Anthony Burch asked:




Before you start to solder using a toaster oven, you will need several tools and items. This article describes what is needed for the process, including a modification to the oven, various tools, and a description of how to make a low cost vacuum pickup tool.

The first item is the toaster oven. You can use any kind of toaster oven, but generally I would not recommend the very small ones. The medium sized ones seem to work best. Whichever one you get, it must have a glass door on the front so that you can see what is happening inside the oven without opening the door.

You will also need a digital thermometer and a thermocouple. You can buy these from your local electronics store.

The thermocouple looks like a long wire with a connector on the end. The connector end plugs into the digital thermometer outside the oven, and the other end goes around the edge of the oven door and into the oven cavity.

It is also important to have a stopwatch, so that you can monitor the time as the temperature changes inside the oven.

You will need to make the following modification to your toaster oven so that your boards don’t get toasted by direct infra red radiation from the heating elements.

The objective is for the heater elements to simply heat the air inside the oven, so a direct line of infra red heat straight from the elements to the circuit board must be avoided.

The way to achieve this is to get some thin sheet aluminium and make a cut-out shape that just covers up the elements. You can use a disposable baking tray from the supermarket to make this aluminium shield.

The aluminium sheet can be attached by weaving it through one oven the oven rack slides. This will hold it in place.

Make one of these aluminium shields for both the top and bottom heating elements inside your oven.

The next item is a solder paste gun. This is the easiest way to apply little dots of solder paste to the surface mount pads for the chip components.

I use AIM solder cream, but any kind of lead based solder paste is suitable for this process. You can purchase a solder gun and solder paste from your local specialist soldering equipment supplier. I purchased these items from Okay electronic solutions here in Australia.

Now we will discuss how to make a vacuum pickup tool from a small fish tank air pump, which you can get for about ten dollars from your local aquarium shop or pet shop. I will describe the way that I made the modifications.

I removed the case of the air pump so that I could access the air inlet hole of the pump. Then I simply fitted a small plastic nozzle that I got from a syringe dispenser. Attached to that is a short length of 3mm vinyl air hose, which I got from the aquarium shop. Then another nozzle made from metal, which came from another syringe dispenser.

You can get these nozzles from your local specialist soldering equipment supplier. The nozzles generally come with some syringe dispensing kits but you may also be able to purchase them separately.

To use this low cost but effective vacuum pickup tool, simply turn on the pump and bring the nozzle down onto the top of the chip component. The component will be sucked and held onto the end of the nozzle. Then bring the chip component over to the circuit board pads which have been dotted with solderpaste. Place the component down. The solderpaste is sticky enough to grab the component and hold it in place. No vacuum release is necessary.

That covers all the items that you will need to solder using a toaster oven, including a modification to the oven, various tools, and a description of how to make a low cost vacuum pickup tool.

Alice Lane asked:




People have developed different ideas for making tools since the beginning of time. After all, tools have been a societal necessity for all cultures. Today’s tools consist of complex machines such as computers, kitchen appliances and cellular phones. In the early years of humans, however, tools were simple objects used to provide basic needs. The first humans built out of simple materials such as rock and bone. Today’s tools are much more complicated and often require complex machines such as roll forming equipment in order to form metal into intricate parts. The necessity of tools has motivated human beings to evolve their tool making ability over time.

Arguably, one of the most innovated discoveries made by humans since the beginning of time would have to be the discovery of fire. Basically, all metals found in nature are found as ores. Ores are mineral bearing rocks. Gold, believed by some to be the first metal, is the only metal found in nature in its true form. It was only a matter of time before humans discovered that they could liberate metal from rock form by adding heat. With this discovery, humans could now experiment with metal for the making of tools.

The ancients believed that there were seven metals including Iron, Tin, Lead, Copper, Mercury, Silver and Gold. Over time different people living among different cultures across Earth experimented by attempting to make things out of these seven metals. Thus, metal forming was born sometime around 6000 BCE with the practice of copper smelting. Ancient peoples would apply fire to copper ore and use the new metal to build jewelry and basic tools. As copper continued to be too soft to construct substantial tools, early peoples eventually discovered that by adding tin to copper the substance known as bronze was formed. Bronze was sturdy enough to make strong metal tools and weapons. Bronze was the most commonly used metal for tool making until the discovery of iron.

As people build tools out of iron rather than bronze, the Iron Age began. The switch to Iron could be attributed to the fact that iron was cheaper than bronze. During the dawn of the Iron Age, tin was expensive and copper began to be scarce, two factors which likely inspired the switch from bronze to iron. Either way, the development lead to iron work and, eventually, the development of steel. Steel weapons and tools were considered to be superior to those made out of bronze.

Today, steel is often used to form tools. Today’s tools are also much more intricate than the basic tools of early times. Tool making itself has evolved into a much more intricate process. As the complexity of the tools that we use and require has increased, so has the specificity of the parts required to build the tools. Various types of metal forming equipment have been engineered to form metal into the precise size and shape required for the building of the tools we use.

Brad M Jones asked:




It can be difficult to determine which tools to purchase when starting out in woodworking. Most woodworking projects can be built by using only a key set of woodworking tools. Below is a list of the essential tools that any woodworking kit should have (in no particular order):

• Tenon Saw: The tenon saw is a general purpose saw that gives you great control which allows you to not only undertake general cuts but also finer cuts.

• Firmer Chisel Set: Firmer chisels are the most common chisel and have a basic design and are known for their strength, as such a set should be bought.

• Files: Used to finish off work, files are easy to use and come in a range of blades from very coarse to very fine.

• Steel Rule: The steel rule is not easily damaged and therefore allows the woodworker to mark precisely every time.

• Combination Square: The combination square features a 45 degree angle, 90 degree angle, spirit level and metal ruler, making it the ideal purchase when starting out.

• Smoothing Plane: There are a number of planes that can be purchased, however, if only one can be bought then I recommend the smoothing plane as it has a blade that can be adjusted for finer work.

• Power Drill: Power drills come in a range of shapes, sizes and features, but a basic model is all that is required.

• G-clamp: The G-clamp has a very basic design with a casting that has a screw at one end that applies pressure and is available in a variety of sizes.

• Claw Hammer: This is the most popular hammer and most people should already have one in their home, and is used for both hammering nails and removing nails.

• Beech Mallet: If you are using chisels then a beech mallet is essential, it can also be used to tap together pieces of wood.

Robert J. Carlton asked:




Specialty router bits are useful in a variety of woodworking projects. One of the jobs specialty router bits can be used for is cap pieces. These can be created with a raised panel or stile bit. Bit specialization determines the amount of cuts that can be made on a single pass Tiny router bits can be used to create small pieces of furniture and adding detail furniture.

Router tables are classified by the bits that are used in conjunction with them. These bits are used to make elegant and attractive shapes in ordinary pieces of wood. Professional woodworkers have used these tables for a long time. They can also typically be found in the average amateur handy man’s workshop too. As classy trims and moldings on home furnishings become more popular, more people are investing in quality woodworking materials. People are saving money and picking up a new hobby by discovering that router tables allow them to make furniture improvements themselves.

Router saws are instrumental in simplifying the process of creating bevelled edges or shaped cornices. Bevelled edges may seem like they are far fetched but once you see how simple they are to make, you will be able to complete them easily. Projects that once seemed like they were to hard to complete can be done with router tables. Once you learn the ropes, you will be amazed at what you can create.

Router tables are made to simplify the learning process. There is no need to be intimidating about building projects. Plans can be found that display the shapes that you can get from various bits notions or angles. Free router table plans can be gotten online.

Router tables and table saws occupy about the same portion of space in workshops. If you have a smaller workshop, you can choose form many of the bench top models. Height adjusters can be purchased to help get your bench to the right level so you can properly use the table. Having router tables in line is the only way to get good control and accurate usage.

The equipment with come with instructions as will any plans you get. Good plans will have all of the basic information about the shapes that they router bit will make. They will also have the addition of the creativeness of the craftsman. These things combined will produce a plethora of design options. Router table plans will also have patterns that will detail how to angle and adjust the wood when putting it through the router.

A router table is the best way to accomplish fence capping, building an elegant fireplace mantle or making your signature crown molding. Get that beautiful custom look with this piece of equipment.

Wendy R Arthurs asked:




Sharpening carving tools is an essential step in carving. A sharp carving tool works better because it slices through the wood easier, making it safer and quicker to use. It, also, leaves a cleaner path behind. A good sharp edge means less effort, which means less force. When less force is needed, more control is possible, making the work safer.

There are many methods of sharpening carving tools from power grinders to wetstones to sandpaper and finally the strop. The most inexpensive method is using a couple of grades of sandpaper and a strop.

How much sharpening is needed depends on how damaged the edge of the blade is. If damaged or dull, you will need to use a 400 grit sandpaper laid on a flat surface such as the edge of the table. Place the blade edge down and drag it across the wet surface of the paper at an eleven degree angle. One way of finding an approximate eleven degree angle is to use either a nickel or a dime beneath the spine of the blade.

If your carving blade is three quarters of and inch in width or more, lay your blade flat on the sharpening surface and raise the spine of the blade until you can fit the edge of a nickel under it. If it is less than three quarters of an inch, use a dime.

Drag the edge along the wet sandpaper surface until all the nicks are gone and you have a smooth edge. Then do the same thing using a 600 grit wet sandpaper.

Finish by loading your leather (strop) up with your white aluminum oxide to the point that it won’t absorb any more compound. You can use some light oil to help create a paste-like consistency. Make sure you wipe your blade clean of any sandpaper residue with a cloth. You don’t want to get any grit on your strop. Then drag your knife edge along the strop at the same 11 degree angle, and continue equally on both sides, sharpening until you get a mirrored edge.

You can test the sharp edge by taking your knife and carving across the end grain of a piece of carving wood. You should see a smooth shiny surface and the end grain clearly. If you see a white line in your slice, you have a nick in your edge. You need to go back and start the process over. Once you have the edge you like on your knife, all you should have to do is strop about every fifteen minutes and protect your edge when you’re not using your knife.

Robert J. Carlton asked:




People that have personal workshops know that they must have the proper wood working tools and machinery. Do-It-Yourselfer’s and professionals need to stay on top of their woodwork and carpentry supplies. Having the proper tools can make completing jobs much easier. Not to mention, having the right tools will make the job more enjoyable to complete. Lack of tools and equipment is one of the main reasons why people abandon woodworking. Be prepared for the projects by having the right tools for the job.

The quality and variety of tools that can be purchased has greatly improved over the years. As technology advances, tools become much more accessible to the general public. Tools are no longer just for professionals. The average person can find tools that will allow them to confidently build things. Build your workshop from the various tools that are available. Choose tools from great manufacturers like Rockwell, Sears, Rigid and Hitachi. Professionals and amateurs will enjoy woodworking with tools selections from these excellent manufacturers.

There are many different places that you can find modestly priced tools. In the past finding the lowest prices on the best tools was a challenge. Local stores often would charge more because they were the only option for buyers. Also, stores were pretty far from one another. The choices were extremely limited to the selection that one store had in stock. This made it difficult to get the best price and the best product. This was a problem in the past but no more. Now there are plenty of great places to pick up low priced, high quality tools.

One of the places that tools can be found is at tools shows. Woodworking shows are decent places to find tools but even then the selection is limited. These factors were a roadblock in the past. This is no longer the case.

Get the most for your money by purchasing tools on the Internet. Stock up your workshop by shopping online and save money. Find the right equipment online for the projects you have planned. Imagine the home improvements you can make with a fully stocked workshop. Think of the creations you can come up with.

The Internet is the ideal place to seek out stellar deals on tools for the workshop. There are unbelievable deals that can be found from the best names in the business. Search for manufacturers that have earned fabulous reputations throughout the years. Compare prices and pay for your purchase in a safe and secure environment. Enjoy the ease of your tools being delivered to your home in a matter of days. Never step in overpriced hardware stores again. Buy your woodworking tools online and be amazed at the amount of money you can save.

Bill Mcyntire asked:




Dewalt power tools will provide you with the power and reliability you will need when you build your tree house. You may decide on a rustic structure build from natural materials or you may want a deluxe multi level model that spans many trees. In either case, make sure it will support the activities it will hold.

The concept of a tree house is an adventure for us since it is a place we can truly break away from the “rat race” and the stress of a hectic life. They can be built to include furniture, a heat source such as a woodstove and solar power lighting. However you choose to design your tree house, it must be engineered to allow for the fact that the tree is a living organism. It will need to have space to move with the wind and grow without restriction.

Do some research ahead of time so you can learn from the discoveries of others. A mature tree is obviously the best choice. Once the floor has been affixed to the tree in a way that does not damage it, the remainder of the structure can be build like a small cabin on the ground. You can find advice on which Dewalt power tools will be most appropriate for the job.

It is best to avoid cutting branches and drilling holes or sinking screws into the tree, since this exposes the tree to bacteria and infections that can eventually kill it. Using the correct pruning methods will not damage the tree, but will in fact help it to grow stronger.

Once you have completed your structure, using your Dewalt power tools it is important to waterproof it to prevent rot and water damage. Prolonged dampness in the wood will cause areas of you tree house to sag if it gets to the main supports. The roof needs to be absolutely impervious to water so make sure you use good roofing materials with the proper pitch to encourage run off. A good roof will protect everything under it and allow you to have the use of your tree house for many years.