The CE Workshop Tool List
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In the discussions regarding the CE Bot, raj87verma88 (aka Patty) mentioned about getting tools. I thought that we should have a list of basic tools and components that most CEans should have to embark on projects, especially if they want to work at home. I know some CEans already posses their own personal workshops so it'll be nice if you guys chip in your opinions.
However, lets aim to keep the cost affordable. Machines will be quite a big jump for starters, and we'll keep them as long term stuff.
I'll be using some sorta colour code to identify which tools and components are suited to which type of projects. A tool can have multiple codes.
* Metalworking
* Woodworking
* Plastics
* Electronics
Tools
- Claw Hammer ***:
- Screwdriver ****: One with changeable bits is recommended.
- Long Nose Plier ****:
- Power drill ***
- Junior Hacksaw ****
- Coping Saw ***
- Utility Knife ****
- Hand File (various sizes) ****
- Wire/Cable cutter *
- Wire stripper *
- Digital Multimeter *: A sub $10 DMM, able to measure voltage, current, resistance and detecting short circuits, is sufficient.
- Soldering Gun *: A 20-30W one is suitable enough. For delicate components, use a temperature controllable soldering tool.
- Breadboard/Projectboard *: For prototyping circuits. When creating radio circuits, remember to retune it again when you transfer to PCB.
- Screws and bolts ****: [will add recommended dimensions and stock amount]
- Nails
- Resistors and Capacitors *: [will add recommended values and stock amount]
- Misc Discrete Components *: [will add common models]
- Soldering Flux *
- Desoldering Braids *
- Sandpaper **: Emery for metal, Garnet for wood.
- Multicore wires *
- Singlecore wires *: Get a roll of black, red, and few other colours (eg blue and orange). For prototyping experiments, cut them into short lengths to create jumper wires.
- Donutboards/Perfboard *: These are boards which have holes drilled and padded. Useful for quick fabrication of permanent circuits.
- Stripboard *: Like donutboards, but also contain strips of copper running in one direction similar to the breadboard. The copper tracks can be broken by scratching or drilling the holes bigger.