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Discussion The Tool That Frustrated You Most – A Waste of Money?!

Jimsky

Jimsky

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Greetings, mates!

We’ve all had that one tool we were excited to try, only to end up disappointed, frustrated, or flat-out regretting the purchase. Whether it didn’t work as expected, was uncomfortable to use, or simply gathered dust… What’s the one tool you wish you had never bought - and why? Was it truly a waste of money, or did you eventually find a silver lining?

I’ll wait a bit before sharing my own pick, as I'm curious to see if others share the same sentiments about a few infamous tools.

Happy modeling,
 
two machines i ended up not using the first was a CarveWright i bought years ago. This machine is a CNC 3d carving router. I thought i could use it to carve all the carvings for ship models. Back then i did not realize the difficulty in creating the actual files. That was way beyond my abilities.
Back then 3D software was not that available for the hobby guy. The entire idea became so frustrating to create the files, then trying to carve them on a machine with a bit that was .032 and some of the details required a bit .005
This is a hobby in itself and required a lot of time.

today there might be a lot of improvements better software etc.

CarveWright CNC Router Systems – CNC Routing Made Easy

carvewright.com carvewright.com
 
living here in Ohio there are still lots of barns chuck full of tools and equipment sold at auction or at barn sales. I came across a 14 inch band saw basket case that is all the pieces and parts are in boxed. How about a Zundapp Motorcycles all in pieces.


the second tool is a laser engraver i picked up at a tool auction and flea marker. My intent was to set it up and do engraving and laser cutting small parts and fittings. Well it has been sitting around far too long and i still have not messes with it.

if anyone is interested google the name of the machine and check it out. No offer refused and i will ship it via Pirateship which has a good rate.

DSCN9034.JPGDSCN9035.JPGDSCN9036.JPG
 
Y.T. said:
Let me guess. DSPIAE hand drill?
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Umm… not quite. While I’ve never used this hand drill, the worst tool I’ve ever bought was the Arrowmax rotary tool. I probably ended up with a defective unit, but in terms of design, it should have been a better-engineered piece of equipment. Just my subjective opinion, of course.

Screenshot 2025-06-12 202936.png
 
Jimsky said:
Umm… not quite. While I’ve never used this hand drill, the worst tool I’ve ever bought was the Arrowmax rotary tool. I probably ended up with a defective unit, but in terms of design, it should have been a better-engineered piece of equipment. Just my subjective opinion, of course.

View attachment 525377
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Interesting...I bought mine with the drill press frame and while there is a little more slop in the action than I would like, by holding my mouth just right, I was able to drill treenail holes in all the deck boards for Oseberg. I can see it coming in really handy for the rivet holes in the strakes. Mine looks like a slightly different model than yours. What didn't you like about it?
 
RussF said:
Interesting...I bought mine with the drill press frame and while there is a little more slop in the action than I would like, by holding my mouth just right, I was able to drill treenail holes in all the deck boards for Oseberg. I can see it coming in really handy for the rivet holes in the strakes. Mine looks like a slightly different model than yours. What didn't you like about it?
Click to expand...
Hi Russ. Here we discussed in another thread:

Purchased shortly ago / sthg new in your workshop -> present it here

Proxxon Scroll Saw Being well pleased with the Proxxon lathe I bought last week (see earlier post) I considered buying the mini table saw to keep it company. Unfortunately I could not identify a need. I have a grown-up table saw in the garage for heavier cutting. For model making I manage quite...
shipsofscale.com

Purchased shortly ago / sthg new in your workshop -> present it here

Proxxon Scroll Saw Being well pleased with the Proxxon lathe I bought last week (see earlier post) I considered buying the mini table saw to keep it company. Unfortunately I could not identify a need. I have a grown-up table saw in the garage for heavier cutting. For model making I manage quite...
shipsofscale.com
 
Y.T. said:
What is wrong with it?
Click to expand...
speed controller was messed up. Would from 0rpm to high speed just looking at it wrong. Emitted a high pitched whine like fingers on a chalk board. Reversing direction involved disassembling the cover, loosening screws, moving shafts, tightening screws and re-assembling the cover. Tool holder had a bunch of slop. Off-center chuck.
 
I have one of a slightly different model and find it useful from time to time. Can’t compare to the 60 year old Craftsman scroll saw I left in Rhode Island, but that never would have fit in our little house in Tokyo
 
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