[Elecraft] Problems related to basic construction techniques:

[Haines Brown]

Bruce,

I'm sure you will get a lot of encouraging responses, and I suggest
you take them seriously. Here's my contribution:

1. It helps a great deal if you are neat and meticulous. Take your
   time, plan in advance, be thorough. If you are not compulsive by
   nature, you probably will experience less satisfaction, but my
   guess is that most people who put their hand to construction
   succeed and derive pleasure from it.

2. If you have no experience, You really have to start with something
   to practice on, such as a cheap kit from Radio Shack. Much of
   construction involves soldering, and an hour or two of practice
   with the proper tools should get you started. The K-2 is a big
   challenge, but mostly in terms of mere quantity.

3. Other than that, construction means conscientious reading of
   instructions, being careful and systematic. Some parts are delicate
   or sensitive to static discharge, and so you need to read up on
   that. There are inevitable frustrations and problems, but you know
   where to turn for help. 

4. Tools can be a problem. If you have $300 to blow, get yourself a
   proper set of tools, including such things as temperature
   controlled iron, illuminated magnifiers, anti-static wrist strap,
   something to hold a board while you work on it, etc. If you can't
   do that, an inexpensive little iron, thin rosin core solder, and
   several common handtools will get you started. But proper tools
   makes life a lot easier.

Haines KB1GRM