You may want to peruse some of these threads in regards to adding tools to your supply by making them yourself. You'de be surprised what you can come up with. One of my favorite homemade tools is my masher. I took a pair of tongs made by Farberware. Heated each side up in the torch flame until it was red, and then flattened it in my dad's vise. These mashers will hold me over until I feel the need for the real thing.
http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...ighlight=tools
http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...homemade+tools