gift suggestions (for me... and maybe you...)

[Munsterlander]

I guess this is the right forum for this question. My girls are asking what to give me for Christmas, so I'm trying to come up with a few tool ideas that will be useful for my penturning and reasonably priced (e.g., anywhere from $5-30).

Two things I already had in mind are some digital calipers and a moisture meter (maybe costs more?), so with respect to those I'm wondering if some of you can suggest good, low-cost versions with which you've been happy.

Beyond that, what little gadgets and things would you want? Incidentally, I do have the chamfering tool from AS (highly recommend).

Appreciate the input.

 

[pipecrafter]

I have a set of digital calipers from Harbor Freight that work really, really well. They're the all steel body ones that cost about $20. I love them!

What I really want for Christmas is an MT2 jacobs chuck that can swallow up to about 3/4" - for those *really* big bits. I'd also like 48 hour days and 9-day weeks.

 

[cowchaser]

I 2nd the Harbor Freight calipers. You also can't live without a set of HF punches. Need to get those pens apart sometime.

 

[Glenn McCullough]

I second both HF ideas as well as CA glue...I always need more. you can also ask for some resin and dyes to make your own blanks.

 

[kirkfranks]

I've always wanted the thin parting tool. Perhaps would also work for you.
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/LCTEN.html

I might have to put that on my list too

 

[Monty]

I'll third (or is it now fourth) the HF stuff and add in the HF moisture meter. My not be "that" accurate, but it does get close enough for me with the humidity in Houston.

 

[Munsterlander]

Mannie - HF has a two prong meter for $15 and a four prong meter for $30. Anyone know if the 4 is appreciably better than the 2?