will need a decent cordless drill. A Dremel cannot replace a screwdriver (or a drill), it doesn't have enough low speed control. Plus every cordless Dremel I've tried sucks really bad.

I think with a cordless drill and a jigsaw, you could get by with most projects. Cutting perfectly straight lines will require either a circular or table saw, or you could continue using the hand saws.

 

I would recommend a cordless drill as well. Youll get mor euse out of it than you think. Also, instead of the Dremel, look at the Bosch 'Rotozip'. They are higher powered and have great attachments (circle cutter- great for baffles, a jigsaw attachment, circular saw attachment, router attachment and bits...)

 

Compression crimpers for all wire sizes. Snap on ratcheting screwdrivers...t handle,stubby etc etc with removable bits---->Please don't take your car apart/reassemble with a screw gun

 

 

Aren't all three of those the same basic concept (reciprocating saws)? I'm new to this, so forgive me. Grandfather and father both passed so nobody to teach me this stuff besides the internet, unfortunately .

So essentially, you recommend a jigsaw (or sabre, which I gather is just a more powerful jigsaw), a corded Dremel, and a cordless drill/screwdriver?

Again, thanks to all the contributers.

edit: I don't think I'd need a tablesaw, as any straight cuts I could probably just do with a jigsaw.

 

Aren't all three of those the same basic concept (reciprocating saws)? I'm new to this, so forgive me. Grandfather and father both passed so nobody to teach me this stuff besides the internet, unfortunately .

Well, they operate on the same concept, but a Sawzall is much larger, heavier and more powerful. It's very hard to make accurate cuts with one and there is no way you would be able to make anything resembling a circle with it. It's more of a demolition tool really.

So essentially, you recommend a jigsaw (or sabre, which I gather is just a more powerful jigsaw), a corded Dremel, and a cordless drill/screwdriver?

Again, thanks to all the contributers.

edit: I don't think I'd need a tablesaw, as any straight cuts I could probably just do with a jigsaw.

Yes, a jigsaw, cordless drill and a Dremel would be a good start. You will find it hard to make straight cuts with a jigsaw though. Maybe with some sort of jig or edge guide though. Imagine trying to cut a straight line through 3/4" MDF with a coping saw. Very difficult to do freehand. If you were going to build a sub enclosure or something that requires a lot of straight cuts, you might be able to talk a nice Home Depot/Lowe's employee into making the cuts for you when purchasing the MDF.

 

a table saw can do a LOT more than just make straight cuts

 

Imagine trying to make a circular or even straight line cut with this:

THAT is a 'sawzall' or in other terms a reciprocating , as you can see Mark it wouldnt be an easy task and in some cases literally impossible.

You could always gimme a call if you need use of something you dont have or just for some advice. Hell sometimes Im looking to replace a current tool so you could take advantage of that too !

 

exacto knife kit

 

I do have this, I forgot to mention

THAT is a 'sawzall' or in other terms a reciprocating , as you can see Mark it wouldnt be an easy task and in some cases literally impossible.

You could always gimme a call if you need use of something you dont have or just for some advice. Hell sometimes Im looking to replace a current tool so you could take advantage of that too !

Hey, come on. You've seen me, I think I'm obviously big and buff enough to hold it perfectly still...

I guess I'll be giving you another call soon to find out what the mystery tool for sale is. BTW, I've taken my interior out completely, and there's a lot more stock deadening in there than I thought. Most of my issues are coming from the rear deck, which is ineffectively deadened.

 

Must have tools depends on the application. Basic amp installation and wiring is one thing but custom work is a whole entirely different level. For custom work, I'd definitely throw in pneumatic for upholstery, sanding, grinding, cutting, etc. with a combination of power tools.

Of course, I'd also recommend a good power drill. Dewalt for power, Makita for ergonomics, Ryobi for low budget.

 

If you want to try cutting straight with a sawzall... well, best of luck to you, but that ain't what it's made for. You might be able to do it, but it's going to be much more effort and frustration than it's worth.

A jig saw or circular saw with an edge guide can be make nice straight cuts, but I prefer a table saw with a good fence.

 

Duct tape and zip ties.

 

I bought myself a chordless dremel and suddenly I use it for everything. great tool.

a sawzall is not gonna be good at all for cutting mdf. you need a jigsaw and/or a table saw. maybe a handheld ripsaw, but table saw is best.

you won't probably use a router too often but when you need it you won't be able to live without one.

 

If you have room for a table saw, check your local craigslist for a cheap used one. Very very handy when building boxes, especially ones that require corners thar aren't always 90*.

If you DONT have room for a table saw, a hand held circular saw can be used with nearly the same precision.

A router is handy, but IMO, not completely necessary. I can cut damn fine circles with my jigsaw.

If you go to your local home improvement store, you can probably find a "kit" of battery operated tools, with a circular saw, and jigsaw, as well as a drill, and maybe some other random tools. If you're a budget oriented college student, wait until they have them on sale. Would be a good place to start.

 

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know its a good time for bargain hunting.

I scored a 10.8V Dremel kit for $40. Lowe's also threw in a free EZ Lock starter kit for it with some metal cutting attachments. Retail value is $85

I also picked up a 14.4V DeWalt DC728KA drill with two batteries and charger for $89. Retail value is ~$170.

I'm still not sure if I want to keep the DeWalt, or if I should just jump on one of the current Ryobi deals at Home Depot...

Also looking for a jigsaw, still. And maybe a circular.

 

Some of my favorites real quickly...

- table saw - preferably with a 24" rip capacity to handle full sheets
- compressor w/ brad nailer - screwing mdf together blows - glue and nail is much easier
- 1/2" router, of course
- hole saw kit/fostener bit set - perfect for tweeter cutouts
- 90º angle clamps and long bar clamps

Straight-edge with clamps and a circular saw can make very accurate cuts as well, but it is much slower than a nice table saw. I'd take a router and a circular saw over a jigsaw, personally. The only time I ever use a jigsaw is to finish of square cuts inside a piece (don't overcut the edges), or to do custom work for glassed projects.

 

I just picked up a new table saw this weekend. It was mis-tagged so I got it for $100

Black and decker 10". It's decent. I'll atleast rip up to 24"

 

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&p=11276402

Go there, read about the deeply discounted dewalt jigsaw at lowes, then go to lowes and get it. It's a decent saw and will handle just about anything you could need for cutting baffles.

Only reason you would absolutely need a router is if you intend to do roundovers, chamfers or other router only cuts.

I saw that thread. My local Lowe's all don't have that clearanced.

 

I just bought a Bosch plunge router and it's fantastic. It has the gradual turn on so it doesn't have a violent torquing motion when you click it on. The plunge is very stable and smooth. It's the perfect combo with the Jasper Jig that partsexpress sells.

 

I'm going to take this thread a step further

Tools to not cheap out on

- Table saw (get the biggest baddest ripfence you can get)
- Cordless drill
- *JIG SAW* this is one of the most used tools, do not cheap out. Get a reciprocating (on the downstroke the blade moves forward) jigsaw. I got the dewalt and I love it every time I pick it up.. though it was close to $400
- Router Bits (note, no router.. get a cheap router)


Tools that will make your life way easier

- disc/belt sander (essential really)
- oscillating spindle sander (again for custom work essential)
- Bandsaw (really nice but not necessary.... I bought one)


Tools you can cheap out on

- Router (s) I have four cheap routers, one for each bit I use. They are all 1/4 shank and fitted with Freud bits. I have one expensive router at home but it does no better a job than the ones I got at the toolpawn. For the table I prefer a fixed base and for the circle cutter I prefer a plunge. Either will do either without problems though so just buy whatever is around. Pay particular attention to the shank (check for x-threads)
-screwdrivers (obviously)
-drill bits (for the hobbyist cobalt is a wee overkill)
-sockets (get cheap sockets and an expensive ratchet)
- skilsaw; theyre all the same

All of those tools save the sanders are pretty much the essentials. I would save up about $500 and go on a tool shopping spree before I started my install

btw: I take cars apart with the screwgun daily never have a problem... use the clutch

 

Don't want to forget an assortment of sandpaper, gloves, and a respirator

 

I would disagree on cheap screwdrivers. I've twisted or broken the bits on a lot of cheap ones with stubborn screws.

 

What router bits would be considered cheap? They all look pretty much the same to me. I can't tell the difference between brands.