Beginner looking for free or cheap tools. | Want to Buy | Forum

Well, if you're willing to try your hand at catching deals on eBay, then there are some pretty decent ones on there. Just need to keep an eye out.

If you don't want to go that route, a lot of good tools can be gotten at swap meets and yard sales; the spring conference is always a good opportunity. Picked up a 2.5 pound cross pien at a yard sale one time for fifty cents; works awesome. If you have a bench vise or see one for cheap, those work alright for a starting vice, though you need a bench to set it on.

David Lisch used to have a big swap meet every year at his place in Seattle, but since he's moving, I don't know what his plans are.

Last thing I can recommend is to ask around; a lot of times people have stuff they're just going to give away anyways, and vice grips can come in handy if you don't have any tongs to start with. Friend of mine found a small sledge cleaning out his grandpa's shed, and instead of throwing it away he gave it to me. One of my most used hammers now.