[Elecraft] Tools and construction

[Julian (G4ILO)]

I agree, John. I built my K2 using an Antex Model C soldering iron I bought 
something like 3 decades ago when I was a much more active constructor. 
Most of the other tools I'd picked up cheap at radio rallies. The only 
thing I bought specially for the K2, because I didn't have one, was a 
solder sucker. I recently bought one of the Maplin solder stations that 
some folk mentioned yesterday, but only because it was too good a bargain 
to pass up. It did take quite a long time to build my K2, but only because, 
as an early serial number, I had to wait for the accessory modules I wanted 
to become available. :-)

You don't need an arsenal of fancy tools to build a K2, and that's because 
Wayne and Eric designed it that way. I do recommend those who, like me, 
were a bit nervious of tackling such an ambitious project, to take as much 
time as you need to double check everything before soldering it, because 
it's much easier to solder components in than it is to take them out.

73,
--
Julian, G4ILO. (RSGB, ARRL, G-QRP, K2 #392)
G4ILO's Shack: http://www.qsl.net/g4ilo

"John Veach" <ke4d@escapees.com> wrote:

I always get this feeling reading posts on what tools to buy and how long 
it
take to build the K2 that some folks might be scared off by costs or
complexity.

[snip]

While I have no particular objection to owning nice expensive tools and or
taking months to build one of these kits, I just want to let the non owners
know that simple tools and short time frames are possible when building a 
K2
(or K1 or any of the Elecraft kits)