MOTM

I have a small desktop air filter, a Walmart type product, that I turn 
on to blow solder fumes away.

Wire stripping is a skill you can learn.  A good tool helps, but it's 
the skill more than the tool.  I strip wires with a tool similar to the 
one you linked.  Mine is yellow, has straight, rather than curved 
handles, and has no spring.  (The spring can fatigue your hand.)  It's 
permanently set to a #24 gauge but I strip everything including coax 
with it.  I work under a magnifier, so I can see the details clearly.  I 
use two hands, one holding the wire, the other the stripper.  I sense 
the depth of the cut and pressure needed.  I've learned to be careful 
and also to tolerate a little nick here and there.  It doesn't have to 
be perfect because it's not avionics (which I actually did a long time 
ago).  If you nick too much, take a new wire.  I've tried all sorts of 
strippers over the years, but always come back to the little hand tool.  
Large strippers that grip the insulation are ungainly, don't fit in a 
tight space, and tend to damage the insulation.  You can hand craft 
better with a light, little tool.  The trick is to find a good one.  
There are a lot of cheap units out there.  These are inexpensive enough 
to buy several until you find one that works well.  It should operate 
smoothly, and be comfortable in your hand.  I've been using the same 
stripper for 25 years!   Insulation doesn't dull the cutting edge.

Of course if you are building a MOTM kit, you don't need to strip 
wires!  Paul spoils you.

-Richard Brewster

Steve wrote:

>for "fume extraction" I use a little 12v black computer type fan with 
>a wallwart and switch soldered up.. just blows the fumes away.  works 
>for me and these things are available as surplus everywhere for very 
>cheap...
>
>I was wondering what everyone does for wire strippers..  I have a few 
>pairs of the super simple cheap pliers type where you hope to not cut 
>the wire off as you cut through the insulation and hopefully strip 
>off just the insulation..  
>so Ive got this type...
>http://www.surplustronics.co.nz/image/TT0108.jpg
>
>whats better, any recommendations?
>
>thanks
>
>~Steve
>
>
>  
>