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Gearing up to build - where to get tools?

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Darwin, Keith

Gearing up to build - where to get tools?

Hey folks,

I have some tools but will need more for the K2. I have a Weller WTCPT
(or whatever it is) soldering station with two tips. Both have a "7" on
the bottom (700 degree?). One is the original and one is a very thin
pointy tip.

I have a static mat, a clear bench and a workable light.

I'm thinking I need the following and wonder if there is a preferred
place to get them at a fair price?
- Solder
- Small side cutters
- Small needle nose pliers
- Other tips for the weller
- Helping hands parts holder
- Solder braid (for desoldering)

I have access to a vacuum desolder station so if things get bad I can go
that route.

Where should I get these things? What else do I need?

- Keith KD1E -
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Craig Rairdin

RE: Gearing up to build - where to get tools?

You need some kind of very good magnifying glasses. I wear reading glasses
when building, so I have a pair that clips onto a pair of glasses. Others
like the ones that strap around your head like a welder's mask (though not
nearly so big) and flip up to be out of the way when you don't need them.

Don't underestimate the need for these as some of the parts are very small
(especially diodes) and the part numbers practically require a microscope. I
found they're also handy for inspecting solder joints.

I like to use a Panavise board holder to hold the board. It pivots so I can
mount parts from the front then flip the board down to solder on the back
side. You have to skip the steps where you put the 3-D mounting brackets on
the boards, because they're too close to the edge and make it so the
Panavise can't grip the board (don't worry, you'll figure it out while
you're building -- it's pretty obvious). I tried a Sears "hobby vise" for
the K1 and it was OK but didn't hold the board as well as the Panavise.

I ordered tools from Wassco (www.wassco.com) and Mouser (www.mouser.com).

Craig
NZ0R
K1 #1966
K2/100 #4941

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces+craigr=[hidden email]
[mailto:elecraft-bounces+craigr=[hidden email]] On Behalf Of
Darwin, Keith
Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2006 9:20 AM
To: Elecraft Discussion List
Subject: [Elecraft] Gearing up to build - where to get tools?

Hey folks,

I have some tools but will need more for the K2. I have a Weller WTCPT
(or whatever it is) soldering station with two tips. Both have a "7" on
the bottom (700 degree?). One is the original and one is a very thin
pointy tip.

I have a static mat, a clear bench and a workable light.

I'm thinking I need the following and wonder if there is a preferred
place to get them at a fair price?
- Solder
- Small side cutters
- Small needle nose pliers
- Other tips for the weller
- Helping hands parts holder
- Solder braid (for desoldering)

I have access to a vacuum desolder station so if things get bad I can go
that route.

Where should I get these things? What else do I need?

- Keith KD1E -
_______________________________________________
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Don Brown-4

Re: Gearing up to build - where to get tools?

In reply to this post by Darwin, Keith

Hi

The 7 on the tip means 700 degrees F This is the correct tip temperature for
building your kit. I would recommend the PTA7 tip for most work. You may
want to get a PTC7 for times when a large tip is needed. I do not recommend
the long reach tips because the tip is just too far away from the heater and
cools off when making joints before the regulator can react to the heat
load.

Solder 63/37 Kester 44 or 285 .025
cutters Xcelite 170M or Hakko CHP170
NN pliers Xcelite 378M
small magnifying glass
#1 Phillips screwdriver with magnetic tip
small jewelers screw driver or trimpot adjusting tool
lead bending tool Mouser 5166-801

You can get all of it from Mouser. Quick service and no minimum order

Don Brown
KD5NDB

----- Original Message -----
From: "Darwin, Keith" <[hidden email]>
To: "Elecraft Discussion List" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2006 9:19 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] Gearing up to build - where to get tools?

Hey folks,

I have some tools but will need more for the K2. I have a Weller WTCPT
(or whatever it is) soldering station with two tips. Both have a "7" on
the bottom (700 degree?). One is the original and one is a very thin
pointy tip.

I have a static mat, a clear bench and a workable light.

I'm thinking I need the following and wonder if there is a preferred
place to get them at a fair price?
- Solder
- Small side cutters
- Small needle nose pliers
- Other tips for the weller
- Helping hands parts holder
- Solder braid (for desoldering)

I have access to a vacuum desolder station so if things get bad I can go
that route.

Where should I get these things? What else do I need?

- Keith KD1E -
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
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Mark J. Schreiner

Re: Gearing up to build - where to get tools?

In reply to this post by Darwin, Keith

Hi Keith,

It is exciting getting ready to do some kit building, isn't it? Most of the things you mentioned are things I have bought for both work and home from a company called Techni-Tool. See:

https://webvia.techni-tool.com/VIA/index.jsp

There are tools used for bending leads which may come in handy. One of them is like a ruler with notches in it to lay the component on it and bend the leads. This would be handy for making sure you don't exceed minimum bend radius and spacing from component body to the start of the bend, however it is not necessary (but is useful and helps make things slightly more foolproof). They also make needle nosed pliers that have round nose pieces (cone shaped) which are handy for bending leads rather than using standard needle nosed pliers. Sometimes I find tweezers useful as well. I'm sure I'm forgetting lots of other handy tools, but the Elecraft kits are quite straightforward with nothing exotic required. Two things are for sure, the right tool for the right job is invaluable, and your tool collection will continue growing over time.

I think the only other thing you missed was a Phillips screwdriver which you probably already have (make sure you use the right size for the job). There are a couple of Allen wrenches already included with the K2 kit (and probably other kits as required as well) to mount the knobs and other things.

Oh, I assume you already have a VOM (digital or analog). I think the frequency calibration was most easily done by zerobeating on WWV, so an extra shortwave Rx or transceiver would be handy as well.

Mark, NK8Q
K2 4786 (hmm, about one year old now!)

>From: "Darwin, Keith" <[hidden email]>
>Date: Thu Mar 02 09:19:36 CST 2006
>To: Elecraft Discussion List <[hidden email]>
>Subject: [Elecraft] Gearing up to build - where to get tools?

>Hey folks,
>
>I have some tools but will need more for the K2. I have a Weller WTCPT
>(or whatever it is) soldering station with two tips. Both have a "7" on
>the bottom (700 degree?). One is the original and one is a very thin
>pointy tip.
>
>I have a static mat, a clear bench and a workable light.
>
>I'm thinking I need the following and wonder if there is a preferred
>place to get them at a fair price?
> - Solder
> - Small side cutters
> - Small needle nose pliers
> - Other tips for the weller
> - Helping hands parts holder
> - Solder braid (for desoldering)
>
>I have access to a vacuum desolder station so if things get bad I can go
>that route.
>
>Where should I get these things? What else do I need?
>
>- Keith KD1E -
>_______________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Post to: [hidden email]
>You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

_______________________________________________
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Rich Ardolino

Re: Gearing up to build - where to get tools?

In reply to this post by Darwin, Keith

Keith,

Look here : http://www.micromark.com/ . Micro Mark specializes in
small tools for hobbyists....and they have small
cutters,pliers,soldering tips, etc. Also,get/use an anti static wrist strap.

Rich k2cpe
K2 #1102

Darwin, Keith wrote:

>Hey folks,
>
>
>I'm thinking I need the following and wonder if there is a preferred
>place to get them at a fair price?
> - Solder
> - Small side cutters
> - Small needle nose pliers
> - Other tips for the weller
> - Helping hands parts holder
> - Solder braid (for desoldering)
>
>Where should I get these things? What else do I need?
>
>- Keith KD1E -
>
>
>

Tom McCulloch

Re: Gearing up to build - where to get tools?

In reply to this post by Darwin, Keith

Hi Keith,
One of the neatest tools I have, which I don't think was mentioned is a
little gizmo that my daughter gave me as a gift a good number of years. I'm
not sure what its called or if it still sold, maybe some of the guys on this
list can steer you as to where to get one. My daughter got it at Radio
Shack and paid about $10.00 back then

Anyway it's a little plastic thing that an IC can fit into. You know how
the pins are aren't straight down on an IC and you sort of have to press
them against a table top to get them all lined up? Well with this 'thing'
you just put the IC into the groove and squeeze the sides of he contraption
and presto! ...straight pins that can be placed into the PC board of your K2
(Don't use sockets, BTW)

It has two sides which can be used and accommodates both 'regular' size IC's
and the larger ones.

If any out THERE knows what I'm talking about and can steer Keith in the
right.

At any rate, enjoy your K2 and savor every minute of building it

73 de
Tom
wb2qdg
k2 31103

----- Original Message -----
From: "Darwin, Keith" <[hidden email]>
To: "Elecraft Discussion List" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2006 10:19 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] Gearing up to build - where to get tools?

Hey folks,

I have some tools but will need more for the K2. I have a Weller WTCPT
(or whatever it is) soldering station with two tips. Both have a "7" on
the bottom (700 degree?). One is the original and one is a very thin
pointy tip.

I have a static mat, a clear bench and a workable light.

I'm thinking I need the following and wonder if there is a preferred
place to get them at a fair price?
- Solder
- Small side cutters
- Small needle nose pliers
- Other tips for the weller
- Helping hands parts holder
- Solder braid (for desoldering)

I have access to a vacuum desolder station so if things get bad I can go
that route.

Where should I get these things? What else do I need?

- Keith KD1E -
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
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Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy-2

Re: Gearing up to build - where to get tools?

Hi Keith,

Aries Electronics (Europe) supplies a hand tool for aligning IC pins like
the gizmo described by Tom, WB2QDG. The one that I have can handle ICs with
up to 48 pins, both 0.3ins and 0.6ins row spacing, and can also straighten
bent pins. Made from "static safe" material, squeeze to operate. I have not
visited their website to find US distributors etc, but can try if of
interest to you.

73,
Geoff
GM4ESD

__________________________________________________________

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom McCulloch" <[hidden email]>
To: "Darwin, Keith" <[hidden email]>; "Elecraft Discussion List"
<[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, March 03, 2006 12:07 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Gearing up to build - where to get tools?

>
>
> Anyway it's a little plastic thing that an IC can fit into. You know how
> the pins are aren't straight down on an IC and you sort of have to press
> them against a table top to get them all lined up? Well with this 'thing'
> you just put the IC into the groove and squeeze the sides of he
> contraption and presto! ...straight pins that can be placed into the PC
> board of your K2 (Don't use sockets, BTW)
>
__________________________________________________________

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Darwin, Keith" <[hidden email]>
> To: "Elecraft Discussion List" <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2006 10:19 AM
> Subject: [Elecraft] Gearing up to build - where to get tools?
>
>
> Hey folks,
>
> I have some tools but will need more for the K2.

<snip>

> I'm thinking I need the following and wonder if there is a preferred
> place to get them at a fair price?
> - Solder
> - Small side cutters
> - Small needle nose pliers
> - Other tips for the weller
> - Helping hands parts holder
> - Solder braid (for desoldering)
>
> I have access to a vacuum desolder station so if things get bad I can go
> that route.
>
> Where should I get these things? What else do I need?
>
> - Keith KD1E -

Andy Cunningham-2

RE: Gearing up to build - where to get tools?

In reply to this post by Tom McCulloch

Guy's

Not posted here in a long while.. so to you guys who are'nt familar with
me,...let me say "Hello From Bonnie Scotland"...

Was just reading this thread with great enthusiasm and interest... so went
"ferretin'" on the .www, .."wonder"
is this item on the following website, similar to what you were tryin to
describe Tom..??

If it is so, then, perhaps it will make things easier for the newcomer, or
more advanced constructors among
us in tryin to find that tool with your description..

Mama..hopes I'm right..!! (if so I've even found a tool... " I " did'nt
know existed..!)

http://www.arieselec.com/Web_Data_Sheets/22003/22003.htm#T-516

Hope everyone is well, enjoyin life, enjoyin construction, QRP ... to Mr
Wilhelm and Mr Hammond.. my best regards
boys...be intouch soon...

72s
Andy
GM0NWI
K2 S/n 01324 "...Still... Soon To Be On-Air.." (when my health gets
better..)

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tom McCulloch
> Sent: 03 March 2006 00:08
> To: Darwin, Keith; Elecraft Discussion List
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Gearing up to build - where to get tools?
>
> Hi Keith,
> One of the neatest tools I have, which I don't think was
> mentioned is a little gizmo that my daughter gave me as a
> gift a good number of years. I'm not sure what its called or
> if it still sold, maybe some of the guys on this list can
> steer you as to where to get one. My daughter got it at
> Radio Shack and paid about $10.00 back then
>
> Anyway it's a little plastic thing that an IC can fit into.
> You know how the pins are aren't straight down on an IC and
> you sort of have to press them against a table top to get
> them all lined up? Well with this 'thing'
> you just put the IC into the groove and squeeze the sides of
> he contraption and presto! ...straight pins that can be
> placed into the PC board of your K2 (Don't use sockets, BTW)
>
> It has two sides which can be used and accommodates both
> 'regular' size IC's and the larger ones.
>
> If any out THERE knows what I'm talking about and can steer
> Keith in the right.
>
> At any rate, enjoy your K2 and savor every minute of building it
>
> 73 de
> Tom
> wb2qdg
> k2 31103
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Darwin, Keith" <[hidden email]>
> To: "Elecraft Discussion List" <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2006 10:19 AM
> Subject: [Elecraft] Gearing up to build - where to get tools?
>
>
> Hey folks,
>
> I have some tools but will need more for the K2. I have a
> Weller WTCPT
> (or whatever it is) soldering station with two tips. Both
> have a "7" on
> the bottom (700 degree?). One is the original and one is a very thin
> pointy tip.
>
> I have a static mat, a clear bench and a workable light.
>
> I'm thinking I need the following and wonder if there is a preferred
> place to get them at a fair price?
> - Solder
> - Small side cutters
> - Small needle nose pliers
> - Other tips for the weller
> - Helping hands parts holder
> - Solder braid (for desoldering)
>
> I have access to a vacuum desolder station so if things get
> bad I can go
> that route.
>
> Where should I get these things? What else do I need?
>
> - Keith KD1E -
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

Tom McCulloch

Re: Gearing up to build - where to get tools?

Hi Andy,
Yep that's the gizmo -- works great and has spoiled me from ever trying to
straighten out those darn DIPs.

Tom
WB2QDG
k2 1103
----- Original Message -----
From: "Andy GM0NWI" <[hidden email]>
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2006 8:44 PM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Gearing up to build - where to get tools?

>
>
> Guy's
>
> Not posted here in a long while.. so to you guys who are'nt familar with
> me,...let me say "Hello From Bonnie Scotland"...
>
> Was just reading this thread with great enthusiasm and interest... so went
> "ferretin'" on the .www, .."wonder"
> is this item on the following website, similar to what you were tryin to
> describe Tom..??
>
> If it is so, then, perhaps it will make things easier for the newcomer, or
> more advanced constructors among
> us in tryin to find that tool with your description..
>
> Mama..hopes I'm right..!! (if so I've even found a tool... " I " did'nt
> know existed..!)
>
>
> http://www.arieselec.com/Web_Data_Sheets/22003/22003.htm#T-516
>
> Hope everyone is well, enjoyin life, enjoyin construction, QRP ... to Mr
> Wilhelm and Mr Hammond.. my best regards
> boys...be intouch soon...
>
> 72s
> Andy
> GM0NWI
> K2 S/n 01324 "...Still... Soon To Be On-Air.." (when my health gets
> better..)
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: [hidden email]
>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tom McCulloch
>> Sent: 03 March 2006 00:08
>> To: Darwin, Keith; Elecraft Discussion List
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Gearing up to build - where to get tools?
>>
>> Hi Keith,
>> One of the neatest tools I have, which I don't think was
>> mentioned is a little gizmo that my daughter gave me as a
>> gift a good number of years. I'm not sure what its called or
>> if it still sold, maybe some of the guys on this list can
>> steer you as to where to get one. My daughter got it at
>> Radio Shack and paid about $10.00 back then
>>
>> Anyway it's a little plastic thing that an IC can fit into.
>> You know how the pins are aren't straight down on an IC and
>> you sort of have to press them against a table top to get
>> them all lined up? Well with this 'thing'
>> you just put the IC into the groove and squeeze the sides of
>> he contraption and presto! ...straight pins that can be
>> placed into the PC board of your K2 (Don't use sockets, BTW)
>>
>> It has two sides which can be used and accommodates both
>> 'regular' size IC's and the larger ones.
>>
>> If any out THERE knows what I'm talking about and can steer
>> Keith in the right.
>>
>> At any rate, enjoy your K2 and savor every minute of building it
>>
>> 73 de
>> Tom
>> wb2qdg
>> k2 31103
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Darwin, Keith" <[hidden email]>
>> To: "Elecraft Discussion List" <[hidden email]>
>> Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2006 10:19 AM
>> Subject: [Elecraft] Gearing up to build - where to get tools?
>>
>>
>> Hey folks,
>>
>> I have some tools but will need more for the K2. I have a
>> Weller WTCPT
>> (or whatever it is) soldering station with two tips. Both
>> have a "7" on
>> the bottom (700 degree?). One is the original and one is a very thin
>> pointy tip.
>>
>> I have a static mat, a clear bench and a workable light.
>>
>> I'm thinking I need the following and wonder if there is a preferred
>> place to get them at a fair price?
>> - Solder
>> - Small side cutters
>> - Small needle nose pliers
>> - Other tips for the weller
>> - Helping hands parts holder
>> - Solder braid (for desoldering)
>>
>> I have access to a vacuum desolder station so if things get
>> bad I can go
>> that route.
>>
>> Where should I get these things? What else do I need?
>>
>> - Keith KD1E -
>> _______________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Post to: [hidden email]
>> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Post to: [hidden email]
>> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
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>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com