Author Topic: My purchase list for my new lab -- budget $1000+, thoughts?  (Read 41153 times)

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Offline AnyNameWillDoTopic starter

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Re: My purchase list for my new lab -- budget $1000+, thoughts?
« Reply #225 on: August 08, 2018, 07:56:39 pm »
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.
 

Offline nanofrog

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Re: My purchase list for my new lab -- budget $1000+, thoughts?
« Reply #226 on: August 08, 2018, 08:12:15 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.
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).
 
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Offline rstofer

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Re: My purchase list for my new lab -- budget $1000+, thoughts?
« Reply #227 on: August 08, 2018, 09:04:02 pm »
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.
 
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Offline bitseeker

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Re: My purchase list for my new lab -- budget $1000+, thoughts?
« Reply #228 on: August 08, 2018, 10:57:53 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.

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.
TEA is the way. | TEA Time channel
 

Offline AnyNameWillDoTopic starter

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Re: My purchase list for my new lab -- budget $1000+, thoughts?
« Reply #229 on: August 08, 2018, 11:12:13 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.

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.

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...)
 

Offline Old Printer

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Re: My purchase list for my new lab -- budget $1000+, thoughts?
« Reply #230 on: August 08, 2018, 11:16:08 pm »
All you need to do is look for the name Klein on it, if it is the appropriate size, the quality will be fine. It may not be the absolute best on the planet, but it will not disappoint you. Sounds like you are expecting to be stuck on a desert island for 50 years??
 

Offline rstofer

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Re: My purchase list for my new lab -- budget $1000+, thoughts?
« Reply #231 on: August 08, 2018, 11:22:50 pm »
All you need to do is look for the name Klein on it, if it is the appropriate size, the quality will be fine. It may not be the absolute best on the planet, but it will not disappoint you. Sounds like you are expecting to be stuck on a desert island for 50 years??

I have a pair of Klein side cutters that I have had for more than 50 years.  I bought them when I first started working in the trade back in '64.  I suspect they are good to go for another 50 years.
 


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