[WireNut]

Looking for suggestions on tools/test equipment for the novice component builder.

 






   

[poseidonsvoice]

I sent this email to a colleague recently. Perhaps it will help you.

Soldering & Tool References

http://www.curcioaudio.com/Kit%20Builders%20Guide.pdf

http://www.curcioaudio.com/Recommended%20Tools.pdf

http://www.curcioaudio.com/Solder%20Tutorial.pdf

http://www.amb.org/audio/files/basic_soldering_tips.pdf

http://www.curcioaudio.com/Gen%20Assy%20Guide.pdf

http://www.curcioaudio.com/Troubleshooting%20Overview.pdf

You should also look at YouTube for soldering tutorials. EEVblog is great amongst others.

Best,
Anand.

[jtwrace]

And if you want to read too much about solder...


https://www.neurochrome.com/choosing-solder/

[richidoo]

A temperature controlled soldering iron is nice. Use only eutectic solder, never 60/40. Silver solder does sound better to this subjectivist. I use a 1/32" spade tip and Cardas solder.

You need a strong overhead light, best on a swing arm type so you can bring it close to the work piece.

A "soldering helper" or helping hand device with alligator clips and heavy base to hold pieces together while soldering is handy.

A desktop vice with vacuum mount, soft jaw pads.

A multimeter can come in handy...   (and save your life!) Essential!!

Solder removal braid. I use 3/16" and 1/16" widths braid all the time for desoldering parts.

Good sidecutters, needle nose pliers, stripper, heat gun.

Regular handtools for general assembly.

Metalworking tools for chassis mods. Files, 1/2" and 1" unibits, centerpunch, drill bits. Thread cutting taps and lube.

.5mm hexkey for volume control set screws. I aspire to get one of these someday. 

Soap to wash your hands after touching electronic components. We don't want those metals in our mouth, especially lead!

That's all I can think of at the moment.

An experienced mentor who likes to answer dumb questions is the most valuable tool you can have! 

[Dieterle Tool]

Good post Richidoo. I would add a step drill and notching tool.

When you are finished with Anand's attachments, he will have a test for you.

-dieter

[poseidonsvoice]

Good post Richidoo. I would add a step drill and notching tool.

When you are finished with Anand's attachments, he will have a test for you.

-dieter

What's that supposed to mean? 

Best,
Anand.

[WireNut]

Joe Curcio goes way back for me. He built the active crossover for my Swan 4 loudspeakers developed by Joe D'appolito way back in 1988 speaker builder magazine.
I must be old 

I have a Hakko digital solder station that I like a lot, a basic DMM, and a lot of hand tools.

I think a variac maybe in order otherwise I'll have to flip the switch(s) and hope for the best .
Not sure where to buy one or the cost.

[poseidonsvoice]

Joe Curcio goes way back for me. He built the active crossover for my Swan 4 loudspeakers developed by Joe D'appolito way back in 1988 speaker builder magazine.
I must be old 

I have a Hakko digital solder station that I like a lot, a basic DMM, and a lot of hand tools.

I think a variac maybe in order otherwise I'll have to flip the switch(s) and hope for the best .
Not sure where to buy one or the cost.

Ebay is a choice for variacs : http://m.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.XVariac.TRS0&_nkw=Variac

A nice bench variable D.C. Supply like the HP6237B is also a nicety. Great for solid state projects. Be careful about Chinese knockoffs here, I stick with HP/Agilent as they are kings for reliability.

True RMS multimeters from Fluke, a capacitance meter, etc...

Best,
Anand.

[Dieterle Tool]

What's that supposed to mean? 

Best,
Anand.

It means you always provide good info. and should not be taken lightly (an attempt to be witty).

-dieter

[poseidonsvoice]

It means you always provide good info. and should not be taken lightly (an attempt to be witty).

-dieter

Thanks?   

Best,
Anand.

[belle harbor]

I think a variac maybe in order otherwise I'll have to flip the switch(s) and hope for the best .
Not sure where to buy one or the cost.

If you are going to invest in a variac (an excellent idea), I recommend getting one which isolates the AC powerline such as this:

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/73-280

If that is too costly, consider a conventional non-isolated variac (check Parts Express and Amazon) into which you plug in an isolation transformer (Mouser sells a few different types).  And, for additional safety, all of your bench outlets should be GFI types.

[sfox7076]

You can get a good isolation transformer and a variac on ebay for less.  You don't need much more than a 2-3A variac unless you plan to really go crazy with large equipment. 

[Armaegis]

When buying tools, don't buy the cheapest ones. Go at least a notch or two up and save yourself the headaches later on.

Cover the clips on the helping hands with heat shrink if you don't want them to scratch delicate components.

Flux. Buy some, apply liberally, love it.

A silicon baking mat is quite handy for working on and you won't have to worry about heat scorching the table (I don't recommend putting the iron tip directly on it; this is merely one extra layer of safety)

Desktop solder fume extractors are noisy and have terribly short range. It's better to set up a regular table fan a half room away. You don't want to feel a strong breeze that will cool down the iron tip; you just want enough to help blow fumes away.

Bandages, for the inevitable burns and blisters.

[rif]

The bottlehead.com forum has a fairly comprehensive list.

[sfox7076]

I like Hakko irons and, if you can find them on the cheap, Pace.  In fact I love my pace so much, I may sell my HD-888.  I love the Hakko CHP-170 flat cut clippers, you need them.  If you have a Dr. friend, ask him for some forceps that have never been used.  I use them more than needle nose pliers to wrap and mount wires.  Desoldering braid.  We all mess up.  A good analog voltmeter and a good digital voltmeter (with continuity check).  The analog meter will make life easier when you are checking voltages.  There is no autorange, and that good to make sure it doesn't dance around.  Get alligator clip probes for the meter and remember that unless you have a really good reason, clip the ground to chassis and then use one hand to test the voltage.  The other hand should be in your back pocket, holding a beer (don't spill!) or picking your nose.  This will prevent shocks.  I like silicone baking mats, but now there are cheap silicone solder mats that have convenient places to put parts while soldering.  Also, I cannot stress this enough, buy good quality solder.  Kester and Cardas are my go to brands (I actually prefer Kester).

[richidoo]

Bandages, for the inevitable burns and blisters.

Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar on minor burns = near instant relief.

[Wind Chaser]

Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar on minor burns = near instant relief.

I've been drinking ACV for years as a morning tonic, but this is news to me. Does it work as good or better than Aloe Vera for burns?

[JohnR]

I'm in the process of upgrading my bench and goodness, it's hard to keep things withing] a reasonable budget!

However, I can't help thinking that asking people who have been doing it awhile for beginner's advice is not the best idea. When it comes down to it, all you need is a pair of (small) pliers, a pair of (small) side-cutters, a soldering iron, some solder (which, if you buy a kit, is often included), and... well, that's about it! And a camera or at least a phone to show off your work to the world at large

[sfox7076]

And a camera to take many pictures of the piece you will be fixing before you desolder the wire and cannot remember where it goes (requiring twenty minutes of staring at the schematic and scratching your head).

[rif]

Found it:

http://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=173.0