Hints & Resources for Kit Building

1. Get a couple of 'plastic' shoe boxes to store your unfinished projects. It keeps all the parts together and it makes it easier to haul out and get started when you find the time.

2. Clear off a table to get a good work surface and get a cheap desk lamp to provide good lighting.

3. Keep your soldering iron in good shape. Clean your heater tip and re-tint with flesh solder each time before you unplug it. An expensive temperature controlled iron is not required. Have extra tips and different heating elements.

4. Get a good iron holder with a cleaning sponge. Just dampen the sponge and wipe the heater tip often. It is hard to concentrate on your kit if you keep chasing the soldering iron from rolling off the table into your lap.

5. Other items for your station:

• a. small vise or "helping hand"
• b. bottle of flux
• c. solder braid
• d. vacuum solder puller
• e. plastic or wooden stick
• f. small needle-nose pliers
• g. small diagonal cutters
• h. roll of masking tape in a dispenser
• i. alcohol in one of those pump bottles
• j. small stiff brushes including old tooth brushes
• k. assorted screw and nut drivers.
• l. assorted cups, pans, glass jars, and small boxes to sort your parts and for storage. A Styrofoam egg carton works for temporary storage of small parts while building.
• m. Hemostats. At least two. Bent nose ones are the best.
• n. A dental pick or two.
• o. Exacto knife, for making tiny labels out of masking tape among other things....
• p. Jumper wires with insulated alligator clips. Several.
• q. A decent magnifying glass.
• r. Assorted sizes of heat shrink tubing.

6. A small fishing tackle box to store your tools.

7. Your brain -- sober and not too tired. Keep your work sessions short and pace yourself. Stop often to admire your work and keep your work surface clean.