Ceramic Insolator Beads?

[Binkman]

I can see from the samples in the advert, the complex bends would add some advantage over my straight right angle or elbow bends.. not just for the stand-off cooling but assembly too. guess I'll have to spring for a pair.

Can't justify the cost of beads, though, not for a handful. the ceramic white look nice and I'm sure serve their purposes. I've seen a poster here who had done nice jobs on some NAD's real professional. I could see me spilling a bag or chasing them around a pcb or falling into a chassis somewhere.

While we're at it anybody got a link for a pair of trimmers had a nice small head pair and can't find 'em. thanks.

 

[Sriskie]

I use the Xuros very often, they produce either an inside or outside, perfectly formed shaped 'wiggle'- exactly what is needed for resistors (up to about 2 watt lead thickness), to ensure the expansion/contraction cycles don't crack the solder. You can get a consistent spacing for raised components and keep them elevated to prevent pcb discolouration from heat.

The ceramic insulators are old hat and IMO, if the standoff is required for heat reasons, the lead should also have some expansion room in the form of an 's' to prevent solder land cracking and dry joints.

The benefit of these little tools is the perfect consistency and straight lead in/out before and after the form. They have four blades that work together to produce the form you see in the pic below.

(no affiliation)

Nice!

I've ordered one from Amazon.ca to save the nasty UPS import charges.

Thanks.

 

[Cubdriver]

While we're at it anybody got a link for a pair of trimmers had a nice small head pair and can't find 'em. thanks.

How small a head do you want? I've been using the Xuron 170-II flush cutters (about $9 from Amazon) or their previous iteration since discovering them at work years ago. They have a pretty thin nose the get into small spaces, and a nice smooth cutting action.

-Pat

 

[Binkman]

I love you guys!!! Just spent a tad more than two dimes on all the stuff I needed. Maybe shot myself in the foot because of this thread.. but I think I got some good deals at al-specs home page. I had to jump on the wire formers to get a deal but got all the stuff I needed on my other link.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=629676

http://www.all-spec.com/products/805-5700.html?gclid=CJ-vuPiLucICFWRp7Aod6hIADQ

Worth linking... prices vary with deals. But I bought trusted on your suggestions for the cutters and formers but they have a lot more!

Just a heads up on the site..no b.s. ads either and I phoned in my order, too. saved my session all day long on and off.

 

[restorer-john]

You need to spend a little time with the tool, work out which way the kink will go (I use the adjusting nut side as a reference). Get a length of tinned copper wire and experiment on the size of the kink you want and them set the set screw. I never move the set screw now. About a third of the way into the jaws gives the neatest form. If you go to far into the jaws, the tool will shear the wire, not far enough in, and you get an average kink.

Also, has anyone used these:

I think I want some of these as well...

(no affil)

 

[Binkman]

Thanks for the tips.

Also got two pair of flush cutters two brands. Also found my missing cutters but they're not as fine but still handy. Also ordered some stainless probes for soldering etc. A 27" flex halogen spot lamp (I'll need to mount that to a heavier base perhaps and some anti static work bench top mat material.

You guys got me going for the better tools and work advantages..

 

[Cubdriver]

And a lighter, easier to carry wallet, too. :thmbsp:

-Pat

 

[Binkman]

My projects and indoor winter workspace is coming together so I don't mind buying good tools and they'll make this work easier. With new meters some accessories sundries etc. I may make a little side money but hasn't been that much in tools cost considering the investment. I know there is better still but I've just taken advise from others who have had good experience with them.

It's like learning to play the guitar on one of those cheap harmony's back in the 60's that made your fingers bleed. Then when you get your hands on a good one you can tell the difference of course. Then you upgrade to a really good one and you can really tell the difference.

 

[Binkman]

Received order yesterday aft. , price I saved at al-spec on just one pair of cutters, I sprung for next day. http://www.all-spec.com/

Thanks again for the recommendation. sizes and quality ideal and easy on the Both xcelite brand, opted on 4 in. pair about 40ish $ range these are for those tight spots and feel it great.

Request a catalog makes easy reading! Full of a ton of tech stuff for fine work to just about everything you need. The stainless probe kit is excellent.

The anti esd (electro static discharge) matting is very good quality for it's purpose as a shelf mat as advertised, will work nicely for top bench work. I got blue (over gray) because I though it would make a good contrast for pics. This mat can be flipped once it loses it's mailing form curl. Also got a chunk of work mat that's nice and clean from a gym remodel perfect for the hd work overlay over the esd or I'm not sure.. might make nice insulator material cut in to chunks..

Pics should come up this week end and I'll start a new thread once I get the tables and TT back together wpics (hopefully if something else gets in the way)