[Elecraft] Re-posted interesting comments Fwd: [GQRP] Do-it-all Kits

[Stuart Rohre]

In regard to building the K2, I think the sum of all my prior home building
experience saved me from a lot of the problems some less experienced
builders of that kit have faced, not that they did not speedily resolve
questions by access to this reflector and Elecraft elmers.

I do not think it diminishes the skills of builders at all, save for not
having to do cabinet metal work.   And since I was an early builder, I did
have a minor alignment issue to correct in metal assembly, but being versed
with Swiss Pattern files, it was something easily accomplished.   The
occasionally bad thread or slightly off punched hole is found in many kits
which have been punched at the metal shop, and is not considered here to be
a show stopper.

Once one does A project including chassis drilling from the ground up, and
has that satisfaction; I do not get much satisfaction from having to do the
metal work that is not in my main line of specialty, --electronics parts
assembly and testing, and trouble shooting and repair.  Kits provide a way
to keep up the soldering and assembly skills, and not be slowed by the metal
work and packaging.  Times change; more power to those who can and do even
build their own boxes, but there are too many good boxes out there to waste
hours on making every part of your project!
72,
Stuart
K5KVH