Tool recommendations wanted

[knoba]

Hi~

I'm new to the site so hello to everyone!

Right here we go;

I'm trying to put together a really nice metal workshop (I like making cars, furniture etc.) and I'm looking for recommendations for good, quality and expensive hand tool brands. Already sorted out some Snap-On, DeWalt, Moore & Wright and Thor tools for my stock but I'm stuck for a good UK supplier / manufacturer for an anvil, bickern, mandrels, hardies etc.

Any thoughts would be most appreciated?

[Hitch]

http://www.lakesforge.co.uk/cat14_1.htm
They have a few bits and pieces.
Cant think of anywhere else at the moment.

Another way is to look around workshop clearence sales, farm sales etc.

[ultimatehandyman]

Hitch is the man for metal working as he does it for a living and he made the metal working section of the site

[knoba]

Wow! Lookee them. Thanks Hitch! Thats just what I was looking for. I saw a Draper one on tooledup.com but it looked like a load of old slag. Do you have experience with lakesforge or are you just aware of the site?

I was also after 2 really nice vices; 3" & 5". Something special though as its one of my favourite tools. Traditional design features mixed with modern innovations. A modern quality steel alloys and processes in its manufacture, replaceable assorted jaw types from a long-stayer company and classy looking too. Any thoughts there?

I know its a tool order!

Well done on the metalwork part of the site Hitch. Steerling work there mate. I can see I'm going to enjoy learning much here.

Hey ultimatehandyman!

[Hitch]

Not used them, found it a while ago when i was looking for an anvil.

[knoba]

Thanks to your info there Hitch,i did a bit more diggin' around and finally found what I was looking for:

http://www.anvils.nimbaforge.com/centurion.php

I'm over the moon about it and have emailed the firm to ask about shipping.

[jason123]

Record vices are the industry standard, set the static vice jaws parallel and level for large work. The good records have removable jaws.