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Gene Breniman's Blog Continuing to organize - Soldering tools - part 3
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  • Author Author: genebren
  • Date Created: 5 Sep 2021 5:56 PM Date Created
  • Views 1719 views
  • Likes 15 likes
  • Comments 10 comments
  • soldering tips
  • 3D Printing
  • panavise tools
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Continuing to organize - Soldering tools - part 3

genebren
genebren
5 Sep 2021

In my prior blogs (Continuing to organize - laser marking upgrade to lightring. and Continuing to organize - laser marking upgrade to light ring - part 2 ), I was busy working on my soldering station.  Well no big surprise, I still trying to improve on my tools and procedures, in an attempt to clean up my soldering area.

 

I have been very happy with my previous improvements and acquisitions, but I suffer with chronic disorganization.  I tend to put things down and then struggle to find them when I need them next (even if I put them down less than a minute ago).  Recently I was in the process of building up a batch of boards for a client, when I noticed that I was constantly looking for my tweezers.  I tend to use two different tweezers, with each use based on their unique features. I use cross lock or reverse action tweezers (1842318423) to hold components in place while soldering (larger ICs in TQFP-like packages and/or connectors), or curved and rounded tips tweezers(similar to 2AB SA2AB SA) to place and solder smaller SMD components.  The curved tweezers are used more frequently and they are constantly being switched between my right and left hands depending on whether I am placing components (right hand) or holding components (left hand) during soldering.  With all the hand and tool switching, I always seem to be looking for my tweezers.

 

Here are some images of my cross lock or reverse action tweezers in action:

imageimageimage

What suddenly dawned on me during the removal of the cross lock tweezers is that I could clip them on to the vise jaws on the board holder and they would be handy the next time I needed them.

image

 

Now the cross lock tweezers are at the ready for the next component that needs to be held in place.  I tried using this approach to keep my tweezers in a known place through the assembly of the next few boards.  I did forget to them there a few times, but like any habit, I just have to keep trying to remember and repeat the process until it becomes second nature.

 

This morning I started thinking down the road a bit to the next step, which would be to build/print a holder for the curve tip tweezers.  I am thinking of creating a closed bottom tube with a clip that will allow be to hang the holder onto the backside of the jaws. This would allow be to have the curved tip tweezers to hang nearby the board being assembled.  More on this in an other blog.

 

I have really been enjoying my Panavise mini vise (201201) and the heavy Base Mount (312312).  This vise and the Duratool turntable (RT-01RT-01) have truly improved my soldering experience.

 

Update 9/7/21 - I have printed a dual toolholder to slip on the lower edge of the jaw.  This turned out perfectly, I could not be happier with the results.  The only issue is that I made the slot in the holder that straddles the triangular gusset just a bit too deep, allowing the toolholder to slide almost all the way down to the base of the gusset.  I will need to print a tiny filler to limit the depth of the slot and hence the distance that the holder can travel down the gusset.

 

Here are so pictures of the toolholder installed on my PCB vise:

imageimageimage

 

More later.........

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Top Comments

  • colporteur
    colporteur over 3 years ago +2
    Enjoyed the blog post GB. I suffer from errant tool syndrome as well. I've used a tool and then go looking for it to discover it is already in my hand. Misplaced tools is more chronic if I have multiple…
  • Jan Cumps
    Jan Cumps over 3 years ago in reply to genebren +2
    Thanks for the tip. Works great. Action photo: genebren wrote: ... I think the basis behind most of them is starting with a clean and well organized workspace. I fail that one right out of the gate. .…
  • phoenixcomm
    phoenixcomm over 3 years ago in reply to colporteur +2
    colporteur to answer your inquiry, I use several methods for my Metal tips I use the stand itself. I have a small tool chest that holds my spools of solder. I have another stand sorry no pick that holds…
  • colporteur
    colporteur over 3 years ago in reply to phoenixcomm

    I can imagine all the ramp rats scurrying when it happened.

     

    I've been on runways near jet blast and intakes. Most people really don't appreciate how dangerous it is. I seem to recall reading or seeing something on a poor fk'r who got sucked into an A6 intruder. Those deck crews that work aircraft carriers are one band-off-brothers that have courage above and beyond.

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  • phoenixcomm
    phoenixcomm over 3 years ago in reply to colporteur

    colporteur this is a cool holder for luggage bin on an aircraft. But alias it is frowned at.

    ~~ Cris

    image

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  • colporteur
    colporteur over 3 years ago in reply to phoenixcomm

    I was thinking with your aviation back ground you might have some insight into the procedures for maintenance crews inside aircraft. I suspect tools travelling through a cockpit during high speed maneuvers is frown upon by pilots. I was thinking they would have a checklist approach to reduce risk. I suspect the military are adapt but not sure of civilian crews.

     

    I am envious of your solder holder. My roll around on the desk bobbin needs help.

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  • genebren
    genebren over 3 years ago in reply to Jan Cumps

    Jan,

     

    Very good point about having a clear definition about the 'end of the work day'.  This has been a struggle throughout my career, especially when I did consulting.  There were days where I worked too long, or allowed the work to take up important down time.  Not a healthy way to work.

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  • jw0752
    jw0752 over 3 years ago

    Hi Gene,

     

    It is always great to see ideas for dealing with common shop and tool handling challenges. Thanks for the post.

     

    John

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