Hi All,

After having a good discussion with some of the members in this post: https://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/electronic-solder-any-good-suggestion.151488/

I want to understand what id the bsolutely beginner essential toolset.

Accordingly to my understanding the essential starter kit is composed by:

• Soldering Station: anything that allows to change temperature, with a digital display should work (branded station such as Hakko, Wellar, Ersa or Pace or id budget does not allow, any goof “Chinese replica” should work, with off course a potential limitation in “duration”)
• Soldering iron tips: recommended a chisel tip (2 ~ 3 mm)
• Solder: 63/37 multicore with flux is probably the best option
• Soldering wick: for de-soldering
• Vacuum pump de-solder sucked: for de-soldering
• Flux: probably a flux pen is the best option
• Cutters: flush side cutters
• Tweezers: stain steel, non-magnetic
• Magnification: some sort of lenses/cheap eBay station
• Multimeter: in order to perfor tests before/after soldering

On top of this list, there are few other items “nice to have”:

• Circuit holders
• Heat gun
• Fume extractor

Before to go into more details (like trying to select some good tools in amazon/eBay/RS components etc. - Good = value for money ), I would like to get some inputs if I have missed anything on the list....

Thanks everyone

Ivan

 

Clip leads
Electric drill + drill set
Hacksaw
Power supply

 

Instead of buying a power supply, why not make one?
A good first project is a simple power supply. When I was teaching work experience people, I'd get them to make one.
An old 19V laptop power brick makes a good start so there is no mains wiring needed. Then an LM317 regulator for 1.25V to 15V out. make it in a metal case so the LM317 can be mounted (with insulation) to the case for heatsinking.
Plenty of circuits abound for it.
Later, buy a good supply if needed.

 

I would like to get some inputs if I have missed anything on the list....

A few more handy things:

• Set of small screwdrivers (flat blade & Phillips)
• Set of small files (round & flat)
• Wire stripper
• Long-nose pliers
• Non-conductive tweezers
• X-ACTO knife (or similar hobby knife) & blades
• Small vise, such as PanaVise Jr.

 

When you start building there will always be something missing. The most important of which is "knowledge".