[Elecraft] First kit suggestions

[Rick Dettinger]

 Hi Rich,
I use 3 oz waxed paper cups that I bought at COSTCO.  These make good
containers and they can be moved around as needed.  I use masking tape for
labels.  I sort like parts and put them into the cups. When the cups are
empty, I remove them from the bench, freeing up space.  If there are less
then  four of one value of resistor or capicitor, then I arrange them on a
sheet of paper in order of increasing value.  Then I lay a strip of masking
tape over the ends of the leads, and lable the value.  When this is
finished, I check the value of all resistors with my multimeter.  I only
tape the very ends of the leads so the pull out eaisly when needed.
When I install the components on the board, I bend the leads lightly to hold
them in place.  Then I solder all the leads on the left or top first, then I
straighten the unsoldered leads and solder them.  This does two things.  It
gives the components time to cool some before soldeding the second lead.
Also, if I ever need to remove a component from the board, I clip the left
or top lead first, then heat the other side and lift the component.  Then I
heat the pad that I clipped and push the remaining bit of wire from the
component side.  This way the little hook formed when the leads are bent
wont damage the board by lifting the foil.  Then I clean the hole with
solder wick.    Good luck with your kit building.   73 -  Rick,  K7MW