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Tools, Lab

Info

REV: 2021-07-21

SAFETY

SAFETY GLASSES: MILWAUKEE, 48-73-2040 (fully-framed clear lens with impact-resist and anti-fog, gasket)

FUME EXTRACTOR: PUREX, FUMECUBE (with stainless steel arm kit, pre-filter, combo HEPA/chemical filter)

ORDERING ID: 072155-1

DISTRIBUTOR: TEQUIPMENT

FUME EXTRACTOR: PACE, ARM-EVAC 150 with SteadyFlex Arm and Nozzle Assembly

ORDERING ID: 8889-0150-P1

DISTRIBUTOR: TEQUIPMENT

  • FIRE EXTINGUISHER
  • FIRST AID KIT
  • CIRCUIT BREAKER (ACCESSIBLE, LABELED, KNOWN)
  • GFCI PROTECTION (ON ALL AC PORTS)

Work Table

TABLE: HUSKY, HOLT46XDB12CA (46-inch, adjustable-height) (RECOMMENDED)

MONITOR MOUNT: ERGOTRON, 45-509-216 (dual, tall-pole, white) (RECOMMENDED)

WORK PLATE: ALPHIDIA, Quadhands Jumbo Workbench (powder-coated steel, magnetic-base flex-holders)

Equipment

MICROSCOPE: AMSCOPE, SM-4NTP (7X-45X, stereo, metal levers, variable zoom and zoom lock) (simul-focal camera port; concurrent use of stereo-view and camera-port) (RECOMMENDED)

HOT AIR TOOL: QUICK, 861DW (as recommended by EEVlog and Louis-Rossman) (dual-unit; supports C/F; hold CH2 and CH3 to toggle) (RECOMMENDED)

SOLDERING STATION: PACE, 8007-0579 (ADS200 Accudrive with Instant Setback Cubby) (120W, thermal tips, 177C to 454C, 1.1C idle stability, ANSI/J-STD-001, 3 temperature presets, extruded-aluminum frame)

FLUID DISPENSER: NORDSON EFD, 7364361 (UltimusPlus 1) (10 to 100 psi, 2019 release)

SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY (adjustable voltage and current)

OSCILLOSCOPE

SMALL 3D PRINTER: LULZBOT, Mini 2

MEDIUM 3D PRINTER: LULZBOT, Taz Pro

CNC Machining

5-Axis CNC Machine: BROTHER, Speedio

(MFG: BROTHER) (INTL DIST: YAMAZEN) (EAST CANADA DIST: FERRO TECHNIQUE)

Small Parts Storage

PORTABLE LABEL PRINTER: BRADY, BMP21-PLUS (AA batteries) (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)

Create time-saving labels faster with better clarity, consistency, durability than hand-writing or non-portable printing.

ORDERING ID: BRADY, 139535

STANDARD: Transparent Slider Bags (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)

Light-weight, compact (conforms to contents), fast-identify, fast open/close.

We've tried different sizes. Too small and the bags are slow because we can't reach in with a full hand and the top is more rigid. Too big and the bags are slow because more distance to slide-open/close, plus harder to fit in compact containers; but big bags can contain smaller bags nicely.

SIZE: 200mm X 175mm (8in X 7in) (great for standard use) (RECOMMENDED)

SIZE: 16in X 12in (intended to fit several smaller bags for categorized organization. fits inside a typical large plastic/kraft storage box)

ORDERING: ULINE, HEFTY SLIDERS

Powered Hand Tools

CORDLESS DRILL: MAKITA

SHEET METAL NIBBLER: MAKITA

FLASHLIGHT: FENIX, HT18 (1500 lumens max, 4 bright modes plus strobe, 21700 lithium-ion battery with integrated USB-C charging, IP68 waterproof to 2m, aluminum-frame impactproof to 1m) (RECOMMENDED)

Hand Tools

Screwdriver: PICQUIC, Super 8 Plus (durable, friction-fit bit compartment, magnetic bit holder) (recommended)

Retractable Utility Knife: STANLEY, Classic 99 (retractable blade, all-metal, spare blade compartment) (recommended)

Straight Scissors: MILWAUKEE, Jobsite Series, 48-22-4041 (recommended)

Offset Scissors: MILWAUKEE, Jobsite Series, 48-22-4040 (recommended)

Discrete hex keys fit in tight places. Combination hex keys don't get lost easily.

  • HEX KEY SET, METRIC
  • HEX KEY SET, SAE
  • HEX KEY COMBO-TOOL, METRIC
  • HEX KEY COMBO-TOOL, SAE

Tongue-and-Groove Pliers: CHANNELLOCK

Slip-Joint Pliers: CHANNELLOCK

Cutting Pliers: CHANNELLOCK

Linemen Pliers: CHANNELLOCK

Long Nose Pliers: CHANNELLOCK

Long Reach Pliers: CHANNELLOCK

Crimping Pliers: CHANNELLOCK

Mechanical Bits

Drill Bit Sets:

  • 1mm to 13mm (cobalt steel, 0.5mm increments)
  • 6mm to 10mm (cobalt steel, 0.1mm increments)
  • 1mm to 6mm (black-oxide high-speed steel, 0.1mm increments)

Driving Bit Sets:

  • industrial: VEGA, VHS100A (S2 Steel, 100-piece)

Ball-End Metric Hexbit Set (for power tools)

Quick-Release Hexbit-Holder (for power tools)

Tap Bit Sets (taper, plug, bottoming):

  • M1.6x0.35
  • M2x0.4
  • M2.5x0.45
  • M3x0.5
  • M4x0.7
  • M5x0.8
  • M6x1
  • M8x1.25
  • M10x1.5
  • M12x1.75

Measurement

Digital Calipers (Primary): MITUTOYO, 500-752-20 (Dual-Unit, Digital, IP67, 1X SR44 battery) - Product Info

Vernier Calipers (Backup): MITUTOYO, 530-312 (Dual-Unit, Mechanical) - Product Info

Small Weight Scale: OHAUS, NVT22000 (22kg capacity. 4X overload protection. 1g accuracy. 4X C batteries or 4X AA batteries with adapters) - Product Info

Large Weight Scale: OHAUS, OHASD200L (200kg capacity, 0.1kg accuracy)

Compressed Air System

AIR COMPRESSOR: MAKITA, MAC100Q (2019)

PRODUCT PAGE

  • under 15kg, 4.5L tank, 90s fill, 135psi max, 58dB rating
  • tank gauge, output regulator, output gauge, manual bleed-valve
  • power switch, roll-cage design, power cord-wrap

Notes: We needed a quiet, compact, simple compressor for in-house PCBA solder-paste dispensing. This has been good so far (under 100hrs).

AIR HOSE: Quick-Connect EPDM-Rubber Hose (3m, 1/4in I/M male to 1/4in I/M female, 1/2in OD, 300psi) (MCMASTERCARR, 5138K18)

AIR FILTER-REGULATOR: SMC, CA Preparation Module (MCMASTERCARR, 3298N12)

  • aluminum body, gauge port (1/8in NPT)
  • 5 micron filter, for air/water
  • 145psi max, 7.25psi to 125psi regulator (3% accuracy, push-down knob-lock)
  • made in Japan, RoHS3

Notes: This needs port accessories. See below. Mount all with sealant.

  • Input Adapter, 1/4in I/M Quick-C Male to 1/4in NPT Male (tape/compound)
  • Output Adapter, MCMASTERCARR, 7610N162: 1/4in NPT Male (O-ring typically included) to Push-to-Connect Female (for 6mm OD tubing, ISO 14743)
  • Drain Adapter, 1/4in NPT Male (tape/compound) to Any Stopper

OUTPUT AIR TUBE: Clear Polyurethane Rubber Tubing (6mm OD, 4mm ID, 95A Durometer, 160psi max, Made in US, RoHS3, REACH) (MCMASTERCARR, 50315K69)

Soldering Station Accessories

TIPS:

0.40mm (1/64in) Conical Sharp (SKU, 1131-0002-P1)

0.80mm (1/32in) Conical Sharp (SKU, 1131-0001-P1)

0.80mm (1/32in) Chisel 30° (SKU, 1131-0012-P1)

1.59mm (3/32in) Chisel 30° (SKU, 1131-0019-P1)

3.18mm (1/8in) Chisel 30° (SKU, 1131-0051-P1)

5.15mm (13/64in) Chisel (SKU, 1131-0010-P1)

3.05mm (3/25in) Miniwave (SKU, 1131-0032-P1)

SOLDER WIRE

TESTING: KESTER, 268 Series, Lead-Free (Halogen Free, No-Clean)

This has most of what we want but is not rated for cleaning with IPA.

We recommend the following solder-wire characteristics:

  • SAC305 solder alloy (lead-free)
  • low-activity no-halogen flux (category L0)
  • no-clean flux, but cleanable with IPA

Solder-wire is normally thermally-stable.

SOLDER PASTE

PCB assembly with solder-paste can be very efficient if you have good tools for paste dispensing, part pick-and-place, and thermal reflow.

We recommend the following solder-paste characteristics:

  • SAC305 solder alloy (lead-free)
  • thermally-stable (no refrigeration/warm-up required)
  • low-activity no-halogen flux (category L0)
  • no-clean flux, but cleanable with IPA

TESTING: CHIPQUIK, solder-paste no-fridge lead-free no-clean SAC305

ORDERING ID: TS391SNL250 (250 GRAM, JAR)

ORDERING ID: TS391SNL500C (500 GRAM, SYRINGE)

FLUX

We strongly recommend flux that is low-copper-penetration halogen-free composition for safety. This is marked "L0" as specified by ANSI/J-STD-004.

Fluid Dispenser Accessories

PRODUCT PAGE

Note: We mainly use this to dispense solder paste and sometimes liquid-adhesive/potting compound. Includes a foot pedal for efficient/accurate manual dispensing. Instead of the touchscreen we prefer to use a wireless mouse (LOGITECH, M190). Use 80+ psi for fine gauge dispensing of solder paste; use steady mode for start-of-session purging (as noted in quick-start guide).

ACCESSORIES:

  • 30cc adapter assembly, 0.9m (O-ID: 7012338)
  • 30cc syringe barrel and piston, 20-pack (O-ID, 7012136)
  • end cap, 20-pack (O-ID, 7012196)
  • tip cap, pack (O-ID, 7012198)
  • free dispensing tip kit

Electrical Accessories

USB-C CABLE: ANKER, Powerline 3 USB-C to USB-C (white, 10ft) (female to female)

Quality: Commercial, High

  • 60W max power
  • 480Mbps max speed (USB2 datarate)

Medium Storage

Mailer Boxes

Boxes offer good stackability and hard shell protection as a low-cost rigid part container. Mailer boxes add quick, tool-free reclosable convenience.

Hard Cases

NANUK - Product Info

Hard Organizers

MILWAUKEE, Packout Series - Product Info

RECOMMENDED (also in process of qualifying for strong recommendation)

Ever since we discovered that these containers can be stacked then opened individually WITHOUT unstacking them, they have become an efficient, compact, regularly-used part of our small-parts strategy.

We prefer using the low-profile organizers.

ORDERING ID: MILWAUKEE, 48-22-8431

To our knowledge there is no better unenergized small-parts organizer that offers such good and versatile time-efficiency sequencing:

  • For fastest multi-access, take out the desired subcontainers from the main-containers and place on table. Return the subcontainers to the main-containers when the heavy-access period is finished.
  • For faster access, stack all main-containers vertically with the bottom mounted to a fixed surface and leave all latches open. Set a backwall such that all main-containers can be opened for access yet cannot be opened to the point the top containers would start to scatter their parts.
  • For fast access, stack and bottom-mount the same as above but close 1 or both latches for a secure hold (no protective backwall required).

Hard frame organizers with at least a transparent-top are faster to see and access than individual bags. Prefer organizers with removable subcontainers for ease of parts transfer. We recommend the packout series for its sturdy single-frame construction, convenient latching stackability, and ergonomic primary latches.

CHEMICALS

  • DISTILLED WATER
  • 70% ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
  • 99% ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL