[HBQRP] Neat tool every builder should have

[Dale Botkin]

Hi all,

I just thought I'd take a minute to let yo know about a tool I've been
using for a number of years for assembly work.  Put it this way: if I lost
or broke this tool, I would *immediately* order another one, without even
thinking about it.  I consider it as essential to building as I do solder
and a solder sucker.

Normally when building, you place a component, bend the leads, solder, and
clip the leads.  This means you're limited to stuffing a few parts at a
time, and sometimes the bent leads can make it difficult to get a
soldering iron where you want it.

Now...  imagine you could stuff ALL of the components on a board, then
solder them all at once.  Sound nuts?  Nope, I do it all the time.  I have
a little Xuron model 670 tool that will flush cut and crimp the component
lead in one quick operation.  Stuff a part, snip the leads with this and
the part is retained in the PCB while you stuff as many other parts as you
want before soldering.  Yes, I am sometimes doing a lot of kit assembling
and not doing it for the enjoyment and relaxation ;) but it does speed
things up considerably.

You really ought to look at this. 
http://www.xuron.com/industrial/shears_profiles/670.htm, available from
Techni-Tool as well as other sources.  I don't sell these or have any
interest in Xuron, TT or any other related party, I just love this tool
and wanted to share.

73,
Dale - N0XAS
-- 
It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of karma to burn off.