HelenAnn

I use a rechargeable electric tooth brush to work my polish (I use a paste called Wenol) onto uneven surfaces like screws.

oldsewnsew

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screwholding drivers, the upper two, wedge open into the screw slot. Sometimes getting them back in is as hard as getting them out!
[ATTACH=CONFIG]467804[/ATTACH] A little lathe that will work on metal, as well as wood and plastic, part of a past obsession. Great for repairs, fabricating and modifying. Here seen on a bearing race for a Davis NVF shuttle pivot arm bearing race.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]467807[/ATTACH]Things to cut shape and bend springs, clips, etc.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]467810[/ATTACH]cheap calipers, and engineers scales

ArchaicArcane

I would love to have a lathe! I think we have the same calipers. They're invaluable. Besides the usual - feeler gauges, screwdrivers, etc. These would be my favorite "tools":

My Lazy Susan - You can see (and hear it) in the video I posted in the 201 tension problem thread. I use it extensively for almost every machine. On a day when I've wrenched my back (like today) it's invaluable. I only had to pick the machine up to put it on the table and to take it off and put it back in its cabinet. Every other time I spun it.
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My favorite screwdriver - It's a MegaPro? I don't know if the tips are hollow ground or not, but they're very "blocky" and an extremely good fit for most screws. I don't strip things with these ones and the bits are only a couple of dollars at the Nut and Bolt places. Usually this screwdriver has a piece of tubing over the shank to protect the paint on the machines too. The magnets are sanity savers :
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This is one half of the kit I take to a local shop where I work on their machines. The other half contains the usual screwdrivers, popsicle sticks, needles, flashlights, paint brushes, syringes, hemostats, pliers, etc. The "greenie" in the middle of the case - about 4 - 5" of pool noodle. I use it to prop machines on so the light doesn't get bashed, or I don't have to rest the machine on its paint. You'll see it in the background of nearly any shot of a machine on my bench. The flexible extension (in the orange case) is a life saver as well. I use it most for the throat plate screws lately. Guitar Picks - for prying apart plastic pieces on newer machines - like the sergers - without leaving marks. Flannel rags for "environmentally friendly" clean up or test sew fabric in a pinch. Coins for loosening the motor caps.
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foufymaus

A flex neck screw driver!! http://www.amazon.com/ARTESIA-TOOL-F.../dp/B001CWHU94 This is not the exact set up i use but It's one i have that is similar. I have one that can attach to an electric drill. Ya know, for that extra UmPh! lol I also have a green screwdriver i found some where a long time a go that actually fits almost all of my machines.

oldsewnsew

Rigged this up for testing motors that have short pigtails and an AC plug. Or I can put one on them temporarily.
Could be even fancier, but I used thrift/recycle components. This way I don't need a foot feed, and can leave it running part throttle for a bit to let a drop of oil work in or, check the speed.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]468969[/ATTACH] It is basically an AC pigtail wired to a plastic outlet box, with a duplex receptacle, and a light dimmer. (yes you can use those with this type of motor) Also doubles as a dimmer for the lamp in the work room, er uh "guest room".
Another doo-hickey made from thrift/recycle found photo enlarger, is a stand for my digital camera. It comes with a built in lamp, and you can adjust the height, and angle of the camera. Its base is also a nice white backdrop.
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miriam

I have a box and foot control mounted to one of my benches but I never thought of that dimmer. I like that a lot.

Mitch's mom

Dentist tools You can buy inexpensive ones at Harbor Freight. They are the best for getting into tight places and for safely removing stuck on grease. I also seem to use a lot of artist brushes.

The dimmer switch idea can also regulate a foot control if you want consistent speed.

miriam

A tooth pick works for tight places and won't cause any burrs. I have some kind of joined together chip sticks - I wrap a little rag around to get in tight places. I also have some hemostats to pull out threads or just clamp something in place or get in a tight space with a little rag.

I keep an old empty ketchup bottle in Wilbur's tools so he can blow out lint on the old machines.

Vridar

><<<an AC pigtail wired to a plastic outlet box, with a duplex receptacle, and a light dimmer. (yes you can use those with this type of motor) Also doubles as a dimmer for the lamp in the work room, er uh "guest room". >>>>

Jim, Could I wire an old foot control minus the return spring between the pig tail and box and have a limiting controller? I'm a mechanic, not a sewer and with some machines I have trouble controlling the speed. With the extra controller in line before the return springed machine's controller I could limit the top speed of the machine's controller, correct. I have an extra old controller and like you I salvage and repurpose.

amcatanzaro

Bamboo skewers are better than toothpicks. At least for me they are. I'm out too.

I NEED THE POOL NOODLE. That's good thinking.