> 1. Undisturbed, uncluttered, smooth, flat work area
This makes a huge difference. I find my kitchen table to be about the best
spot. I have lots of other choices, but this one works for me. I only
bring it up because most people probably don't have an area they can
dedicate to MOTM construction. How I make this temporary work location
work for me is keeping everything I need for MOTM work in a well organized
tote tray. I can drop it down and be ready to work as soon as my iron
heats up. And, I am right close to the sink for washing. When I reach the
end of my work period, I can pack up my tray and be out of the way in 1/2
minute after the soldering iron cools a bit.
If you don't have a nice Weller work station (like me), I highly recommend
one of those nice $5 soldering iron holders. I have a iron that I like
quite well and will probably not get one of those Wellers until mine plays
out. The holders keep your iron safe when not in your hands.
When I wash my boards, I use a toothbrush. They seem to work fine and I
have a good supply as I seem to wear one out from their intended use about
every 3 months. Since they are smaller than a fingernail brush, I feel
like I have a little more control.
A vice is great. Even if you can't afford a nice Panavise or something,
one of those little $5 jobbies with the alligator clips really work fine
too when you REALLY need that 3rd hand.
As far as magnifying glasses, I have one of those little glasses like the
jewelers use to look at diamonds. You can really see the numbers and do a
good job of inspecting all solder joints. I think they are relatively
cheap. I have no idea where I even got mine.
I may be anal about this, but I check every resistor with my Fluke before
soldering them in. Even in good light, the colors are just not all that
clear at times. Red and orange are very different on some, yet almost
identical on others. Same for brown and violet. Hell, maybe I'm just
getting old and blind. NOT !!.
Stooge Larry