Helping hands, solder station, what to buy?

[Livermore-Dad]

What about something like this "http://www.amazon.com/Helping-Hand-Magnifier-LED-Light/dp/B000Z7GGJC/ref=pd_cp_hi_1

Or is there a better solution or should I consider something else.

This will be mainly for ren boards with some smaller prop boards etc..

i'm new to this so I'm out of my "elephant" :)

Tory

[cbell]

I have a helping hands, similar to the one you posted, but not the same. It's useful, but for me it isn't heavy enough. It's too easy to knock it over, especially when trying to solder a cord of any decent length. I would think that by adding additional attachments like the LED light, it would just become even more top heavy.

EDIT:
IDK without seeing it, but maybe something a little bigger would be better.
http://www.amazon.com/Jumbo-Helping-Hands-LED-Lights/dp/B001U8XVOS/ref=pd_sbs_misc_3

[james70818]

I use "Convoluted Foam" http://www.uline.com/BL_863/Convoluted-Foam-Sets

It works really well and can be customized. One side is smooth and works well for all those 6pin dip sockets! while the other can be used to pin point pressure on a specific component. You can cut it to miss tall things like Caps and Transformers.

James

[Livermore-Dad]

I use "Convoluted Foam" http://www.uline.com/BL_863/Convoluted-Foam-Sets

It works really well and can be customized. One side is smooth and works well for all those 6pin dip sockets! while the other can be used to pin point pressure on a specific component. You can cut it to miss tall things like Caps and Transformers.

James


Have pictures of you using that?

I laughed,

Tory

[jrock64]

Found one of these on clearance a couple years ago.
Clamps to your desk, has 12in jaws, will firmly hold everything.
Added bonus, it brings your work 6in closer to you.
If the item is too small just clamp the item in a forceps, then clamp the forceps.

http://compare.ebay.com/like/120623385617?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&rvr_id=194156363980&crlp=1_263602_309572&UA=%3F*F%3F&GUID=4883f9d512a0a02652a71ee7fff6308a&itemid=120623385617&ff4=263602_309572

Joel

[oldcqr]

I have a couple of different versions. For 99.9% of my soldering tasks (IE, not doing complicated rework), I don't use them. It's just as easy to use foam like James, or shelf liner.

[bcstuff]

I don't have any personal experience but my buddy said the helping hands sucked.
He recommended this articulated vacuum vise from Harbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-3-4-quarter-inch-articulated-vacuum-vise-3311.html

[budude]

I don't have any personal experience but my buddy said the helping hands sucked.
He recommended this articulated vacuum vise from Harbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-3-4-quarter-inch-articulated-vacuum-vise-3311.html

That looks to be a Pana-Vise (http://panavise.com/index.html?pageID=1&id1=1&startat=1&--woSECTIONSdatarq=1&--SECTIONSword=ww) knock-off which are pretty nice. I have the circuit board holders - they're handy about 50% of the time depending on what you're soldering. I have the suction cup base but need to get the heavy base because I have an ESD mat and it doesn't stick to that unfortunately.

[glaforce]

Have the Pan a vise system as well the model 305 base swivel, 312 base parts tray, 315 pc board holder, and 303 vise unit. You pay a fair amount for pan a vise but it is worth each and every penny. It has to one of the best systems going and you can add to it as you what. I also have the helping hands units from radio shack and they are just do heavy enough for must jobs.

[Entropy]

I don't have Panavise gear yet, but I'm going to be getting some soon.

It comes HIGHLY recommended by many professionals, including Ladyada.

For magnification, I have a Donegan OptiVisor on order (also highly recommended by a few over on the Adafruit forums.)

Edit: Oh, for soldering itself I have an Aoyue 937+, I love it.

[DennyMo]

I made a DIY helping hand based on this design for use at work, works great, in fact I'm getting ready to go use it right now:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Third-Hand-A-multi-use-helping-hand-for-electro/

One of these days I'll make one for use at home. My cheapie Radio Shack 3rd hand is useful but too light. I'm constantly knocking it over, and the magnifying glass sucks eggs. But it's better than nothing.

[Wayne J]

I use the Panavise setup. I was real hesitant to pay that much for it, but it has been well worth it, especially when I soldered up last seasons 30+ controllers.
http://panavise.com/index.html?pageID=1&page=full&--eqskudatarq=3

[Livermore-Dad]

Interesting enough I've just used a foam pad and that has worked well.. I tried to use the basic helping hands and I wasn't quite sure how the heck one was suppose to use it. I mean put the part in turn it upside down watch the part fall back down. I don't get it!

At least on a foam pad or other firm surface the part sits flush with the board (being forced down). So while I almost pulled the trigger on the panavise, I'm not clear how it's going to help me!!

[IdunBenhad]

Hi:
I have constructed and soldered boards for 50 years and more and never used a "helping hand". There are several posts here on soldering and how to handle the components so they don't fall out before they are soldered in. I will try to find them so you can read them. Unfortunately, the search function is not working right now, so it may be difficult to locate.

Some people use tape to hold the parts in. I start with the lowest components on the board, put them in, put a stiff cardboard sheet on them to hold them in place and turn the board over and solder them. On the SS series, I used the heat sink to hold the triacs in place and soldered them in. Then start putting in the next highest parts, etc.

More later if I can find it.

[bobkeyes]

50 years???? FIFTY YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bobkeyes]

50 years

[DennyMo]

I mean put the part in turn it upside down watch the part fall back down. I don't get it!
That's why God invented rubber bands. :) OK, that only works for ICs, axial-lead components, and other larger items. My biggest reason for using "cheaters" of any type is that it gets the project into a position that's more comfortable for me to work on.