Hardware
Here are the tools I have been using to design and assemble my projects.
Many of them can be replaced by cheaper (or pricier) options, these just happen to be the ones I have.
Desk / Design
self-healing cutting mat - insurance for your desk top.
caliper - 3D design usually involved fitting different parts, including components you bought and other parts you design. Precise measurements are necessary to make it work.
head lamp - great for poorly lit desks, and does more than the lamp on the magnifier of the helping hands
scissors - ehh.. for cutting
micro cutter - to clip the tips after solder or pla at an angle
rotex - I got that off eBay, the ones for sale now (like the dymo on amazon) appear to be very poorly build by comparison
safety glasses - after a bit from the dremel split and cracked my regular glasses, decided to buy those and use them when operating anything that spins
dremel - I am not very good at actually using the dremel, but it is pretty helpful for modifying prints without needing to do a full reprint
3D Printing
Prusa MK3s - 3D printer, there are plenty out there. This is the one I have and seems to be ok.
knives to remove supports - better than the x-acto set i have, because the blades are thicker, which comes in handy for prying supports
de-burring tool -great for removing brims on 3d printed parts.
Soldering
solder iron - There are many out there, pricier and cheaper. This is my third one, and so far is the best. Heats up quick, stays hot. I use it for soldering and for heat inserts.
heat insert tips - they are great to get the heat inserts in PLA/PETG to prepare for the use of screws
helping hands - keep things in place for soldering while your hands deal with the iron and the solder wire
solder reel stand - makes it easy to get the solder wire while holding the hot iron with the other hand
smoke absorber - important if you solder with lead-based tin
wire stripper - you want the one for wires thinner than 20… which I eventually learned means higher numbers
ESD-safe brush - any brush will do to clean dust and remove residue
Electrical Gear
multi-meter - I use it mainly to test voltages and polarity, but it can also check a few more things.
USB tester - This little dongle checks voltages at USB ports as well as the power consumption.
Assembling
screwdriver - any will do, but an electric one makes it easier on your wrist
small bits and sundries electronics tools - they play well with the electric screwdriver
