New Lab For Ageing Engy

[Yago]

Hello all and thanks for looking and any help offered.
I know this is an often repeated thread, but I have trawled and trawled for months and perhaps better to ask the questions instead.

I am setting up a workshop at home, my working life has ended for now as I care for my dying father.
With money being very tight, I thought I would set up a workshop/lab at home and make a few quid with repairs.
Done electronics for years on and off, slowly coming back to speed with modern techniques.

So to the point of equipment and budget (or lack thereof).

I was given a TEK475 that appears to work.
Have two weller magnastats one larger than the other.
Some various screwdrivers, cutters etc.
A cheapo Maplin "gold" DMM (gold my arse, loooked like crap inside with zero protection (one glass fuse).

Thinking of (aside from work, paint and lighting for cellar):
Better meter (UEI dm393 looked OK?).
Hot air rework station (I have zero clue here).
Power supply (again no clue).
Hand tools that I need (will know what after sorting through three old places of work).
Consumables (solder, IPA, freezer).

Having trouble locating the UEI in UK, is there a supplier ?
Basically any help/advice that you can offer is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[rob77]

for hot-air i would recommend some cheap one unless you're going to rework SMT on a daily basis. i have a cheap Pro'sKit SS-969 - something like 70Euros (probably cheaper in online shops) and i'm quite happy with that one.

[jpb]

On the multimeter front TopLoser still has a couple not crossed off his list at the £50 to £60 (plus VAT) level (he may have sold them already and just not crossed them off yet):

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-(uk)-assorted-fluke-agilent-gossen-metrix-multimeters-as-new-40-50-off/

it may be worth contacting him anyway as I think he has things coming in quite a lot.

On the power supply front something like a TTi from e-bay are pretty robust and as you're in the UK the postage isn't too dire. Though I think a lot of people would recommend you build your own to save money.

If you search on Thurlby Thandar you will find several e.g.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TTi-Thurlby-Thandar-Instruments-PL320-32V-2A-PSU-Power-Supply-/261486173625?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item3ce1ca5db9

[AlfBaz]

As Dave and Chris mentioned on the amp hour, lighting. Don't skimp on it especially if you're "Ageing". I'm in my late 40's and good lighting makes a hell of difference.
Another thing to consider is magnification of some type like microscope or magnifying lamp

[Yago]

Thanks for the help

I will have a look through TopLoser's list and see what's there.
I am a little reluctant of meters that I have not seen in "action" due to things like slow display and continuity beeper.
So will search them later when I am not "on call"!

Yes, the lighting is something I will need to work on, I have the head magnifiers that are OK for now I suppose (although I am sure they screw up your eyes!).

The hot air I not looked at all, and thus will need much help and research.

Will post back later tonight, thanks again all

[Thilo78]

...
I am a little reluctant of meters that I have not seen in "action" due to things like slow display and continuity beeper.
...

I can understand that.
Looking at Toploser's list, I'd say that the Agilent U1232A is a safe buy @ 50 GBP.
I'd also guess that it's way better than the DM393 from what I've read so far. (Have me corrected if I'm wrong)

What I'd like to say on a personal note: I read your first post and it really touched me.
I appreciate what you are doing for your father and I know that this is perhaps one of the hardest duties in a man's life.

Stay strong and take care!

I'll push my thumbs for you and your business!

Best wishes from Germany

Thilo