Electronics > Beginners
My purchase list for my new lab -- budget $1000+, thoughts?
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AnyNameWillDo:
Still a bit unsure on what all cutters are good to have.

I've already got two flush cutters (the CHP-170's by Hakko and the ones by Knipex), but nothing else. What if I need to cut appliance cords or thicker-gauge wire, etc? Or possibly steel wire?

Looking around online it appears that using cutters for PCB is maybe not as ideal as just scoring it and then snapping it off like a Kit-Kat at the edge of the table.
nanofrog:

--- Quote from: AnyNameWillDo on August 08, 2018, 07:56:39 pm ---Still a bit unsure on what all cutters are good to have.

What if I need to cut appliance cords or thicker-gauge wire, etc? Or possibly steel wire?

Looking around online it appears that using cutters for PCB is maybe not as ideal as just scoring it and then snapping it off like a Kit-Kat at the edge of the table.

--- End quote ---
As a general purpose precision pair, get a semi-flush grind in a medium oval head. Please note that about every manufacturer uses their own terms, so read their catalogs very carefully to discern which is which. Then add cutters as needed (different sizes, different shapes, different types,...).

For appliance cords and heavier gauge wire, a standard pair of 6" or 8" diagonal cutters would do. For steel (hard wire), you'll need cutters made for this. Cutters have wire size ranges, some larger standard cutters can also do small diameters of hard wire. Check the specifications (will be available on decent brands).
rstofer:
As above, for larger wire use regular electrician's diagonal cutters.  For even larger, use lineman's side cutters.  Larger yet?  Use a hacksaw.  Too tiring?  Use a Portaband or Sawzall.

https://www.amazon.com/Diagonal-Cutters-Klein-Tools-J2000-48/dp/B0006M6Y8O
https://www.amazon.com/Linemans-Streamlined-Klein-Tools-J213-9NE/dp/B001TKF1BS
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWM120K-5-Inch-Deep-Portable/dp/B001W0ZIK4
https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-2621-20-M18-Sawzall-Reciprocating/dp/B00VV0EF4A

I have used all of these over the years.
bitseeker:

--- Quote from: AnyNameWillDo on August 08, 2018, 07:56:39 pm ---Looking around online it appears that using cutters for PCB is maybe not as ideal as just scoring it and then snapping it off like a Kit-Kat at the edge of the table.

--- End quote ---

Yeah, I use the Kit-Kat method, but it's not a regular occurrence for me. If you're doing a lot of perfboard, stripboard, or etching your own PCBs, maybe a cutter is worthwhile. However, unless you're in a hurry, getting prototype PCBs made for you is so nice. We are spoiled for choice nowadays.
AnyNameWillDo:

--- Quote from: bitseeker on August 08, 2018, 10:57:53 pm ---
--- Quote from: AnyNameWillDo on August 08, 2018, 07:56:39 pm ---Looking around online it appears that using cutters for PCB is maybe not as ideal as just scoring it and then snapping it off like a Kit-Kat at the edge of the table.

--- End quote ---

Yeah, I use the Kit-Kat method, but it's not a regular occurrence for me. If you're doing a lot of perfboard, stripboard, or etching your own PCBs, maybe a cutter is worthwhile. However, unless you're in a hurry, getting prototype PCBs made for you is so nice. We are spoiled for choice nowadays.

--- End quote ---

I figure it's good to have such a cutter just in case -- I realize it's cheap to have PCBs made, but it's still a fun learning experience to make your own (at least in theory / I think it sounds fun and I plan to do it anyway...)
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