MOTM

> Using sockets lowers the amount of time that ICs are exposed to static
> prone conditions. This is especially true with kit builders, who may not
> have the sophisticated anti static facilities of industry.
> 
Thanks all for your comments - this is a topic that I too have been
thinking about as a novice kit builder.  The 'static aspect' is a good
point that I hadn't considered.  I've used IC sockets several times more
from the point of view that my soldering 'skills' are still under
development and I was afraid of 'frying' the IC.  Am I being too cautious
or does this seem like a reasonable concern?   I realize that this
probably doesn't concern someone who is 'good' at soldering, but is this a
practical approach for novice solderers?
 Jeff