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There have been a few Tool Threads that popup weekly - heck many of them are started my me. 
We are always comparing the American made Tools of yesteryear to the imported cheap stuff now made and available in America and I have some great aletrnatives. I HAVE followed my own advise many many times with great success!! 
EBAY!!
Do a search on ebay for any high quality American made tools you want such as Starrett, Brown & Sharpe, Snap-On, Mac, even vintage USA Craftsman, etc. and you will be shocked at what comes up. Not only can you but TOP NOTCH tools for really bargain prices, but many are like new in the box too. Just be careful and make SURE "Made in USA" is stamped on the tool as even some of the top brands have started playing the import game. There are PLENTY of Punch sets, Micrometers, Calipers, Rules and Scales, Dividers, Automatic Center Punches, etc. etc. for the grabbing! You simply can NOT compare imported tools to these high end vintage Tools.
A few years ago I wanted to upgrade all my Power Tools and get rid of all my Cordless Battery Operated stuff - got tired of batteries, chargers, charge wait times, high costs of new batteries, etc. Anyway I sold all of my Cordless stuff on ebay and purchased either new old stock, like new, or barely used American Made Milwaukee Electric, Porter Cable and DeWalt Power Tools. On those I did not save any money - they actually cost me a slight premium for the USA stamp but I was more than happy to pay for what I wanted. I also purchased a slew of USA made Nicholson Files (the new Mexican produced versions are no where near as close in quality) and other items as well. As long as you are diligent, look carefully at the photos and read the text of the description a few times you can get some unbelievable buys and GREAT tools that just can not be purchased new in a store anymore. Not only will you save a bundle but you will be buying quality that has and will withstand the test of time and be able to be passed down.
If you are getting into Gun Smithing (or just putting together a home work shop) and need precision Measuring Tools, Gauges, Vises, etc. you owe to to yourself to first look before buying cheap imported tools that are not even in the same Ball Park!
I just wanted to mention this and just so you know I have not been scammed in the Tool Dept. on ebay yet! If anything I have been pleasantly surprised!
I hope this sparks some ideas for ya! Good shopping!
We are always comparing the American made Tools of yesteryear to the imported cheap stuff now made and available in America and I have some great aletrnatives. I HAVE followed my own advise many many times with great success!! EBAY!!
Do a search on ebay for any high quality American made tools you want such as Starrett, Brown & Sharpe, Snap-On, Mac, even vintage USA Craftsman, etc. and you will be shocked at what comes up. Not only can you but TOP NOTCH tools for really bargain prices, but many are like new in the box too. Just be careful and make SURE "Made in USA" is stamped on the tool as even some of the top brands have started playing the import game. There are PLENTY of Punch sets, Micrometers, Calipers, Rules and Scales, Dividers, Automatic Center Punches, etc. etc. for the grabbing! You simply can NOT compare imported tools to these high end vintage Tools.
A few years ago I wanted to upgrade all my Power Tools and get rid of all my Cordless Battery Operated stuff - got tired of batteries, chargers, charge wait times, high costs of new batteries, etc. Anyway I sold all of my Cordless stuff on ebay and purchased either new old stock, like new, or barely used American Made Milwaukee Electric, Porter Cable and DeWalt Power Tools. On those I did not save any money - they actually cost me a slight premium for the USA stamp but I was more than happy to pay for what I wanted. I also purchased a slew of USA made Nicholson Files (the new Mexican produced versions are no where near as close in quality) and other items as well. As long as you are diligent, look carefully at the photos and read the text of the description a few times you can get some unbelievable buys and GREAT tools that just can not be purchased new in a store anymore. Not only will you save a bundle but you will be buying quality that has and will withstand the test of time and be able to be passed down.
If you are getting into Gun Smithing (or just putting together a home work shop) and need precision Measuring Tools, Gauges, Vises, etc. you owe to to yourself to first look before buying cheap imported tools that are not even in the same Ball Park!
I just wanted to mention this and just so you know I have not been scammed in the Tool Dept. on ebay yet!
If anything I have been pleasantly surprised! I hope this sparks some ideas for ya! Good shopping!
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