advice for 1st time DIY tools & parts
09-16-08, 06:14 PM
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advice for 1st time DIY tools & parts
I'm looking to attempt a DIY headlight project. Can some of you experts recommend some tools to start out with, novice LED project and the best place to purchase from? There's a Harbor Freight store located in my area. Should I get a soldering station from there? Maybe make something with a Cree LED? Any information would be greatly appreciated. I'll be buying some stuff in the next few weeks. Can it be done on a $100 budget? 
09-16-08, 07:01 PM
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?
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Are you DIYing to save money? If yes, quit while you are ahead.
Read this thread. https://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=442456
Read this thread. https://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=442456
09-16-08, 07:07 PM
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Scott
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Might I suggest https://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...splay.php?f=86 some here detest anything DIY.
09-16-08, 08:43 PM
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This page has a good rundown on what you need to get started tools-wise. Definitely get a temperature adjustable soldering iron, not a pencil type. I'd recommend:
soldering iron
solder
flux (helps solder flow better)
isopropyl alcohol (to clean up flux post solder)
solder wick (to remove excess solder if need be)
wire strippers
flush cutters
needle-nose pliers
tweezers
third hand tool
heat shrink
hot air gun (to shrink the shrink)
soldering iron
solder
flux (helps solder flow better)
isopropyl alcohol (to clean up flux post solder)
solder wick (to remove excess solder if need be)
wire strippers
flush cutters
needle-nose pliers
tweezers
third hand tool
heat shrink
hot air gun (to shrink the shrink)
09-16-08, 10:03 PM
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checkout multimeters and soldering stations from www.circuitspecialists.com. Some may argue that you should get a weller soldering station and a fluke multimeter but I think for the home/occasional user these will likely last a lifetime. Even if you have to buy a new one every 20 years you'll probably still end up ahead of buying the name brands.
And a DIY tip: do not let the magic smoke out of electronic components.
And a DIY tip: do not let the magic smoke out of electronic components.
09-17-08, 04:17 AM
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ol' Icebeard
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checkout multimeters and soldering stations from www.circuitspecialists.com. Some may argue that you should get a weller soldering station and a fluke multimeter but I think for the home/occasional user these will likely last a lifetime. Even if you have to buy a new one every 20 years you'll probably still end up ahead of buying the name brands.
And a DIY tip: do not let the magic smoke out of electronic components.
And a DIY tip: do not let the magic smoke out of electronic components.
I have used some cheaper meters alongside Flukes and I found some of those cheap meters don't always provide accurate readings. I bought a Fluke for home use and don't worry about it.
Good tip though.
09-17-08, 12:26 PM
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Could very well be less accurate. Fluke and Weller are more expensive for a good reason. I have not tinkered with DIY lights (yet)...I use mine for my RC hobby stuff and simple around the house fixes...they do just fine there.
