Tools to make the job easier?

[A.Gillies]

Watts Tube Audio has them

They seemed pricey to me so I didn't bother getting a pair, but their shipping for my order wasn't that much to Quebec IIRC

http://www.turretboards.com/

Thanks. It is kind of a silly price for a piece of plastic, but it seems to be about the same everywhere.

If you're looking for a Canadian source, Electrosonic carry them,   may be an outlet close to you.

http://www.e-sonic.com/acc/products.aspx?command=detail&partID=PD801&partIDExt=279

Thank you.

[A.Gillies]

Mouser does a terrible job of naming it so it's easy to find, but this is a lead bender:

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Unspecified/5166-801/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMtVoztFdqDXO%2fAb1wEJiCc7

I have one and it works really well. 1/4W resistors on the front side, 1/2W on the reverse.

Thank you.

[ThunderShowers]

I made about ten pedals Before I ran into a problem needing a multi-meter; which Had broken.

Dreading getting a new one, I wandered down to my local Electonics place annnnd...

Got One with LED/Diode Testing, capacitance testing, Continuity testing, Frequency testing... List is a mile long.

And It cost less then two enclosures.

[Beo]

I love my thermal wire stripers (the PTS-30, I think it is - the one for Teflon wire), and a good set of miniature screwdrivers is awfully useful.  I have a carbide scribe point that is very useful for marking circuit boards and the like.  A good soldering iron, of course, is very helpful. 

Can the PTS-30 be used on regular wire, or only teflon wire? I'm trying to decide between the PTS-10 and PTS-30.

[Beo]

To answer my own question, it looks like PTS-30 is strictly for teflon wire due to it's much higher temp. These were both available on ebay today, and I managed get both for 25 bucks shipped each. I think the seller still has two PTS-10's available for sale (buy-now for 25, I offered 20 and got it).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180673251230

[G. Hoffman]

I've never had a problem using my PTS-30 for PVC insulation.  It is hotter than required, but it isn't in there for long.  I use PVC wire so seldom, though, that I don't worry about it too much.  I've still got my blade strippers, if I need them.


Gabirel

[Seven64]

Binocular magnifier, invaluable!

http://tinyurl.com/45vrm7c

Brass wool- solder cleaning pad.

http://www.rpelectronics.com/sr-460-soldering-iron-tip-cleaner-with-stand.html

dave

is there anywhere to get the brass wool solder pad in the USA.  its gonna cost me over $25 to order it and get it shipped here!

[bluesman1218]

is there anywhere to get the brass wool solder pad in the USA.  its gonna cost me over $25 to order it and get it shipped here!

Here you go http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7499

[boogietone]

is there anywhere to get the brass wool solder pad in the USA.  its gonna cost me over $25 to order it and get it shipped here!

I use the Hakko one. I bought it at a local electronics shop. Probably paid too much. It is 12USD + shipping from Amazon (http://tinyurl.com/7y3f5y). There are cheaper ones available. Google "tip cleaner" and you will find several. I don't know where to get just the brass sponge though.

[Seven64]

is there anywhere to get the brass wool solder pad in the USA.  its gonna cost me over $25 to order it and get it shipped here!

Here you go http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7499

thank you!  i think a powered soldering station is next, as i just have a 2 setting iron right now. 

for now, i just picked up an oscilloscope and am trying to figure out how it works.