First Project Necessary Tools & Advanced Suggestions

[akatsuki]

I have a soldering station already, but was trying to put together a list of everything.

Any suggestions, or does this list cover the items I need? http://www.amazon.com/lm/RR8MBV04TA0G/ (hopefully this is helpful for others as well who just want to one-stop shop)

 

[BNAL]

akatsuki,

I would include magnifying glasses or table light with a magnifier.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Head-magnifying-glass-LED-light-magnifier-hands-free-/390546554700?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_VisionGlasses_Lenses_SM&hash=item5aee637f4c
http://www.hayneedle.com/sale/daylightnaturalight5inchmagnifier.cfm?srccode=cii_23393768&cpncode=30-126404316-2&source=channel_intelligence_amazon_hayneedle

 

[Doc B]

Yeah, but be careful with the magnifying visor around women. Makes them wild.

 

[jaggy]

I have a soldering station already, but was trying to put together a list of everything.

Any suggestions, or does this list cover the items I need? http://www.amazon.com/lm/RR8MBV04TA0G/ (hopefully this is helpful for others as well who just want to one-stop shop)

+1 to BNAL's recommendation for that daylight magnifier, even when I'm not using the magnification I use it as a spotlight on my worktable.

For pliers and cutters, I prefer the smaller xcelite ones to those you listed.  I get by with these:
175D - cutters
378D - pliers
NN7776V - needle nose pliers

 

[dw]

My favorites (may be expensive)

Fluke 87 V multimeter (with extra probes)
PanaVise 350 + 308 base
Hakko 936 soldering iron
Cardas quad eutectic solder

The meter is reliable and repeatable. I assume accurate as well.
The vise is great for circuit board holding while soldering.
The soldering station just works well.
I know the solder is controversial, and expensive, but I like it.

-dw

 

[Doc B]

936 is out of production.

 

[dw]

It seems that the hakko FX-888D is the replacement.
    http://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx888d.html
I saw it on Amazon for about $90.

-dw

 

[akatsuki]

I have a soldering station already, but was trying to put together a list of everything.

Any suggestions, or does this list cover the items I need? http://www.amazon.com/lm/RR8MBV04TA0G/ (hopefully this is helpful for others as well who just want to one-stop shop)

OK list modified per suggestions...

 

[Grainger49]

Brad,

I recently linked a very similar magnifying light in Tech Tools that was on sale for ~$30.  It is the one I am now using.

DW,

The Fluke is pretty accurate.  The manual gives the specs.  I haven't used anything else since 1984.  I've always wanted a PanaVise, I just haven't treated myself to one.

 

[rif]

Digital Multimeter - I suggest a used Fluke for under $80, often under $50, nice, autoranging, some have capacitance measuring - you need a meter that will measure 200V AC and 500V DC (455V in Paramount) safely.  Those are rounded to the next 100V increment above what is seen in Bottlehead kits.Edit: Check "reply #30" for a picture of a few suggested tools.

Can you recommend a place to buy them used at those prices?  I'm looking for one, but can't seem to find any at that price point.

 

[Grainger49]

I have always used a Fluke search on ebay and sorted by lowest price + shipping first.  You have to get past the meter leads first.

I admit I haven't done this for a few months but I always find a few at a right price.

 

[rif]

I'll check it out, i had hoped to avoid ebay for an item like this.

Here's what I've gathered from various sources for someone looking for quality but will be using it sparingly:

Fluke 77 version iii or later
Fluke 115 or 117
Fluke 87v (way out of price range)
Fluke 179 (way out of price range)
Fluke 8060a (older)

Make sure lcd is ok, they often go flakey

 

[Armaegis]

Yeah, but be careful with the magnifying visor around women. Makes them wild.

Nothing like the scent of solder to set a romantic mood eh Doc?

 

[Doc B]

Yeah, you guys may laugh, but the trick is to get your lover to wear the visor. Then you tell them to check out your junk. Wow! Johnny Wadd!

 

[Grainger49]

They might not know who John Holmes was.

 

[4krow]

The same  people may not get the "hey Holmes" greeting.

 

[Grainger49]

Just because there are so many new builders I'm bumping this.  Too many have problems that would be solved if they read this.

 

[AllanMarcus]

I working up the courage and gathering the tools to build a crack w/sb. One question: what about an anti-static mat and/or wrist strap? needed?

 

[Grainger49]

The only parts that come in anti-static bags are the diodes.  At least, when I buy them myself they come in one. 

But that makes no sense.  Processors and ICs need anti-static handling. 

So, no, you don't need them unless you assemble a Bottlehead DAC, and they do that for you.

 

[amioutaline?]

Great list that covers everything except my patented tool holder. It keeps the bench neat and the pair of dykes that was on your lap from falling on the floor.