Circuitbuilding Do-It-Yourself For Dummies®

Chapter 18. Ten Circuitbuilding Secrets

This chapter contains ten bits of wisdom that you might get from a circuit-building mentor — the kind of guidance that isn't about a specific technique, but generally applies to everything. In fact, these are good guidelines for many hobbies and crafts. They help make and keep circuitbuilding an enjoyable activity that will keep on being enjoyable for years and years.

Be Patient and Alert

Take your time at the workbench — it's not a race! After a long session bent over the soldering iron, take a walk to clear your head and loosen your muscles. When you're troubleshooting and starting to get a little frustrated, that's the time to take a break. Many a project has been ruined or delayed because of working in a hurry or past the point of being alert.

Spring for Quality Tools and Toolbox

Buy the best quality tools you can afford. Some of the author's tools have been with him for almost 40 years! Keep them clean and dry, don't abuse them, and store them in a good tool chest or carrying case. Beware of "grocery-store specials!" A high-quality tool will get the job done better and faster, plus it won't wear out as quickly.

Use Plenty of Light

It's important to be able to see what you're doing! Particularly when working on surface-mount electronics or other miniaturized circuits, good lighting can mean the difference between success and failure. A swing-arm lamp with a high-intensity bulb can put brilliant light exactly where it's needed. A head-mounted ...