[Elecraft] Beginner's build question

Tue May 27 23:18:03 2003

Dear Adam,
Some of our area Home Depot's sell a kit consisting of small needle-nose 
pliers and a matched pair of flush-cutting wire clippers.  I've seen the 
kit on the shelf labeled with both the Cooper/Crescent and the Xcelite 
brands.  Nice cushioned handles:  aqua for Xcelite, orange for Cooper, 
otherwise the sets appear identical (I believe Cooper owns the Xcelite 
brand).  Cost is about $10 for the set.  Xcelite model is #170M (flush 
cutters) and #378M (pliers).  Sure you can spend more, but these tools are 
B+ grade and work well.  I've used my set on a K2, K1, and numerous other 
small electronic projects.

While shopping for a temperature controlled soldering station, you'll find 
some where the temperature is fixed by the tip (change tips to change 
temperatures), and others where the temperature is set by a dial on the 
base.  Obviously a dial temperature control is more convenient.  The 
popular Weller WTCPT is a "change tips to change temperatures" model.  I 
ended up with a Edsyn 951SX for the ease of dialing up a new temperature. 
Only one minor complaint about the Edsyn... the Weller is more widely 
distributed, hence parts, tips, etc. are more readily available.  Have a 
good look at the Weller WES51.

I'm frequently found drooling over the Techni-Tools catalog.  Great full 
color photos.  Good sales.  Good service.  Prices variable. 
http://www.techni-tool.com

GL,
Steve
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