Cheap Tools for New Business Sideline

[Oola]

Rich is getting ideas about building wooden chook houses. We have the opportunity to rent a unit on a farm for £50 a month + VAT and inclusive of electricity.

However, he needs to get a few tools together. I know there's bootsales for certain bits and pieces, but he needs a few powertools to boost his output and cut down on labour, like a mitre saw. I don't suppose anyone knows (or knows anyone else that knows) of any good suppliers (we know of Screwfix and Frosts) that have really good prices?

[keepersdaughter]

What's a chook house?

[Oola]

chicken house!

[keepersdaughter]

Silly me, I've been here too long.

[Healing Hands]

How about going along to some car boot sales he may find some there and at a reasonable price.

It is funny because last week Ken put up our chook house, (which I will get a photo off to you soon Oola, but the weather is not good at the moment) anyway Ken said these would be quite good to make and sell, once he retired of course!

Good luck to Rich.

[jazzactivist]

Hi Oola,

That sounds like a useful enterprise. As regards tools, I only know of Screwfix, but car boot sales and market stalls can also be good. Also, local paper classifieds and Freecycle. You might also be able to swap a hen house for some tools. Also, for some tasks the cheapie sort can be just as useful and last quite a long time - have a look in the wholesale / job lots section of eBay where prices are for multiples and much cheaper than singles. You can either use the tools in succession yourselves or sell the extra ones as part of a 'hen house fixing kit'. I think that there is quite a lot of interest in hen houses, in particular ones that look decorative in the garden. I once saw a photo of one shaped like a rocket and painted, with a little ladder for entry and exit. The top lifted off (excuse pun!) for cleaning. Also HF-W had that one made that was perched (again, I can't resist them!) on top of a pole to keep foxes at bay. Good luck to Rich and hope that it works out.

[franbee]

OH says, B&Q or Wickes sell cheap quality tools cheap, but better quality you will get cheaper elsewhere if you look around. He got most of his from the woodworking shows.

[sheddie]

Oola and Rich try looking on www.gumtree X
Also £50 + vat doesn't sound much at first but it does take some finding until you get orders. Why not build them in the garden at first, haven't you got a garage or shed you could use. Rent is a killer especially if it's dead money!! X

[Rose]

Why not join a Freecycle group in your area. Sorry I'm not savvy enough to do links but just Google. It is often a way to find what you want.

[blackrock]

Hi folks - just joined the Ruralmuse forum. It's Blackrock from Country Living, (aka Bluebell from Practical Poultry and Down the Lane).

Right, introdution over. Oola I was going to say that my hubby is into his power tools (what is it with men?!!!). He got a really good mitre saw, which has seen it's fair share of work, from B&Q (on special offer).

With all due respect, I am sure you do not need me to mention the possible implications of buying electrical goods from car boots (not everyone is as honest as US!!:)). If Rich is going to make a go of making hen houses I do think he would be best off buying something he knows will stand the test of time.

I use freecycle (oops, I keep putting freeserve - what am I on) - its a brilliant service - so please don't think I am being negative about it.

[Oola]

Hi blackrock :) Welcome to the forum!

I know what you mean about car boots, Rich has a mitre saw make and model that he wants now, trouble is, I can't afford to buy it for him for his upcoming birthday! I might give him some money to put towards it, as he's done all his research now and knows what he wants. I guess the other bits and pieces like work tables and things should be ok through Freecycle.

Had a peek at your blog, looks great :) Best wishes for your 'new girls'!

[blackrock]

Thanks, Oola for your message. :)

Rural Muse is now on my list of favourite sites.

[Treehugger]

Oola, my OH is a joiner and the amount of bargains that he gets from ebay is ridiculous! Bits of machinery are always turning up in the post!

[Hedgehog]

New tools are surprisingly cheap. Try Axminster Power Tools for more specialist, professional type tools and Argos and B&Q for basic power and hand tools. There are some specialist firms for things like abrasive paper. UKworkshop is a very helpful and useful woodworking site with a forum.