[Elecraft] Tools?
Tom Hammond
[email protected]
Sun Mar 21 10:08:00 2004
K3UJ wrote:
>With a K2 ordered and on the way, I need to make sure that I have all the
>indispensable (and even "unnecessary but nice to have") tools and supplies
>on hand before the fun starts. I have the odd assortment of tools that
>got me through a few Heathkits 30 years ago, but I suspect the old Ungar
>soldering pencil and such may have to give way to something more apropos.
>What are some of the
>"goodies" you are glad you had on hand while building? Is a swiveling pc
>vice or magnifier lamp something to be sought after?
Personal OPINION follows... take it for what little it may be worth <G>...
Several tools I've found to be (almost) indispensable:
(Disclaimer: I have NO monetary interest in ANY of the companies
which might be listed below)
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Flush-cut wire cutters (about $4.50 US)
Excelite 170M
Available from:
http://www.jameco.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/Jameco/searchResult.d2w/report?sort=BPA&search=146712
Hakko/CHP Tools CHP-170
http://www.hakkousa.com/chp_list.asp?desc=Medium+Cutters
Available from: http://www.outpost.com/product/2938565
http://www.wassco.com/chdolcut.html
Plato 170
Available from: http://www.wassco.com/plat170serle.html
This style of flush cutter gives very satisfactory results,
allowing me to clip component leads, from plated-thru holes,
almost completely flush with the PC board, producing almost
no lead length below the board.
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Fine-tipped Assembly Pliers (about $10.50 US)
Hakko/CHP Tools PN-20-M
http://www.hakkousa.com/chp_list.asp?desc=Specialty+Pliers
Available from: http://www.wassco.com/pliers4.html
I have found this particular style of plier to be almost
indispensable in my kit assembly work. The (very) tiny nose
of these pliers allows me to make very precise and sharp
bends on component leads. Something I was not able to do with
most other pliers. These pliers are NOT intended for to be
used for anything other than bending component leads. They
are certainly not to be used in application where a lot of
pressure is required to tighten a nut or other device.
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Head-mounted magnifier (NOT illuminated)
Magni-Focuser (about $20-$25 US)
Available from many sources (do a search for "magni-focuser")
http://www.assistedaccess.com/results.cfm?categoryid=785&prevcats=682,776,779,
2.75-power (6" focal length)
3.5-power (4" focal length, my personal favorite)
Optivisor (about $30-$40 US)
Available from many sources (do a search for "optivisor")
http://www.happyhobby.com/hobb_html/optiviso.htm
I've found a head-mounted magnifier to be much easier the use
then the desk-mounted (articulated) large magnifying glass
(usually encircled by a fluorescent tube). Many other folks
really prefer the desk-mounted magnifier though.
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Temp-controlled Soldering Station
Hakko 936-12 (ESD-Safe, about $85 US)
936-9 (Grounded tip, NOT specifically ESD-safe, $70 US)
http://www.hakkousa.com/products.asp?PID=936-12&page=1
Available from: http://www.kiesub.com/hakko936.htm
http://www.tequipment.net/hakko936.html
Either of these T/C soldering stations will serve you well.
The -9 model is a bit more economical, BUT the -12 model is
a 'safer' choice as it is specifically ESD-safe... less
chance of 'frying' a static discharge-sensitive component.
Hakko also offers a WIDE assortment of available tips for
this model. IF you buy a T/C station, whatever brand you
buy, check for availability of various tips and invest in
several different sizes, to allow you to properly 'attack'
whatever soldering job you encounter. I try to use a tip
which is about 80%-90% the width of the PC board pad I'm
soldering on. This helps to reduce chances of accidental
solder shorts between adjacent pads.
When selecting a vendor, check pricing, shipping costs,
and any possible 'free extras' which might be available.
Sometimes the free stuff (like a free soldering iron tip
cleaner) can 'sweeten' the deal significantly.
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DE-Soldering Tool
Hakko 808 Handheld Vacuum Desoldering Tool (about $180 US)
http://www.hakkousa.com/products.asp?PID=808&Page=1
Available from: http://www.kiesub.com/hakko808.htm
http://www.tequipment.net/Hakko808.html
Jameco 129066 Handheld Vacuum Desoldering Tool (about $100 US)
http://www.jameco.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/jameco/searchResult.d2w/report?sort=BPA&search=129066
Though this is definitely NOT a 'must-have' item, any
builder will find it to be extremely handy to have around.
Unless you are adept at using solder-wick or the plunger-
type de-soldering tools, you can risk damaging the PC
board when trying to remove a component. A good vacuum-
type de-soldering tool removes a lot of the worry about
removing components from the PC board. This IS more of
an 'investment' than a mere tool purchase, but generally
well worth the money.
I have not tried the Jameco product, but it looks to be worth
the money. I have fairly extensive use of the Hakko 808 and
have found it to be well worth the money.
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A good quality set of short-handle screwdrivers and nutdrivers
Excelite PS88 9-Piece Screwdriver Set (about $25 US)
Available from: http://www.mouser.com/catalog/617/1175.pdf
https://www.jameco.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/jameco/searchResult.d2w/report?sort=BPA&search=218069
http://www.hmcelectronics.com/cgi-bin/scripts/brands/Xcelite/15
Excelite PS120 Nutdriver Set (about $32 US)
Available from: http://www.wassco.com/ps120.html
Excelite PS130 Screwdriver/Nutdriver Set (about $33 US)
Available from: http://www.wassco.com/psscrewset.html
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Regarding PC board holders... either you love 'em or hate 'em!
Personally, I've never (yet) found a holder for large PC boards which I
felt comfortable using... they all seem to be too 'klunky' for my somewhat
restricted building area (same as the "operating" area of the desk).
They're usually pretty 'pricey' and sometimes occupy more desktop space
than I'm willing to give up to them while building.
For the past 30+ years, I have used a small desk-top vise (Vacu-Vise) to
hold smaller PC boards. I just slip the board in/out of the jaws as I
populate and then solder them into place.
When working on larger PC boards, I will just lay them on the work surface
and solder to them in that manner.
Everyone has his (or her) own personal preference... listen to what
everyone has to say and then make your decision.
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73,
Tom Hammond N0SS