pmd I'm going to need to confiscate your storage boxes... maybe I can 3d print some... where did you find them?

AliExpress! You can buy them on Amazon etc. but they come from China so AliExpress is much cheaper. You can get overloaded trying to find them with all the variations available.

 

@Wolframore I got them here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...504.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dBPAXnx

Many moons ago i got some chinese ones from ebay, and they were very nice... since then though they have evolved from copies of copies, so they don't quite all open as consistently and nicely with the latest from china, they are becoming more rounded (easy to mould I guess). And some are with really cheap light density plastic! (The ones that are very brightly coloured!)

 

Awesome... that's my next move! Thanks guys! I am going to try to 3D print some!!! Finally something useful from that infernal machine.

https://hackaday.io/project/162453-3d-printed-smd-component-storage-with-lid

I plan of making copy of copy of copy... will make my own files. I like the modular concept...

nevermind - found the files: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/gadget/smd-smt-connectable-container-box-with-plastic-window

 

I am now entering the modern age of SMD components... do you guys have a solution for organizing them?

Most of mine are on the original reels. When I don't buy a full reel, I keep them in the bag they're shipped in.

Some have used sheet protectors (sealed in strategic areas with a heat sealer to make pockets) and put the sheets in a 3 ring binder.

 

Yeah when I die they will have no idea what to do with all of my radio and electronics gear.

Hey Sam,
I got boxes of electronics for about $10 at a scrap yard once. It got me started back in the day... I have a feeling some of it will go back to a scrap yard one day....

 

Hey Sam,
I got boxes of electronics for about $10 at a scrap yard once. It got me started back in the day... I have a feeling some of it will go back to a scrap yard one day....

Yeah 40+ years ago a retired military electronics tech gave me a PILE that helped me starting out. I still have a few parts from it. I have a military surplus tube tester and a transistor tester out in the garage from HamFest rummage sales along with old tube transceivers, antenna tuners, various Heath Kits, etc. Boxes of wall warts, cables, phone cords, CAT5, 6+ old computers, you name it. I am such a hoarder! The parts cabinet on the left dates back to the 70's.

 

Yeah 40+ years ago a retired military electronics tech gave me a PILE that helped me starting out. I still have a few parts from it. I have a military surplus tube tester and a transistor tester out in the garage from HamFest rummage sales along with old tube transceivers, antenna tuners, various Heath Kits, etc. Boxes of wall warts, cables, phone cords, CAT5, 6+ old computers, you name it. I am such a hoarder! The parts cabinet on the left dates back to the 70's.

I think we all turn into hoarders. Ask my wife. Would love to have more but need more space. I did electronics in the Marines. Never got it out of my system.

 

Here is your dream workshop. We can all only wish and dream!
Edit: It's not mine. I can only wish.

Oooooohh… A stereoscope! Now that's what I need. Have a terrible time w/ some chips markings even w/ my LED magnifier, reading glasses and a magnifying glass. If anyone has any hints about that I could use them.

 

Yep got mine when a local college was dumping theirs... I still need to set it up correctly... add lighting and a decent stage that i can position stuff with.

 

@SamR I got one of these for work:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3-5...lgo_pvid=0f4de22e-aabf-4f63-99e8-e9e0182ffbfb
I don't have the original link, as its been a few years, but also from aliexpress. The arm looks the same (though I have it doubled up so there isnt as much lean on it and I was actually impressed how heavy duty it was). Though my microscope had an additional leaver on the side to switch to camera view, and rubber eye cups for using glasses with, so I cant vouch for this model! Really great for small work 0402 SMD components for example! Though it can be a bit hard with markings still, as you get light reflection off the top of an ic that tends to hide it, unless you tilt the component. It has a good working distance that actually gives you enough room to solder under. The boom arm is a great plus too as you can easily swing it in and out over your work at almost the right height. Much better than those magnifying glasses with doughnut shaped lights.

 

@SamR I got one of these for work:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3-5X-90X-Trinocular-Industrial-Inspection-Zoom-Stereo-Microscope-Dust-Mirror-Long-Arm-Boom-Clamp-Large/32799721223.html?

Ouch! That's a bit pricey, but can put it on my wish list. I came up with a good idea and started a new post for reading chip markings.

 

I just saw it after composing my message and hunting for links!!
Yes a bit expensive, mostly for the shipping I think, the arm is VERY heavy!!

 

Oooooohh… A stereoscope! Now that's what I need. Have a terrible time w/ some chips markings even w/ my LED magnifier, reading glasses and a magnifying glass. If anyone has any hints about that I could use them.

I have an AmScope 10x-20x stereo microscope which was about 220 bucks and worth every penny. If I'd known, I would have bought their zoom version (which is what is in that photo, though it may be branded differently) and probably still will.

This one can fold up out of the way, and it's made working with SMT completely painless.

 

I have an AmScope 10x-20x stereo microscope which was about 220 bucks and worth every penny. If I'd known, I would have bought their zoom version (which is what is in that photo, though it may be branded differently) and probably still will.

This one can fold up out of the way, and it's made working with SMT completely painless.

View attachment 173042

What a nerd.
I.E. Way too organized.

or

A. Did you clean it up for the photo?
B. Don't really use your workspace.

 

What a nerd.
I.E. Way too organized.

or

A. Did you clean it up for the photo?
B. Don't really use your workspace.

That’s what it looks like between uses. I clean up as I go so I don’t lose things, and it’s easier to work. When I am done. I clean everything, and put uncompleted projects in flat plastic boxes with lids.

I used to keep a very messy bench and I found I couldn’’t work well, so I decided to make cleaning up a discipline.

 

I used to keep a very messy bench and I found I couldn’’t work well, so I decided to make cleaning up a discipline.

Only thing missing is the computer monitor. I like to put the schematic up on the monitor to work from instead of a book or sheet of paper. And to look up PDF's, check my inventory files, etc. I also notice the smoke removal by the soldering station. Haven't done that yet even though I at least went leadless after decades of using lead and playing with mercury as a child.

 

Only thing missing is the computer monitor. I like to put the schematic up on the monitor to work from instead of a book or sheet of paper. And to look up PDF's, check my inventory files, etc. I also notice the smoke removal by the soldering station. Haven't done that yet even though I at least went leadless after decades of using lead and playing with mercury as a child.

The black thing on a gooseneck is an iPad for that purpose, to the right of it is a 24” monitor for the bench computer that does testing automation, programming, and runs things like an Aardvark SPI/I2C box.

That smoke absorber is quite good and was cheap. It’s much more effective than I’d hoped and the arm saves a lot of precious bench space.

 

Haven't done that yet even though I at least went leadless after decades of using lead and playing with mercury as a child.

By the way, I use leaded solder and don’t believe it is any more hazardous for a hobbyist than lead free.

It certainly is a lot easier to use, and produces much nicer results particularly with hand soldering.

The three reels in the picture are two sizes of eutectic 63sn/37pb and the lower one is some very nice eutectic 62sn/36pb/2ag with an even lower melting point.

 

I still cheat and use lead occasionally, I just won't admit to it LOL. Can't just throw it out.

 

I still cheat and use lead occasionally, I just won't admit to it LOL. Can't just throw it out.

Why do you consider it cheating? In the US, except for possibly California, it's completely legal to use solder containing lead as long as it isn't intended to be exported somewhere that restricts the use of lead. The last I heard, even hobbyists in the UK are allowed to use leaded solder.

I have a lifetime supply of 63/37 and throwing is out of the question.