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" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Date: Thu Mar 02 09:19:36 CST 2006 >To: Elecraft Discussion List <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> >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: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >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: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
